Experimental Evaluation of Drag Coefficient For Falling Sphere in Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid

EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF DRAG COEFFICIENT FOR

FALLING SPHERE IN NEWTONIAN AND NON-NEWTONIAN
FLUID

W.K., Mikhelf1, and H.Y., Mahmood2

Department of Mechanical Engineering,

1,2

College of Engineering, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq.

Email: *1wasaneng87@gmail.com; 2Hussain_yousif2001@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: The present study investigated the effect of drag

coefficient (CD) in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids which
were the rheological properties, size particles. Experiments were
conducted using two types of drilling fluids, water represented
Newtonian fluid and suspension of bentonite represented non-
Newtonian fluid. Stainless steel spheres were used as falling particles.
A plastic transparent cylinder of 200 mm inner diameter and 1850
mm length was used as a column for fluid container. Metal particle
dedicator was designed and constructed with FPGA kit to perform
the experimental work as electronic system to record accurate time
of falling particles and high speed camera (1000fps) was also used
in order to enhance results. A CFD software ANSYS FLUENT 15.0
was utilized. The study showed drag coefficient (CD) and particle
Reynolds’ number (ReP) relationship and the effect of rheological
properties on this relationship. The drag coefficient decreased with
increasing particles Reynolds number in laminar slip regime in
non-Newtonian fluid while remained approximate constant in fully
turbulent regime in Newtonian Fluid. Smaller particles showed
lower drag coefficient and higher Reynolds numbers for the same
material. The range of Reynolds Number was (1.4 *104 < Re < 7.1
*104) and the range of drag coefficient was (0.39 – 0.41) for tap water
whereas for the suspension of bentonite, the range of Reynolds
Number was (48 < Re < 260) and the range of drag coefficient was
(0.64 < CD < 0.76).

KEYWORDS: Reynolds Number, Drag Coefficient, Newtonian Fluid,

Non-Newtonian Fluid, Sphere Particle

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Motion of particles through a fluid with Newtonian and non-Newtonian
rheological properties is a well-studied problem with a broad range of
practical application. In Newtonian fluid, the particle motion is applied

ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015 13

Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

to the mechanism of controlling the path, position, direction, physical

behavior of particles or velocity. It plays a crucial role in biochemical
and chemical engineering because of its several

physical realization, i.e., Manufacturing

Journal of Advanced
Journal of Advanced fluidization
Manufacturing of solid, suspension, sedimentation,
Technology
Technology
lubricated transport, slurries, hydraulic fracturing of reservoir and
physical realization,
realization, i.e., i.e., fluidization
fluidization of of solid,
solid, suspension,
suspension,
others [1]. physical
The development
sedimentation, lubricated of transport,
new technologies slurries, in the fracturing
hydraulic materialsof
processing sedimentation,
chemical
reservoir
lubricated transport, slurries, hydraulic fracturing of
andengineering
others [1]. Thehas
[1]. The presentedof new
development challengesinfor
new technologies
technologies the
reservoir and others development of new in the
fluid dynamics
materialsresearch.
processingThis scenario
chemical is attributed
engineering
materials processing chemical engineering has presented has to advances new
presented in
new
challenges
geophysicalchallenges for fluid
fluid dynamics
for fluid dynamics
dynamics research.
focusingresearch. on complexThis scenario
This scenario
fluids is attributed
is attributed
includingto to
advances
slurries [2],advances in
coastal sedimentsgeophysical
in geophysical fluid
[3], polymer dynamics
fluid dynamics focusing
flows focusing
in petroleum on complex fluids
reservoirs
on complex fluids
including slurries
including slurries [2], [2], coastal
coastal sediments
sediments [3], [3], polymer
polymer flows flows in in
[4], landslide geometrical
petroleum reservoirs
[5] and
[4],
liquefied
landslide
soils
geometrical
created
[5] and
following
liquefied soils
earthquakes petroleum
[6]. Other reservoirs
authors [4],
have landslide
focused geometrical [5] and liquefied
on biomechanics soils
created
created following
following earthquakes
earthquakes [6]. Other
[6]. Other authors have
authors have of plasma
focused
focused on
on
and blood fluids in
biomechanics the past
of numerous
plasma and decades
blood [7].
fluids
biomechanics of plasma and blood fluids in the past numerous
Such
in the fluids
past show
numerous a
flow behavior that
decades could
[7]. Such be described
fluids show abyflow Newtonian
behavior relationships
that
decades [7]. Such fluids show a flow behavior that could be described could be so
describedit
by
is referred by Newtonian
as Newtonian
non-Newtonian relationships
fluids.
relationships soParticles
so it is
it is referred
referred as non-Newtonian
non-Newtonian
Reynolds’
as fluids.
number fluids.
is to
Particles Reynolds’ number is to indicate whether the boundary layer
indicate whether
Particlesthe boundary
Reynolds’ number layer around
is to indicatea whether
particlethe is boundary
turbulentlayer or
around aa particle
around particle is is turbulent
turbulent or or laminar,
laminar, and and thethe drag
drag exerted
exerted
laminar, and the
depends on drag exerted
on this.
this. It
It is depends
is aa measure
measure of on
of the this.
the relativeIt is a measure
relative importance
importance of of the
of inertial to
to
depends
relative importance of inertial to viscous forces ofasflow, and theinertial
ratio is
viscous forces of flow, and the ratio is given
viscous forces of flow, and the ratio is given as follows: follows:
given as follows:
For Newtonian
For Newtonian fluid:
fluid:
For Newtonian fluid: (1)
(1)

