ChE 223: Demonstration of Couette Flow

ChE 223: Momentum Transfer Laboratory 2
LABORATORY NO. 2: FLUID FLOW PHENOMENA
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Shaun Patrick P. Albao
2019–02539
College of Engineering
Eastern Visayas State University – Main Campus
Date of Performance: May 6, 2021
Date of Submission: May 13, 2021
This report is my own unaided work and was not copied from any other person.
Signed
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Laboratory No. 1.1
In fluid dynamics, Couette flow was the flow of a viscous fluid in the space
between two surfaces, one of which was moving tangentially relative to the other. The
relative motion of the surfaces imposed a shear stress on the fluid and induced flow.
The Couette configuration modeled certain practical problems, like the Earth's mantle
and atmosphere, and flow in lightly loaded journal bearings. It was also employed in
viscometry and to demonstrate approximations of reversibility. It was named after
Maurice Couette, a Professor of Physics at the French University of Angers in the late
19th century. In this experiment, the primary objective was to demonstrate the
relationship between the fluid velocity and the upper plate velocity, together with the
pressure gradient along the x-axis. Using a virtual laboratory tool, the researcher
selected values for the upper plate velocity and the pressure gradient along the x-axis.
In the end, it was found out that the fluid velocity is inversely proportional with the
pressure gradient along the x-axis and directly proportional to the upper plate velocity.
Laboratory No. 1.2
In fluid dynamics, laminar flow is characterized by fluid particles following smooth

paths in layers, with each layer moving smoothly past the adjacent layers with little or no
mixing. At low velocities, the fluid tends to flow without lateral mixing, and adjacent
layers slide past one another like playing cards. There are no cross-currents
perpendicular to the direction of flow, nor eddies or swirls of fluids. In laminar flow, the
motion of the particles of the fluid is very orderly with particles close to a solid surface
moving in straight lines parallel to that surface. Laminar flow is a flow regime
characterized by high momentum diffusion and low momentum convection. In this
experiment, the primary objective was to demonstrate the relationship between the
average fluid velocity and the pressure gradient along the x-axis, pipe radius, and the
dynamic viscosity of the fluid. Using a virtual laboratory tool, the researcher selected
values for pressure gradient along the x-axis, pipe radius, and the dynamic viscosity of
the fluid. In the end, the average fluid velocity was directly proportional to both the
ii
pressure gradient along the x-axis and the radius of the pipe and was inversely
proportional to the dynamic viscosity of the fluid.
Laboratory No. 1.3
The Reynolds number helped predict flow patterns in different fluid flow
situations. At low Reynolds numbers, flows tend to be dominated by laminar (sheet-like)
flow, while at high Reynolds numbers, flows tend to be turbulent. The turbulence results
from differences in the fluid's speed and direction, which may sometimes intersect or
even move counter to the overall direction of the flow (eddy currents). Reynolds
numbers were an important dimensionless quantity in fluid mechanics. This ability to
predict the onset of turbulent flow is an important design tool for equipment such as
piping systems or aircraft wings, but the Reynolds number is also used in scaling of fluid
dynamics problems and is used to determine dynamic similitude between two different
cases of fluid flow, such as between a model aircraft, and its full-size version. In this
Reynolds number and the fluid velocity with respect to the three fluids which are the
honey, water, and milk. Using a virtual laboratory tool, the researcher selected values
for absolute fluid pressure on each of the manometer fluids. In the end, the results
turned out that the magnitude of the Reynolds number is directly proportional to the fluid
velocity, regardless of the identity of the fluid.
Laboratory No. 1.4

