3. Rheological characteristics

3.1 Viscosity

See Viscosity [R 2 350] in the Measurement and Control section.

Of all the properties of oils, viscosity is certainly the most important. It determines most frictional losses and the thickness of oil films.

Viscosity characterizes a fluid's resistance to flow. The viscosity given in suppliers' technical data sheets is kinematic viscosity, which is easier to measure than dynamic viscosity.