A COMPREHENSIVE LABORATORY REPORT

On

TERMINAL
VELOCITY
CARRIED OUT BY:

TOGUN Iyanuoluwa John

18/30GM066
Department of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering & Technology
University of Ilorin

CHE 383
DATE OF EXPERIMENT: 30th July, 2021
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 11th August, 2021

Page i
 ABSTRACT
Terminal velocity is the steady speed achieved by an object freely falling through a
gas or liquid, depending on the viscosity of the fluid the terminal velocity will vary. It is
applicable in finding the drag coefficient and viscosity of the fluid.
The practical was performed in procedure in which at first the remaining fluid from
previous experiment was drained out, then filled the cylinder with the fluid to the required
level (with the valve closed), the ball was dropped into the fluid and the time was recorded
for it from when it entered the liquid and when the ball hit the bottom of the cylinder. The
ball was retrieved by opening the valve, different diameters of the ball are thereafter used to
repeat the procedure.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE
Title page i
Abstract
ii
Table of contents iii
List of table(s) iv
List of figures v
List of symbols vi

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Aims and Objectives 1
1.2 Significance/Importance of the Experiment 1
1.3 Limitation of the Experiment 1

CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Background Theory 2

CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Description of Apparatus
6
3.1 Experimental procedure 7

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Experimental Result/Calculation 9
4.1 Calculations 9
4.2 Discussion of Result 12

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Conclusion 13
5.1 Recommendation 13
5.2 References 13

Page iii

LIST OF TABLES
TABLE NO TITLE PAGE
Table 4.1 Obtained data for terminal velocity experiment 9
Table 4.2 Calculated results for terminal velocity experiment 11

Page iv

LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE NO. TITLE PAG
E
 2.1 Sketch showing affecting forces on a falling ball 1
3.1 Cylinder 6
3.2 Vernier Calliper 6
3.3 Funnel 6
3.4 Beaker 7
3.5 Sphere of particle of known diameter 7
3.6 Meter rule 7

Page v

LIST OF SYMBOLS

SYMBOLS DESCRIPTION
 r Radius of the spherical ball
μ Coefficient of Viscosity
V Terminal Velocity
ρ Density
g Acceleration due to velocity
CD Drag Coefficient
π Pie
Re Reynolds Number

Page vi

CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Terminal Velocity can be defined as the constant velocity attained by a body in a
downward direction in a liquid after a certain time, when allowed to move down through the
liquid in the presence of viscous force, buoyant force and gravitational force.
 Viscosity is an important property of a fluid produced by the resistance between its
own particles layer while flowing. It would not only suggest a vital effect on the motion
characteristics of the fluid but also affects its application potentials [1]. Therefore, it is a fluid
property that provides an indication of liquid resistance and considers one of the liquid
specifications, and an important concept that is taken into consideration in different fields.
This property used as an index in quality to control applications using oils, paints and other
fluids where liquid flows consider a critical property. A falling ball viscometer is
commercially available to measure the viscosity of fluids and has been used for testing
petroleum products, pharmaceutical drinks, silicate glass and food products [2]. In addition,
study of a falling ball is important in several engineering domains which involve multiphase
flows i.e. sedimentation, improvement of combustion, minimization of erosion by droplets in
large turbines, hydrodynamic chromatography, membrane transport, hydraulic and pneumatic
transport of coarse particles in pipes, effects that utilize electric fields to enhance transport
phenomena and separations in multiphase systems [3,4].
Many studies were introduced to measure liquid viscosity. A system measure absolute value
considers a complex method which combined nano-technology with a classical falling ball
using capillary viscometers [5]. Terminal velocity was studied with seven measurements
along a tube, but it was not accurate enough to measure the viscosity [6]. A falling ball used
to measure viscosity depending on numerical code is introduced but with iteration system [7].
The ratio of drag force which sensed by the falling ball in an infinite medium to that in the
Stokes limit as a function of Reynolds number alone is used to calculate the viscosity [8].
Characterized Newtonian fluids such as mixtures of glycerol and water are used with a ball
drop device experiment to measure fluid viscosity. The slop angles of falling ball determine
the viscosity coefficient of the test liquid [9].

