Stoke's equation -- particle size

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    Particle Stokes law
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around solving Stokes' equation for determining particle diameter in micrometers, with a focus on unit consistency and the rearrangement of the equation for particle size calculation. Participants explore the necessary unit conversions and mathematical manipulations involved in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in solving Stokes' equation for particle diameter, questioning the need for uniform units.
  • Another participant asserts that consistent units will prevent errors, suggesting that some unit conversions may be necessary for clarity in results.
  • A participant points out a potential error in the viscosity units, suggesting it should be expressed as mPa·s instead of mPa.
  • One participant shares their rearrangement of Stokes' equation to solve for particle size, asking for confirmation on the correctness of their approach.
  • A later reply confirms the rearrangement and provides the correct format for the equation.
  • Another participant recommends using dimensionless variables to simplify calculations related to flow profiles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of consistent units and the rearrangement of the equation, but there are differing views on the best approach to take, particularly regarding unit conversions and the use of dimensionless variables.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the specific unit conversions needed and the implications of using dimensionless variables, which may depend on the context of the calculations.

Kbaba
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I want to solve stokes eq. for particle diameter in um size. Do i have to change the units to make them uniform. please help in solving the eq. by plugging these numbers.
velocity= 50 mm/h
Particle density= 2650 kg/m^3
Medium density= 1000 kg/m^3
viscosity = 1.002 mPa
Gravity= 9.8 m/s^2
 
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As long as you work with units consistently, you cannot make anything wrong.
Some unit conversions can be necessary to get a nice unit for the result.
 
Kbaba said:
I want to solve stokes eq. for particle diameter in um size. Do i have to change the units to make them uniform. please help in solving the eq. by plugging these numbers.
velocity= 50 mm/h
Particle density= 2650 kg/m^3
Medium density= 1000 kg/m^3
viscosity = 1.002 mPa
Gravity= 9.8 m/s^2

Your units of viscosity are incorrect, could/should be mPa*s.
 
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Thanks for advise. Also, I want to solve the following equation for particle size (d) using stokes eq
V= g (Ps – Pw) d2/18 µ

for unknown variable (d) i rearranged the eq. as follow and took the square root of my answer. Is this the correct way to rearrange and solve this eq for particle size determination. Please, advise.

d= 18 µ V/ g (Ps – Pw)
 
Something went wrong with the formatting. I guess you mean this:$$V= \frac {g(P_s-P_w)d^2}{18 \mu}$$
Solved for d:$$d= \sqrt \frac{18 \mu V} {g(P_s-P_w)}$$
Sure.
 
I would recommend that you use dimensionless variables. It will greatly simplify your calculations if you are planning to find the flow profile.
 

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