Abstract

The viscous behavior of fluids of prime interest to engineers and consequently the
functional dependence of viscosity on shear rate and shear stress has been studied
extensively. The objective of our experiment was to study how the viscosity of a non-
Newtonian fluid changes with varying shear stress and shear rate. The non-Newtonian
fluid studied was a 0.5 % wt solution of Carboxylmethyl Cellulose (CMC). The apparatus
that was used included 2 standard tubular viscometers of different lengths as well as a
volumetric flask, a peristaltic pump and a stop watch. The experiment was carried out by
first allowing the system to reach steady state afterwards which measurements were
taken for the volumetric flow rate and the height of the fluid in the cylinder. These values
were then used along with relevant equations to find the parameters n and K that appear
in the Power Law model. According to our results the parameters n and K, came out to
be ?? and ?? respectively. It was assumed that flow in the tubes is fully developed and
that end effects are negligible. Shear-thinning behavior was obtained for CMC which was
predicted beforehand. A second part of the experiment involved the calculation and
comparison of Bagley end-correction factors. Errors that resulted were concluded to have
been mainly due to errors made in recording the experimental values
 Conclusion

This experiment involved the determination of how the viscosity of a CMC, a non-
Newtonian fluid, changes with a change in shear rate and shear stress. The experiment
was carried out using a standard tubular viscometery set up. The measured variables
were the flow rate, as well as the height of the fluid at steady state in the vertical glass
column. These values helped us calculate the pressure drop as well as the power law
parameters using the equations provided in [add number of reference of lab manual]. The
value of n in the power law model came out to be less than 1 which is true for shear
thinning fluids, as per our expectations. The second part of the experiment involved the
investigation of end effects and finding the Bagley end-correction factor e. The e values
were calculated for the different pressure drops and flow rates. These values were then
compared which lead us to the conclusion that ---------------------

The Conclusion returns to the larger purpose of the lab, which is presented as the learning context in the
Introduction:Ý to learn something about the scientific concept that provides the reason for doing the lab.Ý This is
where you demonstrate that you have indeed learned something by stating what it is you have learned.Ý This is
important because it helps you to understand the value of the lab and convinces the reader that the lab has been a
success.Ý It's important, then, to be specific, providing details of what you have learned about the theory or principle
or procedure at the center of the lab.
which was within expectations.