EXPERIMENT 1

Reynolds’ Number

Presented to the

Faculty of the Department of Chemical Engineering

School of Engineering and Architecture

Saint Louis University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course:

CHE 3251L: Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1

by:

Luis, Shaira Mae R.

Manoguid, Phoebe Kate U.

Marna, Conaya F.

Masilungan, Angelica L

September 2022
 Department of Chemical Engineering
School of Engineering and Architecture
Saint Louis University

LABORATORY REPORT EVALUATION SHEET

Laboratory Course: CHE 3251L Experiment Number: 1

Schedule: 7:30-10:30 ThF

Experiment Title: Reynolds’ Number

Group Number: 4
Group Members: Luis, Shaira Mae R.
Manoguid, Phoebe Kate U.
Marna, Conaya F.
Masilungan, Angelica L
Date Performed: August 19, 2022 Date Submitted: September 2, 2022

CONTENTS TOTAL REMARKS SCORE

POINTS
I. Introduction 10
II. Equipment/Materials Needed 3
III. Procedures 3
IV. Data and Results 15
V. Discussion 25
VI. Conclusion 15
VII. References
3
(APA format)
Appendices:
a. Computations 10
b. Answers to 10
Questions/Problems
c. Documentation 3
Format and Neatness 3

TOTAL POINTS: 100 pts SCORE:

Evaluated by: Engr. Genevive S. de Vera Date: _____

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Experiment No: 1

Title: REYNOLD’S NUMBER EXPERIMENT

At the end of this experiment, the student should be able to:

TLO# 1: Reproduce the classical experiment conducted by Osborne Reynolds concerning the

fluid flow conditions.

TLO #2: Observe the laminar, transition and turbulent velocity profiles as related to Reynolds’

number.

I. INTRODUCTION

In the 19th century, Osborne Reynolds was honored with the term "Reynolds’ Number."

Two distinct forms of flow have been established in an experiment by Osborne Reynolds. In order

to conduct the experiment, a long, clear water-flowing tube was filled with a thin stream of a

colored fluid that had the same density as water. Numerous elusive fluid characteristics, including

flow rate, fluid density, pipe diameter, and fluid viscosity, affect the Reynolds number.

VDρ
𝑅𝑒 =
μ

Reynolds’ number (Re) is also defined as a ratio of inertial or destabilizing force to the

viscous damping or stabilizing force. With the increase in the value of Re, the fluid flow gets into

full-blown turbulence as the inertial flow becomes relatively larger. The Reynolds’ number has

many practical applications, as it provides engineers with immediate information about the state

of flow throughout pipes, streams, and soils, helping them apply the proper relationships to solve

the problem at hand. It is also very useful for dimensional analysis and similitude. As an example,
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if forces acting on a ship need to be studied in the laboratory for design purposes, the Reynolds’

number of the flow acting on the model in the lab and on the prototype in the field should be the

same.

Fluid mechanics deals with the study of all fluids under static and dynamic situations. Fluid

mechanics is a branch of continuous mechanics which deals with a relationship between forces,

motions, and statical conditions in a continuous material. This study area deals with many and

diversified problems such as surface tension, fluid statics, flow in enclose bodies, or flow round

bodies (solid or otherwise), flow stability, etc.

Flow behavior in natural or artificial systems depends on which forces (inertia, viscous,

gravity, surface tension, etc.) predominate. In slow-moving laminar flows, viscous forces are

dominant, and the fluid behaves as if the layers are sliding over each other. Laminar flow is also

referred to as streamline or viscous flow. These terms are descriptive of the flow because, in

laminar flow, (1) layers of water flowing over one another at different speeds with virtually no

mixing between layers, (2) fluid particles move in definite and observable paths or streamlines,

and (3) the flow is characteristic of viscous (thick) fluid or is one in which viscosity of the fluid

plays a significant part. In turbulent flows, the flow behavior is chaotic and changes dramatically,

since the inertial forces are more significant than the viscous forces. Turbulent flow is

characterized by the irregular movement of particles of the fluid. There is no definite frequency as

there is in wave motion. The particles travel in irregular paths with no observable pattern and no

definite layers. Laminar and turbulent flow can occur in two quite different regimes in both nature

and laboratory research. When fluid particles move in laminar flows, they do so in layers that slide
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over one another, resulting in a little energy exchange between the layers. When fluids move

slowly and with high viscosity, laminar flow develops. The fluid's particles move and mix

randomly in a turbulent flow, on the other hand, and there is a significant energy exchange within

the fluid. Low viscosity, high-velocity fluids exhibit this sort of flow. Reynolds’ number, which

has no dimensions, is used to categorize the flow condition. A well-known experiment called the

Reynolds’ Number Demonstration involves slowly and gradually introducing dye into a pipe to

see flow characteristics.

