There are two related measures of fluid viscosity - known as dynamic (or absolute) and
kinematic viscosity.
Dynamic (absolute) Viscosity
is the tangential force per unit area required to move one horizontal plane with respect to the
other at unit velocity when maintained a unit distance apart by the fluid.
The shearing stress between the layers of non turbulent fluid moving in straight parallel lines can
be defined for a Newtonian fluid as:
The dynamic or absolute viscosity can be expressed like
= dc/dy
(1)
where
= shearing stress
= dynamic viscosity
Equation (1) is known as the Newtons Law of Friction.
2
In the SI system the dynamic viscosity units are N s/m , Pa s or kg/m s where
1 Pa s = 1 N s/m2 = 1 kg/m s
The dynamic viscosity is also often expressed in the metric CGS (centimeter-gram-second)
2
system as g/cm.s, dyne.s/cm or poise (p) where
1 poise = dyne s/cm2 = g/cm s = 1/10 Pa s
For practical use the Poise is to large and it's usual divided by 100 into the smaller unit called the
centiPoise (cP) where
1 p = 100 cP
Water at 68.4 F (20.2 C) has an absolute viscosity of one - 1 - centiPoise.
1 N s/m2 = 1 Pa s = 10 poise = 1,000 milliPa s
Kinematic Viscosity
is the ratio of absolute or dynamic viscosity to density - a quantity in which no force is involved.
Kinematic viscosity can be obtained by dividing the absolute viscosity of a fluid with it's mass
density
=/
(2)
where
= kinematic viscosity
= absolute or dynamic viscosity
= density
2
In the SI-system the theoretical unit is m /s or commonly used Stoke (St) where
1 St = 10-4 m2/s
Since the Stoke is an unpractical large unit, it is usual divided by 100 to give the unit called
Centistokes (cSt) where
1 St = 100 cSt
1 cSt = 10-6 m2/s
2
4
2
1 m /s = 1 x 10 cm /s =1 x 104 stokes = 1 x 106 centistokes
o
Since the specific gravity of water at 68.4 F (20.2 C) is almost one (1), the kinematic viscosity of
o
water at 68.4 F is for all practical purposes 1.0 cSt.
Viscosity and Reference Temperatures
The viscosity of a fluid is highly temperature dependent and for either dynamic or kinematic
viscosity to be meaningful, the reference temperature must be quoted. In ISO 8217 the
o
reference temperature for a residual fluid is 100 C. For a distillate fluid the reference temperature
o
is 40 C.
For a liquid - the kinematic viscosity will decrease with
higher temperature
For a gas - the kinematic viscosity will increase with higher
temperature
Other Commonly used Viscosity Units
Saybolt Universal Seconds (or SUS, SSU)
Saybolt Universal Seconds (or SUS) is used to measure viscosity. The efflux time is Saybolt
Universal Seconds (SUS) required for 60 milliliters of a petroleum product to flow through the
calibrated orifice of a Saybolt Universal viscometer, under carefully controlled temperature and as
prescribed by test method ASTM D 88. This method has largely been replaced by the kinematic
viscosity method. Saybolt Universal Seconds is also called the SSU number (Seconds Saybolt
Universal) or SSF number (Saybolt Seconds Furol).
Kinematic viscosity versus dynamic or absolute viscosity can be expressed as
= 4.63 / SG
(3)
where
= kinematic vicosity (SSU)
= dynamic or absolute viscosity (cP)
Degree Engler
Degree Engler is used in Great Britain as a scale to measure kinematic viscosity. Unlike the
Saybolt and Redwood scales, the Engler scale is based on comparing a flow of the substance
being tested to the flow of another substance - water. Viscosity in Engler degrees is the ratio of
the time of a flow of 200 cubic centimetres of the fluid whose viscosity is being measured - to the
o
time of flow of 200 cubic centimeters of water at the same temperature (usually 20 C but
o
o
sometimes 50 C or 100 C) in a standardized Engler viscosity meter.
Newtonian Fluids
Fluids for which the shearing stress is linearly related to the rate of shearing strain are designated
as Newtonian Fluids.
