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Shear Rate Equation:
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Shear rate (γ) in pipe flow represents the rate at which adjacent layers of fluid move with respect to each other. For Newtonian fluids in pipe flow, it's calculated using a specific formula that relates velocity and pipe diameter.
The calculator uses the shear rate equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation calculates the shear rate for Newtonian fluids in pipe flow, which is important for understanding fluid behavior and designing fluid systems.
Details: Shear rate calculation is crucial for determining viscosity, predicting flow behavior, designing pumping systems, and understanding how fluids will behave in various industrial processes.
Tips: Enter velocity in meters per second (m/s) and pipe diameter in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
Q1: What is a Newtonian fluid?
A: A Newtonian fluid is one whose viscosity remains constant regardless of the applied shear stress. Water and most simple liquids are Newtonian fluids.
Q2: How does shear rate affect fluid behavior?
A: Shear rate determines how a fluid flows and deforms. Higher shear rates typically result in thinner apparent viscosity for non-Newtonian fluids.
Q3: What are typical shear rate values in industrial processes?
A: Shear rates can vary widely from 0.1 s⁻¹ in sedimentation processes to over 100,000 s⁻¹ in high-speed coating applications.
Q4: Can this formula be used for non-Newtonian fluids?
A: No, this specific formula is valid only for Newtonian fluids. Non-Newtonian fluids require more complex equations that account for their variable viscosity.
Q5: Why is the constant 8 used in the formula?
A: The constant 8 comes from the derivation of the shear rate equation for fully developed laminar flow in circular pipes, where the velocity profile is parabolic.