During flow through pipes, pressure losses occur due to internal friction and friction between the fluid and the wall. When calculating pressure losses, we need to know the friction factor, a dimensionless number. The friction factor is determined with the aid of the Reynolds number, which describes the ratio of inertia forces to friction forces.
It enables the study of the relationship between pressure loss due to fluid friction and velocity in the pipe flow. Additionally, the pipe friction factor is determined.
The experimental unit includes a small diameter pipe section in which the laminar and turbulent flow is generated. The Reynolds number and the pipe friction factor are determined from the flow rate and pressure loss. In turbulent flow, the pipe is supplied directly from the water supply. The constant pressure at the water supply required for laminar flow is provided by a standpipe on the overflow. Valves can be used to adjust the flow rate.
Learning Objectives And Experiments
- Measurements of the pressure loss in laminar flow
- Measurements of the pressure loss in turbulent flow
- Determining the critical Reynolds number
- Determining the pipe friction factor
- Comparing the actual pipe friction factor with the theoretical friction factor
Specification
- Investigation of the pipe friction in laminar or turbulent flow
- Transparent tank with overflow ensures constant water inlet pressure in the pipe section for experiments with laminar flow
- Flow rate adjustment via valves
- Twin tube manometers for measurements in laminar flow
- Dial-gauge manometer for measurements in turbulent flow
- Flow rate determined by Base module for experiments in fluid mechanics base module
- Water supply using Base module for experiments in fluid mechanics base module or via laboratory supply
Technical Specification
- Pipe section
- length: 400mm
- Ø, inner: 3mm
- Tank: approx. 2L
- Measuring ranges
- differential pressure:
- 2x 370mmWC
- 1x 0…0,4bar