Newtonian materials are referred to as true liquids since their viscosity or consistency is not
affected by shear such as agitation or pumping at a constant temperature. Fortunately most
common fluids, both liquids and gases, are Newtonian. Water and oils are examples of
Newtonian liquids.
Shear-thinning or Pseudoplastic Liquids
Shear-thinning or pseudoplastic liquids are those whose apparent viscosity decreases with
increasing shear rate. Their structure is time-independent.
Thixotropic Fluids
Thixotropic liquids have a time-dependent structure. The apparent viscosity of a thixotropic
liquid decreases with increasing time, at a constant shear rate.
Ketchup and mayonnaise are examples of thixotropic materials. They appear thick or viscous but
are possible to pump quite easily.
Dilatant Fluids
Shear Thickening Fluids or Dilatant Fluids increase their viscosity with agitation. Some of
these liquids can become almost solid within a pump or pipe line. With agitation, cream becomes
butter and Candy compounds, clay slurries and similar heavily filled liquids do the same thing.
Bingham Plastic Fluids
Bingham Plastic Fluids have a yield value which must be exceeded before it will start to flow
like a fluid. From that point the viscosity will decrease with increase of agitation. Toothpaste,
mayonnaise and tomato catsup are examples of such products.
Example - Converting between Kinematic and Absolute Viscosity for Air
5
-6
Kinematic viscosity of air at 1 bar (10 Pa, N/m ) and 40 C is 16.97 cSt (16.97 10 m /s).
The density of air estimated with the Ideal Gas Law
=p/RT
where
3
= density (kg/m )
2
p = absolute pressure (Pa, N/m )
R = individual gas constant (J/kg K)
T = absolute temperature (K)
5
= (10 N/m ) / ((287 J/kg/K) (273 C + 33 C)
= 1.113 kg/m
Absolute viscosity can be expressed as
3
-6
= (1.113 kg/m ) (16.97 10 m /s)
-5
= 1.88 10 (kg/m s, Ns/m , P)
Viscosity and Specific Gravity of some Common Liquids
Liquid
Temperature
( F)
( C)
Kinematic Viscosity
Seconds
CentiStokes Saybolt
(cSt)
Universal
(SSU)
Acetaldehyde CH3CHO
61
68
16.1
20
0.305
0.295
36
Acetic acid - vinegar - 10%
CH3COOH
59
15
1.35
31.7
Acetic acid - 50%
59
15
2.27
33
Acetic acid - 80%
59
15
2.85
35
Acetic acid - concentrated
glacial
59
15
1.34
31.7
Acetic acid anhydride
(CH3COO)2O
59
15
0.88
Acetone CH3COCH3
68
20
0.41
Alcohol - allyl
68
104
20
40
1.60
0.90 cp
31.8
Alcohol - butyl-n
68
20
3.64
38
Alcohol - ethyl (grain)
C2H5OH
68
100
20
37.8
1.52
1.2
31.7
31.5
Alcohol - methyl (wood)
CH3OH
59
32
15
0
0.74
1.04
Alcohol - propyl
68
122
20
50
2.8
1.4
35
31.7
Aluminum sulfate - 36%
solution
68
20
1.41
31.7
Ammonia
-17.8
0.30
Aniline
68
20
4.37
40
50
10
6.4
46.4
Asphalt RC-0, MC-0, SC-0
77
100
25
37.8
159-324
60-108
737-1.5M
280-500
Automatic crankcase oil
SAE 10W
-17.8
1295-max
6M-max
Automatic crankcase oil
SAE 10W
-17.8
1295-2590 6M-12M
Automatic crankcase oil
SAE 20W
-17.8
2590-10350 12M-48M
Automatic crankcase oil
SAE 20
210
98.9
5.7-9.6
45-58
Automatic crankcase oil
SAE 30
210
98.9
9.6-12.9
58-70
Automatic crankcase oil
SAE 40
210
98.9
12.9-16.8
70-85
Automatic crankcase oil
SAE 50
210
98.9
16.8-22.7
85-110
Automotive gear oil SAE
75W
210
98.9
4.2 min
40 min
Automotive gear oil SAE
80W
210
98.9
