MOTION OF PARTICLE IN FLUID (STOKE’S LAW)

BY

AYEOLA OLAJIDE ABDUL-HAFEEZ

15/ENG07/008

CHE 302

A LABORATORY REPORT

SUBMITTED TO THE

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF ENIGINEERING
AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY ADO-EKITI (ABUAD)

DATE PERFORMED 7TH FEBRUARY 2018

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 14TH FEBRUARY 2018

SUPERVISOR;
DR YAHAYA D. BABA
 ABSTRACT

The laboratory report gives a detailed account on the practical experiment carried out on
bodies falling through fluids describing the properties of spherical bodies falling through such
viscous liquids whilst also explaining the concept of terminal settling velocity, Reynold
number and also the concept of Laminar and Turbulent flow in Fluids- liquid in this case.

KEYWORDS
1) Density
2) Laminar flow
3) Turbulent flow
4) Viscosity
5) Reynold’s number
6) Terminal settling velocity

i
 Contents
ABSTRACT.......................................................................................................................................... i
LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................. iii
LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................... iv
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................. v
LIST OF EQUATIONS ....................................................................................................................... vi
CHAPTER ONE .................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 WHAT ARE PARTICLES .................................................................................................... 1
1.1.2 Why measure particle properties? ................................................................................ 1
1.1.3 TERMINAL VELOCITY ...................................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER TWO ................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1 THEORY .................................................................................................................................. 4
CHAPTER THREE............................................................................................................................... 6
3.1 EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS........................................................................................................ 6
3.1.1 APPARATUS AND MATERIALS USED............................................................................... 6
3.1.2 PROCEDURES FOLLOWED .............................................................................................. 7
3.1.3 PROCEDURES FOLLOWED IN EVALUATION OF RESULTS ............................................... 7
CHAPTER FOUR ................................................................................................................................ 8
4.1 RESULTS ................................................................................................................................. 8
4.1.2 OBSERVATIONS .............................................................................................................. 9
CHAPTER FIVE ................................................................................................................................ 10
5.1 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................... 10
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................................................................... 10
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................. 11
APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................. 12

ii
 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1; Creeping Flow past a Sphere[2] .................................................................................. 2
Figure 2: Sedimentation study apparatus[7] ............................................................................. 6
Figure 3 : Steel ball bearings ...................................................................................................... 6
Figure 4: Stopwatch[7] ............................................................................................................... 7
Figure 5: Vernier Calliper[7] ....................................................................................................... 7
Figure 6; Graph of Settling Velocity Against Ball Diameter ....................................................... 8

iii
 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1; Table of Values ............................................................................................................. 8

iv
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

PAC-R Polyanionic Cellulose Regular Viscosity

ρp Mass density of Sphere
ρf Mass density of Fluid
Fg Gravitational Force
Fd Drag Force
g gravitational acceleration (m/s2)
R radius of the spherical particle.
μ dynamic viscosity (kg/m*s).
d Ball Diameter

v
 LIST OF EQUATIONS
(1-1).............………......……………………………………………………………………………………………….………….2
(2-1) ............................................................................................................................................ 4
(2-2) ............................................................................................................................................ 4
(2-3) ............................................................................................................................................ 4
(2-4) ............................................................................................................................................ 5

vi
 CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 WHAT ARE PARTICLES
A particle refers to a quantity of matter that is used by scientists to construct theories about
their field of study. There is no particular size restriction on defining a particle.[1]
Solids in general are more difficult to handle then liquid and gases.

In process industries solid appear in variety of forms, they may be hard and abrasive, tough
and rubbery, soft and fragile, dusty and cohesive, free flowing or sticky.
Particulate materials, powders or bulk solids (i.e. bulk solids, particulate solids and granular
solids) are used widely in all areas of the process industries, for example in the food
processing, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, oil, chemical, mineral processing, metallurgical,
detergent, power generation, paint, plastics and cosmetics industries.

