Settling Velocity Calculator

This calculator can be used to determine the settling velocity of particles in a fluid, which is important in various engineering and environmental applications such as sediment transport in rivers, wastewater treatment, and particle separation in industries.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Calculation Formula

Settling Velocity (Vs) = (ρp - ρfl) * g * d² / (18 * μ)

Where:
Vs = Settling Velocity (m/s)
ρp = Particle Density (kg/m³)
ρfl = Fluid Density (kg/m³)
g = Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
d = Particle Diameter (m)
μ = Fluid Viscosity (Pa·s)

Settling Velocity Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Settling Velocity Calculator and its working principles

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Enter the particle diameter in meters (m).
  2. Enter the particle density in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
  3. Enter the fluid density in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).
  4. Enter the fluid viscosity in Pascal-seconds (Pa·s).
  5. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the settling velocity.
  6. The result will be displayed in meters per second (m/s).

Working Principle

The settling velocity of a particle in a fluid is determined by the balance between the gravitational force acting on the particle and the drag force exerted by the fluid. The formula used in this calculator is derived from the St. Venant equation for small Reynolds numbers:

Vs = (ρp - ρfl) * g * d² / (18 * μ)

This formula assumes that the particle is spherical and that the flow is laminar. For particles with non-spherical shapes or in turbulent flow conditions, more complex models may be required.

Applications

The settling velocity calculator is useful in various fields, including:

  • Sediment transport in rivers and coastal engineering
  • Wastewater treatment and sludge disposal
  • Particle separation in industries such as mining and food processing
  • Environmental engineering for analyzing particle behavior in water and air