7.0 min
49 min
Automotive gear oil SAE
85W
210
98.9
11.0 min
63 min
Automotive gear oil SAE
90W
210
98.9
14-25
74-120
Automotive gear oil SAE
140
210
98.9
25-43
120-200
Automotive gear oil
SAE150
210
98.9
43 - min
200 min
Beer
68
20
1.8
32
Benzene (Benzol) C6H6
32
68
0
20
1.0
0.74
31
Bone oil
130
212
54.4
100
47.5
11.6
220
65
Bromine
68
20
0.34
Butane-n
-50
30
-1.1
0.52
0.35
Butyric acid n
68
32
20
0
1.61
2.3 cp
Calcium chloride 5%
65
18.3
1.156
Calcium chloride 25%
60
15.6
4.0
39
Carbolic acid (phenol)
65
194
18.3
90
11.83
1.26 cp
65
Carbon tetrachloride CCl4
68
100
20
37.8
0.612
0.53
Carbon disulfide CS2
32
68
0
20
0.33
0.298
Castor oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
259-325
98-130
12001500
450-600
China wood oil
69
100
20.6
37.8
308.5
125.5
1425
580
31.6
Chloroform
68
140
20
60
0.38
0.35
Coconut oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
29.8-31.6
14.7-15.7
140-148
76-80
Cod oil (fish oil)
100
130
37.8
54.4
32.1
19.4
150
95
Corn oil
130
212
54.4
100
28.7
8.6
135
54
Corn starch solution,
22 Baum
70
100
21.1
37.8
32.1
27.5
150
130
Corn starch solution,
24 Baum
70
100
21.1
37.8
129.8
95.2
600
440
Corn starch solution, 25
Baum
70
100
21.1
37.8
303
173.2
1400
800
Cotton seed oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
37.9
20.6
176
100
Crude oil 48o API
60
130
15.6
54.4
3.8
1.6
39
31.8
Crude oil 40o API
60
130
15.6
54.4
9.7
3.5
55.7
38
Crude oil 35.6o API
60
130
15.6
54.4
17.8
4.9
88.4
42.3
Crude oil 32.6o API
60
130
15.6
54.4
23.2
7.1
110
46.8
Decane-n
0
100
17.8
37.8
2.36
1.001
34
31
Diethyl glycol
70
21.1
32
149.7
Diethyl ether
68
20
0.32
Diesel fuel 2D
100
130
37.8
54.4
2-6
1.-3.97
32.6-45.5
-39
Diesel fuel 3D
100
130
37.8
54.4
6-11.75
3.97-6.78
45.5-65
39-48
Diesel fuel 4D
100
130
37.8
54.4
29.8 max
13.1 max
140 max
70 max
Diesel fuel 5D
122
160
50
71.1
86.6 max
35.2 max
400 max
165 max
Ethyl acetate
CH3COOC2H3
59
68
15
20
0.4
0.49
Ethyl bromide C2H5Br
68
20
0.27
Ethylene bromide
68
20
0.787
Ethylene chloride
68
20
0.668
Ethylene glycol
70
21.1
17.8
88.4
Formic acid 10%
68
20
1.04
31
Formic acid 50%
68
20
1.2
31.5
Formic acid 80%
68
20
1.4
31.7
Formic acid concentrated
68
77
20
25
1.48
1.57cp
31.7
Freon -11
70
21.1
0.21
Freon -12
70
21.1
0.27
Freon -21
70
21.1
1.45
Furfurol
68
77
20
25
1.45
1.49cp
31.7
Fuel oil 1
70
100
21.1
37.8
2.39-4.28
-2.69
34-40
32-35
Fuel oil 2
70
100
21.1
37.8
3.0-7.4
2.11-4.28
36-50
33-40
Fuel oil 3
70
100
21.1
37.8
2.69-5.84
2.06-3.97
35-45
32.8-39
Fuel oil 5A
70
100
21.1
37.8
7.4-26.4
4.91-13.7
50-125
42-72
Fuel oil 5B
70
100
21.1
37.8
26.413.6-67.1
12572-310
Fuel oil 6
122
160
50
71.1
97.4-660
37.5-172
450-3M
175-780
Gas oils
70
100
21.1
37.8
13.9
7.4
73
50
Gasoline a
60
100
15.6
37.8
0.88
0.71
Gasoline b
60
100
15.6
37.8
0.64
Gasoline c
60
100
15.6
37.8
0.46
0.40
Glycerin 100%
68.6
100
20.3
37.8
648
176
2950
813
Glycerin 50% water
68
140
20
60
5.29
1.85 cp
43
Glucose
100
150
37.8
65.6
7.7M-22M
880-2420
35M100M
4M-11M
Heptanes-n
0
100
-17.8
37.8
0.928
0.511
Hexane-n
0
100
-17.8
37.8
0.683
0.401
Honey
100
37.8
73.6
349
Ink, printers
100
130
37.8
54.4
550-2200
238-660
250010M
1100-3M
Insulating oil
70
100
21.1
37.8
24.1 max 115 max
11.75 max 65 max
Kerosene
68
20
2.71
35
Jet Fuel
-30.