In physics and fluid mechanics, a boundary layer is the layer of fluid in the
immediate vicinity of a bounding surface where the effects of viscosity are significant.
The liquid or gas in the boundary layer tends to cling to the surface. The boundary layer
around a human is heated by the human, so it is warmer than the surrounding air. In the
Earth's atmosphere, the atmospheric boundary layer is the air layer near the ground. It
is affected by the surface; day-night heat flows caused by the sun heating the ground,
moisture, or momentum transfer to or from the surface. In this experiment, the primary
objective was to demonstrate the relationship between the boundary layer in flow
between parallel plates and the distance between plates, fluid velocity and the kinematic
viscosity. Using a virtual laboratory tool, the researcher selected values for distance
iii
between plates, fluid velocity and the kinematic viscosity. In the end, the results turned
out that boundary layer thicknesses were directly proportional to the kinematic viscosity
of the fluid and were inversely proportional to the velocity of the fluid.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE……………………………………………………………………………………...i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY……………………………………………………………………….ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………………..iv
LABORATORY NO. 1…………………………………………………………………………..1
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………………2
INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………..2
THEORY…………………………………………………………………………………3
METHODS……………………………………………………………………………….4
EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS……………………………………………………4
PROCEDURE……………………………………………………………………5
RESULTS & DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………….5
OBSERVED DATA……………………………………………………………...5
CALCULATED DATA…………………………………………………………...5
SAMPLE CALCULATION………………………………………………………6
DISCUSSION……………………………………………………………………6
CONCLUSIONS…………………………………………………………………………7
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………..7
LABORATORY NO. 2…………………………………………………………………………..8
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………………9
iv
INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………..9
THEORY………………………………………………………………………………..10
METHODS……………………………………………………………………………...11
EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS…………………………………………………..11
PROCEDURE………………………………………………………………….12
RESULTS & DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………..12
OBSERVED DATA…………………………………………………………….12
CALCULATED DATA………………………………………………………….12
SAMPLE CALCULATION…………………………………………………….13
DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………..13
CONCLUSIONS……………………………………………………………………….14
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………14
LABORATORY NO.
3………………………………………………………………………….15
ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………….16
INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………16
THEORY………………………………………………………………………………..17
METHODS……………………………………………………………………………...18
PROCEDURE………………………………………………………………….19
OBSERVED DATA…………………………………………………………….19
CALCULATED DATA………………………………………………………….19
v
SAMPLE
CALCULATION……………………………………………………..20
DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………..20
CONCLUSIONS……………………………………………………………………….20
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………21
LABORATORY NO.
4………………………………………………………………………….22
ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………….23
INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………23
THEORY………………………………………………………………………………..24
METHODS……………………………………………………………………………...25
PROCEDURE………………………………………………………………….26
OBSERVED DATA…………………………………………………………….26
CALCULATED DATA………………………………………………………….28
SAMPLE
CALCULATION……………………………………………………..29
DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………..29
CONCLUSIONS……………………………………………………………………….29
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………30
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………………30
vi
ChE 223: Momentum Transfer Laboratory 2.1
DEMONSTRATION OF COUETTE FLOW
2019–02539
Signed
1
ABSTRACT
In fluid dynamics, Couette flow was the flow of a viscous fluid in the space
between two surfaces, one of which was moving tangentially relative to the other. The
relative motion of the surfaces imposed a shear stress on the fluid and induced flow.
Depending on the definition of the term, there may also be an applied pressure gradient
in the flow direction. The Couette configuration modeled certain practical problems, like
the Earth's mantle and atmosphere, and flow in lightly loaded journal bearings. It was
also employed in viscometry and to demonstrate approximations of reversibility. It was
named after Maurice Couette, a Professor of Physics at the French University of Angers
in the late 19th century. In this experiment, the primary objective was to demonstrate
the relationship between the fluid velocity and the upper plate velocity, together with the
pressure gradient along the x-axis. Using a virtual laboratory tool, the researcher
selected values for the upper plate velocity and the pressure gradient along the x-axis.
In the end, it was found out that the fluid velocity is inversely proportional with the
pressure gradient along the x-axis and directly proportional to the upper plate velocity.
INTRODUCTION
In atmospheric science, the pressure gradient (typically of air but more generally
of any fluid) is a physical quantity that describes in which direction and at what rate the
pressure increases the most rapidly around a particular location. Mathematically, it is
obtained by applying the del operator to a pressure function of position. The negative
gradient of pressure is known as the force density. In petroleum geology and the
petrochemical sciences pertaining to oil wells, and more specifically within hydrostatics,
pressure gradients refer to the gradient of vertical pressure in a column of fluid within a
wellbore and are generally expressed in pounds per square inch per foot (psi/ft). This
column of fluid is subject to the compound pressure gradient of the overlying fluids. The
path and geometry of the column is totally irrelevant; only the vertical depth of the
column has any relevance to the vertical pressure of any point within its column and the
pressure gradient for any given true vertical depth. In the end, the specific objective of
this experiment was to know the relationship between the fluid velocity and the upper
plate velocity, together with the pressure gradient along the x-axis.
2
THEORY (WITH NOMENCLATURE)
The conceptual framework for this experiment as shown below explains about
the variables to be examined in this experiment and integrating them together to
establish scientific relationships between those variables under consideration.
Pressure
gradient
Upper
Fluid plate
velocity velocity
Relationship
among the
variables
For steady-state, laminar flow of an incompressible viscous fluid between parallel

plates, the ordinary differential equation (ODE) describing fluid velocity is
d 2 u 1 dp
=
d y 2 μ dx
where u is fluid velocity, y is distance from the center line, μ is dynamic viscosity of the
dp
fluid, and is the pressure gradient along the x-axis. The boundary conditions are
dx
u (−h ) =0(lower plate velocity)
u ( h )=U 0 (upper plate velocity)
where 2 h is the distance between the plates and U 0 is the velocity of the top plate. An
analytical solution for this ODE is [CITATION Uni20 \l 13321 ]:
U0 y dp h2 y 2
u ( y )=
2 ( )
1+ −
h dx 2 μ
1−
h( ( ))
3
METHODS
Equipment/Apparatus
In this experiment, the researcher selected five values for absolute fluid pressure
on each of the manometer fluids in a virtual laboratory simulator. Afterwards, the
observed heights for each of the manometer fluids were tabulated and analyzed.
This demonstrates laminar flow of a viscous fluid between two plates. The plot
shows fluid velocity as a function of vertical distance. Velocity is proportional to the
length of the arrows. The lower plate is stationary and the upper plate is either
stationary or moves to the right; its velocity is set using the slider. The pressure gradient
is also set with a slider.
4
Procedure
In the experiment conducted, the researcher selected values for the upper plate
velocity and the pressure gradients along the x-axis. Afterwards, each of the values
were increased individually with regards to the sample basis to know its effect on the
magnitude of the fluid velocity. The observed data were then shown in tables through
the virtual lab and the computed values were then tabulated.
RESULTS & DISCUSSION
Observed Data
Table 1: Fluid velocity vs. Upper plate velocity and Pressure gradient along the x-axis.
Sample Basis Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4
Upper plate velocity 0 0 0 0
Pressure gradient -0.06 -0.1 -0.14 -0.18
Fluid velocity (x-axis) 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.9
Upper plate velocity 0 0.2 0.4 0.6
Pressure gradient -0.06 -0.06 -0.06 -0.06
Fluid velocity (x-axis) 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
Calculated Data
Table 2: Computed values for the fluid velocity given the upper plate velocity and
pressure gradient along the x-axis.
Sample
Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4
Basis
Upper plate velocity (m/s) 0 0 0 0
Pressure gradient (Pa/m) -0.06 -0.1 -0.14 -0.18
Fluid velocity (m/s) 0.337 0.562 0.787 1.011

Sample
Basis
5
Upper plate velocity (m/s) 0 0.2 0.4 0.6
Fluid velocity (m/s) 0.337 0.437 0.537 0.637
Sample Calculation
For the sample basis…
U0 y dp h2 y 2
u ( y )=
2 ( )
1+ −
h dx 2 μ
1−
( ( ))
h
m
0
s 0m kg ( 0.10 m )2 0m 2
u ( 0 )=
2
1+ (
0.10 m )(
− −0.06 2 2
)
m s 2 8.9 ×10−4 kg
1− ( (
0.10 m ))
( ms )
m
u ( 0 )=0.337
s
Discussion
As shown in Table 1, there was a negative trend between the pressure gradient
along the x-axis and the fluid velocity along the x-axis. It implied that the fluid velocity
increased as the pressure gradient decreased (becomes more negative). On the
contrary, it was observed that there is a positive trend between the upper plate velocity
and the fluid velocity along the x-axis. It implied that the fluid velocity increased as the
upper plate velocity increased (becomes more negative). Moreover, the results agree
with the theory as shown in the calculated data wherein the values of the variables were
approximately equal to the values obtained in the observed data. The only experimental
limitation experienced by the researcher was that the experiment conducted was a
virtual one only which means that the operations were only programmed so as to agree
with real-life experiments, although they do not really represent it as it was.
CONCLUSIONS
6
Based on the results gathered in the experiment conducted and in the theoretical
calculations, the researcher concluded the following statements:
1. The velocity of the fluid along two plates was inversely proportional to the
pressure gradient experienced along the x-axis.
2. The velocity of the fluid along two plates was directly proportional to the velocity
of the upper plate.
References
Couette Flow. (2020, May 17). Retrieved from LearnChemE:
http://www.learncheme.com/simulations/fluid-mechanics/couette-flow
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DEMONSTRATION OF THE LAMINAR FLOW OF A FLUID
2019–02539
Signed
ABSTRACT
In fluid dynamics, laminar flow is characterized by fluid particles following smooth

paths in layers, with each layer moving smoothly past the adjacent layers with little or no
mixing. At low velocities, the fluid tends to flow without lateral mixing, and adjacent
layers slide past one another like playing cards. There are no cross-currents
perpendicular to the direction of flow, nor eddies or swirls of fluids. In laminar flow, the
motion of the particles of the fluid is very orderly with particles close to a solid surface
moving in straight lines parallel to that surface. Laminar flow is a flow regime
characterized by high momentum diffusion and low momentum convection. In this
average fluid velocity and the pressure gradient along the x-axis, pipe radius, and the
dynamic viscosity of the fluid. Using a virtual laboratory tool, the researcher selected
values for pressure gradient along the x-axis, pipe radius, and the dynamic viscosity of
the fluid. In the end, the average fluid velocity was directly proportional to both the
pressure gradient along the x-axis and the radius of the pipe and was inversely
proportional to the dynamic viscosity of the fluid.
INTRODUCTION
Viscosity, resistance of a fluid (liquid or gas) to a change in shape, or movement

of neighboring portions relative to one another. Viscosity denotes opposition to flow.
The reciprocal of the viscosity is called the fluidity, a measure of the ease of flow.
Molasses, for example, has a greater viscosity than water. Because part of a fluid that is
forced to move carries along to some extent adjacent parts, viscosity may be thought of
as internal friction between the molecules; such friction opposes the development of
velocity differences within a fluid. Viscosity is a major factor in determining the forces
that must be overcome when fluids are used in lubrication and transported in pipelines.
It controls the liquid flow in such processes as spraying, injection molding, and surface
coating. In the end, the specific objective of this experiment was to know the
relationship between the absolute fluid pressure and the density of the manometer fluid
with the change in height of the manometer fluid.
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THEORY
Pressure
Pipe radius
gradient
Average
fluid Dynamic
velocity Relationship viscosity
between the
variables
Fully-developed laminar flow in an horizontal pipe means the fluid: (1) only moves in the
axial (z) direction. (2) flow is at steady state. (3) velocity is zero at the pipe wall. (4) is
constant velocity along a streamline. (5) does not have axial mixing. (6) velocity is
maximum at the pipe center. (7) has a Reynolds number ℜ< 2100. Gravitational force is
assumed negligible.
In terms of cylindrical polar coordinates, the z-direction Navier-Stokes equation can be

written as:
∂ ur ∂ ur u 0 ∂ u20 ∂ ur −∂ P 1 ∂ ∂ μz 1 ∂2 μ z ∂2 μ z
ρ( ∂t
+ur +
∂r r ∂ r
− +u z
∂z
= )
∂z
+ ρ gz+ μ r( ( )+ +
r ∂ r ∂ r r 2 ∂ θ2 ∂ z2 )
Where ur , uθ , uz is the fluid velocity in r , θ , z directions; ρ is the fluid density; μ is the fluid
viscosity; P is pressure; g is the gravitational force; t is time.
This equation simplifies to:
−∂ P 1 ∂ ∂u
0=
∂z
+μ ( )
r z
r ∂r ∂r
10
∂p ∆p
Where the pressure gradient in the z direction is constant and equal to . The
∂z l
boundary conditions are:
∂ uz
u z ( R )=0 , ( )
∂r r =0
=0
Where R is the pipe radius. The solution for μ z is:
R2 ∆ p r2
u z=
4μ l (
1− 2
R )
Average velocity is half the maximum velocity [ CITATION Ger16 \l 13321 ]:
R2 ∆ p
u z=
8 μl
METHODS
Equipment/Apparatus
This simulation demonstrates laminar flow of viscous fluid in a pipe. The plot
shows fluid velocity as a function of vertical distance. Velocity is proportional to the
11
length of them arrows. The pressure gradient, pipe diameter, and fluid viscosity are set
with sliders.
Procedure
In the experiment conducted, the researcher selected values for the pressure
gradients, pipe radii, and the dynamic viscosity. Afterwards, the values were increased
and decreased accordingly with regards to the sample basis to know its effect on the
average velocity of the fluid. The observed data were then shown in tables through the
virtual lab and the computed values were then tabulated.
Observed Data
Table 1: Average velocity vs. pressure gradient, pipe radius, and dynamic viscosity.
Sample
Basis
Pipe radius (cm) 2.5 2.5 2.2 2.5
Dynamic viscosity (Pa s) 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.003
Volumetric flow rate (cm3/s) 88 77 53 40

