Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration

CE 336
Department of CECEM

Date: 10/19/15
Fall 2015

Table of Contents

Purpose
Intro
Theory
Equipment
Set up and Procedure
Data Analysis
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Purpose

The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate and analyze Bernoullis theorem using a venturi
meter. Static head for distinct flow rates through the venturi meter is recorded and kinetic head is
then calculated from independent measurement of volumetric flow rates. Static and kinetic head
is used to calculate total energy through the venturi pipe.

Introduction
A venturi meter is a flow meter utilized to measure flow through a pipe. The venturi meter makes
for a perfect candidate to demonstrate Bernoullis theorem, when the equation is applied at two
points along a streamline, one can compare the pressure heads, elevation heads, and velocity
head. It operates on the foundation that a decrease in flow area in any pipe results an increase in
velocity that is also accompanied by a decrease in pressure. The cross-sectional area of the
venturi meter is identified as the throat. Conservation of energy and conservation of mass rules
are used to make a connection between pressure differences with the velocity at pipe and throat
section in order to compute flow rates in the pipe. In order to obtain the values to demonstrate
Bernoullis theorem, we will analyze the flow through the venturi meter at six different areas,
where a manometer is attached. While performing this experiment it is important to maintain air
bubbles at a minimum within the venturi meter, and essentially out of the manometer tubes.

Theory

The law of conservation of energy goes hand in hand with Bernoullis theorem which is applied
to a fluid flow system. The theorem describes that for an ideal fluid with steady flow, the total
energy should be the same along the streamline. Furthermore, an ideal fluid is considered
inviscid, incompressible and irrotational. As these assumptions are made Bernoullis theorem can
be expressed by equation 1, where subscript 1 and 2 refer to points 1 and 2 in figure 1. From this
equation P and V are the pressure and velocity at a point in the streamline of the fluid flow while

z is the elevation of the point relative to the datum.

P
represents the pressure energy per unit

weight or pressure head.

V
2g

represents the kinetic energy per unit weight or kinetic head.

Now, the sum of the pressure head and elevation head represents the static head, and sum of
static head and kinetic head represents Total head (H). Moreover, the (HGL) Hydraulic grade line
is the location of static along the flow direction, the location of the total energy is known as
Energy grade line (EGL). For an ideal fluid, total energy at every point should be equal and
constant, however as fluid passes through the narrow section of the throat, fluid loses energy due
to friction losses along the walls. Therefore total energy downstream in the venturi pipe is not the
same to the total energy upstream. The venturi meter is designed to reduce head losses to
minimum by creating a relatively streamlined contraction and a gradual expansion downstream
of the throat. Ultimately, the majority of the head loss in a venture meter is a result of friction
losses adjacent to the pipe walls rather than losses due to separated flows and inefficient mixing
motion.

Figure 1. Graphical representation of Bernoullis equation for ideal fluid flowing through a

venturi meter.
Equation
(1)

P1
V 21 P2
V 22
+ z 1+ = + z2 +

2g
2g

Equipment
The equipment being utilized in this experiment to demonstrate Bernoullis theorem consists of
several components. Figure 2 simply illustrates main parts of the equipment, figure 3 shows
outlet pipe with flow control valve, figure 4 shows bench flow control valve and scale. The
equipment being used consists of a inlet control valve, air bleed screw, and a flow control valve.
A hydraulic bench used to regulate flow through the venturi meter, a stopwatch or smart phone to
record time to collect specified volume of water in reservoir within hydraulic bench.

Figure 2. Hydraulic bench with venturi meter and manometers.

Figure 3.

Outlet pipe with control flow valve.

Figure 4.

