TITLE OF EXPERIMENT

Flow through a Convergent-Divergent Duct

OBJECTIVE OF EXPERIMENT
To demonstrate the application of the Bernoulli equation as applied to the flow in a
convergent-divergent duct.

INTRODUCTION
Bernoulli's principle can be applied to various types of fluid flow and results in
various forms of Bernoulli's equation. There are different forms of Bernoulli's equation for
different types of flow. The simple form of Bernoulli equation is valid for incompressible
flow as well as compressible flow.

Bernoulli's principle can be derived directly from Newton's Second Law of Motion. It
means small volume of flowing fluid from high pressure to low pressure gives a net force on
the volume and accelerating it along the streamline. This cause the speed increases from
higher pressure to lower pressure. Consequently, inside a flowing fluid, the highest speed
occurs where the pressure is lowest, and the lowest speed occurs where the pressure is highest.

The Bernoulli equation is given by the following relationship:

1 1 2 2 2 2
+ + 1 = + + 2 =
1 2 2 2
Where 1 and 2 are the density of water
g is the gravitational acceleration
v1 is the velocity at the cross section 1
v2 is the velocity at the cross section 2
z1 and z2 are the elevation
H is the total pressure head
Water is considered to be incompressible, 1 = 2 = 3
For a horizontal convergent-divergent duct, z1 = z2 = z3
The velocity of the flow v1 and v2 can be calculated from the cross sectional area and the
volume flow rate Q
The Volume flow rate Q = v1A1 = v2A2

1

1 = 4 1 2 & 2 = 4 2 2

Assuming no frictional losses in the Ideal case, H remains constant

1 1 2 2 2 2
+ + 1 = + + 2 =
1 2 2 2
The Ideal Pressure Head is obtained from
2 2 2
+ 2 = (= Ideal height of manometer column)
2 2

However because of frictional losses, the actual H drops along the venture duct. Therefore the
Actual pressure head is less than the Ideal Pressure Head.

PROCEDURE

1. The water outlet tube was directed to the sump of the apparatus.
2. The water pump was switched on.
3. The main input water flow valve kept fully opened, the bypass water valve was adjusted to
control the volume flow rate.
4. The water flow rate was adjusted to the maximum possible flow rate by closing the bypass
valve. The flow was allowed to stabilize and to remove all air bubbles in the system.
5. The air pump provided was fit to the right end of the manifold on top of the manometers.
6. The pump was used to control the base line level of the manometer readings by increasing or
decreasing the pressure in the manifold. The base line need not fall exactly at the zero line
because the velocity calculations use only the pressure difference.
7. The pressure in the manifold can be increased by pumping action of the air pump.
8. The pressure in the manifold can be decreased by pressing on to the needle valve on the right
hand side of the manifold to release the air in the manifold.
9. The volume flow rate reading and all the manometer readings were taken. The readings were
entered into the spread sheet in the computer provided for the purpose.
10. The bypass valve was adjusted to decrease the flow rate to obtain different sets of manometer
readings for flow rates of 6.5, 6.0, 5.0, 4.0 and 3.0 gallons/min.

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL

1. Bernoullis Theorem Apparatus LS-1801-5-BT
2. Hydraulic Bench LS-1801

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 RESULTS AND CALCULATION

Table 1
a. Flow rate, Q = 3 gallons/min
= 3 6.308 105 3 1
= 1.8924 104 3 1
2 (0.026)2
b. , = = = 5.309 104 2
4 4
1.8924104 3 1
c. , = = = 0.3564 /
5.309104 2
2 (0.35641 )2
d. = = 6.47 103 = 6.5
2 2(9.81 2 )

2
e. + + = 65 + 6.5 + 30 = 101.5
2

Table 2
a. Flow rate, Q = 4 gallons/min
= 4 6.308 105 3 1
= 2.5232 104 3 1
2 (0.024)2
b. , = = = 4.524 104 2
4 4
2.5232104 3 1
c. , = = = 0.5577 /
4.524104 2
2 (0.5577 1 )2
d. = = 1.59 102 = 15.9
2 2(9.81 2 )

2
e. + + = 90 + 15.9 + 30 = 135.9
2

Table 3
a. Flow rate, Q = 5 gallons/min
= 5 6.308 105 3 1
= 3.154 104 3 1
2 (0.026)2
b. , = = = 5.309 104 2
4 4
3.154104 3 1
c. , = = = 0.5941 /
5.309104 2
2 (0.5941 1 )2
d. = = 1.80 102 = 18
2 2(9.81 2 )

3
 2
e. + + = 114 + 18 + 30 = 162
2

Table 4
a. Flow rate, Q = 6 gallons/min
= 6 6.308 105 3 1
= 3.7848 104 3 1
2 (0.026)2
b. , = = = 5.309 104 2
4 4
3.7848104 3 1
c. , = = = 0.7129 /
5.309104 2
2 (0.7129 1 )2
d. = = 2.59 102 = 25.9
2 2(9.81 2 )

