TABLE OF CONTENT

No Title Page
1 Abstract………………………………. 2
2 Introduction………………………….. 3
3 Objectives…………………………….. 4
4 Theory………………………………... 5–6
5 Material And Apparatus……………… 7–8
6 Methodology…………………………. 9
7 Data and Results……………………… 10
8 Calculations…………………………... 11 – 14
9 Discussion……………………………. 15
10 Conclusion……………………………. 16
11 Recommendations……………………. 17
12 Reference……………………………... 18
13 Appendix……………………………... 19

SOLTEQ® OSBORNE REYNOLDS DEMONSTRATION (MODEL : FM11) Page 1

1.0 ABSTRACT
Osborne Reynolds experiment is used to investigate the characteristic of the flow of the
liquid in the pipe which is also used to determine the Reynolds Number for each state of the
flow. The design of the apparatus allowed studying the characteristic of the flow of the fluid in
the pipe, the behavior of the flow and also to calculate the range for the laminar, transitional and
turbulent flow where the calculation is used to prove the Reynolds number is dimensionless by
using the Reynolds Number formula.

For the first and second objectives, it involves running the Osborne Reynolds equipment
with different of water volume flow rate. In this experiment we fix the volume, which is 0.3 L
amount of water while the time is recorded to obtain its volume flow rate. At the same time we
also observe the characteristic of the flow, whether there are laminar, transitional or turbulent
flow. From the data collected we made calculation to estimate the range for laminar, transitional
and turbulent flow. To prove that the Reynolds number is dimensionless, we calculate by using
the units only and using the appropriate formula. By that, it is proved that the Reynolds number
is dimensionless parameter.

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2.0 INTRODUCTION
The apparatus used here to demonstrate „critical velocity‟ is based on that used by Professor
Reynolds who demonstrated the nature of the two modes of motion flowing in a tube, example
laminar and turbulent. The unit is designed to be mounted on P6100 hydraulic Bench and the
quantity of water flowing through it can be measured and timed using the Hydraulic Bench
Volumetric Tank and a suitable stopwatch. A bell mounted glass tube 790 mm long overall by
16mm bore is mounted vertically and concentrically in a much larger diameter tube fitted with
baffles. A uniform supply of water can then be made to flow along the 0.05 mm bore tube. The
unit is fitted with a constant head tank and the flow rate which can be varied by adjustment to the
head tank height, can be measured using the volumetric tank. A dye injector is situated at the
entrance to the 16 mm bore tube and thus it is possible to detect whether the flow is streamline or
turbulent.

This experiment replicates the work done by Osborne Reynolds to characterize laminar,
transitional and turbulent flow in terms of the “Reynolds Number” (ρvd/μ). The Reynolds
apparatus allows the experimenter to visualize the flow and determine whether it is laminar,
transitional, or turbulent. An overflow tank maintains a constant pressure head on the flow tube
while flow rate is controlled via the globe valve at the outlet. Dye is injected into the bell mouth
at the flow tube in order to visualize the flow. Flow rates (and therefore average flow velocity, v)
may be determined by determined by collecting the liquid in a beaker at the outlet, and recording
the time it takes to fill a given volume. Moreover, the apparatus should be leveled prior to
beginning the experiment.

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3.0 OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the Osborne Reynolds Experiment is to illustrate laminar, transitional and
turbulent pipe flows and to determine the condition under which these type of flow occurs. The
examples of flow that we should get from the experiment are:

Laminar flow is the type of flow in which the

particles move in a straight line in the form of a thin
parallel sheets is known as the Laminar flow. Laminar
flow denotes a steady condition where all stream lines
follow parallel paths. Under this condition, the dye will
remain easily identifiable as a solid core.

Turbulent flow is the type of flow in which the

particles move in a zigzag pattern is known as the
turbulent flow. Turbulent flow denotes as unsteady
condition where stream lines interact causing shear plan
collapse and mixing occurs. As the flow rate is increased, the transition from laminar to turbulent
flow is a gradual process. This zone of change is defined as transitional flow. This will appear as
a wandering dye stream prior to dispersion as turbulence occurs.

Transitional flow is when the flow changes from laminar to turbulent or vice verse a
disturbance is created, it is called as the transitional flow.

1) Experiment A
Experiment objectives:

 To compute Reynolds number (R).

 To observe the laminar, transitional and turbulent flow.

2) Experiment B
Experiment objectives:

 To determine the Reynolds number (R)

 To determine the upper and lower critical velocities at transitional flow.

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4.0 THEORY
The theory is named in honor of Osborne Reynolds, a British engineer who discovers the
variables that can be used as a criterion to distinguish between laminar and turbulent flow.

The Reynolds number is widely used dimensionless parameters in fluid mechanics.

Reynolds number formula:

R=

R = Reynolds number

U = Fluid velocity, (m/s)

L = characteristic length or diameter (m)

V = Kinematic viscosity ( /s)

Reynolds number R is independent of pressure

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4.1 Pipe Flow Conditions

For water flowing in pipe or circular conduits, L is the diameter of the pipe. For Reynolds
number less than 2100, the pipe flow will be laminar. For Reynolds number from 2100 to 4000
the pipe flow will be considered a transitional flow. Turbulent occur when Reynolds number is
above 4000. The viscosity of the fluid also determines the characteristic of the flow becoming
laminar or turbulent. Fluid with higher viscosity is easier to achieve a turbulent flow condition.
The viscosity of fluid is also dependent on the temperature.

4.2 Laminar Flow

Laminar flow denoted a steady flow condition where all streamlines follow parallel paths, there
being no interaction (mixing) between shear planes. Under this condition the dye observed will
remain as a solid, straight and easily identifiable component of flow.

4.3 Transitional Flow

Transitional flow is a mixture of laminar and turbulent flow with turbulence in the centre of the
pipe, and laminar flow near the edges. Each of these flows behaves in different manners in terms
of their frictional energy loss while flowing, and have different equations that predict their
behaviour.

4.4 Turbulent Flow

Turbulent flow denotes an unsteady flow condition where streamlines interact causing shear
plane collapse and mixing of the fluid. In this condition the dye observed will become disperse in
the water and mix with the water. The observed dye will not be identifiable at this point.

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5.0 MATERIAL AND APPARATUS
Material
1) Water
2) Dye

Apparatus
1) Beaker

2) Stop Watch

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 3) Solteq® Osborne Reynolds Demonstration (Model: Fm 11)

2
3

9
7

Figure 1: Unit Assembly of Osborne Reynolds Demonstration (Model: FM11)

1) Dye reservoir 6) Overflow tube, V3

2) Dye control valve, V4 7) Water inlet valve, V1
3) Dye injector 8) Bell mouth
4) Head tank 9) Water outlet valve, V2
5) Observation tube

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6.0 METHODOLOGY
Experiment A
Procedure :

1) The dye injector were lowered until it is seen in the glass tube.
2) The inlet valve, V1 was opened and allowed water entered the stilling tank.
3) A small overflow spillage was ensured through the overflow tube to maintain a constant
level.
4) Water was allowed to settle for a few minutes.
5) The water flow was let through the visualizing tube.
6) The dye control valve, V4 was slowly adjusted and slow flows with dye injection were
achieved.
7) The water inlet valve, V1 and outlet valve, V2 were regulated until a straight identifiable
dye line were achieved. The flow was laminar.
8) The flow rate at the outlet valve, V2 were measured using volumetric method.
9) The experiment was repeated by regulating water inlet valve, V1 and outlet valve, V2 to
produce transitional and turbulent flow.

Experiment B
Procedure :

1) The dye injector was Lowered until it were seen in the glass tube.
2) The inlet valve, V1 were opened and allowed water to enter the stilling tank.
3) A small overflow spillage was ensured through the over flow tube to maintain a constant
level.
4) Water was allowed to settle for a few minutes.
5) The water flows was let through the visualizing tube.
6) The dye control valve, V4 was slowly adjusted and slow flows with dye injection were
achieved.
7) The procedures were repeated to create a laminar flow, and slowly increased the flow rate
until the laminar flow produced small disturbance or eddies. These were lower critical
velocity.
8) The flow rate at the outlet valve, V2 was measured using volumetric method.
9) The experiment was repeated by first introducing a turbulent flow and slowly decreased
flow rate till the flow become transitional. These were upper critical velocity.

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7.0 DATA AND RESULTS
Laminar Flow

Volume Time Flow rate, Q Flow rate, Q Fluid Velocity, U Reynolds

(L) (s) (L/s) (m3/s) (m/s) Number
0.3 23 0.0130 1.3000 x 10-5 0.0736 1240.4494
0.3 23 0.0130 1.3000 x 10-5 0.0736 1240.4494
0.3 28 0.0107 1.0700 x 10-5 0.0606 1021.3483

Transitional Flow

Volume Time Flow rate, Q Flow rate, Q Fluid Velocity, U Reynolds

(L) (s) (L/s) (m3/s) (m/s) Number
0.3 16 0.0188 1.8800 x 10-5 0.1064 1793.2584
0.3 12 0.0250 2.5000 x 10-5 0.1415 2384.8315
0.3 11 0.0273 2.7300 x 10-5 0.1545 2603.9326

Turbulent Flow

Volume Time Flow rate, Q Flow rate, Q Fluid Velocity, U Reynolds

(L) (s) (L/s) (m3/s) (m/s) Number
0.3 5 0.0600 6.0000 x 10-5 0.3396 5723.5955
0.3 7 0.0429 4.2900 x 10-5 0.2428 4092.1348
0.3 5 0.0600 6.0000 x 10-5 0.3396 5723.5955

Laminar to Transitional Flow

Volume Time Flow rate, Q Flow rate, Q Fluid Velocity, U Reynolds

(L) (s) (L/s) (m3/s) (m/s) Number
0.3 15 0.0200 2.0000 x 10-5 0.1132 1907.8652
0.3 16 0.0188 1.8800 x 10-5 0.1064 1793.2584
0.3 15 0.0200 2.0000 x 10-5 0.1132 1907.8652

Turbulent to Transitional Flow

Volume Time Flow rate, Q Flow rate, Q Fluid Velocity, U Reynolds

(L) (s) (L/s) (m3/s) (m/s) Number
0.3 12 0.0250 2.5000 x 10-5 0.1415 2384.8315
0.3 12 0.0250 2.5000 x 10-5 0.1415 2384.8315
0.3 12 0.0250 2.5000 x 10-5 0.1415 2384.8315

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8.0 CALCULATIONS
Sample Calculation of Flow Rates , Q

Laminar Flow Transitional Flow Turbulent Flow

( ) ( ) ( )

( ) ( ) ( )

( ) ( ) ( )

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 Critical Laminar to Transitional Flow Critical Turbulent to Transitional Flow

( ) ( )

( ) ( )

( ) ( )

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Sample Calculation of Fluid Velocity, U

Laminar Flow Transitional Flow Turbulent Flow

Critical Laminar to Transitional Flow Critical Turbulent to Transitional Flow

(Lower Critical Velocity) (Higher Critical Velocity)

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Sample Calculation of The Reynold Number, Re

Where,
Re = Reynolds number
U = Fluid Velocity, (m/s)
D = Diameter (
V = Kinematic viscosity (

Laminar Flow Transitional Flow Turbulent Flow

⁄ ⁄

⁄ ⁄ ⁄

⁄ ⁄ ⁄

Critical Laminar to Transitional Flow Critical Turbulent to Transitional Flow

⁄ ⁄

⁄ ⁄

⁄ ⁄

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9.0 DISCUSSION

The experiment was carried out to investigate the characteristic of the flow of the liquid
in the pipe which is also used to determine the Reynolds Number for each state of the flow. The
experiment was also done to know and learn the behavior of the flow and also to calculate the
range for the laminar, transitional and turbulent flow. We also must prove the Reynolds number
is dimensionless by using the Reynolds number formula. The experiment was carried out by
using Solteq® Osborne Reynolds Demonstration (Model: FM 11).

There are three types of flow that we study in this experiment. Firstly, laminar flow which is
the type of flow in which the particles move in a straight line in the form of a thin parallel sheets
is known as the Laminar flow. Laminar flow denotes a steady condition where all stream lines
follow parallel paths. Under this condition, the dye will remain easily identifiable as a solid core.
Then, turbulent flow which is the type of flow in which the particles move in a zigzag pattern is
known as the turbulent flow. Turbulent flow denotes as unsteady condition where stream lines
interact causing shear plan collapse and mixing occurs. As the flow rate is increased, the
transition from laminar to turbulent flow is a gradual process. This zone of change is defined as
transitional flow. This will appear as a wandering dye stream prior to dispersion as turbulence
occurs. Lastly is transitional flow, when the flow changes from laminar to turbulent or vice verse
a disturbance is created, it is called as the transitional flow.

In this experiment, we observed that the red eye line change with the increasing of water
flowrate. The shape change from thin threads to slightly swirling which still contains smooth thin
threads and then fully swirling. We can say that this change is from laminar flow to transitional
flow and then to turbulent flow and it is not occurs suddenly. We must control the water inlet
valve, V1 and outlet valve, V2 until the flow formed.

For lower critical velocity, it is the velocity at which laminar flow stops and fo upper critical
velocity is where a turbulent flow starts.

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10.0 CONCLUSION

The laminar flow occurs when the fluid is flowing slowly and the turbulent flow occurs
when it is flowing fast. In transitional flow, the flow switches between laminar and turbulent in a
disorderly fashion.

As the water flow rate increase, the Reynolds number calculated also increase and the
dye line change from thin thread to swirling in shape Laminar flow occurs when the Reynolds
number calculated is below than 230 0 ; t r a n s i t i o n a l flow occurs when Reynolds number
calculated is between 2300 and 4000 while turbulent flow occurs when Reynolds number
calculated is above 4000.It is proved that the Reynolds equation is dimensionless, no units left
after the calculation.

Under most practical conditions, the flow in a circular pipe is laminar for Re ≤ 2300,
turbulent for Re ≥ 4000 and transitional in between. That is,

Re ≤ 2300 laminar flow

2300 ≤ Re ≤ 4000 transitional flow

Re ≥ 4000 turbulent flow

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11.0 RECOMMENDATION

Based on this experiment, there are many ways to improve the experiment and obtain the best
results. Firstly, the experiment should be repeated three times in order to get average readings.
This will reduce the deviation from theoretical results. The experiment itself took a more four
hours to be done once, so with insufficient time, the experiment could only be done once. To get
better results, the experiment should have been repeated at least twice.

While conducting the experiment, there are some error such as the slow response when
collecting the water in the beaker once we get the flow (laminar, turbulent or transition flow).
Besides, the slow response to start the time taken for the volume of water and regulating the
valve which control the flow rate of water. So, the person in charged should be more alert and
focus during the experiment in order to obtain the accurate result. There are also some parallax
error while conducting the experiment. For instant, the position of the eyes during taking the
value of water volume of 300mL is not in the same level with the readings. Therefore, the
readings taken from the beaker should be taken at eye level which is perpendicular to our eyes to
avoid parallax error.

So, during the experiment there are several precaution steps that need to be alert. The
experiment should be done at suitable and unshaken place.to get appropriate laminar smooth
stream flow, the clip and the valve which control the injection of blue dye must be regulate slow
and carefully. When removing the beaker from the exit valve, we notice that some water still
enter the beaker. So, to avoid this it is better to take same person who guard the stop watch and
the collecting beaker.

Last but not least, we must study the manual lab that have been given to us before start up
the experiment. We also can improve our skill and knowledge to ensure that experiment can be
done smoothly.

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12.0 REFERENCES
Books

1) Bruce R Munson, Donald F. Young, Theodore H. Okiishi, Fundamental Of Fluid

Mechanics, fourth edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Webs

1) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_Reynolds retrieve in August 2015.

2) http://discoverarmfield.com/en/products/view/f1-20/Osborne-reynolds-demonstrtion
retrieve in August 2015.
3) www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/36047993/LAB-REPORT-Osbourne-Reynolds-Apparatus
retrieve in August 2015.
4) www.mdp.eng.cam.ac.uk/web/library/enginfo/aerothermal_dvd_only/aero/fprops/pipeflo
w/node8.html retrieve in August 2015.
5) www.britannica.com/science/turbulent-flow retrieve in August 2015.
6) www.hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pfric.html retrieve in August 2015.
7) www.engineeringtoolbox.com/laminar-transitional-turbulent-flow-d_577.html retrieve in
August 2015.

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13.0 APPENDIX

Laminar Flow Transitional Flow

Turbulent Flow

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