King Faisal University

College of Engineering
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Name ID Task
Abdulaziz Al-Durayhim 213135035 Objectives, theory,
apparatus, and procedure
of part one
Abdulmageed Omar Al- 214017018 Objectives, theory,
Moagal apparatus, and procedure
of part two
Ahmed Fahad Al- 214023748 Objectives, theory,
Maghnam apparatus, and procedure
of part three
Mortada Ali Al-Turish 213127970 Results of part one, two,
and three
Meteb 214023330 Discussions, conclusions
Fahad Al-Yaqoob of part one& two& three,
and editor of the whole
report
Abdullah Al-Matar 212524570 New group member
Experiment Name and Number: Fluid Properties, Exp. #1
Instructor’s Name: Eng. Momen Mohammad Qasaimeh
Availability Date : February 20, 2017
Due Date : February 27, 2017
Table of contents
Table of Figures ...................................................................................... 3
Fluid Properties ....................................................................................... 4
Objectives: .............................................................................................. 4
Theory: .................................................................................................... 4
Apparatus: ............................................................................................... 5
Procedure: ............................................................................................... 5
Results:.................................................................................................... 5
Sample Calculation: ................................................................................ 6
Discussion: .............................................................................................. 6
Conclusion: ............................................................................................. 7
References: ............................................................................................. 7
PART TWO: Capillary Raising Measurement ...................................... 8
Objectives: .............................................................................................. 8
Theory: .................................................................................................... 8
Apparatus: ............................................................................................... 9
Procedure: ............................................................................................... 9
Results:.................................................................................................... 9
Sample Calculation: ................................................................................ 9
Discussion: ............................................................................................ 10
Conclusion: ........................................................................................... 10
References: ........................................................................................... 10
PART THREE: Viscosity Measurement .............................................. 11
Objective: .............................................................................................. 11

1
Theory: .................................................................................................. 11
Apparatus: ............................................................................................. 13
Procedure: ............................................................................................. 13
Results:.................................................................................................. 14
Sample Calculation: .............................................................................. 14
Discussion: ............................................................................................ 15
Conclusion: ........................................................................................... 15
References: ........................................................................................... 15

2
 Table of Figures

Figure Page

Figure 1: Experimental setup 4

Figure 2: Capillary action in a small tube 7

Figure 3: Capillarity Apparatus 8

3
 Fluid Properties
PART ONE: Measurements of Density and Specific Gravity

Objectives:
To measure the density and the specific gravity of different liquids.

Theory:
Specific gravity is a fluid property defined as the ratio of the density of a fluid to
the density of water. Typical values are 0.8 for paraffin, 1.6 for carbon
tetrachloride, 13.6 for mercury and 1 for water. Specific gravity can be measured
directly using a special -calibrated instrument called a hydrometer. A hydrometer
is usually made of glass and consists of cylindrical stem and a bulb weighted with
mercury or lead shot to make it float upright. The liquid to be tested is poured into
a graduated cylinder, and the hydrometer is gently lowered into the liquid until it
floats freely. The point at which the surface of the liquid touches the stem of the
hydrometer is noted. Hydrometers usually contain a scale inside the stem, so that
the specific gravity can be read directly. For an object partially or completely
submerged in a fluid, there is a net upward force (buoyant force) equal to the
weight of the displaced fluid. The depth to which the hydrometer stem sinks in the
liquid is a measure of its density.

𝚺𝑭𝒚 = 𝟎
↑ 𝑭𝑩 =↓ 𝑾𝒉𝒚𝒅
𝝆𝒍𝒊𝒒 × 𝒈 × 𝑽𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒅 = 𝒎𝒉𝒚𝒅 × 𝒈
𝝆𝒍𝒊𝒒 × 𝑨𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 × 𝑳𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 = 𝒎𝒉𝒚𝒅
𝝆𝒍𝒊𝒒 =𝒎𝒉𝒚𝒅/𝑨𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 × 𝑳𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎
𝑺. 𝑮𝒍𝒊𝒒 =𝝆𝒍𝒊𝒒 /𝝆𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓
With known hydrometer mass and cross section of stem, density and specific
gravity of liquid can be calculated for any immersed length of stem. The
hydrometer stem can be calibrated for density or specific gravity.

4
Apparatus:
The setup of this experiment consists of Hydrometer, Hydrometer
Jars and liquids to be tested as shown in Figure 1.

Procedure:
1. Fill the Hydrometer jars with the liquids to be tested. Figure 1: Experimental setup

2. Carefully insert the hydrometer and allow it to settle in the center of the
cylinder.
3. Take care not to let it touch the sides; otherwise surface tension effects may
cause errors.
4. When the hydrometer has settled (float freely), read the scale at the level of the
free surface.

Results:
The table below is shown that the results we have got from our calculations.

Atmospheric pressure 1 bar =

Ambient Temperature = 15 ˚C

The measurement of density and specific gravity experiment results are shown in
Table 1.