Average velocity (cm/s) 4.5 4 3.5 2.1
Maximum velocity (cm/s) 9 7.9 7 4.2
Reynold's number 1992 1756 1371 422
Calculated Data
Table 2: Computed values for the average velocity of the fluid.
Sample
Basis
12
Pipe radius (cm) 2.5 2.5 2.2 2.5
Dynamic viscosity (Pa s) 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.003
Volumetric flow rate (cm3/s) 99.71 87.44 59.79 33.24
Average velocity (cm/s) 5.08 4.45 3.93 1.69
Maximum velocity (cm/s) 10.16 8.91 7.87 3.39
Reynold's number 1992 1756 1371 422
Sample Calculation
For the sample basis…
R2∆ p
uavg =
8 μl
Pa 1m
uavg =
(
( 2.5 cm )2 0.65 )(
m 100 cm ) =5.08
cm
8 ( 0.001 Pa ∙ s ) s
Discussion
As shown in Table 1, there was a net decrease in the average fluid velocity with
respect to the decrease of the variables investigated which were the pressure gradient
and the radius of the pipe. It implied that there was a positive trend between the
average fluid velocity and the pressure gradient, together with the radius of the pipe. On
the other hand, the results showed that there was a net decrease in the average fluid
velocity with respect to the increase in the dynamic viscosity of the fluid. It implied that
there was a opposite trend between the average fluid velocity and the dynamic viscosity
of the fluid. Moreover, the results partially agree with the theory as shown in the
calculated data wherein the values of the variables were having nonnegligible errors
compared to the values obtained in the observed data. The only experimental limitation
experienced by the researcher was that the experiment conducted was a virtual one
only which means that the operations were only programmed so as to agree with real-
life experiments, although they do not really represent it as it was.
13
CONCLUSIONS
1. The average fluid velocity was directly proportional to both the pressure gradient
along the x-axis and the radius of the pipe.
2. The average velocity of the fluid was inversely proportional to the dynamic
viscosity of the fluid.
References
Gerhart, P. M., Gerhart, A. L., & Hochstein, J. I. (2016). Munson, Young and Okiishi's
Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Laminar Pipe Flow. (2020, March 17). Retrieved from LearnChemE:
http://www.learncheme.com/simulations/fluid-mechanics/laminar-pipe-flo
14
15
DEMONSTRATION OF THE FLOW AROUND A
SPHERE AT LOW REYNOLDS NUMBER
2019–02539
Signed
ABSTRACT
The Reynolds number (Re) helps predict flow patterns in different fluid flow
situations. At low Reynolds numbers, flows tend to be dominated by laminar (sheet-like)
flow, while at high Reynolds numbers, flows tend to be turbulent. The turbulence results
from differences in the fluid's speed and direction, which may sometimes intersect or
even move counter to the overall direction of the flow (eddy currents). These eddy
currents begin to churn the flow, using up energy in the process, which for liquids
increases the chances of cavitation. Reynolds numbers are an important dimensionless
quantity in fluid mechanics. This ability to predict the onset of turbulent flow is an
important design tool for equipment such as piping systems or aircraft wings, but the
Reynolds number is also used in scaling of fluid dynamics problems and is used to
determine dynamic similitude between two different cases of fluid flow, such as between
a model aircraft, and its full-size version. In this experiment, the primary objective was to
demonstrate the relationship between the Reynolds number and the fluid velocity with
respect to the three fluids which are the honey, water, and milk. Using a virtual
laboratory tool, the researcher selected values for absolute fluid pressure on each of the
manometer fluids. In the end, the results turned out that the magnitude of the Reynolds
number is directly proportional to the fluid velocity, regardless of the nature or identity of
the fluid.
INTRODUCTION
In continuum mechanics the flow velocity in fluid dynamics, also macroscopic

velocity in statistical mechanics, or drift velocity in electromagnetism, is a vector field
used to mathematically describe the motion of a continuum. The length of the flow
velocity vector is the flow speed and is a scalar. It is also called velocity field; when
evaluated along a line, it is called a velocity profile (as in, e.g., law of the wall). The flow
velocity of a fluid effectively describes everything about the motion of a fluid. Many
physical properties of a fluid can be expressed mathematically in terms of the flow
velocity. In the end, the specific objective of this experiment was to know the
relationship between the Reynolds number and the fluid velocity with respect to the
three fluids which are the honey, water, and milk.
16
THEORY
Fluid
velocity
Reynolds Nature
number of Fluid
Relationship
between the
variables
The Navier-Stokes equations are a set of partial differential equations that describe the
motion of viscous fluids. They correspond to conservation of momentum and mass1.
For an incompressible fluid and steady-state flow with radial symmetry about the x-axis,
the Navier-Stokes equation in spherical coordinates is [ CITATION Kaw55 \l 13321 ]
E2 ψ E2 ψ
[ (
ℜ ∂ψ ∂
2 2
2 ∂ r ∂ θ r sin θ
−
∂ψ ∂
) 2 2
∂θ ∂ r r sin θ( )]
sin θ= E4 θ
where r is radius, θ is the polar angle, ψ is the stream function, ℜ is the Reynolds
number and E is
∂2 sin θ ∂ 1 ∂
2
E = 2+ 2
∂r (
r ∂ θ sin θ ∂ θ )
The Reynolds number is the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces:
ρVD
ℜ=
μ
where ρ is the density of the fluid, V is the fluid velocity at r =∞, D is the sphere
diameter, and μ is the dynamic vicosity of the fluid. The radial velocity V r and tangential
velocity V θ at coordinate (r , θ) are
−1 ∂ ψ
V r=
r sin θ ∂θ
2
17
1 ∂ψ
V θ=
r sin θ ∂ r
The boundary conditions for flow around a sphere are
1
ψ= r 2 sin 2 θ ,r → ∞
2
∂ψ
ψ= =0 , r=R
∂r
where R is the radius of the sphere. The numerical Galerkin method used in this
simulation approximates the stream function ψ as a polynomial in which coefficients are
determined experimentally. This solution is only valid for the laminar flow regime
0 ≤ ℜ ≤500, with error increasing as Reynold's number increases [ CITATION Ham67 \l
13321 ].
METHODS
Equipment/Apparatus
This simulation generates a vector field around a sphere with radius r =1m. One
of three fluids can be selected from the dropdown menu. The slider changes the fluid
velocity. The vector field automaticaly updates if a parameter is changed. The fluid
18
velocity may change when a new fluid is selected in order to keep the Reynold's number
within a valid range.
Procedure
In the experiment conducted, the researcher selected values for the type of fluid
(honey, water, and milk) and the velocity of the fluid. Afterwards, the magnitude of the
velocity of the fluid was increased with regards to the sample basis to know its effect on
the magnitude of the hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the container. The observed
data are then shown in tables through the virtual lab and the computed values were
then tabulated.