1.1 AIMS & OBJECTIVES

 To verify Stokes’ Law
 Determination of Drag Coefficient

1.2 SIGNIFICANCE/IMPORTANCE OF TERMINAL VELOCITY

 It is used in the manufacturing of parachutes
 It is used to find the Drag coefficient and Viscosity of the Liquid

Page 1

1.3 LIMITATIONS OF TERMINAL VELOCITY

 It vary largely due to shape, surface area
 A further increase in velocity is not achievable
 Page 2

CHAPTER TWO
2.0 BACKGROUND THEORY
Falling ball in a liquid is one of the methods to determine dynamic viscosity depend
on Stokes’ law [1]. By measuring the velocity of constant motion of a small ball in a liquid
under study, it is easy to estimate the viscosity of that liquid.
The principle to measure viscosity experiment is shown in figure (1). It is shown that there
are three forces acting on the iron ball, these are gravity force F g, upward buoyant F B and the
force of viscous (internal) friction F D . In our cases, a cylinder glass filled with studied liquid
and four iron ball with different diameters are used.

The viscous drag of a falling ball results in the creation of a restraining force (F)
described by Stokes’ law [10]
F d=6 πμrV
Where F D is the drag force,μ is the viscous friction,r is the radius of the falling ball,
and V terminal ball velocity in liquid. At velocity equilibrium state, the net force is zero, so
the ball moves in a constant velocity called terminal velocity where the force equilibrium
equation for the falling ball given by [11]:

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F d + F b=F g
Viscosity is the measure of how freely the fluid flows water is less viscous than lubricant oil.
Factors that favor the drag force of small objects are slower motion, lower density fluid and
high viscosity and the reverse of these factors favor turbulent drag. The Reynolds number
characterized the frictional drag between the object and the fluid. In this experiment we will
be working with a spherical steel ball of different diameter.
Stokes Flow : ℜ<0.2CD =24/ μRe
The calculation of terminal velocity forms a basis of such operation as settings or sorting.
Let ρ f be the density of the fluid (liquid) be taken as 1261.3kg /m3
Let ρ p be the density of the particle (ball) be taken as 8050kg /m3
Let r be the radius of the body, μ be the coefficient of viscosity of the liquid. V be the
flow velocity relative to the object.
F g=M g=4/3 π r 3 ρ p g
F D =6 πμrV
F B=4 /3 π r 3 ρf g
Initially F g > F B + F D
Once terminal Velocity V T is attained,
Fg = FB + FD

Therefore,
F g=M g=4/3 π r 3 ρ p g=6 πμrV + 4 /3 π r 3 ρf g
4 /3 π r 3 ( ρ g−ρ f ) g=¿ 6 πμrV ¿
2
Terminal Velocity: V T =2 r ( ρg− ρf ) g/9 μ
V T can be determined using the formula, V T = s/t (m/s).
Air resistance also known as Drag force is the force that the air exerts on an object moving
through it. Drag force can take place in any type of fluid (air or liquid). Drag force (Fd) can
also be define as impediment resistance) force expanded by an object within fluid. Drag force
depends on velocity of the object according to the following
1
F D = ρV 2 C D A∨C D Aρ V 2 /2
2
V= speed of object relative to the fluid,ρ = fluid density and DP = diameter of particle
The velocity of the object doubles, the drag force is quadrupled.

Page 4

Drag force also depends on these other factors which are

 Speed at which the object is falling (v)
 Surface area of the object(A)
 Density of the air (d)
  Drag coefficient (CD)
So drag coefficient of a submerged particle or body depends upon the shape of the particle or
body.
C d=24 μRe
Also note that drag force depends on some functionality like size, velocity, shape of the
object and the type of fluid it is in. It causes acceleration to decrease. Drag coefficient varies
quite a lot with Reynolds no:
ℜ=ρVD /μ∨D p V T Pf / μ
And since the viscosity is not known, we equate the experimental drag force to the critical
Stokes' drag force and rearrange to be able to determine the experimental viscosity of the
liquid.
μ=d 2 ( ρ g− ρf ) g/18 V

D = diameter of a sphere, μ = dynamic viscosity, V = velocity, and ρ = density.

