ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

ME 31000: Fluid Mechanics Lab

Experimental Report

Course Number and Name:

Me 31000-Fluid Mechanics
Semester and Year:
Fall 2014
Group Number:
Group 1

Name of Lab Instructor:

Mohit Suri

Lab Section and Meeting Time:

24661-R 7:30pm

Experiment Number:
Exp 7

Title of Experiment:
Pipe Flow from an Open Tank
Date of Experiment Performed:
10/30/2014

Instructor Comments:

Date of Report Submitted:

11/06/2014
Names of Group Members:
Fielden, Kristina
Phoraris, George
Mansilla, Filipecki
Fernando
Cooper, Evan
Summitt, Zakery

Grade:

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

ABSTRACT
Cooper, Evan
Objectives
The objectives of this experiment are twofold: 1. Compare the
experimental and theoretical efflux times of water falling through a
pipe in a given head range; and 2. Determine the effects of pipe length
and diameter on the efflux times, given that one of these factors is
constant. These objectives will help further an understanding of fluid
mechanics as it relates to efflux times.
Type of Experiment
The experiment to be run uses a tank apparatus attached to a pipe
fitting. The tank is to be filled up with water, and a pipe will be
attached. At a range of head heights, the efflux time will be recorded
by the group. The variables in each experiment will either be the pipe
length or the pipe diameter.
Major Results
According to the data, the experimental and theoretical efflux times
are incredibly similar to each other. The efflux times decreased as the
pipe diameter was increased while length was held constant, and vice
versa.
Conclusion
The experiment itself showed that the theoretical equations used to
calculate the theoretical efflux time is valid. The fact that efflux times
decrease as pipe diameter increases is a common sense conclusion,
while the increasing length result can be explained by the laminar flow
model.

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

INTRO
Cooper, Evan
Goals
The goals of this experiment are to determine the effects of pipe length
and diameter on the efflux times, as well as compare the experimental
and theoretical efflux times of water falling through a pipe in a given
head range. These objectives will help further an understanding of fluid
mechanics as it relates to efflux times and overall pipe flow problems.
Real World Application
One of the major uses of pipe flow and efflux times is the building of oil
pipelines. The pipelines, such as the Keystone XL pipeline currently
under debate, need to be able to supply the proper amount of crude
from the drilling sites to the oil refinery stations. If the calculations for
efflux time are not correct, then either too much or too little oil will
travel through the pipes, leading to problems for the refineries.

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

THEORY AND EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

Fielden, Kristina; Phoraris, George
Description of Apparatus
An open tank has a diameter of 5.4375 inches and a depth of 12
inches. The tank has a small hole centered at the bottom that allows
for each pipe to screw on tightly. Pipes will vary by length and
diameters that allow water to flow out of the tank. There is a scale
attached to the tank that allows accurate measurements to calculate
rate of flow in increments of one tenth of a foot. A pan will be set below
the pipe to collect all the water fallen.
Theory of Pipe Dimensions
Table 1
Diameter
Length

Pipe 1
0.12 in.
24 in.

Pipe 2
3/16 in.
24 in.

Pipe 3
5/16 in.
24 in.

Pipe 5
3/16 in.
6 in.

Pipe 6
3/16 in.
24 in.

Table 2
Diameter
Length

Pipe 4
3/16 in.
3.915 in.

Table 1 allows the group to make the comparison of pipes with the
same length but with different diameters. With this information, flow
rate can be determined. Knowing the flow rate of each pipe with the
same length will help determine if the change in diameter makes a
difference in the flow rate. Along with table 2, this will allow the group
to compare the flow rate of pipes with the same diameter with varied
lengths. Knowing the flow rate of each pipe with the same diameter
will help determine if the change in length makes a difference in the
flow rate.
-

Note that pipe 2 and 6 have the same dimensions.

Efflux time is the time taken for the water to drain between certain
intervals. For the most accurate results, this experiment will take the
average of three timers for each reading. Having three different timers
allows a minimal of human error for this procedure.

