Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: Viscosity of liquids ( No Answer,   7 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Viscosity of liquids
Category: Science
Asked by: muggy-ga
List Price: $15.00
Posted: 26 Apr 2006 05:38 PDT
Expires: 26 May 2006 05:38 PDT
Question ID: 722943
What non toxic substance/chemical/liquid has a lower viscosity than
water and has a similar freezing point?

Clarification of Question by muggy-ga on 27 Apr 2006 04:03 PDT
I want to speed up the process of frost shattering in a sedimentary
rock.   Therefore the liquid has to penetrate the rock, I will then
freeze the rock.   The operating temperatures would ideally be less
than 40c for the liquid to penetrate the rock and no lower than ?20c
for the freezing.

Clarification of Question by muggy-ga on 28 Apr 2006 02:02 PDT
Thanks for you repsonses guys.   I need to be able to sepatrate the
rock between a small range of strata, frost shattering is the only way
I think it can be done.
Answer  
There is no answer at this time.

Comments  
Subject: Re: Viscosity of liquids
From: qed100-ga on 26 Apr 2006 08:28 PDT
 
You'll need to specify the spectrum of temperatures at which you want
the unknown material to have this viscosity. (Similar freezing points
may not equal similar viscosities at all temperature.)
Subject: Re: Viscosity of liquids
From: vtmemo-ga on 26 Apr 2006 11:26 PDT
 
What are you trying to acheive by lowering the viscosity?

If you're trying to reduce the drag on an object traveling through it,
you may consider changing your surface conditions instead.  Is your
flow laminar to begin with?  If so, you may be able to alter your
surface in such a way that the flow becomes turbulent, or increase the
flow velocity past the turbulence threshhold.

Properly placed pockets or 'divots' on the top layer of a flow surface
can greatly reduce the speed necessary to acheive turbulent flow,
which will lower your drag coefficient by a factor of about 0.5!  This
more than makes up for having a more viscous fluid

On the other hand, if you absolutely can't change anything but the
fluid you're using, you could try one of a few things.  Highly
oxidized water may do the trick, if you just need to lighten that
density up a bit.  Maybe passing it through an aerator (sp?)...
Please clarify  :-)
Subject: Re: Viscosity of liquids
From: frde-ga on 27 Apr 2006 06:33 PDT
 
How about sticking to water and increasing the pressure ?

This sounds to me like 'fossil cracking'
Subject: Re: Viscosity of liquids
From: rracecarr-ga on 27 Apr 2006 10:34 PDT
 
Water is somewhat unique in that it expands upon freezing.
Subject: Re: Viscosity of liquids
From: stanmartin1952-ga on 29 Apr 2006 16:16 PDT
 
ethanol?
Subject: Re: Viscosity of liquids
From: damocles2-ga on 04 May 2006 00:30 PDT
 
There is no real alternative to water in terms of freezing point,
non-toxicity, and the fact that it expands of freezing, which is what
makes the force that splits the rock. To penetrate fine cracks is what
I think you need. Lower viscosity will not necessarily do this, but
lower surface tension will. I suggest that you might get good results
by adding small amounts of a wetting agent like triton X-100, or maybe
even dishwashing detergent to water.
Subject: Re: Viscosity of liquids
From: babyboomer-ga on 19 May 2006 01:20 PDT
 
Sorry, muggy, only water will do. It is the ONLY liquid that expands
on freezing and therefore the only liquid capable of causing frost
shattering.
It is easy to think that the properties of water are ordinary because
water is so common on our planet, but water is arguably the strangest
substance you can get.

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy