Dynamic Viscosity of Air (μ)
Reference table, calculator, and chart for dynamic viscosity of air over a range of temperatures
Dynamic Viscosity of Air Calculator
Enter a temperature in Celsius or Kelvin to estimate dynamic viscosity of air:
Dynamic Viscosity of Air Table
| Temperature (°C) | μ (Pa·s) |
|---|---|
| -20 | 1.458e-5 |
| -10 | 1.556e-5 |
| 0 | 1.656e-5 |
| 10 | 1.758e-5 |
| 15 | 1.804e-5 |
| 20 | 1.849e-5 |
| 25 | 1.894e-5 |
| 30 | 1.940e-5 |
| 40 | 2.032e-5 |
| 50 | 2.123e-5 |
| 60 | 2.214e-5 |
| 70 | 2.305e-5 |
| 80 | 2.395e-5 |
| 90 | 2.485e-5 |
| 100 | 2.574e-5 |
Dynamic Viscosity of Air Graph
About Dynamic Viscosity of Air (μ)
Dynamic viscosity (μ) quantifies a fluid’s resistance to shear or flow, representing how "thick" or "sticky" a fluid behaves. For air, dynamic viscosity is a key property in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, HVAC, and aerospace engineering, as it directly affects airflow, convective heat transfer, pressure drop, and energy efficiency.
Standard Reference Value
At 15°C (288.15 K) and 1 atm pressure, the dynamic viscosity of dry air is approximately 1.789×10⁻⁵ Pa·s. This standard reference value is widely used in engineering calculations, CFD simulations, and thermodynamic modeling.
Factors Affecting Air Viscosity
Dynamic viscosity of air depends primarily on temperature, pressure, and humidity. It increases slightly with temperature and plays a critical role in:
- Fluid Mechanics: Modeling laminar and turbulent airflow in ducts, turbines, compressors, and fans.
- Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer: Calculating convective heat transfer, energy losses, and thermal efficiency.
- HVAC Design: Designing ventilation systems, air conditioning, and heating for optimal performance.
- Aerospace & Aerodynamics: Predicting aerodynamic drag, boundary layer effects, and flight performance.
- Environmental Engineering: Modeling airflow, pollutant dispersion, and ventilation efficiency in buildings.
How Engineers Use Dynamic Viscosity
Engineers and scientists combine air viscosity with other atmospheric properties—such as air density, temperature, and pressure—to accurately model air behavior in flow systems, turbines, compressors, ventilation networks, and environmental simulations.
Using precise dynamic viscosity data ensures accurate CFD analysis, pressure drop calculations, HVAC system optimization, aerodynamic simulations, and energy efficiency modeling, making it an indispensable reference for engineering and scientific applications.