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

Experimental Procedure
-

First fill the tank full with water

o Note that the water will begin draining once the water hits
the bottom of the tank. It is important for the timer to be
ready or plug the end of the pipe to stop the water from
flowing.
Have a timer ready
o As stated before, there will be an average of three timers
used for the calculations in this experiment.
o The time will be measured in intervals of one tenth of a
foot.
8.5-7.5 in.
6.5-5.5 in.
3.5-2.5 in
o Once the water level reaches the measurement on the
scale, the time will start or stop.
Once you have all three average times, let the water drain
completely out and proceed onto the next pipe. Make sure to
screw in the pipe tight and secure.
o Water leakage will slightly through off the calculations for
the efflux time and flow rate.

Assumptions:
- Steady flow
- Incompressible flow
- Pipes with uniform diameter
- Fully developed pipe flow
Energy Equation:
2

H + L=

2
2
2
V + KV +( fLV )
V K V fLV
4.1
+
+
=
2g
2g D2g
2 gD

V2
H+ L
=
2 g + K + fL / D

4.2

In 4.1 and 4.2 H+L is the total head, H- liquid depth in the tank, Llength of vertical pipe, g- gravitational acceleration (g=31.174 ft/s^2),
5

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

V is average flow velocity in the pipe, K is the ID and f is the friction

factor

Values of f for tests using water at room temperature, smooth pipes

with no bends and average head H of .6 ft are seen in Table 3
Evaluating the Reynolds number for each pipe and determining f
using the Moody diagramand compare it to the selected one using the
smooth pipe curve
Parameters , f and K are dependent on the Re.
=

VD
v

4.3

Parameter v- kinematic viscosity of water, Re>2300 laminar in a pipe,

Re<2300 for turbulent flow

( DD )

t= 2[ ( L+ H 1 ) ( L+ H 2 ) ]

+K +

( fLD )

2g

4.4

Efflux time is the time interval for the liquid level in the tank to fall
from an initial head H1 to H2(final)
In 4.4

DT

is the tank diameter and D is the diameter of the pipe

trail
trail
trail
t average=t 1+ t 2 +t 3
3

4.5

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

t average

Experimental average efflux time

Percent error

%Error=

t theoretical t average
100
t theoretical

4.6

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

[Zakery Summitt: Fernando Filipecki]

The theoretical efflux times for each of the average heads of
(0.8, 0.6, 0.3) for each of the five different pipes were calculated from
the raw data as seen in Appendix A: Table I. In addition, the Reynolds
number average efflux time and percent error were also calculated.
The values for each of these quantities are listed in Appendix C: Table
II. For the determined Reynolds numbers, the friction factors were
determined using the Moody diagram with the assumption that the
pipes were smooth.
The experimental average and theoretical efflux times for the
given average tank heads were plotted as seen below in Figure 1.
From the figure is can be seen that as the tank head is increased, the
efflux time decreases. Since the hydrostatic force will be greater when
the tank head is higher, it should be expected that the efflux time will
be lower than when the tank head is at a lower height. The
experimental values fall in close agreement with the theoretical value
as seen in the
figure.

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

Efflux time vs Average Tank Head

70.0
60.0

Pipe 1 Exp
Pipe 1 Theo

50.0

Pipe 2 Exp
Pipe 2 Theo

40.0

Efflux Time [s]

Pipe 3 Exp

30.0

Pipe 3 Theo

20.0

Pipe 4 Theo

Pipe 4 Exp
Pipe 5 Exp

10.0
0.0
0.2

Pipe 5 Theo

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

Average Tank Head [ft]

Figure 1: Efflux time versus average tank head for both experimental and theoretical values

The experimental average efflux times were plotted as a function

of the pipe diameter to determine the relationship between efflux time
and pipe diameter as seen in Figure 2. From the figure it is apparent
that as the pipe diameter is increased, the efflux time is greatly
reduced, as was observed in the lab. For each of the given average
head heights, the effect of changing the diameter showed a similar
functional relationship.

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

Efflux Time vs Pipe Diameter

70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0

Efflux Time [s]

H = 0.8
H = 0.6

30.0

H = 0.3

20.0
10.0
0.0
0.0080.0100.0120.0140.0160.0180.0200.0220.0240.0260.028

Pipe Diameter [ft]

Figure 2: Experimental average efflux time as a function of pipe diameter for the given
average head heights of (0.8, 0.6, 0.3) ft.

