Dynamic Viscosity Converter
Convert between different dynamic viscosity units including pascal second, centipoise, poise, and newton second per square meter.
Result
1 Pa·s = 1000 cP
Understanding Dynamic Viscosity Units: Pascal Second to Centipoise to Poise
Dynamic viscosity converters are essential tools for calculating absolute viscosity, fluid resistance, shear stress, and flow properties in fluid mechanics, chemical engineering, and materials science. Whether you're working with pascal seconds (Pa·s), centipoise (cP), poise (P), newton seconds per square meter (N·s/m²), kilogram-force seconds per square meter (kgf·s/m²), pound-force seconds per square foot (lbf·s/ft²), slug per foot second (slug/(ft·s)), pound per foot second (lb/(ft·s)), or any of thirty dynamic viscosity units, understanding dynamic viscosity conversions is crucial for engineers, scientists, and analysts in fluid dynamics, chemical processing, oil and gas, aerospace engineering, and process control industries.
Dynamic viscosity measurements quantify a fluid's resistance to shear flow, representing absolute viscosity essential for flow calculations, pump sizing, and process design. From low-viscosity fluids like water at 0.001 Pa·s (1 cP) to high-viscosity fluids like honey at 10 Pa·s (10,000 cP), and from Newtonian fluids with constant viscosity to non-Newtonian fluids with variable viscosity, this comprehensive converter supports thirty dynamic viscosity units with instant, accurate results for all your absolute viscosity, fluid resistance, and shear stress calculations across different measurement systems.
How to Convert Dynamic Viscosity Units: Formulas and Methods
Pascal Second to Centipoise and Poise Conversions
Converting from Pa·s to centipoise (cP) multiplies by 1000, since 1 poise equals 0.1 Pa·s and 1 centipoise equals 0.001 Pa·s. For example, a dynamic viscosity of 0.001 Pa·s equals 1 cP. Converting to poise (P) multiplies by 10, since 1 poise equals 0.1 Pa·s, making 0.001 Pa·s equal to 0.01 P. Converting to newton seconds per square meter (N·s/m²) equals Pa·s exactly, since 1 Pa = 1 N/m², giving 1 Pa·s = 1 N·s/m². Converting to kilogram per meter second (kg/(m·s)) also equals Pa·s exactly, since Pa·s = N·s/m² = (kg·m/s²)·s/m² = kg/(m·s).
Poise Prefix Conversions and CGS System
Converting between poise prefixes uses standard SI prefix relationships: 1 P = 10 dP = 100 cP = 1000 mP = 1,000,000 µP. For large scales: 1 kP = 1000 P, 1 MP = 1,000,000 P. For example, 1 P equals 100 cP, and 1 cP equals 10 mP. Converting from Pa·s to poise multiplies by 10, since 1 poise equals 0.1 Pa·s. These conversions are essential for working with CGS system units commonly used in rheology and fluid mechanics.
Pound-Force Second per Square Foot and Imperial Unit Conversions
Converting from Pa·s to pound-force second per square foot (lbf·s/ft²) multiplies by 0.0208854, since 1 lbf·s/ft² equals 47.8803 Pa·s. For example, 1 Pa·s equals 0.0208854 lbf·s/ft². Converting to pound-force second per square inch (lbf·s/in²) multiplies by 0.000145038, since 1 lbf·s/in² equals 6894.76 Pa·s, making 1 Pa·s equal to 0.000145038 lbf·s/in². Converting to pound per foot second (lb/(ft·s)) multiplies by 0.671969, since 1 lb/(ft·s) equals 1.48816 Pa·s for Imperial system measurements.
Kilogram-Force Second per Square Meter and Metric Conversions
Converting from Pa·s to kilogram-force second per square meter (kgf·s/m²) multiplies by 0.101972, since 1 kgf·s/m² equals 9.80665 Pa·s (using standard gravity g = 9.80665 m/s²). For example, 1 Pa·s equals 0.101972 kgf·s/m². Converting to dyne second per square centimeter (dyn·s/cm²) multiplies by 10, since 1 dyn·s/cm² equals 0.1 Pa·s, making 1 Pa·s equal to 10 dyn·s/cm² for CGS system measurements.
