Density or Specific Gravity

The density or the specific gravity of a penetrant material probably has a slight to
negligible effect on the performance of a penetrant. The gravitational force acting on the
penetrant liquid can be working in cooperation with or against the capillary force
depending on the orientation of the flaw during the dwell cycle. When the gravitational
pull is working against the capillary rise the strength of the force is given by the
following equation:
Force = r2hpg
Where:
r = radius of the crack opening
h = height of penetrant above its free surface
p = density of the penetrant
g = acceleration due to gravity
When the direction of capillary flow is in the same direction as the force of gravity, the
added force driving the penetrant into the flaw is given by the formula shown below:
Force = hAp
Where:
h = the height of the penetrant column
A = cross-sectional area of the opening
P = density of the penetrant
Increasing the specific gravity by decreasing the volume percent of solvent in the solution
will increase the penetration speed.
Reference:
Tugrul, A. B., Capillarity Effect Analysis for Alternative Liquid Penetrant Chemicals,
NDT & E International, Volume 30 Number 1, Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.,
Oxford England, February 1997, pp. 19-23.