This work describes an investigation concerning the relative motion of solid particles in Newtonian and Non-Newtonian flows. Inedit experiments involving particles of spherical and cylindrical shapes are perfomed in order to validate a theory which allows properties of the disturbed flow to be measured by means of properties of the undisturbed flow. Based on the nature of the governing equations, physical insigts are provided in order to explain a radical change in behavior of the results obtained for particle Reynodls Number greater than 120. Without loss of generality,the present work refers to the free falling of a rigid particle in a stationary fluid, in order to study a more general case concerning the relative motion between the rigid particle and the fluid. There diferent class of fluid particle systems were investigated (i) cylindrical shape particle and Newtonian fluid, (ii) cylindrical shape particle and Non-Newtonian fluid (iii) cylindrical shape particle and Non-Newtonian fluid. Concernig experiments perfomed with Newtonian fluids, in adition to validate the theory within the Ossen regime, experiments were perfomed allowing the validation of theory far beyond the original Ossens regime. Based on these experiments and on the physical analysis of the nature of the governing equations, it is suggested an original analysis to explain the complex transition region observed. Although already quoted in the literature, this complex transition region was never fully explained. Experiments perfomed in Non-Newtonian fluids of the Power Law type, for diferents values of the Power Law expoent(0.75 lower or equal to less than 0,92)and solid spherical or cilyndrical particles, were performed in the hydrodynamical regim having Reynodls Number varying from 0.03 to 46. The obtained results, validate the theory and expand its aplication domains for physical situationsyet not studied. This work extends understanding of the complex process concernig fluid preparation, aiming previously desired rheological properties. Different measuring techniques were tested in order to qualify a method concerting the determination of the reological properties of the fluids employed in this research. Based on the systhematic intercomaparation method perfomed, a more realistic uncertainty band was attributed to each method verified. Finally, the work presents a study of the wall effect proximity on the viscous drag acting on the particle.