Good Example Of Experiment To Determine Properties Of Fluids Report

PROPOSAL

Reg.No.

Experiment About Properties of Fluids

The topic of the experiment is: Study of the Viscosity of Liquids
Introduction
Some liquids flow easily while others are sticky and have difficulty flowing. This is due to a property known as viscosity and vary among liquids. For example, less viscous fluids flow easier than highly viscous fluids. As such viscosity can be used to tell the resistance of fluid to motion. Higher viscosities imply greater resistance to fluid motion. A velocity gradient is produced when layers of a fluid mover over another layer. The resulting velocity gradient is proportional to the applied shear stress. The constant of proportionality is known as coefficient of viscosity. There exist also a relationship between the coefficient of viscosity and density of a fluid; the constant of proportionality being kinematic viscosity. A good understanding of viscosity is very important in fluid mechanics since the behavior of fluids is determined by their viscosity. Viscosity can be measured whenever fluids move along solid surfaces. When selecting fluids to be sued for engineering applications such as lubrication of moving parts of machinery, viscosity of fluids play a critical role. Further theoretical background of the experiment shall be obtained by conducting a literature review.

Problem Statement

It is known that liquids exhibit different behavior and properties stickiness and flow characteristics. Is there any scientific explanation to this? If there is, what would be the best procedure used to establish such relationships? The problem will be to establish a scientific explanation behind viscosity of various liquids.

Aim of the experiment

The aim of the experiment will be to study the viscous properties of various liquids and to establish whether there is a scientific explanation of viscosity.

Objective of the experiment

The objective of the experiment shall be to measure the time taken by objects dropped on liquid filled-jars to reach the bottom , to measure the time taken by various sizes of steel balls to reach the bottom of cylinders filled with liquids, and to establish relationship among variables.

Requirements.

Methodology
Investigation of varying viscosity
This experiment shall be performed to investigate whether there are varying viscosity in different liquids sampled. In this experiment, jars filled with various fluids such as oil, water, glycerine and methanol shall be required. Steel balls of the same sizes shall be dropped in each jar while recording the time it takes for the steel ball to reach the bottom of the jar. The time taken by steel balls to reach the bottom of the cylinder will be used to compare the viscosity of the fluids. In the same experiment, and using one type of fluid like water, various sizes of steel balls are dropped into the cylinder containing water. The time it take each ball to reach the bottom of the cylinder is recorded. The times it takes each steel ball to reach the bottom of the cylinder shall be compared to try to establish if there is a relationship between the size of a steel ball and the time it takes to reach the bottom of the cylinder.

Determination of viscosity of fluids

This experiment shall involve the determination of velocity of highly viscous fluids. In this experiment, an attempt will be made to gather a variety of liquids. This shall include fluids like glycerin, oil, and castor oil among others. Basically, the experiment shall involve dropping of steel ball in a cylinder filled with a highly viscous fluid and measuring time the steel ball takes to reach the bottom of the cylinder. The temperature of the fluid shall also be measured.

Data collection

Data collection for the two experiments shall be by observation and recording of the results. The results shall be neatly recorded in tables. Where there is doubt, such as delay in starting the clock, the experiment shall be repeated.

Data analysis/processing

Data collected and recorded in the laboratory shall be subjected to thorough analysis. Analysis shall involve calculations and finding the mean of values. In this stage, error analysis shall be performed. This is because there is an element of error in measurements like the diameter of the steel ball, time, length etc

Data presentation

Once the data has been fully analyzed, they shall be presented in the most appropriate method that will permit easier interpretations. Some of the data presentation methods that shall be considered include tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, etc. Curves drawn using excel can be further used to establish the equation governing variables from the graph. This shall also include finding gradients of curves obtained where applicable.

Interpretation of results

Following the presentation of data, the next thing will be interpretation of results. Interpretation shall be about observation of the bar graphs, line graphs, tables etc and explaining the relationship between the variables. For example, a line graph shall be used to tell whether there is a relationship between the time taken by a steel ball to reach the bottom of a cylinder filled with water and the size of the steel ball. The curves or bars obtained can be used to tell whether there is a relationship between time taken by a steel ball to reach the bottom of a cylinder and the type of liquid. The interpretation shall also include a comparison between the results obtained in the lab and the theoretical results.

Conclusion and recommendation

Finally, the experiment shall be summarized in the conclusion. It would involve general comment of the overall results, observations, and errors. Recommendations will include what can be done in future to improve the accuracy of the results by minimizing errors. The recommendation might also suggest the possible areas where knowledge of the viscosity can be applied in practice. Recommendations will be made on the basis of the results obtained and the findings of studies conducted outside lab experiment.