Settling Velocity Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate the Settling Velocity (V) is:

\[ V = \frac{g \cdot \left(\frac{ps}{pf} - 1\right) \cdot d^2}{18 \cdot v} \]

Where:

\( V \) is the settling velocity in m/s
\( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
\( ps \) is the density of the solid in kg/m³
\( pf \) is the density of the fluid in kg/m³
\( d \) is the diameter of the solid in meters
\( v \) is the kinematic viscosity in m²/s

Definition

Settling Velocity: The speed at which particles or objects in a fluid fall due to gravity.
Significance: Used to predict sediment behavior in natural and engineered systems, crucial for water resource management, navigation, ecosystem protection, and wastewater treatment.

Example

Let's say the density of the solid (ps) is 2500 kg/m³, the density of the fluid (pf) is 1000 kg/m³, the diameter of the solid (d) is 0.01 m, and the kinematic viscosity (v) is 0.001 m²/s. Using the formula:

\[ V = \frac{9.81 \cdot \left(\frac{2500}{1000} - 1\right) \cdot 0.01^2}{18 \cdot 0.001} = 0.08 \]

So, the Settling Velocity (V) is 0.08m/s.