MEHB221

Fluids Mechanics Lab

2016

Experiment No. 5
HEAD LOSS DUE TO PIPE FRICTION
Objective
To verify that Darcy-Weisbach equation can be used to predict the head loss due to
friction with flow of water through a smooth bore pipe.
Apparatus
Fluid Friction Apparatus, FM100.
Hydraulic Bench, FM110.
Summary of theory
For water flowing through a circular pipe, the head loss due to the friction can be
calculated using Darcy-Weisbach equation.
h = 4fLu2
2gd
Or
h = Lu2
2gd
Where
L = length of pipe between tappings (m) = 1m for all pipes
d = internal diameter of the pipe (m)
u = mean velocity of water through the pipe (m/s)
g = 9.81 (acceleration due to gravity,m/s2 )
f = pipe friction coefficient [ (British) 4f = (American) ]
The value of Reynolds number Re can be calculated using this equation:
Re = ud

Where (assume temperature = 20C)

= dynamic viscosity = 1.002 x 10-3 kg/m.s
= density = 998 kg/m3

MEHB221

Fluids Mechanics Lab

2016

Procedures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Open fully the flow control valve and inlet isolating valve.
Make sure that gate valve and globe valve are closed.
Switch on the main switch for hydraulic bench and digital pressure indicator.
Open fully the outlet control valve.
Open the isolating valve for the test pipe No. 1.
Insert the two manometer tubes (from digital pressure indicator) into the tapping
valve of pipe No. 1.
7. Switch on the pump of hydraulic bench.
8. Let the water flow through the system for a while.
9. Note down the reading on the differential pressure indicator.
10. Close the drain, use a stopwatch to time a certain amount of water flowing into
the measuring tank and calculate the flow rate.
11. Once it is done, open the drain and let the water flow into the sump tank.
12. Change the flow rate of water by adjusting outlet control valve to get different
differential pressure reading.
13. Again, take the differential pressure reading and measure the flow rate.
14. Obtain at least six readings for various flow rates.
15. Switch off the pump and shut the isolating valve for test pipe No. 1.
16. Repeat the above procedures for test pipe No. 2 (repeat procedures 4 to 14).
17. Switch off the pump and shut the isolating valve for test pipe No. 2.
18. Repeat the above procedures for test pipe No. 3.
19. Switch off the pump and shut the isolating valve for test pipe No. 3.
20. Switch off the main switch and shut the inlet isolating valve.
Data, Observation and Results

Record the results on the result sheet provided.

Calculate the flow rate (Q), velocity (u) and Reynolds number (Re).

For
Q = V x 10-3
T
And
u = 4Q
d2

Calculate the friction factor (f) using the following equation then calculate :
For laminar flow

f = 16
Re

MEHB221

Fluids Mechanics Lab

For turbulent flow

2016

f = 0.079
Re0.25

Calculate the theoretical head loss with the following equation:

h = Lu2
2gd

Calculate the percentage error between the theoretical and experimental values.

Plot the graph of friction factor, f versus Reynolds number, Re for each test pipe
in one graph (Graph 1).

Analysis and Discussion

Explain about head loss in pipe (including head loss due to friction).
Comment on the result and compare the theoretical with the experimental values.
Comment on Graph 1 and compare your graph with the moody diagram.
List the possible sources of errors and safety precaution.

Result Sheet
Volume
V
[L]

Time
T
[s]

Flow
rate (Q)
[ m3/s ]

Velocity
u
[ m/s ]

Re

Test pipe No. 1 diameter = 0.006 m

Test pipe No. 2 diameter = 0.010 m
Test pipe No. 3 diameter = 0.017 m

Theoretical
head (hth)
[ m H 2O ]

Exp. head
loss (hexp)
[ mm H2O ]

Pipe length L = 1 m

Exp. head
loss (hexp)
[ m H 2O ]

Percent
Error
[%]

MEHB221

Fluids Mechanics Lab

2016

MEHB221

Fluids Mechanics Lab

2016

2
4

6
10

Figure 1: Unit Construction for Fluid Friction Measurement Apparatus (Model: FM100)

1. Smooth Bore Pipes (6mm, 10mm, 17mm)

6. Outlet Control Valve

2. Artificial Roughen Pipe (17mm)

7. Inlet Isolating Valve

3. Manometer

8. Sudden Contraction

4. Gate Valve

9. Sudden Enlargement

5. Globe Valve

10. Differential Pressure