VISCOSITY
Dynamic viscosity
Kinematic viscosity
SI Viscosity classification
SAE Viscosity classification
Coaxial Cylinder viscometer
Cone on plate viscometer
 
 Dynamic viscosity
The dynamic viscosity is the viscosity that relates shear stress τ and shear rate du/dz in a fluid, i.e. τ=η du/dz. The viscous shear stress τ is proportional to the shear rate, the dynamic viscosity η being the proportianality factor. So, thicker oils have a higher viscosity value causing relatively higher shear stesses at the same shear rate.

Dynamic viscosities are usually measured under high shear conditions, for example, the cylinder viscometer in which the viscous shear torque is measured between two cylinders.
 

 Kinematic viscosity
The kinematic viscosity is the quotient of the dynamic viscosity η and the fluid density ρ, ν=η/ρ. The physical principle of measurement is based on the rate at which a fluid flows vertically downwards under gravity through a small-diameter tube.
 
 SI Viscosity classificaton
ISO 3448, where ISO VG 22 refers to a viscosity grade of 22 cSt ± 10% at 40°C.
 
 SAE Viscosity Grades for Engine Oilsa — SAE J300 Dec 99
The actual viscosity grade of a lubricant is determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, for example SAE-15W40 for a multigrade oil and SAE-40 for a monograde oil. The first number (15W) refers to the viscosity grade at low temperatures (W from winter), whereas the second number (40) refers to the viscosity grade at high temperature.
 

SAE

Low Temperature Viscosities

High-Temperature Viscosities

Viscosity
Grade

Crankingb (mPa.s)
max at temp °C

Pumpingc (mPa.s)
max at temp °C

Kinematicd
(mm2/s)
at 100°C

High Sheare Rate (mPa.s)
at 150°C

     

 min  

max

min

0W

6200 at -35

60 000 at -40

3.8

5W

6600 at -30

60 000 at -35

3.8

10W

7000 at -25

60 000 at -30

4.1

15W

7000 at -20

60 000 at -25

5.6

20W

9500 at -15

60 000 at -20

5.6

25W

13 000 at -10

60 000 at -15

9.3

20

5.6

<9.3

2.6

30

9.3

<12.5

2.9

40

12.5

<16.3

2.9

40

12.5

<16.3

3.7

50

16.3

<21.9

3.7

60

21.9

<26.1

3.7


 
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