II. EQUIPMENT/ MATERIALS NEEDED

Table 1.1 List of apparatus used with their specific functions in the experiment

Apparatus Use

It is used to measure the

Thermometer
temperature.

It is used for containing

1000 mL Beaker
and measuring liquids.
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It is used to measure the

time interval of an event,

Stopwatch which is the filling the

beaker with 1000 mL of

water and ink solution.

It is used to give a visual

demonstration of laminar,
Reynolds’ Apparatus
transition, and turbulent

flow.

III. PROCEDURES
The dye injector was placed within the glass cylinder. Then hose is connected to the water

outlet allowing the water to flow through the inner part of the glass cylinder. The plastic outlet

valve is opened so that the water will flow to the canal. Potassium permanganate solution is poured

into the ink station and its flow is regulated through the equipment. When the ink flow has

stabilized as well as the water flow, the ink inflow line and the plastic gate valve was closed slowly.

By gradually opening the exit valve, to give successively higher velocities, the time it takes to fill

a 1000 mL beaker is measured. While Reynolds’ number in x-axis vs. velocity in y-axis is plotted.
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IV. DATA AND RESULTS

Outer diameter of the pipe, m:

Thickness of the pipe, m:

Inner diameter of the pipe, m: 0.0134 m

Density of the fluid, kg/m3: 997.2113 kg/m3

Viscosity of the fluid, Pa·s: 1.0115 x 10˗3 Pa·s

Temperature of the Fluid, K: 293.15 K

Table 1.2 Time, velocity, and Reynolds’ number for each trial

FLOW REGIME TRIAL TIME (s) VELOCITY (m/s) REYNOLD’S NUMBER

1 186 s 0.0381 m/s 503.3280

LAMINAR 2 152.4 s 0.0465 m/s 614.2979

3 147 s 0.0482 m/s 636.7561

1 30 s 0.2364 m/s 3123.0114

TRANSITION 2 36 s 0.1970 m/s 2602.5095

3 44 s 0.1612 m/s 2129.5662

1 20.77 s 0.3414 m/s 4510.1358

TURBULENT 2 20.10 s 0.3528 m/s 4660.7379

3 20.53 s 0.3454 m/s 4562.9786

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V. DISCUSSION
The data presented above shows the results obtained by the students, specifically the time

it took for the fluid to flow during the three fluid flow regimes. To solve the Reynolds’ number in

every trial per flow regime, it requires the inner diameter of the outlet pipe. It also requires the

velocity, density, and the viscosity of the fluid, which is water. The values taken from the table of

Properties of Water of the Perry's Handbook were the following: for the density, 997.2113kg/m 3,

and for the viscosity of the fluid, 1.0115x10-3 Pa·s. Using the inner diameter to get the area, the

students have computed a value of 1.4103x10-4 m2. Now using this, the students were able to

compute the following values of velocity; for Laminar flow trials one to three: 0.0381 m/s, 0.0464

m/s, and 0.0482 m/s, respectively. For Transition flow trials one to three, respectively: 0.2364 m/s,

0.1970 m/s, and 0.1612 m/s. And lastly for turbulent flow trials one to three: 0.3414 m/s, 0.3528

m/s, and 0.3452 m/s. Now for the Reynolds' number, the students have computed the values using

the formula given. The values computed for the three trials for Laminar flow are the following:

503.3280, 614.2979, 636.7561. Moreover, for transition flow trials one to three, 3123.0114,

2602.5095, and 2129.5662. And lastly, for the turbulent flow trials one to three, 4510.1358,

4660.7379.
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Reynolds' Number vs. Velocity

0.4
0.35
0.3
Velocity (m/s)

0.25
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
Reynolds' number (Re)

Figure 1.1 Reynolds’ Number vs. Velocity

To observe laminar, transition, and turbulent velocity profiles related to Reynolds' Number

is the learning outcome of this first experiment. By plotting the Reynolds’ Number and the velocity

of the fluid, we can observe that there is an existing direct relationship that is proportional between

the two variables. Hence, we can say that as the Reynolds’ Number increases, the velocity

increases as well. As a result, it can also be emphasized that 0.0381 m/s as the slowest flow velocity

and 503.3280 as the smallest value of Reynolds’ Number shows that the fluid flows smoothly,

which then, therefore, is laminar. On the other hand, the turbulent flow having the highest velocity

of 0.3528 m/s and Reynolds’ Number which is 4660.7379 indicates a rapid flowrate, and can be

seen in the apparatus by the naked eye. The transition flow, moreover, pertains to the between

status of the laminar and the turbulent flow, having a value of 0.2364 m/s as its velocity and

3123.0114 as its Reynolds’ Number.

