| Author(s): |
H J. Walls; Robert F. Berg; Eric J. Amis; |
| Title: |
Multi-Sample Couette Viscometer for Polymer Formulations |
| Published: |
January 01, 2005 |
| Abstract: |
We describe a prototype scalable viscometer aimed at facilitating rapid measurements of multiple samples. The device simultaneously measures the viscosity of four samples in an array of Couette cells. Each cell contains a rotor with an embedded permanent magnet that is driven by an oscillating magnetic field generated by a 2-axis Helmholtz coil. The angular displacement of the rotors is recorded by a CCD camera. Image analysis determines the amplitude and phase of the rotors with respect to the coil s sinusoidal current. The viscosity of each sample influences the amplitude and phase of the rotor, which can be predicted with a viscously damped oscillator model. We present data for Newtonian fluids with viscosities from 50 to 2,000 mPa s. The results suggest that our approach can be extended to non- Newtonian fluids. |
| Citation: |
Measurement Science & Technology |
| Volume: |
16 |
| Issue: |
No. 1 |
| Keywords: |
combinatorial methods;combinatorial viscometer;Couette cell;high throughput materials testing;magnetic rheometer;rheology |
| Research Areas: |
Polymers |
