Fluid Mechanics (ME-337) (Spring 2024)

Lab Report Number: 03

“Density Analysis for Fluids using Triple Beam

Apparatus”

Section: ME-14 (C)

Name CMS IDs

Abdullah Hamid 409519
Amna Saleem 413246
Muhammad Abdullah Zafar Ghauri 405642
Muhammad Ali Tariq 410890
Muhammad Ammar Amer 411927
Muhammad Azhaf Zeeshan 423683

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 School Of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, NUST
ME-115 Engineering Mechanics (Fall 2023)

Experiment 1: Determination of Values of Densities for

Various Fluids using Triple Beam Apparatus
Objectives:

The main objective of this experiment is to employ a Triple Beam Apparatus and calibrate it to determine
the densities for different volumes of fluids under balanced state. Moreover, analyzing and understanding
the relation between viscosity and density for some particular fluid.

Apparatus: Pan
Notch
Counter
Balance
Masses
Indicator

Balancing
Knob

Figure 1 Triple Beam Apparatus

• Pan:
It is used to place the density bottle(s) over it of whom the density is to be determined.

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 • Balance Knob:
It is used to balance the Triple Beam Apparatus if it is unbalanced. The knob
may be twisted accordingly in clockwise or anticlockwise direction until the apparatus is
perfectly in balanced state.
• Counter Masses:
Counter Masses (varying from 1g to 500g) rest on beams which are slid in
either direction on the beams to balance the apparatus once the pans have been loaded. The beams
have slit notches which hold the weights in place once slid over.
• Balance Indicator:
As the name suggests, it indicates the balancing position on the beam, being
achieved by sliding od counter masses or by adjusting the apparatus.

Miscellaneous Attachments/Instrumentations:

• Measuring Cylinder
• 1000mL Beaker
• Water
• FM-HPFB-019 Oil
• FM-HPFB-021 Oil
• Density Bottles (50mL and 100mL)

Figure 2 Complete Experiment Apparatuses and Attachments

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Procedure:

• It was ensured in the beginning that the apparatus was perfectly in balance state. If it were not
balanced, it was done so by rotating the adjustment knob resting under the pan in either direction
until the balance indicator needle depicted “0” reading.
• Initial reading for the density bottle was taken along with the stopper. An indication was given
for the initial mass of system by that process.
• The density bottle was taken and was ensured that it was clear of impurities. Fluids (like water
or oil) was slowly poured into one using beaker or measuring cylinder as per convenience.
• Once the fluid was filled to a desired level, the bottle was capped using a stopper and placed in
the middle of the pan on the triple beam apparatus.
• Upon placing, the counter masses were moved about such that the apparatus was perfectly
balanced. The balance state was provided by pointer which rested on “0” position.
• The bottle was offloaded from the pan, and more fluid was added to it. The process was carried
out numerous times and concurrent readings were brought into dominant consideration.

Readings and Calculations:

Table 1 Tabular Data for Fluid Volume 50 mL (0.00005m3)

Table 2 Tabular Data for Fluid Volume 100 mL (0.0001m3)

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 Figure 3 FM-HPFB-019 (50mL = 0.00005 m3)

Figure 4 FM-HPFB-021 (100mL=0.0001m3)

Sample Calculation:
Correspondent Reading = For Water (at 50 mL and 100 mL respectively)
Volume of Fluid = 100mL = 0.0001 m3
Initial Mass = 0.0155 kg
• For Water:
Final Mass = 0.0677 kg
Change in Mass = Δm = 0.1013 kg

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 𝛥𝑚
Density = ρ = 𝑉
0.0522
ρ=
0.0001

ρ = 1013 kgm-3
Volume of Fluid = 100mL = 0.0001 m3
1013
Specific Gravity = S.G = 998

S.G = 1.01

Initial Mass = 0.0155 kg

Final Mass = 0.0677 kg
Change in Mass = Δm = 0.0522 kg
Volume of Fluid = 50mL = 0.00005 m3
𝛥𝑚
Density = ρ = 𝑉
0.0522
ρ = 0.00005

ρ = 1044 kgm-3
1044
Specific Gravity = S.G = 998

S.G = 1.44

Results and Discussion:

The experiment was successfully performed numerous times and main goals were successfully met while
the experiment yielded precise measurements of the densities of various fluids using the Triple Beam
Apparatus. The calculated densities were consequently compared with known values, and the results
showed good agreement, indicating the reliability of the method. The densities of water and oils (of
different aforementioned grades) were found to be consistent with their respective properties.
Additionally, the experiment demonstrated the importance of accurate measurement techniques and
proper calibration of instruments in obtaining reliable data. However it was quite obvious that since the
oils were mixed at one stage in the past, there was quite an imbalance in the readings owing to altered
density, viscosity, specific gravity and other fluid properties.

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Conclusion:

In conclusion, the determination of densities for various fluids using the Triple Beam Apparatus proved
to be an effective method for measuring fluid properties. The goal of the experiment was successfully
met by the provision of valuable hands-on experience in fluid mechanics and reinforced the concepts of
density and mass measurement. By understanding the principles demonstrated in this experiment, one
can deliberate much into the behavior of fluids in different engineering applications. The experiment
also helped in understanding the possible existing relationship between density and viscosity which is
influenced by factors, predominantly the temperature and molecular arrangements.

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