Dynamic Viscosity Versus Kinematic Viscosity and Newton's Law of Viscosity
Dynamic viscosity (μ, Pa·s) relates to kinematic viscosity (ν, m²/s) and density (ρ, kg/m³): μ = νρ. Newton's law of viscosity relates shear stress (τ) to velocity gradient: τ = μ(du/dy), where u is velocity and y is distance. For example, water at 20°C has μ = 0.001 Pa·s and ρ = 1000 kg/m³, giving ν = 0.000001 m²/s. Converting dynamic viscosity units helps engineers calculate flow properties, determine pump requirements, and design fluid systems when working with different measurement systems and comparing international fluid property standards.
Dynamic Viscosity Conversion Reference Table
| Pa·s | cP | P | N·s/m² | lbf·s/ft² | kgf·s/m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0001 | 0.1 | 0.001 | 0.0001 | 0.000002 | 0.00001 |
| 0.001 | 1 | 0.01 | 0.001 | 0.000021 | 0.0001 |
| 0.01 | 10 | 0.1 | 0.01 | 0.0002 | 0.001 |
| 0.1 | 100 | 1 | 0.1 | 0.002 | 0.01 |
| 1 | 1000 | 10 | 1 | 0.021 | 0.102 |
| 10 | 10000 | 100 | 10 | 0.209 | 1.02 |
Typical Dynamic Viscosity Values by Fluid
| Fluid | Pa·s | cP | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water (20°C) | 0.001 | 1 | 20°C |
| Air (20°C) | 0.000018 | 0.018 | 20°C |
| Ethanol (20°C) | 0.0012 | 1.2 | 20°C |
| Olive oil (20°C) | 0.084 | 84 | 20°C |
| Honey (20°C) | 10 | 10000 | 20°C |
| Motor oil (SAE 30, 20°C) | 0.5 | 500 | 20°C |
| Glycerin (20°C) | 1.18 | 1180 | 20°C |
| Crude oil (typical) | 0.01-0.1 | 10-100 | 20°C |
Industry Applications and Use Cases
Chemical Engineering and Process Design
Chemical engineers use dynamic viscosity measurements in Pa·s or cP to calculate flow properties, design pipelines, and optimize process conditions in chemical processing and manufacturing. Typical process viscosities range from 0.001-100 Pa·s (1-100,000 cP) for various fluids and temperatures. Converting between Pa·s, cP, P, and lbf·s/ft² helps engineers work with international equipment specifications and process design standards when designing fluid systems and predicting flow behavior.
Oil and Gas Industry
Petroleum engineers calculate dynamic viscosities in cP or Pa·s to characterize crude oil, design transportation systems, and optimize extraction processes. Typical oil viscosities range from 1-1000 cP (0.001-1 Pa·s) at reservoir conditions. Converting between dynamic viscosity units helps engineers compare international oil property standards, design pipelines, and optimize production when working with different measurement systems and equipment specifications.
Food Processing and Beverage Industry
Food engineers use dynamic viscosity measurements in cP or Pa·s to design mixing processes, optimize flow properties, and ensure product quality in food manufacturing. Typical food viscosities range from 1-10000 cP (0.001-10 Pa·s) for various food products. Converting between dynamic viscosity units helps engineers design processes, select equipment, and compare international food processing standards when working with different measurement systems.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Drug Delivery
Pharmaceutical engineers use dynamic viscosities in cP or Pa·s to formulate drug solutions, optimize delivery systems, and ensure manufacturing consistency in pharmaceutical production. Typical pharmaceutical viscosities range from 1-1000 cP (0.001-1 Pa·s) for various drug formulations. Converting between dynamic viscosity units helps engineers design formulations, select equipment, and compare international pharmaceutical manufacturing standards for precision drug production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dynamic viscosity and how is it different from kinematic viscosity?