For Non-Newtonian
For Non-Newtonian fluid
fluid power
power law:
law:
For Non-Newtonian fluid power law:
(2)
(2)

When Re
When is particle
Repp is particle Reynolds
Reynolds number,
number, is
is Density
Density of
of fluid,
fluid, ϑ
ϑ is
is
When Rep isVelocity
particle
Velocity of Reynolds
of particle, D
particle, D isnumber,
is equivalent
equivalent is Density
diameter,of
diameter, μ fluid,
μ ϑ is Velocity
is Viscosity
is Viscosity of fluid,
of fluid, nn
is Flow
of particle, isDFlow behavior
is equivalent index
behavior index and
diameter, k is Consistency
and k isμConsistency
is Viscosity index [8].
of fluid,
index Solid particles
n isparticles
[8]. Solid Flow
settling inin drilling fluids
fluids has has been
been one
one ofof the
the major problems
problems in in anan
behavior index
settlingand kdrilling
is Consistency index [8]. Solidmajor particles settling
effective removal
effective removal of of drilled
drilled cuttings
cuttings from
from thethe bit
bit to
to the
the surface
surface for
for aa
in drilling profitable
fluids has beenoperation.
drilling one of the major itproblems
Therefore, will take in an effective
profitable drilling operation. Therefore, it will take two
two type of
of drilling
removal of mud,drilled cuttings
water as from the and
Newtonian bit to the surface
suspension of for type drilling
a profitable
bentonite as non-
non-
mud, water as Newtonian and suspension of bentonite as
drilling operation.
Newtonian Therefore,
fluid. Both it will
fluids take
are two
taken type
because
Newtonian fluid. Both fluids are taken because they are the most of drilling
they are mud,
the most
commonly used
water as Newtonian
commonly used fluid in-oil
and suspension
fluid in-oil wells.
wells. Drag coefficient
of bentonite
Drag coefficient is determined
as non-Newtonian
is determined
experimentally
fluid. Both experimentally
fluids are taken for the
for because motion
the motion theyof different
of are the most
different configuration
commonly
configuration through
usedaa
through
cylindrical column filled by suspension of bentonite (30% of bentonite
fluid in-oilcylindrical
wells.
and 70%70% of
column
Drag
of water);
filled by suspension
coefficient
water); the
is determined
the experiments
experiments will
of bentonite
will be
be repeated
(30% of bentonite
experimentally
repeated with with water
for
water andand
the motiontheandof results
different configuration through a cylindrical column
will be compared with previous studies.
the results will be compared with previous studies. In the present In the present
filled by suspension
work, spheres
work,
of bentonite
spheres are used
are used as as(30% of particles.
falling
falling
bentonite
particles. The
The
and 70%of
focus
focus ofof
thewater);
the present
present
the experiments
study was on drag coefficient versus particle Reynolds number be
study will
was onbe repeated
drag coefficientwith water
versus and
particle the results
Reynolds will
number for
for
compared freefree falling
withfalling particles.
previous studies. In the present work, spheres are
particles.
used as falling particles. The focus of the present study was on drag
coefficient versus particle Reynolds number for free falling particles.

14 ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015

 Experimental Evaluation of Drag Coefficient For Falling Sphere in Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid

1.1
1.1
1.1 The Scope
TheScope
The Scopeof of this
ofthis Work
thisWork
Work
1.1 The Scope of this Work
The
The
The study
study
study analyzes
analyzes
analyzes the effect
theeffect
the effect
effect of
of drag coefficient
dragcoefficient
coefficient (CD)
(CD) in
in Newtonian
Newtonian
The study analyzes the ofof drag
drag coefficient (CD)
(CD) inin Newtonian
Newtonian
and
and
and non-Newtonian
non-Newtonian
non-Newtonian fluids
fluids
fluids which
which
which were
were
were the
the
the rheological
rheological
rheological properties,
properties,
properties, size
size
size
and non-Newtonian fluids which were the rheological properties, size
particles.
particles.
particles. Besides,
Besides,
Besides, the
the
the results
resultswere
results were
were
were plotted
plotted
plotted with
with
with Reynolds
Reynolds
Reynolds number
number
number to
to
particles. Besides, the results plotted with Reynolds number toto
find
find
find new
new
new correlations.
correlations.
correlations. A
AA plastic
plastic
plastic transparent
transparent
transparent cylinder
cylinder
cylinder of
of
of 200
200
200 mm
mm
mm inner
inner
inner
find new correlations. A plastic transparent cylinder of 200 mm inner
diameter
diameter
diameter and
and
and 1850
1850
1850 mm length
mm lengthlength was used
wasasusedused as
as aaaforcolumn
column
column for fluid
for fluid
fluid
diameter and 1850 mm mm length was used was a column as for
fluid container.
container.
container.
container. Metal
Metal
Metal particle
particle dedicator
dedicator
particle(consisted (consisted
(consisted
dedicator of(consisted of
of two
two coils
coils tied
tied to
to
Metal particle dedicator two coilsoftied twotocoils tied to
electronic
electronic
electronic
electronic circuit)
circuit) was was
was designed
designed and
andwithconstructed
constructed with
with FPGA
FPGA kit kit
kit to
to
circuit) was circuit)
designed anddesigned
constructed and constructed
FPGA kit with FPGA
to perform theto
perform
perform
perform the
the
the experimental
experimental
experimental work
work
work as
as
as an
an
an electronic
electronic
electronic system
system
system to
to
to record
record
record
experimental work as an electronic system to record accurate time of
accurate
accurate
accurate time
time of
time of
of falling
falling particles.
particles. A high
A(1000fps) speed
high speed
speed camera
camera (1000fps)
(1000fps)was was
was
falling particles. A falling
high particles.
speed camera A high wascamera (1000fps)
used. Column was
used.
used.
used. Column
Column
Column was
was filled
wasfilledfilled with
withtwo
with two
two types
types
types of drilling
ofdrilling
of fluid
drillingNewtonian sequentially;
fluidsequentially;
fluid sequentially;
filled with two types of drilling fluid sequentially; fluids
Newtonian
Newtonian
Newtonian fluids
fluids
fluids using
using
using water
water
water and
and
and non-Newtonian
non-Newtonian
non-Newtonian fluids
fluids
fluids using
using
using
using water and non-Newtonian fluids using suspension of bentonite.
suspension
suspension
suspension of
ofof bentonite.
bentonite.
bentonite. Different
Different
Different stainless
stainless
stainless steel
steel
steel particles
particles
particles shapes
shapes
shapes
Different stainless steel particles shapes [sphere (1.1 cm ≤ D ≤ 0.3 cm),
[sphere
[sphere(1.3 (1.1
(1.1cmcm
cm≤≤≤≤l DD ≤≤≤0.3
0.3 cm), cylinder (1.3 cm ≤≤≤lll≤≤≤3.2
3.2 cm),
cm), cube (1 cm
[sphere
cylinder (1.1 cm ≤D3.2 0.3 cm),
cm),
cm), cylinder
cylinder
cube (1.3
(1 cm ≤(1.3 3cm
l ≤ cm cm) and3.2 conecm),(1cube
cube
cm ≤(1 (1 ≤cm
hcm
≤≤
≤ lll ≤
≤≤ 3
33 cm)
cm)
cm) and
and
and cone
cone
cone (1
(1
(1 cm
cm
cm ≤≤
≤ h
hh ≤≤
≤ 3
33 cm)]
cm)]
cm)] were
were
were used
used
used and
and
and releasing
releasing
releasing
3 cm)] were used and releasing particles apparatus was used for falling
particles
particles
particles apparatus
apparatus was
waswith used
usedtwo for falling
fortypes
falling them freely
them freely
freely in the
in the column
the column
column
them freelyapparatus
in the column was used for falling of them
drilling fluids. in
with
with two
two types
types of
of drilling
drilling
with two types of drilling fluids. fluids.
fluids.

2.02.0 PREVIOUS
2.0
2.0 PREVIOUS
PREVIOUS
PREVIOUS STUDIES
STUDIES
STUDIES
STUDIES
2.1
2.1 Newtonian
2.1 Newtonian
2.1 Newtonian
Newtonian fluid
fluid
fluid
fluid
Gilbert
Gilbert
Gilbert et
Gilbertetet al.
etal.al. [9]
al.[9] propose
proposea aaathree-parameter
[9]propose
[9] propose three-parameter equation
three-parameterequation
three-parameter just
equationjust
equation before
justbefore
just before
before
correlate
correlate
correlate
correlate the
the
thethe
drag drag
drag
drag coefficient
coefficient
coefficient
coefficient andandand
the the
the particle
andparticle
the particle
particle
ReynoldReynold
Reynold
Reynold
number.number.
number.
number.
A thirdA AA
third
third parameter
thirdparameter
parameter
parameter is
is
is introduced introduced
isintroduced
introduced in
in
in addition addition
inaddition
addition to
to
to theto the two parameters
theparameters
the
two twoparameters
two parameters given
given
givengiven
by
by
by Stokes.
byStokes.
Stokes.
Stokes.
(3)
(3)
(3)
Turton
Turtonand
and Levenspiel
Levenspiel [10] introduce
[10] introduce twotwoequations
equations (4)(4)and
and (5)(5)toto
Turton and
Turton and Levenspiel
Levenspiel [10][10] introduce
introduce twotwo equations
equations (4)(4) and
and (5)(5) to
to
correlate the
correlate drag
the dragcoefficient
coefficient and
and particle
particleReynolds
Reynolds number
number for
forfalling
falling
correlate the drag coefficient and particle Reynolds number
correlate the drag coefficient and particle Reynolds number for falling for falling
spheres. These
spheres. two two
These equations are similar
equations are to the original
similar to thethree-parameter
original three-
spheres. These
spheres. These two
two equations
equations are are similar
similar to
to the
the original
original three-three-
model by
parameterGilbert
modelet al.
by [9].
Gilbert et al. [9].
parametermodel
parameter modelby byGilbert
Gilbertet etal.
al.[9].
[9].
(4)
(4)
(4)

