An automatic system measures the true average shear viscosity of liquids and viscoelastic materials, using the parallel plate method and automatically displays the results on a graphic record. This eliminates apparatus setup and extensive calculations

Broyles, H. H.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

Vertical 
Mounti 
Plate 
Viscometer 
Plate
Level ir 
Screw 
Micrometer 
Plate 
Micromete 
Head
iaft 
it (Upper) 
Flat (Lower) 
elease 
Base 
March 1967	 Brief 67-10041 
NASA TECH BRIEF	 C' 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Absolute Viscosity Measured Using Instrumented Parallel Plate System 
The problem: 
To measure absolute viscosity of liquids or slurries 
and automatically display the results on a graphic 
record. Prior methods have involved time consuming 
apparatus setup and have required extensive calcula-
tions from initial measurements. 
The solution: 
An automatic system that measures the true average 
shear viscosity of liquids and viscoelastic materials,
based on the parallel plate method. The system con-
sists of a viscometer sensor, a computer, a time base, 
and a strip chart recorder. 
How it's done: 
The viscometer consists of a base, vertical and 
horizontal mounting plates, and the necessary related 
hardware to mount two optical flats, mated to two 
color fringes, that are used in lieu of parallel plates. 
The mounting devices incorporate leveling and deflec-
tion screws that afford parallelism between the two 
L,IiLIOIICU o' erlc.rI 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
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optical flats through 3600 rotation. The lower optical 
flat is mounted above the micrometer head, resting 
normally on a machined recess in the lower frame and 
the upper fiat is fixed to the end of a shaft that 
extends upward through two linear bearings to a 
linear displacement transducer. The shaft is equipped 
with a simple friction latch that permits it to be re-
tained in any desired position. A collar and rubber 
bumper prevent the optical flats from damage by 
severe contact. 
With the upper and lower flats mated (two-color 
fringes), the micrometer head is turned until move-
ment of the strip chart recorder pen is noted, and the 
micrometer is backed off until the pen no longer 
moves(zero calibration point). The range (thousandths 
of an inch the specimen under test is expected to 
vary in thickness) is set for full scale deflection of 
the recorder pen. The zero calibration is rechecked 
and the system is now set to measure and record any 
movement of the upper optical fiat. 
A discrete volume of the material whose viscosity 
is to be measured is placed on the lower fiat and the 
upper fiat is manually moved down until it contacts 
the material, at which point the friction latch is 
fastened. The volume and fixed force (weight of the 
upper flat and shaft assembly) are entered into the
computer as is the initial height of the upper flat 
just in contact with the material. The instantaneous 
measurement of the materials' viscosity is computed 
upon releasing the friction latch which starts the 
recorder time base. Points are plotted automatically 
for tests of preselected duration and an extrapolation 
to one second is made. 
Notes: 
1. This system could be applied to general measure-
ment of viscosity of liquids and viscoelastic 
materials. The paint and petroleum industries are 
examples. Pathology laboratories might also find 
it useful. 
2. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory 
4800 Oak Grove Drive 
Pasadena, California 91103 
Reference: B67-10041 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: Harold H. Broyles et al 
(J PL-874)
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Brief 67-10041	 Category 01


Absolute viscosity measured using instrumented parallel plate system

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