MAPUA UNIVERSITY

School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering

Hydraulics Laboratory

EXPERIMENT NO. 1
Falling Sphere Viscometer
December 16, 2023

GROUP NO. 2
Llamas Joshua Joseph C.
Bulante, Shaine M.
Serrano, Rafael John
Rebada, Raphael

Engr. Kyr Vincent Joseph T. Orallo

Professor

February 03, 2024

Observation
 In the first experiment, we established the specific gravity of the liquid for
which viscosity is being sought. Our group carefully released one of the spheres,
observing whether it was properly aligned or positioned off-center. Next, ascertain
the duration necessary for the sphere to traverse a specific distance. Afterwards, the
aforementioned procedure is iteratively performed for every individual sphere. The
experimental findings demonstrated a high degree of consistency, with each trial
yielding nearly identical data. Furthermore, the equations employed in the analysis
likewise exhibited comparable outcomes.

Moreover, we observed that the choice of sphere size and material unveils itself as
a pivotal element in this experiment's narrative. Larger spheres navigate the fluid
with deliberate grace, encountering heightened resistance and prolonging their
descent. Meanwhile, different materials introduce intriguing nuances, subtly
altering the choreography of the fluid dance.

Conclusion

To elaborate, the group can extend the understanding that the viscosity of a
particular liquid, whether absolute or kinematic, can be determined through various
methods. One such method involves employing a falling sphere viscometer. It is
noteworthy that all real fluids exhibit distinct viscosity values and levels; there are
no fluids without viscosity, and they are not considered ideal fluids. It is also
established that the speed of descent of a particle or object is contingent upon the
viscosity of the medium it traverses.

Viscosity, in the context of fluids, functions as a force that opposes any tendency or
mode of motion—essentially a drag force causing a delay in the descent of the
sphere. Another way to conceptualize viscosity is as the thickness of fluids. Based
on the outlined theories, it can be asserted that viscosity and the velocity of a body
moving through a medium are inversely proportional. In simpler terms, less
viscous fluids facilitate easier movement, and viscosity, in the realm of fluids,
denotes resistance to deformation resulting from shear stresses.

The viscosity value obtained through experimentation for a specific fluid is

influenced by both the diameter of the sphere dropped into the fluid and the
diameter of the vessel holding the fluid under examination. A fluid is prone to
deformation when its viscosity is low. Apart from the falling sphere viscometer,
various devices exist for measuring the viscosity of fluids, collectively known as
viscometers. It's important to note that viscometers are suitable only for fluids with
viscosities under a specific flow condition. In cases where the viscosity of a fluid
varies with different flow conditions, a specialized device called a rheometer is
employed.

Documentation