Page 5

CHAPTER THREE
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS
Cylinder: This is where the liquid (glycerol) to be used is stored for the experiment Figure
3.1

Vernier Calliper: It was used to measure the diameter of the sphere balls Figure 3.2

Funnel: It is used so as not to allow wastage of the liquid when it is poured into the cylinder
Figure 3.3

Page 6
Beaker: It is used measure the amount of liquid required for the experiment Figure 3.4

Sphere of known Diameter: This is the ball used in the experiment that moves through the
liquid Figure 3.5

Meter rule: It is used to measure the displacement of the liquid from the cylinder Figure
3.6

2.1 PROCEDURE

 First the valve at the base of the cylinder is open to allow any remaining liquid from
the last practical to drain and then with a small volume wash the cylinder and close
the valve firmly.

Page 7

 Then arrangement of the needed apparatus and tool close to the terminal velocity set-
up apparatus.
 The cylinder was filled with the liquid to the required level.
  Displacement of the fluid is measured.
 Then drop the particle in the fluid.
 The time taken for the ball to reach the bottom of the cylinder is recorded with the
stopwatch.
 The sphere ball is retrieved by opening the valve.
 The procedure was repeated with different diameters of the sphere ball.

Page 8

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 EXPERIMENTAL RESULT/CALCULATION
This are the data generated in a tabular form, calculation of result and discussion of result

TABLE 4.1
DATA FOR TERMINAL VELOCITY EXPERIMENT
Weight Diameter of sphere balls t 1 (s) t 2 (s) t avg (s) Displacement Velocity
(g) (m) (m) (m/s)
4.77 0.0102 1.53 1.55 1.54 1.10 0.71
6.86 0.0126 1.52 1.50 1.51 1.10 0.73
15.76 0.0153 1.43 1.46 1.45 1.10 0.76
18.72 0.0163 1.38 1.36 1.37 1.10 0.80
21.71 0.0172 1.26 1.29 1.28 1.10 0.86
27.25 0.0196 1.24 1.22 1.23 1.10 0.89
44.11 0.0221 1.18 1.12 1.15 1.10 0.96

4.1 CALCULATIONS
2
Dynamic Viscosity (μ) μ=d ( ρ g− ρf ) g/18 V

0.01022 × ( 8050−1261.3 ) × 9.81

μ1 = =0.542 Ns /m 2
18 ×0.71

0.01262 × ( 8050−1261.3 ) × 9.81

μ2 = =0.805 Ns/m 2
18 × 0.73

0.01532 × ( 8050−1261.3 ) × 9.81

μ3 = =1.139 Ns /m2
18 ×0.76

0.01632 × ( 8050−1261.3 ) ×9.81

μ4 = =1.230 Ns/m 2
18× 0.80

0.01722 × ( 8050−1261.3 ) × 9.81

μ5 = =1.273 Ns /m2
18 ×0.86

0.0196 2 × ( 8050−1261.3 ) ×9.81

μ6 = =1.597 Ns/m 2
18 × 0.89

0.02212 × ( 8050−1261.3 ) × 9.81

μ7 = =1.882 Ns /m 2
18 ×0.96

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Reynolds Number ( ℜ) and It’s Inverse ℜ=D p V T P f / μ

 0.0102 ×0.71 ×1261.3 1 1
ℜ1 = =16.85 ℜ = =0.059
0.542 1 16.85
0.01 2 6 ×0.73 ×1261.3 1 1
ℜ2 = =14.41 ℜ = =0.069
0.805 2 14.41
0.0153× 0.76 ×1261.3 1 1
ℜ3 = =12.88 ℜ = =0.078
1.139 3 12.88
0.0163 ×0.80 ×1261.3 1 1
ℜ4= =13.37 ℜ = =0.075
1. 2 3 4 13.37
0.0172 × 0.86× 1261.3 1 1
ℜ5 = =14.66 ℜ = =0.068
1. 273 5 14.66
0.0196× 0.89 ×1261.3 1 1
ℜ6 = =13.78 ℜ = =0.072
1.597 6 13.78
0.02 21 ×0.96 ×1261.3 1 1
ℜ7 = =14.21 ℜ = =0.070
1.882 7 16.85
`
4 g( ρ p −ρf )D p
Drag Coefficient (C d) C d=
3 V 2T ρf