-34.4
7.9
52
Lard
100
130
37.8
54.4
62.1
34.3
287
160
Lard oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
41-47.5
23.4-27.1
190-220
112-128
Linseed oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
30.5
18.94
143
93
Mercury
70
100
21.1
37.8
0.118
0.11
Methyl acetate
68
20
0.44
104
40
0.32 cp
Methyl iodide
68
104
20
40
0.213
0.42 cp
Menhaden oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
29.8
18.2
140
90
Milk
68
20
1.13
31.5
Molasses A, first
100
130
37.8
54.4
281-5070
151-1760
130023500
700-8160
B, second
100
130
37.8
54.4
1410-13.2M
660-3.3M
653561180
305815294
12190255M
2630-55M
1320-16.5M 612076.5M
C, blackstrap
100
130
37.8
54.4
Naphthalene
176
212
80
100
0.9
0.78 cp
Neatstool oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
49.7
27.5
230
130
Nitrobenzene
68
20
1.67
31.8
Nonane-n
0
100
-17.8
37.8
1.728
0.807
32
Octane-n
0
100
-17.8
37.8
1.266
0.645
31.7
Olive oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
43.2
24.1
200
Palms oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
47.8
26.4
Peanut oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
42
23.4
Pentane-n
0
80
17.8
26.7
0.508
0.342
Petrolatum
130
160
54.4
71.1
20.5
15
100
77
Petroleum ether
60
15.6
31(est)
1.1
Propionic acid
32
68
0
20
1.52 cp
1.13
31.5
Propylene glycol
70
21.1
52
241
100-120
20.5-25
Quenching oil
(typical)
200
Rapeseed oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
54.1
31
250
145
Rosin oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
324.7
129.9
1500
600
Rosin (wood)
100
200
37.8
93.3
Sesame seed oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
39.6
23
184
110
Sodium chloride 5%
68
20
1.097
31.1
Sodium chloride 25%
60
15.6
2.4
34
216-11M 1M-50M
108-4400 500-20M
Sodium hydroxide (caustic
soda) 20%
65
18.3
4.0
39.4
Sodium hydroxide (caustic
soda) 30%
65
18.3
10.0
58.1
Sodium hydroxide (caustic
soda) 40%
65
18.3
Soya bean oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
35.4
19.64
165
96
Sperm oil
100
130
37.5
54.4
21-23
15.2
110
78
Sulphuric acid 100%
68
140
20
60
14.56
7.2 cp
76
Sulphuric acid 95%
68
20
14.5
75
Sulphuric acid 60%
68
20
4.4
41
3M-8M
650-1400
Sulphuric acid 20%
Tar, coke oven
70
100
21.1
37.8
600-1760
141-308
15M300M
2M-20M
Tar, gas house
70
100
21.1
37.8
3300-66M
440-4400
2500
500
Tar, pine
100
132
37.8
55.6
559
108.2
200-300
55-60
Toluene
68
140
20
60
0.68
0.38 cp
185.7
Triethylene glycol
70
21.1
40
400-440
185-205
Turpentine
100
130
37.8
54.4
86.5-95.2
39.9-44.3
Varnish, spar
68
100
20
37.8
313
143
Water, distilled
68
20
1.0038
31
Water, fresh
60
130
15.6
54.4
1.13
0.55
31.5
1.15
31.5
163-184
97-112
Water, sea
Whale oil
100
130
37.8
54.4
35-39.6
19.9-23.4
Xylene-o
68
104
20
40
0.93
0.623 cp
1425
650
centiStokes
(cSt)
