Fluid Viscosity & Viscous Friction Between Plates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of fluid viscosity and its role in viscous friction between two parallel plates, one of which is moving while the other is stationary. Participants explore the relationship between fluid viscosity and the frictional forces experienced at the interface between the fluid and the plates, considering both theoretical and conceptual aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation for viscous friction and questions how fluid viscosity, which measures intermolecular forces, can determine friction when the interactions between the fluid and the plate differ from those between fluid molecules.
  • Another participant asserts that the no-slip boundary condition at the plates is sufficient to explain the phenomenon.
  • A different participant agrees with the no-slip condition but seeks further clarification on the nature of shear, emphasizing that shear occurs between fluid layers rather than between the fluid and the plate.
  • One participant expresses discomfort with the term "friction" in this context, suggesting that it may confuse students and prefers to describe the phenomenon in terms of shear stresses instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of viscous friction and the appropriateness of terminology. While some agree on the no-slip condition's relevance, others question its sufficiency in explaining the relationship between fluid viscosity and friction.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of the no-slip condition and its relationship to the nature of shear forces at the fluid-plate interface. There are also differing opinions on the terminology used to describe the phenomenon.

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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At the plates, the boundary condition is no-slip (perfect adhesion). That is all that is required.
 
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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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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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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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