Kinematic Viscosity, $\nu$

In fluid flow problems viscosity often appears in combination with density in the form

$$\nu = {\mu \over \rho}$$ (1.12)

One of the common examples is Reynolds Number, defined as VL/$\nu$ being one of the very important parameters in Fluid Dynamics.This term $\nu$ is referred to as Kinematic Viscosity and has the dimensions of $L^2 / T$. Figure 1.7 shows a plot of $\nu$ for air and water against temperature.

Figure 1.7 :Kinematic Viscosity plotted against temperature plates

(c) Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engg. 2005
University of Sydney