(5)
(5)
(5)

Haider
Haiderand
Haider
Haider and
and Levenspiel
andLevenspiel
Levenspiel [11]
Levenspiel[11]
[11] propose
[11]propose four-parameter
proposefour-parameter
propose general
four-parametergeneral
four-parameter drag
generaldrag
general drag
drag
coefficient-Reynolds
coefficient-Reynolds
coefficient-Reynolds number
coefficient-Reynoldsnumber
number relationship
numberrelationship
relationship for
relationshipfor spherical
forspherical
for particle,
sphericalparticle,
spherical as
particle,asas
particle, as
Equation
Equation
Equation
Equation (6),
(6),
(6),
(6),
(6)
(6)
(6)

ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015 15

Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
The experimental data used to find the best values of the four
Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
parameters
Journal of is similar
of Advanced
to Turton
Advanced Manufacturing
and Levenspiel [10] the final equation
Technology
The experimental
Journal data used
Manufacturing to find the best values of the four
Technology
obtained for the drag coefficient for sphere is as follows:
parameters is similar to Turton and Levenspiel [10] the final equation
TheThe
The experimental
experimental
experimental
obtained dragdata
for the data used
data used
to
used
coefficient to
findfor find
thesphere
to the
best values
find the best
of
best
is as values
the of
of the
the four
four parameters
values
follows: four
parameters
is similar to is similar
Turton and to Turton
Levenspiel and
[10]Levenspiel
the final [10]
equationthe final equation
obtained
parameters is similar to Turton and Levenspiel [10] the final equation (7)
for
theobtained for
for the
the drag
drag coefficient
obtained coefficient
for sphere
drag is as for
coefficient sphere
sphere is
follows:
for is as
as follows:
follows: (7)
Morrison (2013) finds new data correlation for drag coefficient(7) (7)for
sphere simple formula [12]. Equation is as follows:
Morrison (2013) finds new data correlation for drag coefficient for
sphere simple
Morrison (2013)formula [12]. data
finds new Equation is as follows:
correlation for drag coefficient forfor
Morrison
Morrison (2013)
(2013) finds
finds new
new data
data correlation
correlation for
for drag
drag coefficient
coefficient
(8) for
sphere simple
sphere formula [12]. Equation is as follows:
sphere simple
simple formula
formula [12].
[12]. Equation
Equation is
is as
as follows:
follows:
(8)
Where Re is the Reynolds number and CD is the drag coefficient.
(8)
(8)
Where Re is the Reynolds number and CD is the drag coefficient.
Where
2.2 ReNon-Newtonian
is thethe
Reynolds number and CDCD is thethedrag coefficient.
Where
Where Re Re is ReynoldsFluid
is the Reynolds number
number andand CD is is the drag
drag coefficient.
coefficient.
2.2
2.2 Non-Newtonian Fluid
DarbyNon-Newtonian
[13] predicts theFluid
resulting expression that provide an accurate
representation
2.2
Darby
2.2 [13] of the drag
Non-Newtonian
predicts in non-Newtonian
Fluid fluids on state that (A)
Darby predictsthe
Non-Newtonian
[13] theresulting
Fluid
resulting expression
expressionthat thatprovide
providean anaccurate
accurate
and (B) made
representation dependent on the power law index (n).
representationofofthe thedrag
dragininnon-Newtonian
non-Newtonianfluids fluidson onstate
statethat
that(A)
(A)
andDarby
(B)
Darby [13]
made
[13] predicts
dependent
predicts the
theonresulting
the expression
power
resulting law index
expression
and (B) made dependent on the power law index (n). that
(n).
that provide
provide an
an accurate
accurate
representation
representation of of the
the drag
drag inin non-Newtonian
non-Newtonian fluids fluids on
on state
state that
that (A)
(A)
and (B) made dependent on the power law
and (B) made dependent on the power law index (n). index (n). (9)
(9)
(10)
(9)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(10)
(10)
(11)

Kelessidis [14] predicts the resulting drag coefficient correlation(11) (11)

for
power law[14]
Kelessidis fluid.
predicts the resulting drag coefficient correlation for
Kelessidis [14] predicts the resulting drag coefficient correlation for
power
powerlaw lawfluid.
fluid.
Kelessidis
Kelessidis [14] [14] predicts
predicts thethe resulting
resulting drag
drag coefficient
coefficient correlation (12)for
correlation for
power
power lawlaw fluid.
fluid.
(12)
For 0.1 < Regn < 103
For 0.1 < Regn < 103 (12)
(12)
For 0.1[15]
Yousif < Re gn < 103
investigates the surface roughness effect of falling spheres
Yousif [15] investigates the surface roughness effect of falling spheres
in different fluids (Newtonian and non-Newtonian) on the virtual mass
inFor
Fordifferent
0.1 << for
0.1[15] Re
Re fluids
< 103 (Newtonian
< 103 and non-Newtonian) on the virtual
Yousif
coefficient investigates
gnsingle
gn
the surface
sphere, roughness
two spheres sideseffect of falling
by side and on spheres
line
mass coefficient for single sphere, two spheres sides by side and on
in differentA fluids
movement. (Newtonian
glass cylinder of 220and
mmnon-Newtonian)
diameter and 1500 onmm the length
virtual
line movement.
Yousif A glass the cylinder of roughness
220 mm diameter and 1500 mm
Yousif
ismass as[15]
[15]
usedcoefficient investigates
investigates
a liquid for single
column. the surface
surface
sphere,
A roughness
two
new design spheres effect
sides of
effect
and contractionbyfalling
of falling
side
system spheres
spheres
and on
for
length
in is usedfluids
in different as a liquid column. and
(Newtonian A new design and
line
falling different
movement.
spheres are fluids
Aused,
glass cylinder and
(Newtonian of 220
demonstrating anon-Newtonian)
non-Newtonian)
mm diameter
perfect on
the the
on
falling ofand 1500virtual
the virtual
mm
spheres.
mass
mass
length
Two coefficient
coefficient
is
types used as afor
of measuringfor single
single
liquid sphere,
sphere,
column.
velocities two
A new
are used; spheres
two design
spheres sides
kit by
sides
and
the FPGA (as side
by side and
and on
electronic on
line
line movement.
movement. A A glass
glass cylinder
cylinder of
of 220
220 mm
mm diameter
diameter andand 1500
1500 mmmm
length
length isis used
used as as a
a liquid
liquid column.
column. AA new
new design
design and
and
16 ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015
 contraction system for falling spheres are used, demonstrating a
contraction system
perfect falling of the forspheres.
falling Two spheres types areof used,
measuringdemonstrating
velocities are a
Experimental Evaluation of Drag Coefficient For Falling Sphere in Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid
perfect
used; falling
the FPGA of thekitspheres. Two types
(as electronic system)of measuring
and high-speedvelocities are
camera
used; the FPGA
(Samsung 3000 /kit1000 (asfps)electronic
as virtualsystem)method.and high-speed camera
(Samsung
system) and3000 / 1000 fps)camera
high-speed as virtual method.3000 / 1000 fps) as virtual
(Samsung
method.
3.0 EXPERIMENTAL WORKS
3.0 EXPERIMENTAL WORKS
This EXPERIMENTAL
3.0 suspension was prepared
WORKS by adding 30 g of bentonite powder to
This suspension was prepared by adding 30 g of bentonite powder to
letter of tap water. A mixer was used to mix the required suspension
letter
This of tapbatch
forsuspension
each water.
forAabout
was mixer10was
prepared byused toThis
adding
minutes. mix gthe required
30 procedure
of bentonitewassuspension
powder
repeated toto
forget
each
letter aboutbatch
of tap 58 forofabout
water.
L. Athis
mixer10 was
minutes.
used
suspension This procedure
to size
(the mix thethe
of was repeated
required suspension
cylindrical to
column).
get
for aboutbatch
each
Fanning 58 L.for
of this
viscometeraboutsuspension
type10 OFITE (the
minutes. sizeprocedure
This
[model of the
800] cylindrical
which was column).
hadrepeated
eight to
speeds
Fanning
get about
(600, viscometer
58200,
300, thistype
L. of100, 6,OFITE
and 3 [model
suspension
60, 800]
(the size
rpm) was of which
theto
used hadtheeight
cylindrical
find speedsof
column).
viscosity
(600,
the 300,
Fanning 200, 100, 60,
viscometer
suspension. 6, and
type
Density OFITE3 rpm)
was was800]
[model
measured used to find
which
using had
mudtheeight
viscosity
speeds
balance of
type
the
(600, suspension.
300, 200, 100,Density
OFITE. 60, 6, andwas measured
3 rpm) was used using mudthebalance
to find viscositytype
of
OFITE.
the suspension. Density was measured using mud balance type OFITE.
The
The power
power lawlaw constants
constants cancalculated
can be be calculated from
from the the equation
equation used
used [16].
The power law constants can be calculated from the equation used
[16].
[16].

Where n = flow behavior index, K = Consistency index, μa = Apparent

Where
Where n
n == flow
viscosity. The behavior
flow index,
index, K
behaviorproperties
physical K ==are
Consistency
Consistency index,
as follows:index, μa
μa == Apparent
Apparent
viscosity.
viscosity. The
The physical
physical properties
properties are
are as
as follows:
follows:
n=0.2318 k= 2.02 (pa.sn) μa = 4 (c.p) ρ= 1020 (Kg/m3)
n=0.2318 k= 2.02 (pa.sn) μa = 4 (c.p) ρ= 1020 (Kg/m3)

3.1 Equipment
The experimental device and the instruments were designed and
constructed in the Heat Transfer lab, at the mechanical Engineering
Department / University of Baghdad and circumstances of experience
were under standard conditions. The experimental device consisted
of Plastic Transparent column of 1850 mm long and 200 mm inner
diameter with 5 mm thickness. The column was applied with flanged
ends. The bottom end closed with a flange of spherical shape. This flange
was supplied with a valve for drain. The cylindrical column fixed well
on a rigid steel structure. The column leveled horizontally at its open
end. The effective length of column was kept 1000 mm between the
top and bottom and at 200 mm diameter. Electronic system and high-
speed camera 1000 FP were set to determine accurate time of falling

ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015 17

fixed
at its well
openonend.a rigid
The steel structure.
effective lengthTheof column
column leveled horizontally
was kept 1000 mm
at its open
between theend.
top The
and effective
bottom length
and at of200
column
mm was kept Electronic
diameter. 1000 mm
Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
between
system and thehigh-speed
top and bottom and FP
camera 1000 at 200
weremm diameter.
set to determineElectronic
accurate
system and high-speed camera 1000 FP were set to determine
time of falling sphere. Releasing Particles apparatus was also used. accurate
time
Figure of1falling
sphere. shows sphere.
Releasing Releasing
the Particles
experimental Particles
device
apparatus was apparatus
in also
the Lab
used.withwas also used.
suspension
Figure 1 shows of
the
Figure 1 showsdevice
bentonite.
experimental the experimental device
in the Lab with in the Labofwith
suspension suspension of
bentonite.
bentonite.

Figure 1: The experiment device in the lab with suspension of bentonite

Figure 1: The experiment device in the lab with suspension of bentonite
Figure 1: The experiment device in the lab with suspension of bentonite

Figure 2: Coil of metal particles detector

Figure 2: Coil of metal particles detector
Figure 2: Coil of metal particles detector
3.2 Electronic System
Many attempts have been made to test electronic systems such as
arrangements to experience the number of laps for coil. The principle
of electromagnetic training is the variable magnetic field created to
produce the variable current through an inductor coil prepared from
coated copper wire (30 SWG). The current had to be supplied through an
oscillator circuit which used the TDA0161 proximately detector IC [17].
These monolithic integrated circuits were designed for metallic body
detection using inductor coil and operated while sensing variations
on high eddy frequency current losses. By using an externally tuned
circuit, it acted as oscillators; the output signal level was altered when
approaching a metallic object. Each inductor coil had a mean diameter
of 20 cm, a mean thickness of 0.7 cm and 34 turns as shown in Figure
2.When the metal object was detected using the TDA0161 IC, a signal
was received as an output from a switching circuit created with the

18 ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015

 Experimental Evaluation of Drag Coefficient For Falling Sphere in Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid

BC547 transistor. LED was used as a visual aid to recognize whether the
metal objects had detected any plate. The metal detector method needs
calibration. Previously, it was done using its inbuilt variable resistors.
The 10 kΩ variable resistor was used for coarse tuning while the 1 kΩ
variable resistor for well tuning. In this process, 10 kΩ resistor was
kept at zero resistance position and the 1 kΩ resistor in full resistance
location. 10 kΩ resistor was turned clockwise (to increase resistance)
until the green LED was turned off. At this point, the 1 kΩ resistor was
turned counter clockwise until the LED was just about to light. Then,
the reset button was pressed to adjust the 1 kΩ resistor to its optimal
detection position within an acceptable error of 0.4%. The readings of
high-speed camera were less accurate than those recorded by FPGA.

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Newtonian Fluid (Water)
4.1.1 Behavior of Settling Velocity
Figure 3 shows relationship of (ϑ-D) for falling Sphere in water. For
free falling sphere, the velocity increased as the diameter of the sphere
increased. The large particles diameter gave the highest terminal
velocity than smaller particles. The reason could be the large particles
have the largest weight and are less affected by viscous force and
buoyancy force opposing the settling speed; therefore the large particle
moved Journal
fasterof than smaller
Advanced ones.Technology
Manufacturing

Figure Figure
3: Relationship of (ϑ-D)
3: Relationship forfor
of (ϑ-D) falling
fallingsphere inwater
sphere in water

ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015 19

 Figure 3: Relationship of (ϑ-D) for falling sphere in water
Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Figure Figure
4: Relationship (CD-Re) for falling sphere in water
4: Relationship (CD-Re) for falling sphere in water

4.1.2 Behavior of Drag Coefficient

The range of Reynolds
4.1.2 BehaviorNumber (1.4 *104 < Re < 7.1 *104) was used in
of Drag Coefficient
water and the range of drag coefficient was (0.39 – 0.41) for sphere. From
Figure 4,The
canrange of Reynolds
be seen the drag Number (1.4 *104
coefficient < Re < 7.1with
increased *104)the
wasReynolds
used in
water and the range of drag coefficient was (0.39 – 0.41) for sphere.
number, From
but this increase was very little or approximately constant. As
Figure 4, can be seen the drag coefficient increased with the
a result, the
Reynolds number, the
flow around but falling particle
this increase waswasveryfully
little turbulent. Hence,
or approximately
when theconstant.
turbulentAs aslip regime
result, started,
the flow around thethedrag coefficient
falling particle was wasfully
at a
constant value due to the fact that the inertial forces dominated this
turbulent. Hence, when the turbulent slip regime started, the drag
region andcoefficient
viscouswas at a had
forces constant valueeffect;
a small due to asthe fact that the
previously inertial
mentioned
forces dominated this region and viscous forces had a small effect; as
drag is essentially independent of viscous force and therefore, the
previously mentioned drag is essentially independent of viscous force
Reynoldsand Number
therefore,inthe
this zone Number
Reynolds is independent.
in this zoneThe variety in The
is independent. drag
coefficient (CD)inoccurs
variety only in a(CD)
drag coefficient response
occurs to change
only in particle
in a response shape.
to change in
particle shape.
The values of drag coefficient were high at low values of Reynolds’
number and as Reynolds’ number increased the drag coefficient
decreased, because the viscous forces dominated the laminar-slip
regime. When this region ended and the transition-slip regime started,
the effect of Reynolds’ number on drag coefficient decreased, until the
turbulent-slip regime started and the drag coefficient was at a constant
value because the inertial forces dominated this region and viscous
forces had little effect. For this reason, the increase in Reynolds’ number
will not decrease the drag coefficient [18].

