An Engineering Analysis of Thermal Effects in the Concentric-Cylinder High-Shear-Rate Viscometer

Equations describing the temperature distribution and consequent change in cylinder clearance for the concentric-cylinder high-shear-rate viscometer are developed. These equations are applied to a Barber-type viscometer for experimental verification. Results demonstrate that temperature profiles and change in cylinder clearance may be accurately calculated using shear stress, angular velocity, and material constants.

Parametric studies show that even in the Barber viscometer with symmetric heat flow through rotor and stator, some change in cylinder clearance is observed. Without rotor cooling, reductions in clearance of 30% or more may be observed.