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VI. CONCLUSION

Three different flow types were observed in the experiment: laminar, transition, and

turbulent. In the experiment, the students observed that laminar flow occurred when the ink moved

slowly in a straight line parallel to the tube. When the formation of eddies occurs, there are

turbulent outbursts, and the ink travels in a waveform, it is in the transition region. Its velocity

exceeds that of the laminar flow. On the other hand, it is a turbulent flow when there is already

lateral mixing and no discernible ink streamline.

The fastest velocity is found in a turbulent flow. The longest time was recorded to attain

laminar flow, while the shortest time for turbulent flow. It is a laminar flow when the Reynolds'

number (Re) is less than 2100. Reynolds' number for transition flow is greater than or equal to

2100 and lesser than or equal to 4000. The value of Reynolds' number of turbulent flow is above

4000.

The experiment's results are in line with the stated conditions. The computed Reynolds’

numbers for the laminar flow are 503.3280, 614.2979, and 636.7561. The transition flow's

calculated Reynolds' numbers are 3123.0114, 2602.5095, and 2129.5662. Lastly, the computed

Reynolds' numbers for turbulent flow are 4510.1358, 5660.7379, and 4562.9786.

It is recommended to ensure that the flow is stable before filling the beaker and recording

the time. The beaker must be filled and the time must be recorded synchronously. Filling the beaker

up to 1 liter and recording the time must be done carefully and correctly; the persons in charge

must be alert and fast. To minimize problems identifying the type of flow seen in the tube, it is

also advised to read about the theory and experiment before experimenting.
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VII. REFERENCES
1.1: What is Fluid Mechanics? (2016, July 31). Engineering LibreTexts.

https://eng.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Civil_Engineering/Book%3A_Fluid_Mechanics_(

BarMeir)/00%3A_Introduction/1.1%3A_What_is_Fluid_Mechanics%3F

Ahmari, H., & Kabir, S. M. I. (2019, August 14). Experiment #7: Osborne Reynolds’

Demonstration. Uta.pressbooks.pub; Mavs Open Press.

https://uta.pressbooks.pub/appliedfluidmechanics/chapter/experiment-7/

BYJU'S. (2022, April 26). Reynolds number - definitions, formulas and examples - Byju's.

BYJUS. Retrieved August 29, 2022, from https://byjus.com/physics/reynolds-number/

Laminar and Turbulent Flow | Engineering Library. (n.d.). Engineeringlibrary.org.

https://engineeringlibrary.org/reference/laminar-and-turbulent-fluid-flow-doe-handbook

Sharma, C. (2021, June 15). 8 laminar flow examples in real life. StudiousGuy. Retrieved August

29, 2022, from https://studiousguy.com/laminar-flow-examples/

What is Reynolds number and why is it important? Cadence. (2022, January 14). Retrieved

August 29, 2022, from https://resources.system-analysis.cadence.com/blog/msa2022-

what-is-reynolds-number-and-why-is-it-important
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VIII. APPENDICES

A. Definition of Terms:

1. Laminar Flow - It is a type of flow pattern of a fluid in which all the particles are flowing in

parallel lines, opposed to turbulent flow, where the particles flow in random and chaotic

directions.

2. Reynolds’ Number - It is the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces occurring in a fluid flow.

3. Transitional Flow - It is a mixture of laminar and turbulent flow, with turbulence in the center

of the pipe, and laminar flow near the edges.

4. Turbulent Flow - It is a type of flow of fluid in which the fluid travels in irregular path. In this

type of flow, the speed of the fluid at a point undergoes changes continuously in both

magnitude and direction.

B. Computations:

π 2 π
A= Dinner = (0.0134m)2 = 1.4103 × 10−4 m2
4 4

For Laminar

Trial 1:

V 1L 1m3 m3
q= = × = 5.3763 × 10−6
t 186s 1000L s
3
−6 m
q 5.3763 × 10
υ= = s = 0.0381 m
A 1.4103 × 10 m2
−4 s

m kg
Dυρ (0.0134m) (0.0381 s ) (997.2113 m3 )
Re = = = 503.3280
μ 1.0115 × 10−3 Pa. s
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Trial 2:

1L 1m3
q × m
υ = = 152.4s 1000L
−4 2
= 0.0465
A 1.4103 × 10 m s

m kg
Dυρ (0.0134m) (0.0465 s ) (997.2113 m3 )
Re = = = 614.2979
μ 1.0115 × 10−3 Pa. s

Trial 3:

1L 1m3
q × m
υ = = 147s 1000L = 0.0482
A 1.4103 × 10−4 m2 s

m kg
Dυρ (0.0134m) (0.0482 s ) (997.2113 m3 )
Re = = = 636.7561
μ 1.0115 × 10−3 Pa. s