4.2 Non-Newtonian Fluid (Drilling Mud)

4.2.1 Behavior of Settling Velocity
For free falling sphere, the velocity increased as diameter of the sphere
increased. Figure 5 shows the relationship between velocity and
diameter for falling sphere in suspension bentonite. As the case in the
Newtonian fluids, when the particle diameters increased, the velocities
of falling particle in non-Newtonian fluids increased but this increase
is less of falling particles in the Newtonian fluid, because the drag

20 ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015

and diameter for falling sphere in suspension bentonite. As the case in
the Newtonian fluids, when the particle diameters increased, the
velocities Experimental
of falling Evaluation of Drag Coefficient For Falling Sphere in Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid
particle in non-Newtonian fluids increased but
this increase is less of falling particles in the Newtonian fluid, because
the drag
force forceby
exerted exerted
fluid of bythe fluid of theincreased
particles particles due increased
to the due to theof
viscosity
viscosity
suspension of bentonite which was more than water viscosity. water
of suspension of bentonite which was more than
viscosity.

Figure 5: Relationship between Figure 6: Relationship between

velocity and diameter for falling drag coefficient and Reynolds
sphere in suspension bentonite Number sphere in suspension
bentonite

4.2.2 Behavior of Drag Coefficient

4.2.2 Behavior of Drag Coefficient
Using correlation [14], the results of the relationship drag coefficient
with correlation
Using Reynolds number were obtained.
[14], the results Hence, drag
of the relationship drag coefficient
coefficient
decreased as the Reynolds number increased. Figure
with Reynolds number were obtained. Hence, drag coefficient 6 shows the
relationship between drag coefficient and Reynolds Number sphere
in suspension bentonite. When flow behavior index (n) was less than
unity the drag coefficient would increase because the particles were
falling at lower velocity; and this effect was greatly realized through
low values of Reynolds ‘number [18]. The range of Reynolds Number
was (48 < Re < 260) and the range of drag coefficient was (0.64 < CD <
0.76) for sphere.

As a result, the flow around the falling particle was laminar, so when
the laminar slip regime started, the drag coefficient would decrease due
to the fact that the viscous forces dominated this region as previously
mentioned and flow behavior index (n) was less than unity. Figures 7
to 10 ANSYS FLUENT15.0 describes the falling spheres in both fluid
water and suspension of bentonite in the boundary layer was higher
when spheres were falling in suspension of bentonite because of the
higher viscosity.

ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015 21

 unity. Figures
spheres in both 7 fluid
to 10water
ANSYS andFLUENT15.0
suspension describes the in
of bentonite falling
the
spheres inlayer
boundary bothwas
fluid water
higher whenandspheres
suspension of bentonite
were falling in the
in suspension
Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
boundary
of bentonite layer was of
because higher when viscosity.
the higher spheres were falling in suspension
of bentonite because of the higher viscosity.

Figure 7: Falling sphere with Figure 8: Falling sphere with

Figure 7: Falling
diameter 1 cmsphere with
in water
diameter 1 cm in water
Figure 8: Falling
diameter 3 cmsphere with
in water
diameter 3 cm in water

Figure 9: Falling sphere with Figure 10: Falling sphere with

Figure 9: Falling
diameter 1 cm insphere with
Bentonite Figure 10: Falling
diameter 3 cm insphere with
Bentonite
diametersuspension
1 cm in Bentonite diametersuspension
3 cm in Bentonite
suspension suspension

5.0 DISCUSSION
The results of variation drag coefficient with Reynolds Number are
compared with existing studies as shown below:

1. For falling spherical particles in Newtonian fluid, the graph

between drag coefficient and Reynolds number of present
work resembles Marrison [13] as shown in Figure 11.

The correlations of Marrison [12] covers a wide range of Reynolds

number which show different regions in (CD – Re) graph and the
turbulent slip regime (Re > 104) the drag coefficient is approximate
constant, which is proved in present work for the Reynolds number
range is (1.4 *104 < Re < 7.1 *104).

22 ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015

 The correlations of Marrison [12] covers a wide range of Reynolds
number which show different regions in (CD – Re) graph and the
turbulentExperimental Evaluation(Re
slip regime of Drag
> Coefficient
104) theFordrag
Falling Sphere in Newtonian
coefficient is and Non-Newtonian Fluid
approximate
constant, which is proved in present work for the Reynolds number
range is (1.4 *104 < Re < 7.1 *104).
2. For falling spherical particles in non-Newtonian fluid, the
2. graph between
For falling drag coefficient
spherical particles inand Reynolds number
non-Newtonian fluid,ofthe
present
graph work
between resembles Kelessidis and
drag coefficient [12] as shown in
Reynolds Figure of
number
12.
present work resembles Kelessidis [12] as shown in Figure 12.