Observed Data
Table 1. Fluid velocity vs. Reynolds number for Honey, Water, and Milk.
Fluid velocity (cm/s) Reynolds Number
Sample Basis 1 7.02 82
Honey Sample 2 11 136
Sample 3 14 166
Water Sample 2 0.03 268
Sample 3 0.035 311
Milk Sample 2 0.041 123
Sample 3 0.064 194
Calculated Data
Table 2. Calculated values for the Fluid velocity vs. Reynolds number
Fluid velocity (cm/s) Reynolds Number
Honey Sample Basis 1 7.02 82.59
Sample 2 11 129.41
Sample 3 14 164.71
Water Sample Basis 1 0.026 236.13
Sample 2 0.03 272.45
Sample 3 0.034 308.78
Milk Sample Basis 1 0.029 87.60
19
Sample 2 0.041 123.84
Sample 3 0.064 193.32
kg
For the honey , μ=1.19 Pa∙ s∧ρ=1400
m3
kg
For the water , μ=0.0011 Pa ∙ s∧ρ=999
m3
kg
For the milk , μ=0.0034 Pa∙ s∧ ρ=1 027
m3
Sample Calculation
For the sample basis of honey…
kg cm 1m
ℜ=
ρVL
=
( 1400
m )
3 ( 7.02
s )( 100 cm )
(1 m)
=82.59
μ kg
1.19
m∙ s
Discussion
As shown in Table 1, there was a positive trend relationship between the Reynolds
number and fluid velocity. It implied that the Reynolds number increased as the velocity
of the fluid was increased. Also, it was observed that the regardless of the nature of the
fluid, as long as the velocity of the fluid was increased, the Reynolds number was also
increased. In addition, it is observed that as the fluid velocity is increased, there
developed a swirling current at the back of the sphere which was becoming more visible
with the increasing magnitude of the fluid velocity. Moreover, the results agree with the
theory as shown in the calculated data wherein the values of the heights were
approximately equal to the values obtained in the observed data. The only experimental
limitation experienced by the researcher was that the experiment conducted was a
virtual one only which means that the operations were only programmed so as to agree
with real-life experiments, although they do not really represent it as it was.
CONCLUSION
20
1. The magnitude of the Reynolds number is directly proportional to the fluid
velocity, regardless of the nature or identity of the fluid.
References
Flow around a Sphere at Low Reynolds Number. (2019, June 13). Retrieved from
LearnChemE: http://www.learncheme.com/simulations/fluid-mechanics/flow-
around-a-sphere-at-low-reynolds-number
Hamielec, A. E., Hoffman, T. W., & Ross, L. L. (1967). Numerical solution of the Navier‐
Stokes equation for flow past spheres: Part I. Viscous flow around spheres with
and without radial mass efflux. AIChE Journal, 212-219.
Hamielec, A. E., Johnson, A. I., & Houghton, W. T. (1967). Numerical solution of the
Navier‐Stokes equation for flow past spheres: Part II. Viscous flow around
circulating spheres of low viscosity. AIChE Journal, 220-224.
Kawaguti, M. (1955). The critical Reynolds number for the flow past a sphere. Journal
of the Physical Society of Japan, 694-699.
Navier–Stokes Equations. (2021). Retrieved from Wikipedia.com:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navier–Stokes_equations
21
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DEMONSTRATION OF THE BOUNDARY LAYER IN
FLOW BETWEEN PARALLEL PLATES
2019–02539
Signed
ABSTRACT
In physics and fluid mechanics, a boundary layer is the layer of fluid in the
immediate vicinity of a bounding surface where the effects of viscosity are significant.
The liquid or gas in the boundary layer tends to cling to the surface. The boundary layer
around a human is heated by the human, so it is warmer than the surrounding air. A
breeze disrupts the boundary layer, and hair and clothing protect it, making the human
feel cooler or warmer. On an aircraft wing, the boundary layer is the part of the flow
close to the wing, where viscous forces distort the surrounding non-viscous flow. In the
Earth's atmosphere, the atmospheric boundary layer is the air layer near the ground. It
is affected by the surface; day-night heat flows caused by the sun heating the ground,
moisture, or momentum transfer to or from the surface. In this experiment, the primary
objective was to demonstrate the relationship between the boundary layer in flow
between parallel plates and the distance between plates, fluid velocity and the kinematic
viscosity. Using a virtual laboratory tool, the researcher selected values for distance
between plates, fluid velocity and the kinematic viscosity. In the end, the results turned
out that boundary layer thicknesses were directly proportional to the kinematic viscosity
of the fluid and were inversely proportional to the velocity of the fluid.
INTRODUCTION
Viscosity, resistance of a fluid (liquid or gas) to a change in shape, or movement