For Transition

Trial 1:

1L 1m3
q × m
υ = = 30s 1000L −4 2
= 0.2364
A 1.4103 × 10 m s

m kg
Dυρ (0.0134m) (0.2364 s ) (997.2113 m3 )
Re = = = 3123.0114
μ 1.0115 × 10−3 Pa. s

Trial 2:

1L 1m3
q × m
υ = = 36s 1000L −4 2
= 0.1970
A 1.4103 × 10 m s
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m kg
Dυρ (0.0134m) (0.1970 s ) (997.2113 m3 )
Re = = = 2602.5095
μ 1.0115 × 10−3 Pa. s

Trial 3:

1L 1m3
q × m
υ = = 44s 1000L −4 2
= 0.1612
A 1.4103 × 10 m s

m kg
Dυρ (0.0134m) (0.1612 s ) (997.2113 m3 )
Re = = = 2129.5662
μ 1.0115 × 10−3 Pa. s

For Turbulent

Trial 1:

1L 1m3
q × m
υ = = 20.77s 1000L = 0.3414
A 1.4103 × 10−4 m2 s

m kg
Dυρ (0.0134m) (0.3414 ) (997.2113 )
s m3
Re = = = 4510.1358
μ 1.0115 × 10−3 Pa. s

Trial 2:

1L 1m3
q × m
υ = = 20.10s 1000L
−4 2
= 0.3528
A 1.4103 × 10 m s

m kg
Dυρ (0.0134m) (0.3528 s ) (997.2113 m3 )
Re = = = 4660.7379
μ 1.0115 × 10−3 Pa. s

Trial 3:

1L 1m3
q × m
υ = = 20.53s 1000L
−4 2
= 0.3454
A 1.4103 × 10 m s
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m kg
Dυρ (0.0134m) (0.3454 s ) (997.2113 m3 )
Re = = = 4562.9786
μ 1.0115 × 10−3 Pa. s

C. Answers to Questions:

A. Give 3 real-life situations each where laminar and turbulent flows are observed. Describe

briefly.

Laminar:

a. Rivers/canals- The water flowing in calm rivers or other bodies of water is slow

and smooth. Because there are no waves or swirls in the water body, the different

layers of water do not interfere with each other and follow a straight path parallel

to each other.

b. Taps- When water flows through the tap, there is no turbulence. When water is

dispensed from taps, the moment pressure and viscosity become the same at all

points in the water.

c. Viscous fluid- Fluids such as honey, glycerin, and other syrups exhibit laminar

flow. Because the pressure, viscosity, and other physical parameters of a viscous

fluid remain constant at each point of the fluid, the laminar flow appears.

Turbulent:

a. Blood Flow in Arteries- The aortic curve bends the blood flow, causing the blood

cells to mix. A bulge in the arteries can sometimes cause turbulent blood flow. This

raises radial pressure and shear stress on the artery wall.

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b. Air from Fan/AC- The air from a fan or air conditioner is circulated throughout the

room by the fan's rotating blades. The airflow inside the room is chaotic. The

particles or dust and the air mix together.

c. Car Exhaust- The smoke particles from a car's exhaust pipes do not remain

separated; instead, they mix and flow in a random zig-zag pattern, displaying

turbulent flow.

B. Define Reynolds number and identify what its value implies.

Reynolds number is defined by the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces. Reynolds

number is a dimensionless quantity used to determine the type of flow pattern as laminar or

turbulent while flowing through a pipe. The flow is laminar if the Reynolds number is less

than 2100. The flow through the pipe is turbulent if the Reynolds number is greater than 4000.

A transition flow is defined as Reynold's number between 2100 and 4000, indicating a

combination of laminar and turbulent flow.

C. What is the importance of identifying the Reynolds number in flowing fluids?

Reynolds number facilitates the prediction of flow behavior. Identification of flow

regime with Reynolds number facilitates the creation of an ideal flow model for efficient fluid

system design. Some practical applications include:

• Simulation of aircraft or vehicle models in laminar and turbulent flow conditions.

• Developing correlation between the heat transfer and friction factor within the

flow system.

• Prediction of the onset of turbulence can help facilitate large-scale prediction of

flow behavior.
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• Identify pressure requirements with flow rate calculations.

D. Documentation:

Fig. 1.2 Reynolds’ Apparatus Fig. 1.3 Adjusting the Valve

Fig. 1.4 Laminar Flow Fig. 1.5 Filling 1 L Beaker with Water
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Fig. 1.6 Controlling the Valve Fig. 1.7 Laminar Flow

Fig. 1.8 Measuring the Temperature