2
e. + + = 155 + 25.9 + 30 = 210.9
2

Table 5
a. Flow rate, Q = 6.5 gallons/min
= 6.5 6.308 105 3 1
= 4.1002 104 3 1
2 (0.026)2
b. , = = = 5.309 104 2
4 4
4.1002104 3 1
c. , = = = 0.7723 /
5.309104 2
2 (0.7723 1 )2
d. 2 = = 3.04 102 = 30.4
2(9.81 2 )

2
e. + + = 170 + 30.4 + 30 = 230.4
2

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Table 1

Q = 3 gal/min
Expt Ideal
p 3.14 x Diameter Area p/(r*g) p/(r*g) Velocity V2/(2*g) Z Actual total Head Head Loss Ideal total head
r 1000 kg/m3 mm mm mm2 mm mm m/s mm mm mm mm mm d x gradient
g 9.81 m/s 2 5 1 26.0 530.9 65.0 65.0 0.36 6.5 30.0 101.5 0.0 101.5 26.00 25 0.400
18 2 24.0 452.4 60.0 62.6 0.42 8.9 30.0 98.9 2.6 101.5 24.00 17
gal/min 0.00006308 m3/s 31 3 17.6 243.3 40.0 40.6 0.78 30.8 30.0 100.8 0.6 101.5 17.60 4
Q 3 gal/min 43 4 16.0 201.1 20.0 26.3 0.94 45.2 30.0 95.2 6.3 101.5 16.00 0
Q 0.0001893 m3/s 78 5 18.6 271.3 40.0 46.7 0.70 24.8 30.0 94.8 6.7 101.5 18.58 23
105 6 21.6 367.0 50.0 57.9 0.52 13.5 30.0 93.5 7.9 101.5 21.62 50
132 7 24.7 477.3 55.0 63.5 0.40 8.0 30.0 93.0 8.5 101.5 24.65 77
145 8 26.0 530.9 55.0 65.0 0.36 6.5 30.0 91.5 10.0 101.5 26.00 89 0.112

Figure 1: 3 gal/min

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Table 2

Q = 4 gal/min
Expt Ideal
p 3.14 x Diameter Area p/(r*g) p/(r*g) Velocity V2/(2*g) Z Actual total Head Head Loss Ideal total head
r 1000 kg/m3 mm mm mm2 mm mm m/s mm mm mm mm mm d x gradient
g 9.81 m/s 2 5 1 26.0 530.9 95.0 95.0 0.48 11.5 30.0 136.5 0.0 136.5 26.00 25 0.400
18 2 24.0 452.4 90.0 90.7 0.56 15.9 30.0 135.9 0.7 136.5 24.00 17
gal/min 0.00006308 m3/s 31 3 17.6 243.3 57.0 51.7 1.04 54.8 30.0 141.8 -5.3 136.5 17.60 4
Q 4 gal/min 43 4 16.0 201.1 18.0 26.2 1.26 80.3 30.0 128.3 8.2 136.5 16.00 0
Q 0.0002523 m3/s 78 5 18.6 271.3 55.0 62.4 0.93 44.1 30.0 129.1 7.4 136.5 18.58 23
105 6 21.6 367.0 74.0 82.4 0.69 24.1 30.0 128.1 8.4 136.5 21.62 50
132 7 24.7 477.3 80.0 92.3 0.53 14.2 30.0 124.2 12.3 136.5 24.65 77
145 8 26.0 530.9 85.0 95.0 0.48 11.5 30.0 126.5 10.0 136.5 26.00 89 0.112

Figure 2: 4 gal/min

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Table 3

Q = 5 gal/min
Expt Ideal
p 3.14 x Diameter Area p/(r*g) p/(r*g) Velocity V2/(2*g) Z Actual total Head Head Loss Ideal total head
r 1000 kg/m3 mm mm mm2 mm mm m/s mm mm mm mm mm d x gradient
g 9.81 m/s 2 5 1 26.0 530.9 114.0 114.0 0.59 18.0 30.0 162.0 0.0 162.0 26.00 25 0.400
18 2 24.0 452.4 108.0 107.2 0.70 24.8 30.0 162.8 -0.8 162.0 24.00 17
gal/min 0.00006308 m3/s 31 3 17.6 243.3 65.0 46.3 1.30 85.7 30.0 180.7 -18.7 162.0 17.60 4
Q 5 gal/min 43 4 16.0 201.1 20.0 6.6 1.57 125.4 30.0 175.4 -13.4 162.0 16.00 0
Q 0.0003154 m3/s 78 5 18.6 271.3 64.0 63.1 1.16 68.9 30.0 162.9 -0.9 162.0 18.58 23
105 6 21.6 367.0 85.0 94.4 0.86 37.6 30.0 152.6 9.4 162.0 21.62 50
132 7 24.7 477.3 95.0 109.7 0.66 22.3 30.0 147.3 14.7 162.0 24.65 77
145 8 26.0 530.9 100.0 114.0 0.59 18.0 30.0 148.0 14.0 162.0 26.00 89 0.112

