What Is the Unfamiliar Symbol in the Reynolds Number Equation?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding the Reynolds number equation, specifically the role of dynamic viscosity (μ) in the calculation. A user seeks clarification on finding a Reynolds Number - Cd chart and calculating terminal velocity, providing specific values for drag coefficient, area, weight, and air density. There is confusion regarding the area used for calculations, with a correction provided for the area of a quarter. The importance of ensuring all units cancel out in the Reynolds number calculation is emphasized. The conversation highlights the need for accurate arithmetic and unit conversions in fluid dynamics problems.
picklefeet
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
I understand most of the equation.

Re=<u>\rho *D *V</u><br /> over a symbol I don&#039;t recognize<br /> <br /> I don&#039;t know what the symbol is the denominator, and I can&#039;t find its name so I don&#039;t know what it means. I just need one definition, thanks.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynolds_number"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Its the viscosity, mu.
 
I was given the above equation in order to find drag coefficient through estimation and Reynolds Number. Where would I find a Reynolds Number - Cd Chart?
 
I'm having a problem with another related problem. If I wanted to find terminal velocity, the Cd=1.17, the Ac=.4522 m^2 and the weight equalled 5.67 grams or.0556037055 Newtons and the air density is 1.184 with no turbulance, what do you get? I think the problem may be my arithmetic.
In the terminal velocity equation, I get .33347775 over .7914693. I know this isn't right. What am I doing wrong?
 
Interesting... Since you apparently know when you have the wrong answer, how about you just go through and eliminate every answer that you know is not right until you only have only one answer left over. That answer, by process of elimination, must be the right one.

This method of solution may be applied to all of your homework problems without fail.
 
picklefeet said:
I'm having a problem with another related problem. If I wanted to find terminal velocity, the Cd=1.17, the Ac=.4522 m^2 and the weight equalled 5.67 grams or.0556037055 Newtons and the air density is 1.184 with no turbulance, what do you get? I think the problem may be my arithmetic.
In the terminal velocity equation, I get .33347775 over .7914693. I know this isn't right. What am I doing wrong?
First off, if you are still talking about a quarter, the area you are using is way off. The measured diameter of a quarter is about 24 mm. Therefore the area is

A =\frac{1}{2}*\pi*(24 x 10^{-3} m)^2

A = 4.52 x 10^{-4} m^2 or A = .000452 m^2

The variable that you are asking about, \mu is the dynamic viscosity of the medium the object is moving in, i.e. air. In that example, the seal level value for \mu = 1.79 x 10^{-5} \frac{N*s}{m^2}

Reynolds Number is a unitless number, i.e. all units should cancel out when it is calculated.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top