Bench Control Flow valve

Set up and Procedure

1. Make sure apparatus on the flat top of the bench is leveled and secured
2. Attempt to fully open the outlet flow control valve at the right hand end of the apparatus.
3. Close the bench flow control valve then start service pump.
4. Next, gradually open the bench flow control valve and allow the pipes to fill with water until
all air has been pushed out from the pipes.
5. If air bubbles remain in the pipe system, close both the bench flow control valve and the outle
flow control valve and open the air bleed screw. Remove cap from adjacent air inlet/outlet
connection. Open the bench flow control valve and allow flow through the manometers to purge
all air from them. Now, tighten the air bleed screw and slightly open both the bench valve and
outlet flow control valve.
6. Gradually increase the volume flowrate by opening the outlet flow control valve or the bench
flow control valve as required until maximum flowrate is obtained.
7. At this flow rate, measure the piezometric head.
8. Calculate the flow rate throught the venture pipe by recording the time to collect a known
volume of water in the tank.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 for at least 3 values of the inlet head.

Manometer Readings
(mm)
Tube

Diameter C.S

Low

Medium High

Ave.

Velocity

(mm)

Flow

Flow

Velocity

Head

Area

Flow

(mm2)

(m/s)

V 2
2g

25

490.63

86

262

296

.27

.0037

13.9

151.67

72

190

208

.87

.0386

11.8

109.30

58

125

119

1.2

.0734

10.7

89.87

41

45

13

1.46

.1086

10.0

78.5

39

33

1.67

.1421

25.0

490.63

63

190

212

.27

.0037

Volume (L)

Time to collect
(sec)
Discharge(L/s)

50.87

32.76

20.84

.0786

.1221

.1920

Table 1. Flow rate, Kinetic head, and Cross sectional areas of tappings a-f.

Figure 2. Venturi meter with HGL and EGL drawn.

Discussion
Bernoullis theorem states that for an ideal fluid with steady flow, the total energy remains the
same along the streamline. From Figure 2, we can observe how the (EGL) energy grade line does
in fact remain constant throughout the streamline and essentially throughout the venturi meter.
The energy grade line is also the total head, which is the pressure head, plus the elevation head,
plus the kinetic head. In this situation the elevations are the same so they can be neglected in
both sides of the equation when comparing two points along the stream line. The (HGL)
Hydraulic grade line on the other hand does fluctuate with a significant pattern. The hydraulic
grade line is the sum of pressure head and elevation or the static head. For a better illustration of
the hydraulic grade line, it was also depicted when measuring the manometers for the different
flow rates. The HGL decreases along the throat section of the venturi meter, indicating the loss of
pressure and recuperates on the other side of the meter with the same cross sectional area. This
again demonstrates not only Bernoullis theorem but the laws of conservation of mass and
energy. From Table 1, we can better see the effects of the venturi meter on the flow of the water.

Most importantly the effect it has on the velocity of the water. The fastest average velocity was at
1.67m/s at point e right before the cross sectional area is recovered. The slowest points where at
a and f which consisted of the same velocity. This can be considered as a demonstration of
convergent flow where the streamlines are smooth and in order for the most part. In the case of a
divergent flow we encounter stagnant forces that result in backpressure. This backpressure
created on the outlet side of the venturi meter will make a greater pressure on the right side of the
meter. While performing this experiment our group encountered a run with backpressure, where
we witnessed negative pressure in the throat section of the venturi meter, of course we
disregarded this run, but it gave us an example of a divergent flow. We believe we obtained this
flow due to major air bubbles in our system, we completely bled the system once more after that
run.

Conclusion
This experiment was conducted in order to demonstrate and understand Bernoullis theorem.
After calculating the different velocities throughout the venturi meter, it was easy to visualize the
effects of the meter on the flow of the water. Using Bernoullis equation we were able to
demonstrate the difference between the hydraulic grade line and energy grade line throughout the
venturi meter. When fluid flow is convergent it is easier to demonstrate Bernoullis theorem, as
opposed to when it is divergent, we must consider effects of stagnation. Another factor we did
not consider in this experiment that can also impact how flow acts in a pipe is the roughness of
the walls along the pipe. Furthermore, as long as the cross-sectional area recuperates after the
throat section of the venturi meter, Bernoullis theorem applies and can be demonstrated.

References
Sultana, 2015, Fluid Mechanics Laboratory, Instruction Manual.
Munson, B.R., T. H. Okiishi, W. W. Huebsch, A.P. Rothmayer, 2012, Fundamentals of Fluid
Mechanics, 7th edition, John Wiley.