So the knowledge of their properties, handling, storage, transportation, separation and

processing is important from chemical engineering point of view.
Classification of solids by particle size is extremely important in chemical manufacture, in fact
much processing equipment is devoted to separating one phase or one material from
another, screening is the separation of a mixture of various sizes of grains into two or more
portions by means of a screening surface, the screening surface acting as a multiple gauge
and the final portions consisting of grains of more uniform size than those of the original
mixture. Materials that remain on a given screening is the oversize or plus material. Material
passing through the screening surface is the undersize or minus material and material passing
one screening surface and retained on a subsequent surface is the intermediate material.

1.1.2 Why measure particle properties?

Better control of quality of product (cement, urea, cosmetics etc)
Better understanding of products, ingredients.
Designing of equipment for different operations such as crushing, grinding, conveying,
separation, storage etc

1.1.3 TERMINAL VELOCITY

Terminal velocity is the highest velocity attainable by an object as it falls through a fluid (air
is the most common example). It occurs when the sum of the drag force (Fd) and
the buoyancy is equal to the downward force of gravity (FG) acting on the object. Since the net
force on the object is zero, the object has zero acceleration.
In fluid dynamics, an object is moving at its terminal velocity if its speed is constant due to the
restraining force exerted by the fluid through which it is moving.
As the speed of an object increases, so does the drag force acting on it, which also depends
on the substance it is passing through (for example air or water). At some speed, the drag or
force of resistance will equal the gravitational pull on the object (buoyancy is considered
below). At this point the object ceases to accelerate and continues falling at a constant speed
called the terminal velocity (also called settling velocity). An object moving downward faster
than the terminal velocity (for example because it was thrown downwards, it fell from a
thinner part of the atmosphere, or it changed shape) will slow down until it reaches the

1
terminal velocity. Drag depends on the projected area, here, the object's cross-section or
silhouette in a horizontal plane. An object with a large projected area relative to its mass, such
as a parachute, has a lower terminal velocity than one with a small projected area relative to
its mass, such as a bullet.

1.1.3.1 TERMINAL VELOCITY IN A CREEPING FLOW

Figure 1; Creeping Flow past a Sphere[2]

For very slow motion of the fluid, the inertia forces of the fluid are negligible (assumption of
massless fluid) in comparison to other forces. Such flows are called creeping flows .[3]
For the case of creeping flow, that is flow at very low velocities relative to the sphere, the
drag force F on the particle was obtained in 1851 by Stokes who solved the hydrodynamic
equations of motion, the Navier–Stokes equations, to give:

F = 3πμdu (1-1)

Equation 1.1, which is known as Stokes’ law is applicable only at very low values of the particle
Reynolds number and deviations become progressively greater as Re increases. Skin friction
constitutes two-thirds of the total drag on the particle as given by equation 3.1. Thus, the
total force F is made up of two components:
(i) skin friction:
(ii) form drag
As Re increases, skin friction becomes proportionately less and, at values greater than about
20, flow separation occurs with the formation of vortices in the wake of the sphere.
At high Reynolds numbers, the size of the vortices progressively increases until, at values of
between 100 and 200, instabilities in the flow give rise to vortex shedding. The effect of these
changes in the nature of the flow on the force exerted on the particle is now considered.[4]

