Fluid Viscosity & Viscous Friction Between Plates

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between fluid viscosity and viscous friction when a fluid is placed between two parallel plates, one stationary and the other moving. The equation governing this phenomenon is F = -ηA(dv/dy), where η represents fluid viscosity, A is the plate area, and dv/dy is the velocity gradient. The key conclusion is that viscous friction is solely a function of fluid viscosity due to the no-slip condition at the boundary, which indicates that there is no relative motion between the fluid and the plate. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding shear stresses rather than conflating this phenomenon with traditional friction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with the concept of viscosity and its measurement
  • Knowledge of shear stress and shear rate in fluids
  • Basic grasp of boundary layer theory and no-slip conditions
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  • Study the Navier-Stokes equations for fluid motion
  • Explore the concept of shear stress in more detail
  • Learn about boundary layer theory and its applications
  • Investigate the effects of different fluid viscosities on flow behavior
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Students and professionals in mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics researchers, and anyone interested in the principles of fluid behavior and viscous friction in engineering applications.

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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