Dynamic viscosity (μ, Pa·s) measures resistance to shear flow, while kinematic viscosity (ν, m²/s) measures resistance to flow under gravity. Dynamic viscosity relates to kinematic viscosity through density: μ = νρ, where ρ is density. Dynamic viscosity is used for force-based calculations, while kinematic viscosity is used for flow-based calculations. Converting dynamic viscosity units helps engineers work with different viscosity measurements when designing fluid systems.
How do I convert Pa·s to centipoise (cP)?
Multiply Pa·s by 1000 to get centipoise (cP), since 1 poise equals 0.1 Pa·s and 1 centipoise equals 0.001 Pa·s. For example, 0.001 Pa·s equals 1 cP, and 1 Pa·s equals 1000 cP. This conversion is exact and commonly used in chemical engineering and fluid mechanics.
How to convert centipoise to poise?
Divide centipoise (cP) by 100 to get poise (P), since 1 centipoise equals 0.01 poise. For example, 100 cP equals 1 P, and 1 cP equals 0.01 P. This conversion is exact and commonly used in rheology and fluid mechanics applications.
How to convert Pa·s to lbf·s/ft²?
Multiply Pa·s by 0.0208854 to get pound-force second per square foot (lbf·s/ft²), since 1 lbf·s/ft² equals 47.8803 Pa·s. For example, 1 Pa·s equals 0.0208854 lbf·s/ft². This conversion is commonly used in Imperial system measurements.
What's the relationship between dynamic viscosity and Newton's law of viscosity?
Newton's law of viscosity relates shear stress (τ) to velocity gradient: τ = μ(du/dy), where μ is dynamic viscosity, u is velocity, and y is distance. Higher dynamic viscosity increases shear stress for given velocity gradients. Converting dynamic viscosity units helps engineers calculate flow properties, determine pump requirements, and design fluid systems when working with different measurement systems.
How to convert N·s/m² to Pa·s?
N·s/m² equals Pa·s exactly, since 1 Pa = 1 N/m², making 1 N·s/m² = 1 Pa·s. This conversion is exact and commonly used in SI unit system viscosity measurements.
How is dynamic viscosity used in flow calculations?
Dynamic viscosity affects flow behavior, pressure drop, and pump requirements. Engineers use dynamic viscosity in Pa·s or cP to calculate Reynolds numbers, predict laminar or turbulent flow, and design fluid systems. Converting dynamic viscosity units helps engineers work with international flow calculation standards and design efficient fluid systems.
How to convert poise to Pa·s?
Divide poise (P) by 10 to get Pa·s, since 1 poise equals 0.1 Pa·s. For example, 10 P equals 1 Pa·s, and 1 P equals 0.1 Pa·s. Poise are commonly used in CGS system viscosity measurements and rheology applications.
How accurate are dynamic viscosity conversions?
Our converter uses exact mathematical relationships with 10-decimal precision. Pa·s to cP: multiply by 1000 exactly. Pa·s to P: multiply by 10 exactly. Pa·s to lbf·s/ft²: multiply by 0.0208854 exactly. These conversions ensure precision for scientific and engineering applications in fluid mechanics and chemical engineering.
How is dynamic viscosity measured in practice?
Dynamic viscosity is measured using viscometers like capillary viscometers, rotational viscometers, or falling ball viscometers. Measurements are performed at controlled temperatures, and dynamic viscosity is calculated from flow rate, pressure drop, or torque measurements. Converting dynamic viscosity units helps engineers interpret measurements and compare data across different viscometer types and international standards.
How does dynamic viscosity relate to temperature?
Dynamic viscosity decreases with increasing temperature for most liquids (except some complex fluids), following exponential relationships like the Arrhenius equation. For gases, dynamic viscosity increases with temperature. Converting dynamic viscosity units helps engineers account for temperature effects and compare viscosity measurements at different conditions when designing processes.
How to convert between different poise prefixes?
Use standard SI prefix conversions: 1 P = 10 dP = 100 cP = 1000 mP = 1,000,000 µP. For large scales: 1 kP = 1000 P, 1 MP = 1,000,000 P. Converting helps engineers work with different viscosity scales from very low viscosities (µP) to very high viscosities (EP) in various fluid mechanics and chemical engineering applications.
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