Print this page Non Newtonian Fluid Dynamics
Paul G. Conley, PE
Course Outline
Fluids such as ink, lubricating grease, mastics are readily used in industry. This three hour course discusses the flow properties in circular pipes found in fluid transfer system. It is important to know the apparent viscosity to quantify pressure drops, compute hydraulic horsepower requirements and size pumps accordingly when designing systems involving non Newtonian fluids. Subject matter in this course will provide the engineer options on ways to calculate the apparent viscosity of shear thinning non Newtonian fluids over large shear rate ranges using the power law model. This course will enable an engineer to design fluid transfer systems that are safe and reliable.
This course includes
a multiple choice quiz at the end,
Learning Objective
At the end of this course, the student will learn:
- Review of fluid viscosity, engineering units and calculation methods on important flow parameters;
- Knowing the different types of non Newtonian fluids. Understand fluid rheologies of non Newtonian fluids such as yield stress, shear stress, shear rate and shear thinning index and apparent viscosity;
- Methods used in industry to derive valves of yield stress, shear stress, shear rate and shear thinning index.
- Deriving apparent viscosity from shear rate, shear stress, shear thinning index; and
- Calculating pressure drops in pipe flow of non Newtonian fluids.
Intended Audience
The course is intended for architects and engineers and contractors that are involved in the design of fluid systems in large industrial applications and municipality power generation plants.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendee of this course will be able to avoid making mistakes in the selection of pipe sizes and pumps in the design of fluid transfer systems of non Newtonian fluids.
Course Introduction
Non Newtonian fluids are classified as shear thinning or shear thickening; with most being shear thinning. Viscosity is defined as the fluids shear stress divided by the shear rate. A shear thinning fluid will experience a reduction in viscosity as the shear rate is increased. The shear rate can be directly computed from the flow rate in circular pipes. Shear stress can be calculated by finding the value of yield stress and shear thinning index. Examples of shear thinning fluids are grease, inks and mastics. The benefit of knowing a fluids apparent viscosity makes it possible to calculate pressure drops in pipes, pressure drops through valves and to select proper pumps sizes for fluid transfer system. Fluid transfer systems of non Newtonian fluids involve ink in printing presses, grease in automatic lubrication systems , oil drilling mud and mastics adhesives in automotive assembly plants.
Course Content
In this lesson, you are required to download and study the following course content in PDF format:
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Course Summary
Viscosity is an important property of a fluid. Viscosity is a measurement of fluid resistance to flow. For Newtonian fluids, calculation of viscosity is straight forward. Calculation of fluid viscosity for non Newtonian fluids is not straight forward but with proper background can be done. Fluid flow properties on non Newtonian fluids are not covered in detail in University courses in fluid mechanics. The course will present how apparent viscosity can be estimated using power law index methods, over large range of flow rates for shear thinning fluids. Engineers should be aware and know how non Newtonian fluids will behave when designing fluid pumping and piping systems.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