Liquid Experimental Specific Density from literature % Error

Density Gravity (Kg/m^3)
(Kg/m^3)
50w-20 900 0.9 8902 %1.11
Water 1000 1 999.10263 %0.09
10w-40 875 0.875 8634 %1.39
Table 1 : The Rusults of the Experement

5
Sample Calculation:
We used this formula to calculate the density:

By multiplying the specific gravity of liquid with the density of water

(𝜌water = 1000 ).

For example, we will take the first reading:

The specific gravity of (50w-20) oil is 0.9 and the density of water is 1000 . So,

we multiply 0.9 by 1000 we will get 900 .

𝜌( ) 𝜌 ( )

𝜌( )

And we will take the first reading to calculate the percentage of error :

| |

| |

Discussion:
From the result, we notice that the experimental density is close to the density from
literature. That means at ambient temperature of 15 ˚C the density from literature
of 50w-20 oil is equals to 890 kg/m3. In addition, we have calculated the density of
50w-20 oil and it equals to 900 kg/m3, so the result are to close with a percent error
of 1.11%. Moreover, the other two liquids which are water and 10w-40 oil have
close values of experimental density to the density from literature and small error
percentage.

6
Conclusion:
Eventually, we have measured the density and the specific gravity of different
liquids in different condition, also differ between the liquids densities and
viscosities.

References:
1. Eng. Omar Osta, Fluid Mechanics Laboratory Manual, King Faisal
University, August 2011.
2. https://www.77lubricants.nl/fileadmin/user_upload/77lubricants.nl/products
heets/01_Passenger_Car/product/4210_MOTOR_OIL_SL_20W-50.pdf
3. http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/javascript/water-density.html
4. https://www.77lubricants.nl/fileadmin/user_upload/77lubricants.nl/products
heets/01_Passenger_Car/product/4209_MOTOR_OIL_SL_CF_10W-40.pdf

7
 PART TWO: Capillary Raising Measurement

Objectives:
To measure the capillary raising produced in capillary tubes of different sizes.

Theory:
According to the theory of molecular attraction, molecules of liquid considerably
below the surface act on each other by forces that are equal in all directions.
However molecules near the surface have a greater attraction for each other than
they do for the molecules below the surface. This
produces a surface on the liquid that acts like a
stretched membrane. Because of this membrane effect,
each portion of the liquid surface exerts tension on the
adjacent portion of the solid
surface or the objects that are in contact with the liquid
surface. The magnitude of this tension force per unit
length of contact surface is defined as surface tension,
σ, Surface tension for a water–air surface is 0.073 N/m
( for temperature Figure 2: Capillary action in a small

between 10 – 50 oC). Consider Figure 2, the height of capillary raising water can
be calculated using the force balance in the vertical direction

( )( )

Thus the raising height

Where Δh is the capillary height

d is the inner diameter of the tube

8
σ is the surface tension
γ is the specific weight of the water

Apparatus:
The capillarity apparatus consists of:

 Three glass capillary tubes having bores of 0.4 mm, 8.0mm and
1.6 mm.
 Header tank
 Caliper
Figure 3: Capillarity Apparatus
Procedure:
1. Make sure that the capillary tubes and the header tank are well cleaned.
2. Fill the header tank with clean water, mixed with ink.
3. Place the capillary tubes in the water and report the capillary height.
4. If necessary, drain some water from header tank by means of the drain valve.

Results:
Table 2: Capillary Raising Measurement.

Average
Calculated
Tube diameter capillary
capillary Erorr%
d (mm) raising
raising h (mm)
h (mm)
0.8 6 37.21 83.87
1.6 3 18.60 83.87

Sample Calculation:
γ

9
 ( )
( )

( )
( )
Now the percentage error will be:
| |

| |

Discussion:
From the result, we have calculated the theoretical capillary raising of tube
diameter of 0.8 mm and it equals to 37.21 mm while the experimental one is equal
to 6 mm. In addition, we notice that the error percent is high which is 83.87%.
Moreover, the other tube which is 1.6 mm of diameter has a high percent error.
Actually, the sources of error are the uses of the tube, the salt inside the tube due to
water molecules, the impure water, and the vibration. However, the factors that
affect the height of water inside the tube are the vibration, the surface tension, the
specific weight of the water, and the inner diameter.

Conclusion:
Eventually, we have measure the capillary raising produced in capillary tubes of
different sizes, and identified the sources of error in the readings. Moreover, we
understand how the factors influence the height of water.

References:
1. Eng. Omar Osta, Fluid Mechanics Laboratory Manual, King Faisal
University, August 2011.

10
 PART THREE: Viscosity Measurement

Objective:
To determine the viscosity of various liquids at atmospheric pressure and
temperature, using Falling Ball Viscometer.

Theory:
Viscosity is one of the most important properties of fluids since it determines the
behavior whenever relative movement between fluids and solids occurs. In a
simple case in which a section of fluid is acted on by a shear stress τ, it can be
shown that a velocity gradient is produced which is proportional to the applied
shear stress. The constant of proportionality is the coefficient of viscosity μ and the
equation is usually written:

τ=µ ---------------(1)

Where du/dy is the velocity gradient normal to the plane of the applied stress.