4 × 9.81 ×(8050−1261.3)× 0.0102

C d 1= =1.424
3 × 0.712 ×1261.3
4 × 9.81 ×( 8050−1261.3)× 0.01 26
C d 2= =1.66 4
3 ×0.73 2 ×1261.3
4 ×9.81 ×(8050−1261.3)× 0.0153
C d 3= =1. 86 4
3 × 0.762 × 1261.3
4 × 9.81×(8050−1261.3) × 0.0163
Cd4= =1.793
3 ×0.802 ×1261.3
4 ×9.81 ×(8050−1261.3)× 0.017 2
C d 5= =1. 637
3 × 0.862 × 1261.3
4 ×9.81 ×(8050−1261.3) ×0.0196
C d 6= =1. 7 4 2
3× 0.892 × 1261.3
4 ×9.81 ×(8050−1261.3)×0.0 2 21
C d 7= =1.688
3 ×0.96 2 ×1261.3

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 RESULTS FOR TERMINAL VELOCITY EXPERIMENT
Weight (g) Diameter t 1 (s) t 2 (s) t avg Displa Velocity Viscosity Reynolds 1/Re Drag
of sphere (s) cemen (m/s) µ ( Ns/m 2 Number Coefficient
balls (m) t (m) ) Re Cd
4.77 0.0102 1.53 1.55 1.54 1.10 0.71 0.542 16.85 0.059 1.424
6.86 0.0126 1.52 1.50 1.51 1.10 0.73 0.805 14.41 0.069 1.664
15.76 0.0153 1.43 1.46 1.45 1.10 0.76 1.139 12.88 0.078 1.864
18.72 0.0163 1.38 1.36 1.37 1.10 0.80 1.230 13.37 0.075 1.793
21.71 0.0172 1.26 1.29 1.28 1.10 0.86 1.273 14.66 0.068 1.637
27.25 0.0196 1.24 1.22 1.23 1.10 0.89 1.597 13.78 0.072 1.742
44.11 0.0221 1.18 1.12 1.15 1.10 0.96 1.882 14.21 0.070 1.688

Cd 2−C d 1
Find the slope using: 1
−
1
ℜ2 ℜ 1

1.664−1.424
=24
0.069−0.059

GRAPH OF C d AGAINST 1/ ℜ

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1
Cd

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0.06 0.06 0.07 0.07 0.08 0.08
1/Re
 Page 11

4.2 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

It can be seen from the results calculated that the velocity is directly proportional to
the diameter sphere of the ball, in the sense that an increase in the diameter will lead to an
increase in the velocity. Also from the results the Reynolds number is meant to be inversely
proportional to the Drag coefficient in a way that a decrease in the Reynolds number will lead
to an increase in the Drag coefficient but due to the irregularities in the result, the results are
fluctuating. The inverse of the Reynolds Number is meant to be directly proportional to the
Drag coefficient also.
 Page 12

CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 CONCLUSION
From the experiment it can be concluded that the relationship between the velocity
and sphere of the ball is directly proportional, also from the graph above it can be concluded
that there’s a linear relationship between 1/Re and Cd. Then another conclusion that can be
made from the experiment is that Reynolds number is inversely proportional to the Drag
Coefficient.

5.1 RECOMMENDATION
 Provision of a better Terminal Velocity experiment set-up,
 Changing of the liquid used to be a better and fresh liquid,
 Provision of new sphere balls.

5.2 REFERENCES
 IOP Conf. Series: Journal of Physics: Conf. Series 1294 (2019) 022002 | Page 2-4
 Terminal Velocity – an overview |
www.sciencedirect.com/topics/mathematics/terminal-velocity
 Terminal Velocity | www.britannica.com/science/terminal-velocity
Page 13