Fluid Mechanics-I Lab (MEEN 2217)

Lab Report 01

Title: Determine 𝑪𝒗 ,𝑪𝒄 and 𝑪𝒅 when water

flow through an orifice.

Muhammad Waqar

ME172031

January 2, 2019

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1.Abstract
This experiment is also solved by using Bernoulli’s equation to get the values of coefficient of
velocity, contraction and discharge. Their value is directly taken by the apparatus setup. We use
hydraulic bench to setting this apparatus. Coefficient of discharge is taken by getting the ratio of
actual discharge to theoretical discharge.

These values taken directly from sated apparatus. And similarly, the values of coefficient of
velocity also taken from the apparatus which is ratio of actual velocity to theoretical velocity.

Table of Contents
1.Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ 2
2.Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 2
3.Theory and Background ............................................................................................................... 3
4.Apparatus ..................................................................................................................................... 4
5.Procedure ..................................................................................................................................... 4
6.Result ........................................................................................................................................... 5
7.Discussion .................................................................................................................................... 5
8.Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 6
9.Reference ..................................................................................................................................... 6
10.Appendix .................................................................................................................................... 6

2.Introduction
The terms we used in this experiment are coefficient of discharge, coefficient of velocity and
coefficient of contraction. Coefficient of velocity is the ratio of actual velocity at vena contracta
to the theoretical velocity. Coefficient of discharge is ratio of actual discharge to theoretical
discharge. The ratio of areas of vena contracta stream to the area of orifice.

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 Figure 1 Vena contracta

This Vena contracta is the point where the diameter of stream is least and fluid velocity
maximum such that stream issuing out of a nozzle or orifice [2][1][3].

3.Theory and Background

The discharge coefficient is a dimensionless number used to characterize the flow and pressure
loss behavior of nozzles and orifices in fluid systems. Orifices and nozzles are typically used to
deliberately reduce pressure, restrict flow or to measure flow rate.
The actual discharge of an axial piston pump is usually defined as the difference
between the theoretical pump discharge and the total leakage. Volumetric efficiency is defined as
the ratio between the actual and the theoretical pump discharge. It depends on the properties of
fluid and pump characteristics.
In a nozzle or other constriction, the discharge coefficient (also known as coefficient of
discharge) is the ratio of the actual discharge to the theoretical discharge the ratio of the mass
flow rate at the discharge end of the nozzle to that of an ideal nozzle which expands an identical
working fluid.
Coefficient of contraction is defined as the proportion between the areas of the stream at the vena
contracta to the area of the orifice. The estimation of coefficient of contraction changes
marginally with the accessible leader of the fluid, size, and state of the orifice [3][2].

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4.Apparatus
This equipment allows measurement of contraction and velocity coefficients as well as discharge
coefficient for an orifice discharge. It is to be used with Hydraulics Bench. It consists of a
removable clear acrylic cylinder with adjustable constant head. Water is admitted to the cylinder
via a discharge head. An adjustable overflow allows various constant heads for the test. An orifice
is fitted at the bottom of the cylinder flush with the base plate. A traverse assembly is provided
below the cylinder. Attached to this assembly is a wire and a pitot tube. The wire is to measure the
jet diameter hence the vena contracta diameter and the pitot tube is to measure the jet velocity. The
velocity head on pitot tube and total head due to tank water level are indicated on manometer tubes.

The apparatus rests on adjustable footings and a bull’s eye level is provided.

Figure 2 Apparatus setup

5.Procedure

1. Set the Hydraulics Bench to a level position

2. Connect the water supply line from the Hydraulics Bench to the inlet and outlet of the test
apparatus.
3. Start the pump and slowly open the discharge valve to admit water to the tank until a small
and steady over flow is observed.

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 4. Record H and the flow rate by using the Hydraulics Bench measuring tank and stop watch.
5. Swing the micrometer so that the Pitot tube is in line with the jet and at a distance below
the orifice approximately equal to the diameter of the orifice
6. Slowly turn the micrometer knob until the wire starts touching the jet and record the
micrometer reading
7. Turn the micrometer knob further and record the Pitot tube reading
8. Turn the micrometer knob until the wire start leaving the jet and again record the
micrometer reading. Calculate the diameter of the vena contracta

9. Repeat steps at the other overflow tube positions (different values of H)

6.Result
Diameter at
Static Head Velocity Head Vena Coefficient of Coefficient of Coefficient of
‘H’ ‘𝑯𝒗 ’ Contracta Contraction Velocity Discharge
(cm) (cm) ‘dc’ (mm) ‘𝑪𝒄 ’ ‘𝑪𝒗 ’ ‘𝑪𝒅 ’

0.293 10.06 0.598 0.998 0.596

0.294
0.373 10.49 0.652 0.997 0.648
0.376
0.403 10.19 0.616 0.987 0.606
0.411

7.Discussion
We get these values of coefficient of discharge, velocity and contraction directly by apparatus
readings and settings. Their value is directly taken by the apparatus setup. We use hydraulic bench
to setting this apparatus. Coefficient of discharge is taken by getting the ratio of actual discharge
to theoretical discharge.

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These values taken directly from sated apparatus. And similarly, the values of coefficient of
velocity also taken from the apparatus which is ratio of actual velocity to theoretical velocity
[1][2].

8.Conclusion
Plug in a coefficient for energy losses through turbulence and you have your formula. But you
can see indeed that your coefficient can never be greater than one, because that would mean that
you end up with more energy than you started with.
At the end we get values of range of coefficient of discharge 0.59 to 0.608. Similarly, we get
values of range of coefficient of vena contracta is 0.59 to 0.618.
Values of coefficient of velocity is in range of 0.998 and 0.985. So, it is clear from the values
that all the coefficient values are less than one. Because of energy losses.
Venturi meter is the best and most efficient primary transducer for measuring flow rate and
produces almost no pressure losses and loading effect while measurements.

But practically speaking, while measuring flow some losses do occur and are almost un-
avoidable like frictional losses, pressure losses, turbulence losses etc. Generally, Coefficient of
discharge of venturi meter is 0.95 to 0.97 which is highest of all flow measuring primary
transducers. Only 10% of pressure losses are seen in venturi meter while measurement [2][3].

9.Reference
[1]. https://www.openswmm.org/Topic/3615/discharge-coefficient
[2]. https://www.quora.com/Why-is-the-value-of-a-coefficient-of-discharge-less-than-1-0-in-
Venturi-meter
[3]. https://www.scribd.com/doc/115899947/Determination-of-Coefficient-of-Discharge-of-a-
Submerged-Orifice

10.Appendix

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