of neighboring portions relative to one another. Viscosity denotes opposition to flow.
The reciprocal of the viscosity is called the fluidity, a measure of the ease of flow.
Molasses, for example, has a greater viscosity than water. Because part of a fluid that is
forced to move carries along to some extent adjacent parts, viscosity may be thought of
as internal friction between the molecules; such friction opposes the development of
velocity differences within a fluid. Viscosity is a major factor in determining the forces
that must be overcome when fluids are used in lubrication and transported in pipelines.
It controls the liquid flow in such processes as spraying, injection molding, and surface
coating. In the end, the specific objective of this experiment was to know the
relationship between the boundary layer in flow between parallel plates and the distance
between plates, fluid velocity and the kinematic viscosity.
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THEORY
Distance
between Kinematic
plates viscosity
Boundary Fluid
layer velocity
thickness Relationship
between the
variables
The Prandtl–Blasius boundary layer solution is used:
5x
δ L= 1
,
2
Re
0.37 x
δ T= 1
,
5
Re
ux
ℜ= ,
ν
where δ L and δ T are boundary layer thickness for laminar and turbulent flow (cm), x is
length down the plates (cm), ℜ is the Reynolds number (dimensionless), u is fluid
c m2
velocity (cm/s) and ν is kinematic viscosity ( ) s
.
Fluid flow is laminar for ℜ< 2×10 5 and turbulent for ℜ>3 × 106. The boundary layer
thickness for the transition region δ R ( 2 ×105 ≤ ℜ ≤3 ×10 6 ) is calculated from:
δ R =( 1−f ) δ L + f δ T
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x−x L
f=
xT −x L
ν
x L =2 ×105 ,
u
ν
x T =3× 106 ,
u
where f is the fraction of flow in the transitions region that is turbulent, and x L and x T are
the boundaries of the laminar and turbulent regions (cm).
METHODS
Equipment/Apparatus
This Demonstration calculates the thickness of a boundary layer for flow between
stationary parallel plates as a function of distance down the plates. You can vary the
distance between the plates, fluid velocity and kinematic viscosity with sliders. The
boundary layer (shaded light blue region) represents the region where viscous forces
must be taken into account due to the no-slip condition. Outside of the boundary layer
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(white region), viscous forces are negligible. Once the two boundary layers meet
midway between the plates, the fluid flow is fully developed.
Procedure
In the experiment conducted, the researcher selected values for the distance
between plates, fluid velocity and the kinematic viscosity. Afterwards, each of the values
were increased individually with regards to the sample basis to know its effect on the
magnitudes of the boundary layer thickness for the laminar and turbulent flow. The
observed data are then shown in graphs through the virtual lab and the computed
values were then tabulated.
Observed Data
Figure 1: Illustration of the boundary layer thickness for the sample basis.
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Figure 2: Illustration of the boundary layer thickness for sample 2.
27
Calculated Data
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Table 1: Computed values for the boundary layers
Sample
basis
Distance between plates (cm) 10 13 10 10
Fluid velocity (cm/s) 25 25 32 25
Kinematic viscosity (sq. cm/s) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.18
Laminar boundary (cm) 800 800 625 1440
Turbulent boundary (cm) 12000 12000 9375 21600
Sample Calculation
c m2
ν
x L =2 ×105 =2× 105
u ( )
0.1
25
cm
s
s
=800 cm
c m2
ν
x T =3× 106 =3× 106
u ( )
0.1
25
cm
s
s
=12,000 cm
Discussion
As shown in Table 1, there was a positive trend in the relationship between the
laminar and turbulent boundary layer thicknesses and the kinematic viscosity. It implied
that the laminar and turbulent boundary layer thicknesses increased as the kinematic
viscosity was increased. In addition, there was a opposite trend in the relationship
between the laminar and turbulent boundary layer thicknesses and the velocity of the
fluid. Moreover, the results agree with the theory as shown in the calculated data
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wherein the values of the heights were approximately equal to the values obtained in
the observed data. The only experimental limitation experienced by the researcher was
that the experiment conducted was a virtual one only which means that the operations
were only programmed so as to agree with real-life experiments, although they do not
really represent it as it was.
CONCLUSIONS
1. The laminar and turbulent boundary layer thicknesses were directly proportional
to the kinematic viscosity of the fluid.
2. The laminar and turbulent boundary layer thicknesses were inversely
proportional to the velocity of the fluid.
References
Munson, B. R., Okiishi, T. H., & Huebsch, W. W. (2010). Fundamentals of Fluid
Mechanics (6 ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Sichel, J. C., & Baumann, R. L. (2014, April 28). Boundary Layer in Flow between
Parallel Plates. Retrieved from Wolfram Demonstrations Project:
https://demonstrations.wolfram.com/BoundaryLayerInFlowBetweenParallelPlates
/
General References
Couette Flow. (2020, May 17). Retrieved from LearnChemE:
http://www.learncheme.com/simulations/fluid-mechanics/couette-flow
Flow around a Sphere at Low Reynolds Number. (2019, June 13). Retrieved from LearnChemE:
http://www.learncheme.com/simulations/fluid-mechanics/flow-around-a-sphere-at-
low-reynolds-number
Gerhart, P. M., Gerhart, A. L., & Hochstein, J. I. (2016). Munson, Young and Okiishi's
Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Hamielec, A. E., Hoffman, T. W., & Ross, L. L. (1967). Numerical solution of the Navier‐Stokes
equation for flow past spheres: Part I. Viscous flow around spheres with and without
radial mass efflux. AIChE Journal, 212-219.
30
Hamielec, A. E., Johnson, A. I., & Houghton, W. T. (1967). Numerical solution of the Navier‐
Stokes equation for flow past spheres: Part II. Viscous flow around circulating spheres of
low viscosity. AIChE Journal, 220-224.
Kawaguti, M. (1955). The critical Reynolds number for the flow past a sphere. Journal of the
Physical Society of Japan, 694-699.
Laminar Pipe Flow. (2020, March 17). Retrieved from LearnChemE:
http://www.learncheme.com/simulations/fluid-mechanics/laminar-pipe-flow
Munson, B. R., Okiishi, T. H., & Huebsch, W. W. (2010). Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics (6
ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Navier–Stokes Equations. (2021). Retrieved from Wikipedia.com:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navier–Stokes_equations
Sichel, J. C., & Baumann, R. L. (2014, April 28). Boundary Layer in Flow between Parallel Plates.
Retrieved from Wolfram Demonstrations Project:
https://demonstrations.wolfram.com/BoundaryLayerInFlowBetweenParallelPlates/
31