Equation (1) represents a model of a situation in which layers of fluid move

smoothly over one another. This is termed viscous or laminar flow. Equation (1)
shows that if fluid flows over an object, there will be a velocity gradient in the flow
adjacent to the surface, and a shear force transmitted to the fluid which tends to
resist its motion. Similarly, if an object moves through a fluid, velocity gradients
will also be set up and a force generated on the object which tends to resist its
motion. In all such cases, knowledge of μ is required to calculate the forces
involved. It should be noted that μ varies with temperature, so values for a given
fluid are usually tabulated for various temperatures. In the SI system μ has units of

11
Ns/m2. In fluid mechanics, the term μ/ρ often appears and this is called the
Kinematic Viscosity (ν).

Kinematic viscosity is very often more convenient to use and has units of m2/s
which are often easier to work with. There are many experimental methods which
can be used to determine μ. One common method is to consider the rate at which a
smooth sphere will fall through a liquid for which it is required to determine the
viscosity [Falling Ball Viscometer]. For a free falling sphere without wall effect
(for example: sphere fall in a large diameter graduated cylinder) the force balance
yields.

FB + FD = mg

FB is the buoyancy force = ρliq.g.4/3.π.r3

FD is the drag force on the sphere = 6. π.M.V.r

Substitute the suitable buoyancy force FB and the Drag force FD yields the
following formula for the dynamic viscosity.

( )
µ = 2/9 ---------------(2)

where;

V is the speed of ball = Distance of the fall / time taken, m/s

ρ_ball Density of the ball Kg/m3

ρ_liquid Density of the liquid

g Acceleration of the gravity 9.81 m/s2

r Radius of the ball, m

12
This equation is only applicable for viscous flow, for which a variable called
Reynolds Number is below a certain value.

Where: Reynolds Number is given by:

Re= ( )
Where:

ρ: is the density of the liquid

v: is the speed of ball

d: is ball diameter

The limiting value of Re is often taken as 0.2 because above this value, the errors
in applying Equation (2) becomes significant.

Apparatus:
The apparatus consists of:
 Graduated Cylindrical Jars.
 Steel Spheres [ρ=7800 kg/m3].
 Stop Watch.
 Ball Guide.

Procedure:
1) Use the hydrometer to find the density of the oil being tested.
2) Inserting the ball guide.
3) Set the upper timing band marker approximately 20 mm below the level of
the base of the ball guide.
4) Set the lower timing band marker to approximately 200 mm below the first.

13
 5) Drop the ball into the fluid and time the descent between the markers using
the stopwatch.
6) Measure the distance between the markers.
7) Measure the temperature of the liquid.

Results:
Liquid 50w-20 10w-40 Water

Ambient temperature 15 15 15
o
[ C]
Time [sec] 4.1 2.25 0.8

Radius of the ball 1.190625 1.190625 1.190625

[mm]
Ball density [kg/m3] 7800 7800 7800

Liquid density [kg/m3] 890 863 999.1026

Dynamic viscosity µ 0.292 0.161 0.056

2
[Ns/m ]
Kinematic viscosity v 3.29*10-4 1.85*104 5.61*10-5
[m2/s]

Sample Calculation:
Dynamic viscosity µ [Ns/m2] of 50w-20 oil is equal to:
( )
µ = 2/9 = 0.292 Ns/m2

While the Kinematic viscosity v [m2/s] can be calculated by using equation # 3:

Calculate Re

Re = = 0.53, so the Kinematic viscosity v [m2/s] of 50w-20 oil=3.29*10-4

14
 Kinematic viscosity v [mm2/s]
Liquid Experimental value Theoretical value Error %
50w-20 0.329 1592 99.8
10w-40 0.185 963 99.8
Water 0.0561 6584 99.991

Discussion:
From the result, we have calculated the dynamic and kinematic viscosities for all
liquids at the ambient temperature of 15 oC. However, we notice that the error
percent is high which is 99% in all liquids.. Actually, the water is more viscous
than the other fluids (50w-20 and 10w-40 oil) and that appear from the kinematic
viscosity of water which equals to 658 mm2/s

Conclusion:
Eventually, we have determined the viscosity of various liquids at atmospheric
pressure and temperature, using Falling Ball Viscometer. Moreover, we understand
how the viscosity of a fluid does not have a relationship with density.

References:
1. Eng. Omar Osta, Fluid Mechanics Laboratory Manual, King Faisal
University, August 2011.
2. https://www.77lubricants.nl/fileadmin/user_upload/77lubricants.nl/
productsheets/01_Passenger_Car/product/4210_MOTOR_OIL_SL
_20W-50.pdf
3. https://www.77lubricants.nl/fileadmin/user_upload/77lubricants.nl/
productsheets/01_Passenger_Car/product/4209_MOTOR_OIL_SL
_CF_10W-40.pdf
4. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/water-dynamic-kinematic-
viscosity-d_596.html

15