Home Back

Shear Stress In Fluid Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ \sigma = \frac{\mu \times V}{d_s} \]

Pa·s
m/s
m

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Shear Stress in Fluid?

Shear stress in fluid mechanics is the force per unit area exerted by the fluid in a direction parallel to the surface of an object. It represents the internal friction within the fluid as different layers move at different velocities.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the shear stress formula:

\[ \sigma = \frac{\mu \times V}{d_s} \]

Where:

Explanation: This formula calculates the shear stress in a fluid based on its viscosity, flow velocity, and the distance between surfaces or stirrups.

3. Importance of Shear Stress Calculation

Details: Shear stress calculation is crucial for understanding fluid behavior in various engineering applications, including pipe flow, lubrication systems, and hydraulic machinery design. It helps determine energy losses, flow resistance, and equipment performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter viscosity coefficient in Pa·s, liquid velocity in m/s, and closed stirrup distance in meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the physical significance of shear stress in fluids?
A: Shear stress represents the internal friction between fluid layers moving at different velocities, indicating how much force is required to maintain fluid flow.

Q2: How does viscosity affect shear stress?
A: Higher viscosity fluids generate greater shear stress at the same velocity gradient because they offer more resistance to flow.

Q3: What are typical units for shear stress?
A: Shear stress is typically measured in Pascals (Pa) in the SI system, which is equivalent to N/m².

Q4: Where is this formula commonly applied?
A: This formula is used in various engineering fields including chemical processing, petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, and biomedical applications involving fluid flow.

Q5: What factors can affect the accuracy of shear stress calculations?
A: Temperature (which affects viscosity), surface roughness, flow regime (laminar vs turbulent), and non-Newtonian fluid behavior can all impact the accuracy of shear stress calculations.

Shear Stress In Fluid Calculator© - All Rights Reserved 2025