Calculating Terminal Velocity in a Fluid

In summary, the problem asks for the terminal velocity of a steel ball bearing dropped into a tank of SAE 30 oil with a density of 917kg/m^3 and a viscosity of 0.26kg/(m*s). The equations for calculating the drag force on the ball bearing are given, but the commenter is unsure of which equation to use since the v's cancel out when combined. The terminal velocity is attained when the net force on the ball in the fluid is zero, so the problem can be solved by considering the forces on the ball bearing and determining which drag force equation is applicable.
  • #1
jldavid
3
0

Homework Statement


A 1.5-mm-diameter steel ball bearing (7830 kg/m^3) is dropped into a tank of SAE 30 oil. What is its terminal velocity?

The density of oil is 917kg/m^3, and the viscosity of oil is 0.26kg/(m*s).

Help is much appreciated!


Homework Equations



Force of drag = 1/2 * (density of fluid) * (area of sphere) * v^2 * (coefficient of drag)
Force of drag = 3 * pi * (coefficient of fluid) * (diameter of obj) * v

Coefficient of drag = 24 / (Reynolds number)

Reynolds number = (density of fluid * velocity of fluid * chracteristic length)/(viscosity of fluid)

The Attempt at a Solution



When I combine all the equations, the v's cancel out. Is there a different equation I should be using?
 
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  • #2
jldavid said:
When I combine all the equations, the v's cancel out. Is there a different equation I should be using?

Could you clarify this comment? Why do you "combine all the equations"?

The terminal velocity is attained when the net force on the ball in the fluid is zero. What are the forces on the ball bearing? Incidentally, you have two different drag force laws there: what situations do they correspond to and which is applicable to this problem?
 

What is terminal velocity in a fluid?

Terminal velocity in a fluid is the maximum constant speed that an object can reach when falling through a fluid, such as air or water. It occurs when the upward force of drag equals the downward force of gravity.

How is terminal velocity affected by the properties of the fluid?

The properties of the fluid, such as density and viscosity, can affect the terminal velocity of an object. A denser fluid will result in a higher terminal velocity, while a more viscous fluid will decrease the terminal velocity.

What factors influence the terminal velocity of an object?

The terminal velocity of an object is influenced by several factors, including the object's mass, shape, and surface area. Heavier objects will have a higher terminal velocity, while objects with a larger surface area or streamlined shape will have a lower terminal velocity.

Can terminal velocity be reached in a vacuum?

No, terminal velocity can only occur in a fluid. In a vacuum, there is no resistance or drag force to oppose the force of gravity, so an object will continue to accelerate until it reaches its maximum velocity.

How is terminal velocity calculated?

The formula for calculating terminal velocity is v = √(2mg/ρAC), where v is the terminal velocity, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, ρ is the density of the fluid, A is the object's cross-sectional area, and C is the drag coefficient. However, this formula only applies to objects falling in a fluid with a constant velocity and in a straight line.

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