Fluid Viscosity & Viscous Friction Between Plates

In summary, the conversation discusses the phenomenon of viscous friction between a fluid and a stationary plate, with the equation for viscous friction being dependent on fluid viscosity, plate area, and velocity gradient. The conversation also addresses the misunderstanding that this friction is caused by interactions between the fluid and the plate, when in reality it is caused by shear stresses between fluid molecules. The concept is often confused with static friction, but is better described as shear stress.
  • #1
Dario56
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When fluid is placed between two parallel plates such that one plate is moving and other is stationary, fluid will start flowing. Between plate and the fluid there is viscous friction given by equation: $$ F = -\eta A \frac {dv} {dy} $$

where $ \eta $ is fluid viscosity, $A$ is area of a plate and $\frac {dv} {dy} $ is a velocity gradient

Since fluid viscosity is a measure of intermolecular or cohesive forces in a fluid how can its value determine viscous friction between fluid and the plate since interactions between fluid and the plate aren't the same like between fluid molecules?
 
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  • #2
At the plates, the boundary condition is no-slip (perfect adhesion). That is all that is required.
 
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  • #3
Dario56 said:
Yes, there is no relative motion between fluid and the plate at that point. However, this doesn't really answer my question.
All the shear is between fluid and fluid. There is no shear movement between metal and fluid.
For that reason the viscous friction is a function of fluid viscosity only.

If we misunderstand your question, then you may need to ask your question again in a different way.
 
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  • #4
Baluncore said:
All the shear is between fluid and fluid. There is no shear movement between metal and fluid.
For that reason the viscous friction is a function of fluid viscosity only.

If we misunderstand your question, then you may need to ask your question again in a different way.
Everything is understood. No slip condition explains my question.
 
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  • #5
This is why I don't like when textbooks call this phenomenon "friction." It is, I suppose, related to static friction, but that makes it confusing to some because everything is moving so students tend to get a bit wishy washy. I prefer describing it through shear stresses.
 
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FAQ: Fluid Viscosity & Viscous Friction Between Plates

What is fluid viscosity?

Fluid viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It is a property that describes how thick or thin a fluid is, and is affected by factors such as temperature and composition.

How is fluid viscosity measured?

Fluid viscosity is typically measured using a viscometer, which is a device that measures the time it takes for a fluid to flow through a small tube. The higher the viscosity, the longer it will take for the fluid to flow through the tube.

What is viscous friction between plates?

Viscous friction between plates is a force that resists the movement of two adjacent plates or surfaces that are in contact with a fluid. This friction is caused by the viscosity of the fluid and can be affected by the speed and distance between the plates.

How does fluid viscosity affect the rate of flow?

The higher the viscosity of a fluid, the slower it will flow. This is because the thicker the fluid, the more resistance it will encounter when trying to flow through a confined space. This is why honey, which has a high viscosity, flows much slower than water, which has a lower viscosity.

What factors can affect fluid viscosity and viscous friction between plates?

Fluid viscosity and viscous friction can be affected by temperature, pressure, composition, and the speed and distance between the plates. For example, increasing the temperature of a fluid can decrease its viscosity, making it flow more easily. Similarly, increasing the speed or decreasing the distance between plates can increase the viscous friction between them.

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