ACTIVITY 5:LAMINAR AND TURBULENT FLOW DEMONSTRATION

1.1. Student Outcomes (SOs) Addressed by the Activity

SO d, Design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze, and interpret data, and synthesize
information to provide valid conclusions for investigating complex problems.
SO i, Function effectively as an individual and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in
multidisciplinary setting.

1.2. Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity the student shall be able to:
a) Demonstrate laminar and turbulent flow using Osborne Reynolds apparatus. b)
Identify laminar and turbulent flows based critical Reynold’s number.
c) Discuss the basic principle of laminar and turbulent flows in closed conduit systems.

1.3. Objective/s of the Activity

The aim of this experiment is to demonstrate laminar and turbulent flow as well as the corresponding critical
Reynold’s number.

1.4. Principle of the Activity

The Reynolds number is calculated from

where:

The flow velocity can be calculated from the volume flow, which is determined with a measuring vessel and
a stopwatch.

where:
Q = Volumetric Flowrate (m3/s)

A = Cross-sectional area of the Pipe:

The flow changes from laminar to turbulent when:

1.5. Materials/Equipment
1 unit HM 150.18 Osborne Reynolds Demonstrator
1 unit HM 150.0 Basic Hydraulic Bench
HM 150.0 Basic Hydraulic Bench Accessories
1 Set Timer
1 Set Thermometer
Ink
Power and Water Supply Supplies

1.6. Procedures
Preparation of the Activity
1. Close the drain valve (4).
2. Switch on the water supply. When using HM 150 ‘Basic Hydraulic Bench’, switch on the pump.
Carefully open the control valve (3).
3. Adjunct the valve to produce a constant water level in the reservoir.
4. After a time, the test pipe section (5) is completely filled.
5. The activity can begin.
6. Open the drain cock slightly to produce a low rate of flow into the test pipe section. The colored waste
water is best directed down the drain.

Performance of the Activity

1. Blue Ink is used to visualize the flow. A fine blue tread of stream indicating the laminar flow can be
produced using the metering tap (1).
2. Note: If the metering tap is operated with difficulty, loosen the nut and lubricate the thread. 3. At a
low flow rate laminar flow occurs. – To produce a low flow, open the drain cock slightly. 4. At a high
flow rate turbulent flow occurs. – To produce a high flow, open the drain cock wider. 5. The thread of
stream is broken up in turbulent flow.

Figure 1-1: HM 150. 19 ‘Osborne

Reynolds Apparatus ©2017 GUNT Inc.
1.7. Activity Report
Course Code:
Course Title: Activity No.:
Group No.: Section:
Group Members: Date Performed:
Date Submitted:
Instructor:

1.7.1. Data and Results

Table 1-1: Data for Reynolds Number and Flow Demonstration

Trial Discharge Velocity Absolute Kinematic Reynold’s Type of
(L/s) (m/s) Viscosity Viscosity Number Flows
(Pa-s) (cm2/s)

1.7.2. Computation

For Trial 1:

𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 (𝐿)
● 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 (𝑄) = 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (𝑠)
3
𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒 (𝑚 /𝑠)
● 𝑉𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑉) = 2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 (𝑚 )
● 𝐴𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑉𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 (μ) = 𝑣ρ
−3 2
● 𝐾𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 𝑉𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑣) = 1. 0×10 𝑐𝑚 /𝑠
𝑉(𝑚/𝑠)×𝐷(𝑚)
● 𝑅𝑒𝑦𝑛𝑜𝑙𝑑'𝑠 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 (𝑅𝑒) = ( 2 )
𝑣 ( 𝑚 /𝑠)
 4

1.7.3. Conclusions

In summary, this experiment reveals distinct behaviors of dye injected into pipe flows under laminar
and turbulent conditions. In laminar flow, the dye forms a well-defined line with minimal water mixing,
primarily attributed to molecular diffusion. Conversely, turbulent flow results in rapid dye dispersion,
driven by significant lateral movement and energy exchange in the flow. The transitional stage between
laminar and turbulent flows is characterized by the dye exhibiting wandering behavior, intermittent bursts
of mixing, and subsequent return to a more laminar state.

The significance of the Reynolds experiment lies in determining the critical Reynolds number that marks
the transitions between laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow in pipes. Specifically, laminar flow occurs
at Reynolds numbers below 2000, the transitional phase is observed between 2000 and 4000, and turbulent
flow occurs at Reynolds numbers exceeding 4000. The use of a critical Reynolds number, rather than
critical velocity, enhances the general applicability of the findings to all Newtonian fluid flows in pipes
with a circular cross-section. This approach contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of fluid
dynamics in various practical scenarios.

1.7.4 Documentation