What is the role of viscous friction in the drag force on a moving sphere?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the role of viscous friction in the drag force experienced by a moving sphere in a fluid. It explores the theoretical underpinnings of drag force, including Stoke's law and the effects of fluid viscosity, as well as the conditions under which different drag force expressions apply.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the drag force on a sphere moving in a liquid is described by Stoke's law, expressed as 6πηrv, where η is the fluid's dynamic viscosity.
  • Another participant explains that the drag force results from fluid molecules colliding with the sphere, with these collisions collectively exerting a force.
  • It is noted that a different expression for drag force, ρπr²v², arises from considering momentum changes during collisions, suggesting a dependence on the square of the velocity.
  • A participant mentions that viscous drag is proportional to velocity and occurs due to laminar flow, typically at low Reynolds numbers.
  • One participant elaborates that the drag force expression changes based on the viscosity of the fluid, indicating that at low viscosity, the force is proportional to v², while at high viscosity, it is proportional to v.
  • It is reiterated that in both cases, the drag force originates from fluid molecules impacting the moving object.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which different drag force expressions apply, particularly regarding the influence of fluid viscosity and the nature of flow (laminar vs. turbulent). There is no consensus on a single model or expression for drag force.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence of drag force expressions on the viscosity of the fluid and the flow regime, with unresolved questions about the transition between different regimes and the implications for drag force calculations.

IPhO' 2008
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When a sphere radius r has a velocity v in a liquid .It will has a drag force exerted on the sphere. The drag force is equal to 6[tex]\pi\eta[/tex]rv (Stoke's law)
where [tex]\eta[/tex] is the fluid's dynamic viscosity
Where the drag force comes from ? How does this force occur?
 
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Molecules in the fluid are constantly colliding with the sphere. The fluid molecules exert a force on the sphere via these collisions, and collectively these collisions result in the drag force.
 
The drag force from the colliding with the molecules of the fluid is equal to
[tex]\rho\pi[/tex]r2v2

This formula come from F[tex]\Delta[/tex]t = m(v-u).
so, F [tex]\alpha[/tex] v2.
but from Stoke's law F [tex]\alpha[/tex] v.
 
[tex]\rho[/tex] is the density of fluid.
 
viscous drag--or friction, proportional to velocity is the drag due to laminar flow around the object. It's not typical that a sphere will experience viscous drag but only at low renyolds numbers.
 
IPhO' 2008 said:
The drag force from the colliding with the molecules of the fluid is equal to
[tex]\rho\pi[/tex]r2v2

This formula come from F[tex]\Delta[/tex]t = m(v-u).
so, F [tex]\alpha[/tex] v2.
but from Stoke's law F [tex]\alpha[/tex] v.

That is true when collisions among the fluid molecules may be neglected, i.e. the viscosity is small.

For significantly large viscosity, the collisions between fluid molecules modify the force expression. In that case the force is proportional to v rather than v2.

In both cases, the force arises from fluid molecules impacting upon the moving object.
 

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