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Reynolds Experiment
There are three types of flows, the Laminar Flow, Transient Flow and the Turbulent
Flow. Laminar flow is described as a fluid motion where all particles are moving in a
straight line such that an increase in speed is observed towards the center where the
maximum speed is observed. On the other hand, Turbulent flow is an irregular flow of
particles characterized by whirlpool-like regions. Unlike the straight line motion of laminar
flow, the particles of turbulent flow are random,and velocity vectors opposite with each
other(Robert,C., undated). And lastly, the transient flow is the transition or combination of
the two aforementioned flows.
(a)
(b)
(c )
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
Figure 1. (a) Flow; (b) Flow 2; (c) Flow 3; (d) Flow 4; (e) Flow 5; (f) Flow 6; (g) Flow 6; (h)
Flow 8; (i) Flow 9; (j) Flow 10.
Based on the figures above, Flows 1,2 and 3 shows a smooth flow where the
particles travel in straight lines. Flows 4 and 5 looked like a combination of Laminar and
Turbulent flow since the flow seemed to be disturbed but in between these disturbances
are straight line flows. And Flows 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are turbulent flows wherein the dye is
hardly seen because of the irregularity of flow and fast dispersion od the dye due to
increase in velocity.
Another way to classify flows is by computing the Reynolds Number (Re) such that
(a) If Re < 2000 the flow is Laminar (b) If Re > 4000 the flow is turbulent and (c) If 2000 <
Re < 4000 it is called transition flow. Knowing the Reynolds Number helps in analysing any
type of flow through the substantial velocity gradient or shear stress where the significance
of viscous effect is determined relative to inertial effect.
Some factors that affect the flow are the velocity of fluid and the diameter of pipe.
Generally, having small pipe diameter and low flow velocities define laminar flow where
the maximum fluid velocity occurs at the center of the pipe. On the other hand, turbulent
flow happens when the flow rate is faster and in large pipes. Transitional flow is a
combination of laminar and turbulent flow, with turbulence in the center of the pipe, and
laminar flow near the edges. behavior (The Engineering ToolBox, undated).
In laminar flow, shear stress is dependent on the fluids viscosity, but independent
of density,, since the pipe is small. Also, theses shear stresses act between the layers of the
fluid which defines the velocity distribution among the layers---increasing velocity as
distance from center decreases. Shear stresses in the Turbulent Flow, on the other hand are
more than those in Laminar Flow and dependent both on viscosity and density. (Bright Hub
Engineering, 2016).
Some possible sources of errors for this exercise are the air bubbles present inside
the pipe which implies that there is an atmospheric pressure in it, the leak of dye while
being induced in the system to be observed making it hard for observers to see the clearer
view of how the fluid flows, instrument errors and lastly, human errors.
REFERENCES
Flow 1 Trial 1
11.9760479mL
Q=V/t=360/30.06= s
11.9760479mL
4 4( ) 1L 1 m^3
Re = = s
1.004106
(1000mL) (1000L)=303.75255
(0.05)( )
Note: v=1.004x10-6m2/s (theoretical value)