Figure 2: 4 gal/min

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Table 4

Q = 6 gal/min
Expt Ideal
p 3.14 x Diameter Area p/(r*g) p/(r*g) Velocity V2/(2*g) Z Actual total Head Head Loss Ideal total head
r 1000 kg/m3 mm mm mm2 mm mm m/s mm mm mm mm mm d x gradient
g 9.81 m/s 2 5 1 26.0 530.9 155.0 155.0 0.71 25.9 30.0 210.9 0.0 210.9 26.00 25 0.400
18 2 24.0 452.4 145.0 145.2 0.84 35.7 30.0 210.7 0.2 210.9 24.00 17
gal/min 0.00006308 m3/s 31 3 17.6 243.3 80.0 57.5 1.56 123.4 30.0 233.4 -22.5 210.9 17.60 4
Q 6 gal/min 43 4 16.0 201.1 10.0 0.3 1.88 180.6 30.0 220.6 -9.7 210.9 16.00 0
Q 0.0003785 m3/s 78 5 18.6 271.3 80.0 81.7 1.40 99.2 30.0 209.2 1.7 210.9 18.58 23
105 6 21.6 367.0 110.0 126.7 1.03 54.2 30.0 194.2 16.7 210.9 21.62 50
132 7 24.7 477.3 125.0 148.9 0.79 32.1 30.0 187.1 23.9 210.9 24.65 77
145 8 26.0 530.9 133.0 155.0 0.71 25.9 30.0 188.9 22.0 210.9 26.00 89 0.112

Figure 4: 6 gal/min

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Table 5

Q = 6.5 gal/min
Expt Ideal
p 3.14 x Diameter Area p/(r*g) p/(r*g) Velocity V2/(2*g) Z Actual total Head Head Loss Ideal total head
r 1000 kg/m3 mm mm mm2 mm mm m/s mm mm mm mm mm d x gradient
g 9.81 m/s 2 5 1 26.0 530.9 170.0 170.0 0.77 30.4 30.0 230.4 0.0 230.4 26.00 25 0.400
18 2 24.0 452.4 155.0 158.5 0.91 41.9 30.0 226.9 3.5 230.4 24.00 17
gal/min 0.00006308 m3/s 31 3 17.6 243.3 85.0 55.6 1.69 144.8 30.0 259.8 -29.4 230.4 17.60 4
Q 6.5 gal/min 43 4 16.0 201.1 10.0 -11.6 2.04 212.0 30.0 252.0 -21.6 230.4 16.00 0
Q 0.0004100 m3/s 78 5 18.6 271.3 85.0 83.9 1.51 116.5 30.0 231.5 -1.1 230.4 18.58 23
105 6 21.6 367.0 120.0 136.8 1.12 63.6 30.0 213.6 16.8 230.4 21.62 50
132 7 24.7 477.3 140.0 162.8 0.86 37.6 30.0 207.6 22.8 230.4 24.65 77
145 8 26.0 530.9 145.0 170.0 0.77 30.4 30.0 205.4 25.0 230.4 26.00 89 0.112

Figure 5: 6.5 gal/min

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 DISCUSSION

In this experiment, the velocity of the fluid affected by the cross sectional area of the
duct. From the graphs, it shows that the velocity increase when the water reaches the narrow
area duct and decrease when it pass through the wide area duct. The velocity reaches the
maximum when the duct has minimum area. This affect the pressure head had decrease from
wide area duct to narrow area duct. This shows the relationship between the velocity and flow
area as the velocity is inversely proportional to the cross sectional area by applying the flow
rate equation, = . Therefore, the application of the Bernoullis equation in the flow in a
convergent-divergent duct has been proven where the velocity increases when the fluid flows
through a small cross sectional area and vice versa.

From the calculation and table above, most of the actual pressure head is differ than
ideal pressure head. This is because the frictional losses occurred when the water flow
through the convergent-divergent duct. There are two types of frictional losses occurred in
the duct which is form friction and skin-friction. The form friction means the loss of the
energy due to the friction of separated boundary layer. The skin-friction occurred between a
fluid and the surface of a solid moving through it or between a moving fluid and its enclosing
surface. Moreover, the parallax error is also causes the actual cases result different with the
ideal cases results. This phenomenon occurred when we recorded the reading from the
manifolds.

If the Convergent-Divergent duct is inclined upwards, the corresponding total head H

will stay constant whereas the dynamics and the pressure head will change at the upstream
due to the difference in height. The flow will continue until the pressure head at upstream
equals the elevation head at downstream thus velocity head will decrease until zero when the
fluid comes to rest. This is based on the theory of Bernoulli equation where the velocity of
fluid increases when the pressure decreased and vice versa.
.
In the experiment, there might be some errors and mistakes occurred. So there have
some precautions must be taken in this experiment. Firstly, the readings of the manometer
must be taken carefully after it flow stabilizing to prevent parallax error and the eyes must be

10
parallel to take accurate readings. Besides, make sure the bubbles are removed when
adjusting the water flow rate to make sure the reading is accurate.

CONCLUSION

The results shown that the actual pressure head is different to the ideal pressure head
this is due to the frictional losses parallax error occurred in the experiment. The velocity of
the water is low when the pressure is high, and vice versa. Furthermore, the size of the cross
sectional area will also affected the velocity of the fluid. Lastly, the application of the
Bernoulli equation as applied to the flow in a convergent-divergent duct has been
demonstrated.

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