TOPIC 1 : PIPE FLOW ANALYSES

WEEK 2
At the end of the TOPIC, students should be able to:-
CO1 :
Apply hydraulics knowledge in civil engineering field (C3).

Align with
PO1 – Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science,
engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialization
to wide practical procedures and practices.
 TOPIC 1 : PIPE FLOW ANALYSES
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1. To determine the flow friction factor, f using Moody chart
 TOPIC 1 :
PIPE FLOW ANALYSES

1. Laminar Flow through Circular Pipes

2. Turbulent Flow in Bounded Conditions
3. Determining Friction Factor, f using Moody Chart
4. Different forms of the Darcy Equation
5. Pipe Problems
6. Separation losses in pipe flow
7. Equivalent Length
 LECTURE 1.3

Determining Friction Factor, f using Moody Chart

INTRODUCTION

Friction factor, f
– A function of many parameters which includes

• Velocity, v
• Diameter of pipe, d
• Absolute roughness of the pipe walls, k
• Density, ρ
• Viscosity, μ
 Absolute roughness, k

 The table above shows the roughness size of some

materials commonly used for pipes
 Roughness size sometimes called absolute roughness
FRICTION FACTOR, f
 By combining some of the parameters into the
dimensionless forms, expression can be simplified to
the following expression

 Since is the Reynolds number, Re equation can

be written
 Friction factor, f

 A function of the Reynolds number, Re and also the

relative roughness, k/d
 To obtain friction factor, f

- Must identify the relationship between f and Re and

k/d
 However, this relationship has been determined

from experimental works in form of charts and

equations
RELATIONSHIP OF f, Re AND k/d

 Chart with the relationship between f, Re and k/d

called MOODY CHART → Graphical way to
determine friction factor, f
 THE COLEBROOK WHITE EQUATION → Also to
determine f →complicated and solving equation is
not straight forward
The part of Moody Chart within the transition region
is plotted using the Colebrook White equation
 Friction Factor, f

Colebrook
Moody - White
Chart Eqn.

•A logarithmic plot of f vs Re
for different values of k/d
•Used eqn. to solve for f
•3 parts
if Re and k/d are known
•Used iterative
1. Laminar regime
procedure of trial &
(f= 16/Re)
error
2. Transition regime
3. Turbulent regime 1  k 1.26 
= −4 log10  + 
f  3.71d Re f 
6/10/2013
 Completely turbulent

10
Friction factor, f

k/d

Laminar

Critical Transition
zone

Reynolds Number 6/10/2013

 Moody Chart
 Reynolds number represented by the horizontal axis
 For each k/d value, a curve drawn showing the
variation of f and Reynolds No.(Re)
 3 types of regime:
I. Laminar regime
II. Transition regime
III. Turbulent regime
 Laminar regime
 The friction factor, f is obtained from straight line
curve for laminar flow
 It is also can be calculated as

 f is independent of the relative

roughness k/d
 Transition regime

 Friction factor, f decreases with increasing Re for a

particular k/d value
 This is where the part of the curve before it
becomes horizontal
 The curve represent the Colebrook White equation
 Completely turbulent

14
Friction factor, f

k/d

Transition

Reynolds Number 6/10/2013

Completely turbulent regime

 Friction factor, f is independent of Reynolds number

 Only dependent on relative roughness k/d
 The part which is becomes horizontal
 Completely turbulent

16
Friction factor, f

k/d

Reynolds Number 6/10/2013

Example 1.5
Solution for Example 1.5
19
20

6/10/2013
21
Example 1.6

A galvanised steel pipe 6km long and 100mm

diameter is used to convey water at a rate of
200L/min of water. Determine the head loss due to
friction using the Darcy formula. Estimate the friction
factor f by using the Moody chart. (The absolute
roughness for galvanised steel is 0.15mm)
 Solution for Example 1.6

Q = 3.33x10-3m3/s

A= 7.85 x 10-3 m2

v = 0.4242 m/s
Re = 37210 > 2000. Thus, flow is turbulent.

k/d= 0.0015

f = 0.0067 (from Moody Chart)

hf = 14.7m