Viscosity--What is it?

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An ideal fluid in terms of its deformation properties is said to be Newtonian. A Newtonian
liquid has constant ----------
viscosity. Qualitatively, viscosity is often described as the thickness
of a liquid or its resistance to flow. More precisely, viscosity is a measure of the ability of a
fluid to transmit frictional or sliding forces.
V Fluid flowing in parallel layers or
laminae. As one layer slides past the next
d vx(y) frictional forces transfer momentum.
y
Unit
x
Wall Depth

The frictional force per unit area is called the shear stress . For a Newtonian liquid, the
stress is proportionate to the rate of deformation or rate of shear. The rate at which the
material is being deformed is described by the velocity gradient or shear rate dvx.
dy

Hence,

= - dvx Newtons Law of Viscosity

dy
Viscosity--Units
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is the common symbol for viscosity with units M L-1 t -1 and dvx/dy is the shear
rate with units t -1. Thus, has the units of M L t -2/ L2 ( or force per unit area). The
common unit of viscosity is the poise = 1 g cm -1 s -1 .

= - dvx
dy

Note the higher the viscosity, the greater the force that is required to move the material.
Similarly, the faster we try to deform some material, the greater the force required. Compare,
for example, the behavior of water with that of honey. Water readily pours out of a jar or
is easily stirred; honey, on the other hand, is difficult to stir or will pour out of a jar only
very slowly.

In the sketch above, the force exerted on the wall will depend on the particular fluid.
The shear rate is

dvx = vx(d) - vx(0) = V = - V

dy d-0 d d
 The total stress includes the contribution of pressure which is a normal stress.

For an isotropic material, the viscosity multiplies the shear rate tensor.

Examine each quantity and term. Decide whether it is a scalar, vector or tensor.