Soran University

Faculty of Engineering

Department of Civil engineering -2nd Stage

Fluid Mechanics Lab Report

Experiment No.6

(Head Loss)

Prepared by: Supervised by:

Abdulla Hassan Hamad Dr. Hewa Hussein Omar

Mr. Muhammad

Semester: 4

Exp. Date: 16April 2024

Submission Date: 24 April 2024

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 Table Contents

I. Introduction :......................................................................

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 II. 3

Theory :.............................................................................................................................................4

Objective :......................................................................................................................................5

Apparatus :...................................................................................................................................6

Procedure :....................................................................................................................................7

Discussion :....................................................................................................................................8

Conclusion :..................................................................................................................................9

Introduction:

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Head loss is a crucial concept in fluid mechanics, describing the reduction in the
total head (\(H\)) (pressure energy plus gravitational energy) of a fluid as it moves
through a conduit or pipe. It is essential in engineering and physics for designing
systems involving fluid flow, such as water supply systems, pipelines, and HVAC
systems. Factors contributing to head loss can be categorized into major head loss
due to friction in long, straight sections of pipe and minor head loss due to the
presence of fittings, valves, and other components.

The Darcy-Weisbach equation and the Hazen-Williams equation are famous

mathematical equations and empirical formulas that help engineers and designers
accurately and efficiently calculate head loss, providing insights for the
optimization and design of fluid systems. This lab report explores head loss, its
factors, and methods, conducting experiments and analyzing data to gain a deeper
understanding of its significance in fluid mechanics. Strategies to minimize head
loss and optimize fluid system efficiency will contribute to more sustainable and
effective engineering solutions.

\[ H = P + \frac{{2gv^2}}{{g}} + z \]

Theory:

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Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless quantity used to characterize fluid flow.
It's defined as the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces within a fluid. The
formula is:

ρvL
ℜ=
μ

Where:

( ρ ) is the density of the fluid

(v) is the velocity of the fluid

(L) is a characteristic length (e.g., diameter of a pipe)

( μ) is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid.

In addition to Reynolds number, several other important parameters influence fluid

flow behavior:

1. Inertial Forces ( F inertial ¿ :

Inertial forces arise from the tendency of a fluid to maintain its velocity due to its
mass. It's calculated using Newton's second law:

2
F inertia= ρA V

Where:

( ρ ) is the density of the fluid

(A) is the cross-sectional area of the flow

(V) is the velocity of the fluid

2. Viscous Forces ( F viscous):

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Viscous forces result from the resistance to flow within the fluid due to internal
friction. They are proportional to the velocity gradient and are calculated using
Newton's law of viscosity:

dv
Fviscous = μ . A
dx

Where:

( μ) is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid

(A) Is the cross-sectional area of the flow

dv
( dx ¿Is the velocity gradient along the flow direction

By comparing the magnitudes of inertial forces to viscous forces, we can determine

the dominance of either force and predict the flow behavior.

Classification of Flow Regimes

1. Laminar Flow (Re < 2000):

In laminar flow, viscous forces dominate, resulting in smooth, orderly flow with
parallel layers and minimal mixing.

2. Transitional Flow (2000 < Re < 4000):

Transitional flow occurs as Reynolds number increases, and the flow transitions
from laminar to turbulent. In this regime, flow behavior becomes unstable, and
intermittent turbulent fluctuations begin to appear.

3. Turbulent Flow (Re > 4000):

In turbulent flow, inertial forces dominate, leading to chaotic, irregular flow with
vigorous mixing and increased drag. Turbulent flow is more challenging to analyze
and predict compared to laminar flow.

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Objective:

The objective of this lab experiment is to illustrate laminar, transitional, and fully
turbulent flows in a pipe, and to determine under which conditions each flow
regime occurs.

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Apparatus:

Beaker Timer

Graduated Cylinder Thermometer

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 Glass Tube Inlet Valve
Ink Vessel

Strong Tank

Outlet Valve

Discharge Valve

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Procedure

1. First thing to do is to fill the storage tank with water and the ink vessel with
ink.
2. Now we will let the water to go through the glass tube.
3. After that open the ink vessel and observe the flow type if it's transition,
turbulent or laminar.
4. After that put the water in a beaker and as soon as we put in the beaker, we
have to switch on the stop watch.
5. After we got the volume we want we will stop pouring water to the beaker
and stop the stopwatch.
6. Then we will pour the water we have inside the graduated cylinder and
determine the volume.
7. After That we have time and volume we can calculate volumetric flow rate
and we got the temperature by using a thermometer.

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Discussion

Answer Q1:

Laminar flow is quiet, slow moving water characterized by water particles moving
in a straight direct line within parallel layers. Turbulent flow, on the other hand, is
louder, faster moving water characterized by erratically moving water particles that
mix between the parallel layers.

Answer Q2:

Answer Q3:

(Pipe Flow- Aeronautics- Hydrodynamics -Heat Exchangers- Microfluidics

Chemical Engineering.)

Answer Q4:

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Conclusion

The Reynolds Number Demonstration experiment serves as a powerful tool for

understanding the diverse behaviors of fluid flow. Through this experiment, we
were able to visually observe and classify flow regimes based on the Reynolds
number, distinguishing between laminar, transitional, and turbulent flows.

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By varying parameters such as fluid velocity, density, and viscosity, we
manipulated the Reynolds number to explore its effects on flow behavior. We
observed laminar flow at low Reynolds numbers, characterized by smooth, orderly
motion of fluid layers. As the Reynolds number increased, we witnessed the
transition to turbulent flow, marked by chaotic fluctuations and increased mixing.
This experiment underscores the significance of the Reynolds number as a
fundamental parameter in fluid dynamics. It provides valuable insights into the
interplay between inertial and viscous forces, elucidating the mechanisms
governing flow behavior. Furthermore, it highlights the practical implications of
flow regime classification in various engineering applications, from designing
pipelines to optimizing aerodynamic performance.

In summary, the Reynolds Number Demonstration experiment not only pays

homage to Osborne Reynolds' pioneering work but also reaffirms the enduring
relevance of his contributions to the field of fluid mechanics.

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