Fluid Mechanics Thy Nguyen

Experiment 1: FLUID FLOW IN A SMOOTH PIPE

Abstract:

The pressures of water flowing at different velocities was measured using different pressure
gauges, depending on its range of sensitivity. Water flow rate was initally set at 1600L/hr with
decrements of 100L/hr until it reached 200L/hr. Using the digital manometer, pressure difference
was found to decrease from 19.2 kPa to 0.4kPa. Water flow rate was then set at 250L/hr with
decrements of 25L/hr until 100L/hr was reached. Using the water manometer, pressure
difference was found to decrease from 0.667kPa to 0.098kPa. The rate of water flow was finally
set at 75L/hr with decrements of 10L/hr until 10L/hr was reached. Using the Capsuhelic
manometer, pressure difference was found to decrease from 0.051kPa to 0.006kPa.
Data collected was then used to plot fanning friction factor versus Reynold Number. An
experimental gradient of -0.8899 was obtained for the slope of the laminar region. This value
was then compared to the theoretical value of -1.

Aims:

- To observe the relationship between pressure drop and average velocity and hence the
relationship between Friction Factor and Reynolds Number of fluid flowing through a circular
pipe.
-To observe the transition of fluid flow from laminar to turbulent.
Q1. Please refer to attachment

Q2. Please refer to attachment

Q3.
16
The theoretical relationship between f and Re in the laminar flow regime is f = ℜ
The expected value of the slope of the log(f) versus log(Re) plot in this regime is -1.
The experimental slope was -0.8899 and does not match that of the theoretical slope. This
demonstrates that experimental errors have occurred. There could have been other sources of
friction in the pipe such as air bubbles. Another possible error could be the imprecision of the
measurement readings.

Q4. Please refer to attachment

Q5.

From equation (1.1):

(i) Z1 ≠ Z2  Pipe is not horizontal and is on some sort of angle.

(ii)V1 ≠ V2  Pipe does not have a uniform cross-section and varies in diameter.

Q6. Please refer to attachment

Conclusion:

Slope of laminar flow region was found to be of -0.8899. Calculated values for fluid flow at
1600L/hr were as follows: v = 3.56m/s, ∆P = -19.2kPa, Re = 37985, f = 0.0064 and hf = 1.969.
This corresponded reasonably with expected values from Excel table.
Transition between laminar and turbulent water flow was observed. Where flow rates were
considerably lower, laminar flow was observed. Where flow rates were high, turbulence was
observed.