2
1.1.4 Applications
The creeping flow results can be applied in order to study the settling of sediments near the
ocean bottom and the fall of moisture drops in the atmosphere. The principle is also applied
in the falling sphere viscometer, an experimental device used to measure the viscosity of
highly viscous fluids, for example oil, paraffin, tar etc[5]
Stokes’ law is the basis of the falling-sphere viscometer, in which the fluid is stationary in a
vertical glass tube. A sphere of known size and density is allowed to descend through the
liquid. If correctly selected, it reaches terminal velocity, which can be measured by the time
it takes to pass two marks on the tube. Electronic sensing can be used for opaque fluids.
Knowing the terminal velocity, the size and density of the sphere, and the density of the liquid,
Stokes’ law can be used to calculate the viscosity of the fluid. A series of steel ball bearings of
different diameters are normally used in the classic experiment to improve the accuracy of
the calculation. The school experiment uses glycerine or golden syrup as the fluid, and the
technique is used industrially to check the viscosity of fluids used in processes. Several school
experiments often involve varying the temperature and/or concentration of the substances
used in order to demonstrate the effects this has on the viscosity. Industrial methods include
many different oils, and polymer liquids such as solutions.
The importance of Stokes' law is illustrated by the fact that it played a critical role in the
research leading to at least three Nobel Prizes.[6]
Stokes' law is important for understanding the swimming of microorganisms and sperm; also,
the sedimentation of small particles and organisms in water, under the force of gravity.
In air, the same theory can be used to explain why small water droplets (or ice crystals) can
remain suspended in air (as clouds) until they grow to a critical size and start falling as rain (or
snow and hail). Similar use of the equation can be made in the settlement of fine particles in
water or other fluids.[2]

3
 CHAPTER TWO
2.1 THEORY
Terminal settling velocity has been discussed extensively in class.
Transport of Particle can take place by air, liquid or ice and the main difference of the three
media is their density and viscosity. Air has both, the lowest density and viscosity and is the
least efficient transport medium. The transport efficiency of a substance depends on how fast
bodies fall through the medium. Tings fall very fast through air, slower through water and
extremely slowly through Ice.
The free fall velocity is given by Stokes’ Law, which describes how fast spherical bodies fall
through viscous liquids, assuming laminar flow.
In 1851, George Gabriel Stokes derived an expression, now known as Stokes' law, for the
frictional force – also called drag force – exerted on spherical objects with very
small Reynolds numbers in a viscous fluid. Stokes' law is derived by solving the Stokes
flow limit for small Reynolds numbers of the Navier–Stokes equations
At terminal (or settling) velocity, the excess force Fg due to the difference between
the weight and buoyancy of the sphere (both caused by gravity) is given by:
4
𝐹𝑔 = (𝜌𝑝 − 𝜌𝑓 )𝑔 𝜋𝑅 3 (2-1)
3

with ρp and ρf the mass densities of the sphere and fluid, respectively,
and g the gravitational acceleration. Requiring the force balance Fd = Fg and solving for the
velocity gives the terminal velocity vs. Note that since buoyant force increases as R3 and
Stokes' drag increases as R, the terminal velocity increases as R2 and thus varies greatly with
particle size as shown below. If the particle is falling in the viscous fluid under its own
weight, then a terminal velocity, or settling velocity, is reached when this frictional force
combined with the buoyant force exactly balances the gravitational force. This
velocity v (m/s) is given by;
2 (𝜌𝑝 − 𝜌𝑓 ) 2
𝑉= 𝑔𝑅 (2-2)
9 𝜇

(vertically downwards if ρp > ρf, upwards if ρp < ρf ), where:

 g is the gravitational acceleration (m/s2)

 R is the radius of the spherical particle.
 ρp is the mass density of the particles (kg/m3)
 ρf is the mass density of the fluid (kg/m3)
 μ is the dynamic viscosity (kg/m*s).
The relationship can be rewritten as;
1 (𝜌𝑝 − 𝜌𝑓 )𝑔𝑑 2
𝑉=[ ] (2-2)
18 𝜇
Where

4
D is the diameter of dropped object and all other representations remain the same

This relationship only holds for Laminar flow, that means the fluid moves around the object
in an orderly, non-turbulent way. The Reynold’s Number Re describes whether flow conditions
around a sphere are laminar or Turbulent. Re can be calculated from:
𝑑𝑣𝜌𝑓
𝑅𝑒 = (2-3)
𝜇

Flow conditions are

Laminar for Re > 500
Turbulent for Re < 500

The exact values depend on the flow conditions and the geometry of the setup. The point to
remember is that low Reynolds numbers are more likely to translate into laminar flow
conditions. Stoke’s law is only valid for low Reynold’s numbers. In this experimental work, we
are to measure settling velocities for steel balls dropped in PAC-R as a function of particle
diameter.

