How To Calculate Tau-U

Calculating tau u is crucial in engineering and physics to determine the stress on a cylindrical object. This calculator simplifies the process.

1. Enter the radius and thickness of the cylinder.
2. Click ‘Calculate’.
3. View the results and chart below.

The formula for calculating tau u (wall shear stress) is:

τ_w = (32μQL) / (πd³)

where:

• μ is the dynamic viscosity,
• Q is the volumetric flow rate,
• L is the length of the cylinder,
• d is the diameter of the cylinder.

Real-World Examples

Data & Statistics

Viscosity of Common Liquids at 20°C

Liquid	Dynamic Viscosity (μ, Pa·s)
Water	1.002 x 10^-3
Engine Oil	0.250

Expert Tips

• Always use consistent units for the best results.
• Consider the temperature when using viscosity data.

Interactive FAQ

What is the difference between dynamic and kinematic viscosity?

Dynamic viscosity (μ) is the force per unit area required to move a layer of fluid over another layer at a unit velocity. Kinematic viscosity (ν) is the dynamic viscosity divided by the density of the fluid.

Learn more about viscosity

Understand wall shear stress