This web page allows you to convert the different dynamic viscosity units and answers the following questions in particular: What is the history behind dynamic viscosity units? What are some common uses of dynamic viscosity units in various fields? What are some reference values for dynamic viscosity in different units? How can you convert between different dynamic viscosity units? How is dynamic viscosity measured?
Throughout history, many different units have been used to measure dynamic viscosity. Poise (P) is one of the oldest units, popularized by Jean Louis Marie Poiseuille in the 19th century. This unit name was inspired by the British physicist Sir George Stokes, who invented a formula for measuring the viscosity of fluids. The Pascal-second (Pa·s) unit was created in the early 20th century and is still in use today. In 1915, the pound-force second per square inch (lb·s/in²) was introduced and became widely used in the US. In 1930, the centipoise (cP) unit was created, a derivative of the Poise unit, and in 1940 the Reyn (Re) unit was established. Finally, the kilogram per meter-second (kg/(m·s)) unit was created in the mid-20th century and was adopted as the standard unit in Europe.
Dynamic viscosity units are widely used in the physical sciences and engineering fields, as they provide useful information about the behavior of fluids. In the chemical industry, these units are used to measure the viscosity of products and determine the best temperature for their proper utilization. In mechanical engineering, viscosity is used to calculate different lubricant parameters. In the medical field, dynamic viscosity measurements are used to characterize blood and other fluids. And in aerospace engineering, viscosity is important in designing aircraft, to adjust the flow of air and reduce air resistance.
Below is a list of 10 examples of reference or record values in the different units of dynamic viscosity.
To convert between different dynamic viscosity units, you will need to know the formula of the unit and the value of the viscosity in the initial unit. For example, to convert from Pascal seconds (Pa·s) to centipoise (cP), the conversion formula is cP = 0.001Pa·s. Therefore, if the value of the dynamic viscosity in Pa·s is 5 Pa·s, then the value in cP will be 5,000 cP. Similarly, to convert from lb·s/in² to Pa·s, the conversion formula is Pa·s = 0.014 lb·s/in². Therefore, if the value of the dynamic viscosity in lb·s/in² is 200 lb·s/in², then the value in Pa·s will be 2.8 Pa·s.
Dynamic viscosity is measured by timing the flow of a known volume of fluid through a capillary tube or other device. Generally, a glass or plastic tube is used, which is filled with the fluid to be measured. The time it takes the fluid to pass through the tube is taken as the measurement, along with other factors such as temperature and pressure. These measurements then provide the data necessary to measure the dynamic viscosity in the desired units.