The experimental average efflux times were plotted as a function

of the pipe length to determine the relationship between efflux time
and pipe length as seen in Figure 3. For the average head heights of
(0.8 and 0.6), the efflux times remain relatively constant as the length
of the pipe was increased; however, for the average head height of
(0.3), the data show a decreasing trend as the length of the pipe was
increased. As can be seen from the figure, the efflux times approach a
limiting value as the pipe length is increased.
9

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

Efflux Time vs Pipe Length

25.0

20.0

15.0

H = 0.8
H = 0.6

Efflux Time [s]

H = 0.3

10.0

5.0

0.0

0.5

1.5

2.5

Pipe Length [ft]

Figure 3: Experimental average efflux times as a function of pipe length for the given average
head heights of (0.8, 0.6, 0.3) ft.

Using the Reynolds numbers for each of the five pipes and each
head loss for a total of 15 Reynolds number, the corresponding friction
factors were determined using the smooth curve located on the Moody
diagram as seen in Figure 4.

10
Figure 4: Moody diagram with experimentally determined friction factors mappped from the Reynolds
number.

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

For this experiment, the assumption was that all the pipes were
dimensionally homogeneous, meaning that the pipes were all straight
with no bends or disturbances within the pipe wall. When performing
the experiment with pipe 1, the dimensions of the pipe were such that
he pipe was bent. This resulted in systematic errors for the
experimental efflux time. The recorded efflux times were significantly
11

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

lower than the theoretical efflux times. As a result, the experiment

was conducted again using a dimensionally homogeneous pipe, and
the results were satisfactory. In addition, hand-held timers were used
to record the efflux times for each trial which will result in errors. To
help minimize this error, three different timers were used each by a
different person and the average efflux time was recorded. Another
source of error occurred at the pipe fittings. When screwing the pipe in
the apparatus, the top surface at the pipe entrances were all relatively
flush with the bottom of the tank; however, any small deviations would
result in a different flow pattern, which would affect the efflux time.

CONCLUSIONS
Evan Cooper
Discoveries, judgments, and opinions
12

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

According to the above graph, the experimental efflux times and the
theoretical times closely mirror each other, which shows that the
theoretical model used is correct. Alongside this result, we also see
that the efflux times decrease sharply as the pipe diameter increases,
which is a result that is understandable. The same trend can be seen
as pipe length increases, although at a much shallower rate, with a
limit being seemingly reached as the length approaches 2 feet.

Recommendations for further study

For further study on this issue, a paper regarding the Flow of nonNewtonian fluidscorrelation of the laminar, transition, and turbulentflow regions by Metzner and Reed gives a more highly detailed insight
into the flow of non-Newtonian in pipes.
Ways to improve results
The o-rings for the pipe fittings were not especially sealed tight, as
drops of water were noticed to be falling from the orifice. This
adversely affects the flow rate and could lead to incorrect data. To
further improve results, a computerized system that determines when
the appropriate head heights have been reached could remove the
human error from this exercise.

Questions
How does the efflux time vary with diameter (with the
length held constant)?
The efflux times sharply decrease with an increasing diameter.
How does the efflux time vary with length (with the
diameter held constant)?
The efflux times gradually decrease with an increasing length,
although there seems to be a limit to how much they will decrease at a
length of 2 feet.

APPENDIX
13

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

A. Raw Data
Table I: Raw Data
Avg. Head
0.8
H1 [ft]
pipe 1
0.85
pipe 2/6
0.85
pipe 3
0.85
pipe 4
0.85
pipe 5
0.85

H2
[ft]
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.75

T1 [s]
51.45
17.13
4.16
16.50
17.08

T2 [s]
51.69
16.09
4.43
15.78
17.07

T3 [s]
52.22
16.46
4.37
15.79
16.84

Avg. Head
0.6
pipe 1
pipe 2/6
pipe 3
pipe 4
pipe 5

H1 [ft]
0.65
0.65
0.65
0.65
0.65

H2
[ft]
0.55
0.55
0.55
0.55
0.55

T1 [s]
55.18
16.72
4.87
17.45
18.28

T2 [s]
54.96
17.62
4.56
17.31
17.06

T3 [s]
55.10
17.78
4.63
18.03
18.50

Avg. Head
0.3
pipe 1
pipe 2/6
pipe 3
pipe 4
pipe 5

H1 [ft]
0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35
0.35

H2
[ft]
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25

T1 [s]
58.58
17.82
4.57
22.60
22.88

T2 [s]
58.69
18.38
4.68
22.09
22.72

T3 [s]
58.34
18.35
4.81
22.97
22.04

14

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

B. Sample Calculations
Velocity
2

V
H+ L
=
2 g +K +fL /D

V= 2

V 1=

gH + L
+ K + fL/ D

232.1740.85+2
ft
=4.029
2+1.3+ 0.042/0.010
s
Experimental average efflux time
trial
trial
trial
t average=t 1+ t 2 +t 3
3