5
 CHAPTER THREE
3.1 EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS
3.1.1 APPARATUS AND MATERIALS USED
The following apparatus was used during the experiment:
1) Sedimentation study apparatus:
This is used for studying the basic physical processes involved in sedimentation,
including zone formation and hindered settling.

Figure 2: Sedimentation study apparatus[7]

2) Steel ball-bearings:
This was used in showing the settling velocity in the fluid.

Figure 3 : Steel ball bearings

3) Stopwatch:
This is used to time how long it will take the sphere balls to fall through in the
mixture PAC-R

6
 Figure 4: Stopwatch[7]

4) Vernier Calipers:
This was used to measure the diameter of the steel ball bearing.

Figure 5: Vernier Calliper[7]

3.1.2 PROCEDURES FOLLOWED

The following Procedures were followed during the course of the experiment;
1) The room Temperature was measured to be 27.30C
2) The diameter of the spherical balls was measured using a Vernier caliper
3) The balls were dropped in the tube at different succession
4) After a ball was dropped, the stop watch was used to measure the time taken for it to
reach the bottom of the manometer tube after we had chosen the 50cm mark as a
yardstick for the attainment of Terminal Velocity.
5) The steps above were repeated at for the other spherical balls

3.1.3 PROCEDURES FOLLOWED IN EVALUATION OF RESULTS

1) The settling velocities of the balls were calculated using v=s/t, where s is the distance
the ball fell during the time interval.
2) A graph of settling velocity vs ball diameter was plotted using Microsoft Excel
3) The viscosity and density of the balls were measured in the laboratory

7
 CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 RESULTS
Diameter of Balls;
Ball A= 0.0094m
Ball B= 0.0063m
Ball C= 0.0046m
Ball D= 0.0038m

Vol of Pycnometer= 50ml

Mass of fluid= 0.04943kg
Density of fluid= 988.6kg/m3
Temperature= 27.3 0C
Viscosity of Fluid= 5257Cp= 5.257Pas

Table 1; Table of Values

Theoretical Reynold
S/N Ball Type Ball Diameter Velocity Settling Velocity Number
1 A 0.0094 0.0638 0.692 0.1128
2 B 0.0063 0.0287 0.425 0.034
3 C 0.0046 0.01528 0.268 0.0114
4 D 0.0038 0.01043 0.177 0.007453

4.1.1 GRAPH OBTAINED

Graph of Settling Velocity against Ball Diameter

0.8
0.7
0.6
Settling Velocity

0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.006 0.007 0.008 0.009 0.01
Ball Diameter

Figure 6; Graph of Settling Velocity Against Ball Diameter

8
4.1.2 OBSERVATIONS

During the course of the experiment, the following were observed;

1) The theoretical velocity varied to a great deal when compared with the settling velocity.
2) It was also observed that the Reynold number gotten from the evaluation of various
parameters has a very small value. In view of this we reached a consensus that the flow
was Laminar judging from the very small value of the Reynold number.
3) It was also observed that the settling velocity increased with the diameter of the
spherical ball. The higher the diameter, the higher the settling velocity and vice versa,

9
 CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 CONCLUSION
Following the successful completion of the experiment we were able to further lend credence
to the Stoke’s law since we worked at a very low value of the Reynold’s number which
indicates that the flow was laminar and not turbulent as posed to us at the start of the
experiment.
Although there was variation in values of the settling velocities and the theoretical velocities,
nevertheless the Experiment was carried out scrupulously to ensure accurate results though the
values still varied which may be due to factors beyond our control.
In view of the above, we can proudly say this experiment was a success as the set out objectives
were achieved.