Saybolt Second
Universal
(SSU, SUS)
Typical liquid
31
Water (20oC)
4.3
40
Milk
SAE 20 Crankcase Oil
SAE 75 Gear Oil
15.7
80
No. 4 fuel oil
20.6
100
Cream
43.2
200
Vegetable oil
110
500
SAE 30 Crankcase Oil
SAE 85 Gear Oil
220
1000
Tomato Juice
SAE 50 Crankcase Oil
SAE 90 Gear Oil
440
2000
SAE 140 Gear Oil
1100
5000
Glycerine (20oC)
SAE 250 Gear Oil
2200
10,000
Honey
6250
28,000
Mayonnaise
19,000
86,000
Sour cream
Centipoise
(CPS)
Millipascal
seconds
(mPas)
Poise
(P)
0.01
0.01
31
0.02
0.02
34
0.04
0.04
38
0.07
0.07
47
10
0.1
10
0.1
60
15
0.15
15
0.15
80
20
0.2
20
0.2
100
25
0.24
25
0.24
130
Saybolt
Centistokes Stokes Seconds
(cSt)
(S)
Universal
(SSU)
30
0.3
30
0.3
160
40
0.4
40
0.4
210
50
0.5
50
0.5
260
60
0.6
60
0.6
320
70
0.7
70
0.7
370
80
0.8
80
0.8
430
90
0.9
90
0.9
480
100
100
530
120
1.2
120
1.2
580
140
1.4
140
1.4
690
160
1.6
160
1.6
790
180
1.8
180
1.8
900
200
200
1000
220
2.2
220
2.2
1100
240
2.4
240
2.4
1200
260
2.6
260
2.6
1280
280
2.8
280
2.8
1380
300
300
1475
320
3.2
320
3.2
1530
340
3.4
340
3.4
1630
360
3.6
360
3.6
1730
380
3.8
380
3.8
1850
400
400
1950
420
4.2
420
4.2
2050
440
4.4
440
4.4
2160
460
4.6
460
4.6
2270
480
4.8
480
4.8
2380
500
500
2480
550
5.5
550
5.5
2660
600
600
2900
700
700
3380
800
800
3880
900
900
4300
1000
10
1000
10
4600
1100
11
1100
11
5200
1200
12
1200
12
5620
1300
13
1300
13
6100
1400
14
1400
14
6480
1500
15
1500
15
7000
1600
16
1600
16
7500
1700
17
1700
17
8000
1800
18
1800
18
8500
1900
19
1900
19
9000
2000
20
2000
20
9400
2100
21
2100
21
9850
2200
22
2200
22
10300
2300
23
2300
23
10750
2400
24
2400
24
11200
2500
25
2500
25
11600
3000
30
3000
30
14500
3500
35
3500
35
16500
4000
40
4000
40
18500
4500
45
4500
45
21000
5000
50
5000
50
23500
5500
55
5500
55
26000
6000
60
6000
60
28000
6500
65
6500
65
30000
7000
70
7000
70
32500
7500
75
7500
75
35000
8000
80
8000
80
37000
8500
85
8500
85
39500
9000
90
9000
90
41080
9500
95
9500
95
43000
15000
150
15000
150
69400
20000
200
20000
200
92500
30000
300
30000
300
138500
40000
400
40000
400
185000
50000
500
50000
500
231000
60000
600
60000
600
277500
70000
700
70000
700
323500
80000
800
80000
800
370000
90000
900
90000
900
415500
100000
1000
100000
1000
462000
125000
1250
125000
1250
578000
150000
1500
150000
1500
694000
175000
1750
175000
1750
810000
200000
2000
200000
2000
925000
Kinematic viscosity can be converted from SSU to Centistokes like
Centistokes = 0.226 SSU - 195 / SSU
where
SSU < 100
Centistokes = 0.220 SSU - 135 / SSU
where
SSU > 100
Viscosity and Temperature
Kinematic viscosity of liquids like water, mercury, oils SAE 10 and oil no. 3 - and gases like air,
hydrogen and helium are indicated below. Note that
for liquids viscosity decreases with temperature
for gases viscosity increases with temperature
