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Specific Gravity of Fluid Formula:
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Specific Gravity of Fluid is the ratio of the specific weight of a substance to the specific weight of a standard fluid. It is a dimensionless quantity that indicates how dense a fluid is compared to a reference fluid.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio between the specific weight of the liquid being measured and the specific weight of the standard reference fluid.
Details: Specific gravity is crucial in fluid mechanics and engineering applications. It helps determine buoyancy, fluid stratification, and is used in various industrial processes where fluid density comparisons are important.
Tips: Enter both specific weight values in N/m³. Ensure both values are positive and valid for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is typically used as the standard fluid?
A: For liquids, water is commonly used as the standard fluid at 4°C. For gases, air at standard temperature and pressure is often used.
Q2: Is specific gravity the same as density?
A: While related, specific gravity is a ratio comparing densities, making it dimensionless, while density has units of mass per volume.
Q3: Why is specific gravity important in engineering?
A: It's used in designing floating structures, determining fluid behavior in pipes, and in various chemical and process engineering applications.
Q4: Can specific gravity be less than 1?
A: Yes, if the fluid is less dense than the reference fluid. For example, most oils have specific gravity less than 1 when water is the reference.
Q5: How does temperature affect specific gravity?
A: Since density changes with temperature, specific gravity values should specify the temperature conditions for both the sample and reference fluid.