Discussion

Daniel Bernoullis theory of the velocity of an incompressible fluid flowing smoothly

is inversely proportional to its pressure gave birth to the Bernoullis Principle. This
experiment of Bernoullis theorem demonstration was conducted with the objectives of
studying the validity of the Bernoulli equation when applied to the steady flow of water in a
tapered duct and to measure flow rates and both static and total pressure heads in a rigid
convergent or divergent tube of known geometry for a range of steady flow rates.
This experiment was conducted using a hydraulic bench and Bernoullis theorem
demonstration apparatus. This instrument was combined with a venturi meter and the pad of
manometer. A venturi is basically a converging-diverging section (like an hourglass),
typically placed between tube or duct sections with fixed cross-sectional area. The flow rates
through the venturi meter can be related to pressure measurements by using Bernoullis
equation. By varying the flow rates at values of 0.073m3/s, 0.155m3/s and 0.279m3/s, the head
of the manometer at each specific points (from HA to HF) was measured simultaneously with
head of HH by sliding the hypodermic tube to each of those points for each value of flow
rates. By using these values of H and applying Bernoulli equation thus its velocity (V iB) can
be calculated. That values are then compared with the velocities obtained through the
continuity equation (ViC).
By applying Bernoulli equation to this experiment, the results show that the flow with
a greater gradient in head (H* - HH) will proceed with a greater velocity. As fluid flows from a

wider duct to a narrower one (convergent flow), the velocity of the flowing fluid increases
whereas as the opposite occurs when a fluid flow from a narrower duct to a wider one
(divergent flow). This is shown in all the results tables, in which the velocity of water that
flows in the tapered duct increases as the duct area decreases, and decreases as the duct area
increases thus validating the Bernoulli equation for both converging and diverging flows.
To apply Bernoulli equation two assumptions are made; the flow is incompressible
and that the friction by viscous forces is negligible. The equation is as follows;
P v2
+ +h=constant
g 2g
P
= static head
g
v2
= dynamic head
2g
h = potential head

From the manometer readings, it is known that the values of H A to HF represent the
total head, meanwhile HH is the static head at each given point. By applying the above
equation and using the values of ViC calculated earlier, an experimental value of the total head
can be obtained. Taking one readings as an example, at flow rates of 7.276x10 -6m3/s at point
A it is found that the experimental total head is 0.152m while the theoretical total head is
0.154m. This tells that around 1% of error is present. The slight deviation between the
experimental and theoretical head values may have occurred due to errors made during the
experiment. While reading the manometer for instance, a possibility of parallax error is
present. Moreover, mishandling of the equipments which resulted in an unstable flow and
bubbles might have also cause fluctuations and tampered with the readings of the manometer.
Conclusion
Based on the results of the experiment, it can be concluded that the experiment was a
general success as the results coincides with the objective and initial hypothesis. Three
different flow rates were set in this experiment; 7.276x10 -5m3/s, 1.554x10-4m3/s and 2.786x104

m3/s.
The results of all three flow rates shows that for an incompressible fluid with

negligible viscous forces acting on it, it will flow according to Bernoullis principle. It is
found that the velocity of the fluid increased when the fluid flowed to a converging section
and decreased when it flowed to a diverging section of the duct. Furthermore, the results
calculated all follow the pattern of increasing velocities with an increase in dynamic head.

From the result obtained through this experiment, it is been observed that when the
pressure difference increase, the velocities also increase for both convergent and divergent
flow. The result show a rise at each manometer tubes when the pressure difference increases.
As fluid flows from a wider pipe to a narrower one, the velocity of the flowing fluid
increases. This is shown in all the results tables, where the velocity of water that flows in the
tapered duct increases as the duct area decreases, regardless of the pressure difference and
type of flow of each result taken.

Based on the results of the experiment there were huge discrepancies in validating the
bernoulli equation as significant differences were found between the theoretical and
experimental values. Errors mounting up to a margin of +50% were found. For example in
the readings of HA at flow rate of ___ the bernoulli equations gives a velocity of ____
meanwhile through continuity equation velocity were calculate at a mere ____. Such errors
are so profound that it can only be explained as a result of poor handling or faulty
equipment.
Bernoulli principle however was proven as the results shows that a lower head
(Pressure) was measured at points of higher velocity. This can be seen at flow rate
0.155m3/s by comparing the cross section C which give a total head (HC) of 0.131m and
velocity (ViB) of 0.829m/s with cross section A of head (HA) 0.158m and velocity (ViB) of
0.443m/s.

The reading of the manometer a point HA to Hf gives the value of flow static head meanwhile
HG gives the sum of the static head and dynamic head.