VISCOSITY MEASUREMENTS

MAE 306
A. Objective
The objective of this experiment is to measure oil viscosity using two different
instruments. The behavior of oil viscosity as a function of temperature is evaluated utilizing one
of the instruments.
B. Experiment
First, the viscosity of SAE 10W oil at room temperatures is measured using a Brookfield
Digital Viscometer and then using a Saybolt viscosimeter. A comparison is made between the
two measurements.
Secondly, a sample of SAE 10W-40 oil is heated so that the behavior of viscosity as a
function of temperature can be evaluated. Since it is much more convenient, the Brookfield
Digital Viscometer is used to obtain the experimental curve for SAE 10W-40 oil. To verify the
results, standard curves for SAE 10W and SAE 40W oils are also generated from the given
Saybolt Universal Viscosity (SUV) chart.
C. Viscosity
1. Dynamic (Absolute) Viscosity
Measured with Brookfield Digital Viscometer. The units for dynamic viscosity () is
force time

=
2
length
CGS:

SI:

(1)

g
dyne sec
=
= poise ,10 poise = Pa s
cm s
cm 2

Kg
N s
=
ms
m2

FPS:

slug lbf s
=
ft s
ft 2

(2)

length 2
=
time

(3)

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VISCOSITY MEASUREMENTS
MAE 306

2. Kinematic Viscosity

Measured with the Saybolt viscosimeter. The unit for kinematic viscosity () is
length 2
=

time

cm 2
CGS:
= stokes
s
m2
SI:
s
ft 2
FPS:
s

The Saybolt viscosimeter records the time to fill a 60-mL flask. This is a special time
measurement known as Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS). It is Saybolt seconds (t). The
kinematic viscosity can be calculated as follows:
a. for t from 32-100

195

(4)

135

(5)

= 0.226t
b. for t > 100

= 0.220t

3. Relationship between dynamic and kinematic viscosity

centistokes =

centipoise
SG

Where SG is the specific gravity of the oil

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(6)

VISCOSITY MEASUREMENTS
MAE 306
D. Procedure
1. Experiment 1

a. Measure the viscosity of SAE 10W at room temperature using Brookfield digital
viscometer.
T (oC)

Spindle No./RPM

Scale Factor

Viscometer
Readout

Viscosity (cP)
mPa-s

Where scale factor X viscometer reading = dynamic viscosity in centipoise(cP)

b. To measure oil density at room temperature. Measure 60 mL of SAE 10W oil and weigh
to the nearest 0.0001 gram. Take the average of three readings.
Trial #

Empty flask (gm)

Full Flask (gm)

Volume (cc)

60

60

60

c. Measure Saybolt Universal Viscosity (seconds) for SAE 10W oil at room temperature.
Saybolt Time (sec.)

d. From the average density and Saybolt time, calculate the dynamic viscosity for SAE
10W oil. Using equations 2, 4 & 5.
e. Compare the dynamic viscosity of SAE 10W oil at room temperature measured from the
Brookfield digital viscometer and from the Saybolt viscosimeter. % difference

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VISCOSITY MEASUREMENTS
MAE 306

2. Experiment 2

a. From room temperature (25 oC) to approximately 100 oC, measure the dynamic viscosity
for SAE 10W-40 oil using the Brookfield digital viscometer.
Spindle number/ RPM:________________
Scale Factor:________________________
T
(oC)

Viscometer
Readout

Viscosity (cP)

SAE 10W-40
b. Plot dynamic viscosity (cP) vs. temperature (oC) for SAE 10W-40 oil.

c. From the given SUV chart (SUS vs Temperature oF) and Specific Gravity table, select
appropriate data points and calculate dynamic viscosity for SAE 10W and SAE 40W oils.
Plot dynamic viscosity (cP) vs. temperature (oC) for SAE 10W and SAE 40W oils on the
same graph in (b). Hint kinematic viscosity can be found by two methods:

1. using equation 4, 5
2. from scale provided
Once kinematic viscosity is known in centistokes then dynamic viscosity in centipoise can be
determined using equation 6.

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VISCOSITY MEASUREMENTS
MAE 306

SAE 10W: specific gravity_____________ density__________________

T (oF)

Saybolt Seconds

T(oC)

Viscosity (cSt)

Viscosity (cP)

From graph

From graph

calculate

determine

calculate

SAE 10W

SAE 40W: specific gravity_____________ density__________________

T (oF)

Saybolt Seconds

T(oC)

Viscosity (cSt)

Viscosity (cP)

From graph

From graph

calculate

determine

calculate

SAE 40W

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VISCOSITY MEASUREMENTS
MAE 306

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VISCOSITY MEASUREMENTS
MAE 306

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