Figure 11: Comparison relationship between Reynolds Number and

Figure 11: Comparison
drag coefficient relationship
for falling betweenMarrison
sphere between Reynolds[13]
Number and drag
and present
Journal of Advanced
coefficient forManufacturing Technology
falling sphere between Marrison [13] and present work
work

Figure 12: Comparison of relationship between Reynolds number

Figure 12: Comparison of relationship between Reynolds number and drag
and drag coefficient for falling sphere between Kelessidis and present
coefficient for falling sphere between Kelessidis and present work for
work for suspension of bentonite
suspension of bentonite

6.0 CONCLUSION
6.0 CONCLUSION
Drag coefficient is influenced by turbulent regime or laminar regime,
particle sizes and fluid properties. The experiment yields that the
Drag coefficient is influenced by turbulent regime or laminar regime,
terminal velocities of particle increase with the increase of particle
particle sizes and fluid properties. The experiment yields that the
diameter
terminalforvelocities
the sameofmaterial
particleinincrease
Newtonian fluid
with theand non-Newtonian
increase of particle
fluid.
diameter for the same material in Newtonian fluid and non-
Newtonian fluid.
ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015 23
6.1 Newtonian Fluid
Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology

6.1 Newtonian Fluid

• Drag coefficient passes in turbulent slip regime.
• The drag coefficient is approximate constant.
• Drag coefficient depends on Reynolds number.
• When particle Reynolds number increases, the drag coefficient
of particle will decrease.

6.2 Non-Newtonian Fluid

• Drag coefficient in non-Newtonian fluid passes in laminar
slip regime.
• When particle Reynolds number increases, the drag
coefficient of particle will decrease.
• The rheological properties of non-Newtonian fluids have a
great effect on drag coefficient, because as the fluid becomes
far from Newtonian behavior, (flow index, n, far from unity),
the drag coefficient will increase.

REFERENCES
[1] J. Dinesh, Modelling and Simulation of a Single Particle in Laminar
Flow Regime of a Newtonian Liquid. Gujarat, India: Alpha Project
Services, 2009.
[2] H. E. Brenner, Interfacial Transport Processes and Rheology. MIT
Mass: USA, 1991.
[3] P. L. Liu, “Long Waves in Shallow Water over a Layer of Bingham
Plastic Fluid Mud,” Int. J. Eng. Sci: Physical Aspects, 1933.
[4] S. E. Rodriguez, “Flow of Polymer Solutions Through Porous Media,”
J. Non-Newton Fluid Mech., 1993.
[5] C. J. Philips, “Determining Rheological Parameters of Debris Flow
Material,” Geomorphology, 1991.
[6] J. A. Locat, “Viscosity, Yield Stress, Remoulded Strength and Liquidity
Index Relationships For Sensitive Clays,” Can. Geotech. J., 1988.
[7] C. K. Kang, “The Effects of Microstructure on the Rheological
Properties of Blood,” Bull. Math. Biol., 1976.
[8] G. J. Clift et al, Bubbles, Drops and Particles. New York: Academic
Press, 1978.
[9] L. D. Gilbert et al., “Altman, Velocity lag of particles in linearly
accelerated combustion gases,” Jet Propulsion, 1955.

24 ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015

 Experimental Evaluation of Drag Coefficient For Falling Sphere in Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid

[10] R. Turton, and O. Levenspiel, “A Short Note on the Drag Correlation

for Spheres,” Powder Technology, 1986.
[11] Haider and H. Levenspiel, “Drag Coefficient and Terminal Velocity of
Spherical and Nonspherical Particles,” Powder Technology, 1989.
[12] F. A. Morrison, Data Correlation for Drag Coefficient for Sphere.
Houghton: Michigan Technological University, 2013.
[13] Darby, Fluid Dynamics. Canada: Addison-Wesley Publishing
Company, Inc., 1996.
[14] Kelessidis, “Measurements and Prediction of Terminal Velocity Of
Solid Spheres Falling Through Stagnant Pseudoplastic Liquids,” J. of
Powder Technology, 2004.
[15] H. Yousif. Experimental Evaluation of the Virtual Mass and Roughness
of Solid Particles Accelerating in Newtonian and Non-Newtonian
Fluids. Baghdad: University of Baghdad, 2012.
[16] H. Rabia, Petroleum Drilling Rigs. Hydraulic Engineering, Newcastle:
Athenaeum Press, 1989.
[17] STMicroelectronics. TDA0161 Datasheet. [online]. Available:
http://www.st.com/internet/com/TECHNICAL_RESOURCES/
TECHNICAL_LITERATURE/DATASHEET/CD00000119.pdf.
[18] A. R. Muhannad, “The Effect of Particles Shape and Size and the
Rheological Properties of Non-Newtonian Fluids on Drag Coefficient
and Particle Reynold’s Number Relationship,” Baghdad: Baghdad
University, 2013.

ISSN: 1985-3157 Vol. 9 No. 2 July - December 2015 25