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Viscosity–temperature correlation for liquids

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A new viscosity–temperature equation and corresponding chart have been developed to extend the range of the current ASTM viscosity–temperature charts. This new chart and equation extends the temperature and viscosity range for hydrocarbons and, for the first time, has the ability to extend to the low viscosity regime of halocarbons and low temperature fluids. The new equation and chart can linearize liquid viscosity data from 0.04 cSt and covers the temperature range from −210 to 500 °C for halocarbons and hydrocarbons. With a modification to the temperature scaling, the new equation also has the ability to fit liquid metal viscosity data. The new chart and equation cannot accurately linearize the viscosity with respect to temperature of fluids exhibiting strong molecular bonding (water, ammonia), fluids whose molecular structure consists of long coils (some long chained silicones), or fluid mixtures in which one fluid precipitates out of solution (wax precipitation).

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Notes

  1. While Walther received credit for the equation correlating viscosity versus temperature, MacCoull’s earlier charts were based on the same form with an additive constant of 0.7. MacCoull’s work was clearly ahead of Walther’s, however he never disclosed the development of his chart until after the work of Walther had claimed recognition. This discrepancy was the one of the primary motivations of this intense historical review.

  2. ASTM Standard D 341-43 implemented γ = 0.60 down to viscosities of 1.5 cSt, γ = 0.65 for the viscosity range 1.5–1.0 cSt, γ = 0.70 for 1.0–0.7 cSt, and γ = 0.75 for 0.7–0.4 cSt in the construction of the charts.

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Acknowledgments

The Industrial Advisory Board of the Air Conditioning Research Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provided funding for part of this work.

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  1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1206 West Green Street, Urbana, IL, 61821, USA

    Christopher J. Seeton

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  1. Christopher J. Seeton
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Correspondence to Christopher J. Seeton.

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Seeton, C.J. Viscosity–temperature correlation for liquids. Tribol Lett 22, 67–78 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-006-9071-2

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