t 1 average =

51.45+51.69+ 52.22
=51.79 s
3
Theoretical efflux time

t 1 theoretical = 2[ ( 2+0.85 ) ( 2+0.75 ) ]

%Error=

DT
+ K +fL / D

D
2g

( )

t theoretical = 2[ ( L+ H 1) ( L+ H 2 ) ]

}
}

0.453125 2 2+1.3+ 0.042/0.010

=51.42 s
0.010
232.174

t theoretical t average
100
t theoretical

( 51.4251.79
)100=0.7
51.42

%Error 1=

15

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

Reynolds Number
=
1=

VD
v

4.0290.010
=3276
5
1.229710

C. Data Tables
Table II: Calculated quantities for pipe flow
Exp
avg
Efflux
Theo
Friction
head
Time
Efflux
%
Factor
0.8
[s]
Time [s] Error
Re
fave
pipe 1
51.8
51.42
-0.7 3276
0.040
pipe
2/6
16.6
17.04
2.8
6327
0.032
1246
pipe 3
4.3
5.19
16.8
1
0.026
pipe 4
16.0
19.98
19.8 5475
0.032
pipe 5
17.0
19.17
11.3 5682
0.032
avg
head
0.6
pipe 1
pipe
2/6
pipe 3
pipe 4
pipe 5
avg
head
0.3
pipe 1
pipe
2/6
pipe 3
pipe 4

Exp
Efflux
Time
[s]
55.1

Theo
Efflux
Time [s]
53.36

%
Error
-3.2

17.4

17.68

1.8

4.7
17.6
17.9

5.39
22.21
20.87

13.0
20.8
14.0

Exp
Efflux
Time
[s]
58.5

Theo
Efflux
Time [s]
56.74

%
Error
-3.2

18.2

18.80

3.3

4.7
22.6

5.73
27.63

18.2
18.4

Re
3159
6101
1201
6
4953
5239

Re
2975
5745
1131
5
4044

Friction
Factor
fmoody
0.043
0.035
0.026
0.036
0.035

Friction
Factor
fave
0.040

Friction
Factor
fmoody
0.043

0.032

0.035

0.026
0.032
0.032

0.026
0.037
0.036

Friction
Factor
fave
0.040

Friction
Factor
fmoody
0.044

0.032

0.035

0.026
0.032

0.026
0.040
16

ME 310 Lab report

pipe 5

22.5

Group 1
24.55

8.1

4492

Exp 7
0.032

0.038

D. Equipment List
Pipe flow apparatus
a. Plexiglas tank (5.4375in diameter; 12in depth)
b. Threaded insert at bottom of tank
c. Scale (tenths of a foot)
d. Water collection pan
e. Various Pipes with differing lengths and diameters
Table III: Pipes of the same length and varying diameters
Pipe 1
Pipe 2
Pipe 3
Diameter
0.12in
3/16in
5/16in
Length
24in
24in
24in
Table IV: Pipes of same diameter and varying lengths
Pipe 4
Pipe 5
Pipe 6
Diameter
3/16in
3/16in
3/16in
Length
2.915in
6in
24in

17

ME 310 Lab report

Group 1

Exp 7

References:
https://resources.oncourse.iu.edu/access/content/group/FA14-IN-ME31000-24661/Lab_2014/Experiments_%20Pre-Lab/Experiment07PipeFlow.pdf
Sections 5.3, 8.4 in Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, Munson et. al.,
7th edition
Metzner, A. B., and J. C. Reed. "Flow of Non-newtonian Fluids
correlation of the
Laminar, Transition, and Turbulent-flow Regions." Wiley Online
Library. John Wiley and Sons, n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2014.y

18