EXPERIMENT 1

AIM : To verify Bernoullis Theorem and plot graph between

(a) Pressure Head v/s the length of pipe
(b) Kinematic head v/s Length
(c) Total Head v/s Length
INTRODUCTION :
Theorem is one of the most important equations in fluid mechanics. The
theorem is based on the law of conservation of energy. According to
Bernoullis Theorem, in an ideal, incompressible, steady and The Bernoullis
continuous flow, the sum of the pressure energy, potential energy, and the
kinetic energy per unit weight of the fluid is constant.
The energy per unit weight of the fluid (Nm/N) has got the dimensions of
length (L) and can be expressed in metres of the fluid column, commonly
called head. Thus according to Bernoullis Theorem, the sum of the
pressure head (p/), datum head (Z), and the velocity head (V 2/2g) is
constant, i.e. p/ + Z + V2/2g = constant.
In case of real fluids, because some energy is always lost in overcoming
frictional resistance, the Bernoulli theorem for real fluids is

p1/ + V12/2g + Z1 = p2/ + V22/2g + Z2 + HL

where HL is the loss of head from sections 1 to 2.
EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP :
The set-up consists of a horizontal converging-diverging duct having a
constant width but varying depth. The duct is made of transparent Perspex
sheets. A number of piezometers are fitted on the duct to indicate the
piezometric levels of varying sections. (see figure)
The duct is connected to a constant-head supply tank at one end. The supply
tank is fitted with a piezometer to indicate the water depth. The overflow
pipe in the tank discharges the excess water and thus keeps the water level
constant.
1

The water is collected in a measuring tank for the determination of the

discharge.
A small tank with a valve is provided at the downstream of the duct.
A graph paper can be fixed on a wooden board fixed behind the piezometric
tubes for marking the water levels.

THEORY :
According to Bernoullis theorem,

p1/ + V12/2g + Z1 = p2/ + V22/2g + Z2

The pressure head is indicated by the piezometers at various sections. For
the horizontal duct, if the datum is taken as the axis of the duct, the datum
head is zero. The velocity head can be calculated from the discharge Q.

V12/2g = (Q/A1)2 / 2g
V22/2g = (Q/A2)2 / 2g
where A1 and A2 are the areas of cross-sections at two sections 1 and 2
respectively.
The discharge is calculated from the volume of water (V) collected in time t.

Q = V/t
The loss of head at various sections can be calculated from the equation

p1/ + V12/2g + Z1 = p2/ + V22/2g + Z2 + HL1 = p3/ + V32/2g

+ Z3 + HL2 etc.
PROCEDURE :
1. Measure the heights of the duct at various sections using a scale. Also
measure the distances of various sections from the inlet of the duct.
2. Gradually open the outlet valve. The water level rises in various
piezometers. When the flow becomes steady, measure the heights of
water columns at various sections.
3. Measure the water depth in the constant-head supply tank, as
indicated by its piezometer.
4. Take the initial reading of the water level in the measuring tank and
start the stop-watch.
5. Note the final water level after a suitable time period.
6. Repeat steps (2) to (5) after increasing the discharge by using the
outlet valve.
Take 2 sets of observations.
OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS :
Width of the duct
Length of the collecting (measuring) tank
Width of the collecting (measuring) tank
Area of cross-section of the tank
I SET

Constant head H0 =

cm
3

b=
cm
L=
cm
B=
cm
A= L B =

m2

Discharge measurement :
Initial level, y1 =
cm
Final level, y2 =
cm
Rise, y =
cm
Volume = y A =
m3
Time, t =
seconds
Discharge, Q = volume/time =
Let w(weight density) = g

S.No.

Area10-3
(m2)

m3/s

Pressure
Head
(P/w)
(cm)

Velocity
in cm/s

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

I I SET
Constant head H0 =

cm
4

Velocity
Total head
Head (cm) (P/w)+
V2/2g
V2/2g
(in cm)

Discharge measurement :
Initial level, y1 =
cm
Final level, y2 =
cm
Rise, y =
cm
Volume = y A =
m3
Time, t =
seconds
Discharge, Q = volume/time =
Let w(weight density) = g

S.No.

Area10-3
(m2)

m3/s

Pressure
Head
(P/w)
(cm)

Velocity
(in cm/s)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Velocity
Total head
Head (cm) (P/w)+
V2/2g
V2/2g
(in cm)

RESULT: Bernoulli Theorem has been verified.

PRECAUTIONS :
1. Make sure that the supply head in the tank remains constant and there are
no surges in the tank.
2. There should be no air bubbles in the duct or piezometric tubes.
3. Take the readings when the flow becomes steady and there are no
fluctuations in the water levels of the piezo-meters.
4. For better accuracy, the water in the measuring tank should be collected for
a long duration.