5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
During the course of the experiment, we took notes of some things which may have
hindered getting the most accurate results for the Experiment. In view of this, I write to propose
some recommendations which should be considered during the course of subsequent
experiments and they are as follows;
1. Provisions should be made for the availability of more of the devices used to ensure full
participation of all students.
2. Proper Precautionary measures should be put into place so as to minimize the risk of getting
into an accident.
3. The apparatus should be returned to their various places when upon completion of the
experiment.

10
 REFERENCES
[1] S. Segal, “Particles Properties and Classification,” 2017. [Online]. Available:
study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-particle-definition-theory-quiz.html.
[2] the free encyclopedia Wikipedia, “STOKE’S LAW,” 2018. [Online]. Available:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stokes%27s_law.
[3] the free encyclopedia Wikipedia, “Terminal velocity,” 2018. [Online]. Available:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminal_velocity. [Accessed: 10-Oct-2018].
[4] J. F. RICHARDSON University of Wales, And, J. H. HARKER University of Newcastle, and
with J. R., “Coulson & Richardson’s Chemical Engineering - Volume II - Particle
Technology and Separation Processes 5th Ed (2002),” vol. 2, 2002.
[5] J. Huang, Speed of a Skydiver (Terminal Velocity). 1999.
[6] D. B. Dusenbery, “Living at Micro Scale,” 2009.
[7] K. Website, “Laboratory Equipment Supplies,” 2017. [Online]. Available:
http://www.labequip.co.za/pg/76460/environmental-engineering. [Accessed: 13-Feb-
2018].

11
 APPENDIX
1 (𝜌𝑠−𝜌𝑓 )𝑔𝑑2
V=18 [ ]
𝜇
For diameter A
3.46
Mass=1000 = 0.00346𝑘𝑔
𝜋𝑑3 𝜋×(0.0094)3
Volume= = =0.00000043489m3
6 6
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
Density=𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
Density=7956.03kg/m3
1 7956.03−988.6)×9.81×(0.0094)2
V=18 [ ] = 0.0639𝑚/𝑠
5.257

For diameter B
1.06
Mass=1000 = 0.00106𝑘𝑔
𝜋𝑑3 𝜋×(0.0063)3
Volume= = =0.0000001309m3
6 6
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
Density=𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
Density=8097.78kg/m3
1 8097.78−988.6)×9.81×(0.0063)2
V=18 [ ] = 0.0293𝑚/𝑠
5.257

For diameter C
0.47
Mass=1000 = 0.00047𝑘𝑔
𝜋𝑑3 𝜋×(0.0046)3
Volume= = =0.00000005097m3
6 6
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
Density=𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
Density=9221.11kg/m3
1 9221.11−988.6)×9.81×(0.0046)2
V=18 [ ] = 0.0181𝑚/𝑠
5.257
For diameter D
0.24
Mass=1000 = 0.00024𝑘𝑔
𝜋𝑑3 𝜋×(0.0038)3
Volume= = =0.0000000287m3
6 6
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠
Density=𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
Density=8362.37kg/m3
1 8362.37−988.6)×9.81×(0.0038)2
V=18 [ ] = 0.0110𝑚/𝑠
5.257

EXPERIMENTAL CALCULATIONS
𝑆
V= 𝑡
S=45cm or 0.45m
For diameter A
t=0.65
0.45
V=0.65 = 0.692𝑚/𝑠
For diameter B
0.45
V=1.06 = 0.425𝑚/𝑠
For diameter C

12
 0.45
V=1.68 = 0.268𝑚/𝑠
For diameter D
0.45
V=2.54 = 0.177𝑚/𝑠
REYNOLD’S NUMBER
𝑑 × 𝑣 × 𝜌𝐹
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇
For diameter A
0.0094 × 0.0639 × 988.6
𝑅𝑒 = = 0.112956
5.257

13