ChE 223: Demonstration of Couette Flow

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ChE 223: Momentum Transfer Laboratory 2

LABORATORY NO. 2: FLUID FLOW PHENOMENA

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Shaun Patrick P. Albao

Eastern Visayas State University – Main Campus

Date of Performance: May 6, 2021

Date of Submission: May 13, 2021

Laboratory No. 1.1

Laboratory No. 1.2

In fluid dynamics, laminar flow is characterized by fluid particles following smooth

Laboratory No. 1.3

Laboratory No. 1.4

LABORATORY NO. 1…………………………………………………………………………..1

RESULTS & DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………….5

LABORATORY NO. 2…………………………………………………………………………..8

RESULTS & DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………..12

RESULTS & DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………..19

RESULTS & DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………..26

DEMONSTRATION OF COUETTE FLOW

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Shaun Patrick P. Albao

Eastern Visayas State University – Main Campus

Date of Performance: May 6, 2021

Date of Submission: May 13, 2021

For steady-state, laminar flow of an incompressible viscous fluid between parallel

u (−h ) =0(lower plate velocity)

u ( h )=U 0 (upper plate velocity)

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

Sample Basis Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4

Upper plate velocity 0 0 0 0

Pressure gradient -0.06 -0.1 -0.14 -0.18

Fluid velocity (x-axis) 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.9

Upper plate velocity 0 0.2 0.4 0.6

Pressure gradient -0.06 -0.06 -0.06 -0.06

Fluid velocity (x-axis) 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6

Pressure gradient (Pa/m) -0.06 -0.1 -0.14 -0.18

Fluid velocity (m/s) 0.337 0.562 0.787 1.011

Pressure gradient (Pa/m) -0.06 -0.06 -0.06 -0.06

Fluid velocity (m/s) 0.337 0.437 0.537 0.637

For the sample basis…

DEMONSTRATION OF THE LAMINAR FLOW OF A FLUID

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Shaun Patrick P. Albao

Eastern Visayas State University – Main Campus

Date of Performance: May 7, 2021

Date of Submission: May 13, 2021

In fluid dynamics, laminar flow is characterized by fluid particles following smooth

Viscosity, resistance of a fluid (liquid or gas) to a change in shape, or movement

In terms of cylindrical polar coordinates, the z-direction Navier-Stokes equation can be

This equation simplifies to:

Where R is the pipe radius. The solution for μ z is:

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

Volumetric flow rate (cm3/s) 88 77 53 40

Table 2: Computed values for the average velocity of the fluid.

For the sample basis…

DEMONSTRATION OF THE FLOW AROUND A

SPHERE AT LOW REYNOLDS NUMBER

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Shaun Patrick P. Albao

Eastern Visayas State University – Main Campus

Date of Performance: May 8, 2021

Date of Submission: May 13, 2021

In continuum mechanics the flow velocity in fluid dynamics, also macroscopic