Stokes Law/Drag Force corrections?

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of corrections in measuring the velocity of solid metal spheres falling through fluids of different viscosities. The Ladenburg correction is only accurate for certain ratios of the sphere's radius to the tube's radius, while Francis and Little's correction can be used for a wider range. The problem arises when using fluids like water that are not viscous enough for Stokes' Law to be valid, and the question is raised about a known wall correction factor for these types of fluids. Additionally, the use of "blunt" versus "bluff" bodies in reference to drag coefficient is briefly mentioned.
  • #1
tomdodd4598
138
13
Hi there,

I have recently been experimenting with solid metal spheres being let to fall through fluids of different viscosities and have recently been introduced to the 'Ladenburg correction'. This correction multiplies the measured velocity of the sphere to obtain the 'correct' velocity used in the Stokes Law. However, this correction is only accurate when the ratio of the radius of the sphere to the radius of the tube the fluid is in is about 0.1 or lower. Instead, Francis and Little's general correction can be used, and is valid for ratios up to around 0.83.

The problem I have is the following: Sometimes, I am using fluids, such as water, which are not viscous enough for laminar flow, hence not viscous enough for Stokes' Law to be valid (the drag force formula is used instead). Is there a known wall correction factor for fluids such as this, or is the correction very small?

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2

FAQ: Stokes Law/Drag Force corrections?

What is Stokes Law?

Stokes Law is a mathematical formula that describes the relationship between the drag force acting on a small sphere moving through a fluid and its velocity. It is often used to calculate the terminal velocity of particles in a fluid, and is named after British scientist George Gabriel Stokes.

What is drag force?

Drag force is a type of resistance force that acts on an object as it moves through a fluid (such as air or water). It is caused by the friction between the object and the fluid, and is dependent on factors such as the object's size, shape, and velocity.

How is Stokes Law used in science?

Stokes Law is commonly used in the field of fluid mechanics, particularly in the study of fluids in motion. It is used to calculate the drag force on small particles or objects moving through a fluid, and is also used to determine the terminal velocity of these particles.

What are some limitations of Stokes Law?

One limitation of Stokes Law is that it only applies to small spherical particles moving through a fluid at low velocities. It also assumes that the fluid is non-turbulent and has a constant viscosity. Additionally, Stokes Law does not take into account the effects of other forces, such as buoyancy or lift.

Are there any corrections or modifications to Stokes Law?

Yes, there are several corrections and modifications to Stokes Law that have been developed over the years. These include the Cunningham correction for small particles, the Faxén correction for particles close to a boundary, and the Schiller-Naumann correction for larger particles. These corrections account for factors such as particle shape and fluid viscosity, and improve the accuracy of calculations when using Stokes Law.

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