LAB 3 FLUID FRICTION (Group B)
LAB 3 FLUID FRICTION (Group B)
LAB SHEET 3
FLUID FRICTION
Learning Outcome LO2 To determine the relation between friction head loss and velocity for flow of
(LO): water through smooth bore pipes.
Program Outcome: PO5 To compare the head loss predicted by a pipe friction equation with direct
measure head loss.
Synopsis: This lab activity will enrich students’ knowledge on the principle examined in this
experiment was how the frictional flow of a fluid in a pipe relates to therelationship with
the fluids Reynolds number.
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To compare the head loss predicted by a pipe friction equation with direct measure head loss.
2.0 THEORY
Professor Osborne Reynolds demonstrated that two types of flow may exist in a pipe:-
i. Laminar flow at low velocities, where h∝u
ii. Turbulent flow at higher velocities h∝un
In laminar flow, head loss, h is directly proportional to flow velocity, u. While in turbulent flow, h is directly
proportional to un. These two types of flow are separated by transition phase where (in this phase) no
definite relationship between h and u exists. Graphs of h versus u and log h versus log u show these
zones :-
Having established the value of Reynolds’ number for flow in the pipe, the value of f maybe determined
using a Moody diagram.
Note:
If Re<2000; indicate laminar flow
If 2000<Re<4000; indicate transition flow
If Re>4000; indicate turbulent flow
For a circular pipe flowing full, the head loss due to friction may be calculated from the formula:
2. Piezometer
Video Link :
4.0 RESULTS
EXPERIMENT DATA
Density of water (from table) = 995.7 kg/𝑚3
Dynamic viscosity of water (from table) = 0.798 x 10−3 kg/ms
Length of pipes, L = 0.918 m
Internal diameter of pipe, d = 0.262 m
Volum Time Flowrate Piezometer Readings Flow R f Calculate Measure
e (mm) e
Q Velocity Head HeadLos
V T From s
u Loss
(m3/s) Moody
(litre
Diagram
s) (mH2O)
(s)
(m/s) (m H2O)
(∆h)
5 45.88 1.090 x10−4 1140 1122 18 2.02 x10−3 660 0.097 7.07 x10−8 0.001
5 40.54 1.233 x10−4 1138 1120 18 2.29 x10−3 749 0.085 7.96 x10−8 0.002
5 36.98 1.352 x10−4 1134 1118 16 2.51 x10−3 820 0.078 8.78 x10−8 0.002
5 30.15 1.658 x10−4 1132 1116 16 3.08 x10−3 1006 0.064 1.08 x10−7 0.002
5 25.76 1.941 x10−4 1128 1112 16 3.60 x10−3 1177 0.054 1.25 x10−7 0.001
5 23.17 2.158 x10−4 1122 1106 16 4.00 x10−3 1308 0.049 1.40 x10−7 0.003
5 17.50 2.857 x10−4 1118 1096 22 5.30 x10−3 1733 0.037 1.86 x10−7 0.004
5 16.24 3.079 x10−4 1114 1094 20 5.71 x10−3 1867 0.034 1.98 x10−7 0.004
5 15.36 3.255 x10−4 1112 1092 20 6.04 x10−3 1975 0.032 2.08 x10−7 0.004
Table 1 : Fluid Friction Experimental Data
Plot a graph of h versus u. Identify the laminar, transition and turbulent zones on the graphs.
Confirm that the graph is a straight line for the zone of laminar flow
Graph explanation
Graph explanation
Graph slope = 0.0635
Based on the Reynolds number data, it is calculated to be mostly turbulent in the pipe under
test, which exceeds 2000 re. However, both graphs show somewhat correct transitions,
and the curves imply that calculations and theory are related.
5.0 DISCUSSION
For discussion, you should answer all questions as follows:
i. Discuss the relationship of head loss and velocity based on Graph h versus u:
Based on the graph, the relationship between head loss, h and velocity, u is directly proportional
when it is in laminar flow. Basically, laminar flow happens when dealing with small pipe and slow flow
rate. However, in a turbulent flow, the relationship in graph of head loss, h and velocity, u show as
inversely proportional. Turbulent flow happens when high flow rate and larger pipe are used
ii. Analyses the transition phase value and explain how it could be happening.
At the beginning, the phase is laminar which means it smooth and slow rate flow. But somehow the
phase of fluid is change turbulent flow as it is chaotic and unpredictable. This is because the fluid
velocity increase and make the flow rate changes. From the experiment, we can see that flow rate of
fluid and pressure are related to the Reynold number. When Reynold number is increasing and
exceeds to the certain value, we can consider the phase of flow becomes turbulent.
iii. Compare and discuss the values of head loss obtained from calculation and measurement.
The calculated head loss is 0.003 mH2O and increased to 0.35mH2O. whilst, the value of head loss
that determine by measurement is increasing from 0.003 mH2O to 0.029 mH2O. but this
measurement value might be lower or higher than the actual value. This is because this might be
human error in calculating or taking the data. Otherwise, the instrument error also can cause the
inaccuracy in reading the data. Although, the value is not really accurate but the value ranges of
measured head loss are fairly similar due to mathematical procedures and using the standard unit in
comparison.
6.0 CONCLUSION
Give your conclusion of this experiment work / report. Summarize its main findings.
All in all, we can conclude that, there are three types of flow which are laminar, transition and
turbulent. This flow indicates the fluid friction and can be determined by calculating the Reynold
number and head loss. The friction factor was significantly higher for the larger diameter pipe than for
the smaller diameter pipe. It can be seen from the values obtained that fittings, pipes, enlargement
and contractions lead to a considerable amount of time. The discrepancies in the values were
caused due to possible human errors along with wear and tear associated with frequent use of the
experimental set up
7.0 OTHERS
TOTAL 100
SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION
1. Answer in ENGLISH .
2. Must include list of references .
3. Submit your assignment ONCE only in a SINGLE file.
4. Submit your assignment ONLINE.
5. Submission date: Week 4
6. This lab report/activity accounts for 5% of the total marks for the course.