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cody304
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Join Date: Apr 2011
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Measuring Density

04/25/2011 9:23 AM

Hi everyone,

I am looking for a good and affordable way to measure the density of a thick gel-like substance. I would say the feel of it is similar to playdough... I can measure it by filling a container with a known volume, but the material is so thick that the repeatability of filling the cup is terrible. So, I am looking for a repreatable way to measure the density of this thick gel, any suggestions? Thanks!
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JohnDG
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#1

Re: Measuring Density

04/25/2011 9:30 AM

Are you and simektp in the same class?

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cody304
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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Measuring Density

04/25/2011 9:35 AM

Haha no, we actually work together. I was talking to him earlier about this issue and he recommended I check out CR4. I just noticed that he posted something as well...
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Doorman
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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Measuring Density

04/25/2011 10:11 AM

I was going to suggest the Archimedes Golden Crown technique, but I see JohnDG has suggested that in the other thread.

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jlstitt
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#4

Re: Measuring Density

04/25/2011 3:13 PM

immerse it in a calibrated liquid container.
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Nigh
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#5

Re: Measuring Density

04/26/2011 8:51 AM

If it is really like Play-dough could you extrude some through a fixed size aperture & cut off a standard length to weigh?

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MOBI
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#6

Re: Measuring Density

04/26/2011 9:54 AM

SG = Wa ÷ (Wa - Ww)

Where:

Wa = weight in air

Ww = weight in water (demineralised water)

Take a small container and "weigh" it......fill the container with the substance and re-weigh in air, then weigh the same in demineralised water. Subtract the mass of the container in both instances?

Because you are dealing with very small masses weighing should be carried out very accurately.

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wilmot
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#7

Re: Measuring Density

04/26/2011 1:10 PM

If you put a small lump of known weight in a graduated cylinder, fill to the limit with water, and then pour out the water into another graduated cylinder, you can find the volume of your material, which will be the difference between the limit in the first cylinder and the measurement in the second. Knowing the weight and the volume, you know the density. You don't need to worry about cramming it into a container with a known volume. Archimedes invented this method.

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JohnDG
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#8
In reply to #7

Re: Measuring Density

04/26/2011 3:37 PM

If it's a graduated cydinder (i.e. measuring cylinder:

)

... why not just fill to, say, the 200 mark, immerse the sample and take the new reading? The sample volume is the difference. Don't need to pour anything anywhere.

No drips.

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JIMRAT
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#9

Re: Measuring Density

04/28/2011 7:48 AM

Is it density you are after or do you you want to measure the a. viscosity, even pitch has a viscosity that can be measured, over decades. b. push back, as in placing a weight on a piece of foam rubber and measuring the deflection. It is also called Deflection amongst other things. c. resistance to deformation, i've got no idea what this is called.

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MOBI
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#10
In reply to #9

Re: Measuring Density

04/28/2011 8:38 AM

Resistance to deformation can be strain.......but it does depend on the type of external force that is applied to a component, e.g. under pure tensile force(s) it is stress

Stress = Force ÷ Area (N/mm2 or MPa)

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JIMRAT
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#11
In reply to #10

Re: Measuring Density

04/29/2011 5:44 AM

Of course it is, thanks for reminding me.

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cody304 (1); Doorman (1); JIMRAT (2); jlstitt (1); JohnDG (2); MOBI (2); Nigh (1); wilmot (1)

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