Understanding Coefficient of Viscosity for SAE 10W-30 Oil at 25°C

AI Thread Summary
The coefficient of viscosity for SAE 10W-30 oil at 25°C can be complex due to its non-Newtonian properties influenced by blending additives. While multigrade oils are designed to perform under varying conditions, the viscosity may not be straightforward to measure and can vary with temperature and pressure. For simple experiments, standard viscosity measurements may suffice, but more complex applications might require consideration of the oil's non-Newtonian behavior. A reference to ASTM reports suggests that kinematic viscosity may not adequately characterize the oil's performance in critical engine zones. Understanding these factors is essential for accurate assessments in practical applications.
jabers
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How do I tell what the coefficient of viscosity is of SAE 10W-30 oil? It is at 25 degrees C. My book says that multigrade oils like this have a non Newtonian blending additive. This doesn't mean I have to treat the substance as non Newtonian does it?

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Google found this chart but I don't know the source of the data..

M1vsAmsoil.jpg
 
Looks like the viscosity is only specified at a few temperature points and those can vary depending on the grade. Scroll down...

http://www.tribology-abc.com/abc/viscosity.htm
 
jabers said:
How do I tell what the coefficient of viscosity is of SAE 10W-30 oil? It is at 25 degrees C. My book says that multigrade oils like this have a non Newtonian blending additive. This doesn't mean I have to treat the substance as non Newtonian does it?

Any help would be appreciated.

I suspect it depends on what experiment you have planned. Presumably the additive makes the oil thicker when under pressure in bearings etc, while at the same time makes it easy to pump around the engine.

If you are doing simple lab experiments dropping balls into oils or something then you might be ok. If you are doing something more exotic beware...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_oil

Quote from ASTM report on the matter: "The rapid growth of non-Newtonian multigraded oils has rendered kinematic viscosity as a nearly useless parameter for characterising "real" viscosity in critical zones of an engine.
 
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