Kinematic Viscosity Calculator

Understanding Kinematic Viscosity Calculator

Kinematic viscosity is the ratio of dynamic viscosity to density. For water at 20°C, ν ≈ 1.004×10⁻⁶ m²/s.

How to use this calculator

1. Enter the dynamic viscosity \(\mu\) of the fluid.
2. Enter the density \(\rho\) of the fluid.
3. Check that your units are compatible, for example \(\text{Pa} \cdot \text{s}\) for \(\mu\) and \(\text{kg}/\text{m}^3\) for \(\rho\).
4. Read the kinematic viscosity \(\nu\) from the result, which is found by dividing \(\mu\) by \(\rho\).

The formula explained

The formula \(\nu = \frac{\mu}{\rho}\) computes kinematic viscosity by dividing dynamic viscosity by density. This gives a measure of flow resistance per unit density.

• \(\nu\) = kinematic viscosity
• \(\mu\) = dynamic viscosity
• \(\rho\) = density

Step by step method

1. Start with the dynamic viscosity \(\mu\) and the density \(\rho\).
2. Substitute the values into \(\nu = \frac{\mu}{\rho}\).
3. Divide \(\mu\) by \(\rho\) to get \(\nu\).

Worked example

Problem. A fluid has dynamic viscosity \(\mu = 0.84 \text{ Pa} \cdot \text{s}\) and density \(\rho = 1200 \text{kg}/\text{m}^3\). Find its kinematic viscosity.

1. Substitute the values into the formula: \(\nu = \frac{0.84}{1200}\).
2. Compute the quotient: \(\nu = 0.0007\).
3. So the kinematic viscosity is \(0.0007 \text{ m}^2/\text{s}\).

Tips and common mistakes

• Make sure the density is not zero, because division by zero is not possible.
• If your dynamic viscosity is in \(\text{mPa} \cdot \text{s}\), convert it first or keep units consistent so the final answer is correct.

Frequently asked questions