Fluid Mechanics (CPD 12403)

Experiment 1: Demonstration of Bernoulli’s Theorem in Fluid Flow

Experiment 1
Demonstration of Bernoulli’s Theorem in Fluid Flow

Objective
Determine the fluid velocity using the Bernoulli’s theorem and the Continuity
equation.

Overview
The Bernoulli effect is simply a result of the conservation of energy. The work
done on a fluid (a fluid is a liquid or a gas), the pressure times the volume, is
equal to the change in kinetic energy of the fluid. In a real flow, friction plays a
large role - a lot of times you must have a large pressure drop (decrease in
pressure) just to overcome friction. This is the case in your house. Most water
pipes have small diameters (large friction), hence it is called "water pressure" - it
is the energy from that pressure drop that goes to friction.

Experimental Procedure

1. Fill water into the volumetric tank of the hydraulic bench until it is
approximately 90% full.

2. Open the outlet flow control valve fully at the right hand end of the
apparatus.

3. Close the inlet flow control valve then start the pump.

4. Gradually open then inlet flow control valve and allow the pipework
(Venturi and manometer) to fill with water until all air has been expelled
from the pipework.

5. Check that all manometer tubing is properly connected to the

corresponding pressure taps and are air-bubble free. If needed press air
bleeds screw slowly to flush the air-bubbles.

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 Fluid Mechanics (CPD 12403)
Experiment 1: Demonstration of Bernoulli’s Theorem in Fluid Flow

6. After ensure that air is being expelled from the pipework, close the inlet
valve fully and stop the pump.

7. With the outlet valve open, press the air bleed screw slightly until the
manometer levels reach mid height. Wait for some time for the level in
manometer tube to stabilize (it takes some time for it to reach steady
state).

8. Start the pump and slowly adjust the inlet valve (you may adjust both
inlet and outlet valves) so that you get the maximum difference in levels
between tapping point 7 and 8.

9. Wait for some time for the level in manometer tube 8 to stabilize (it takes
some time for it to reach steady state).

10. After the steady state is achieved, redirect the water outlet hose into a
container whose capacity is known (20 liter, for example) and record the
time taken for the water to fill it up. Take at least 3 measurements and
record the timings in order to calculate (average) flow rate.

Air bleed screw

Manometer tubes

Unions

Gland Nut

Hypodermic probe

Water inlet Test section Adjustable feet

Figure 1: Bernoulli’s Theorem Apparatus

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 Fluid Mechanics (CPD 12403)
Experiment 1: Demonstration of Bernoulli’s Theorem in Fluid Flow

11. Gently push the Pitot (total head measuring) tube, connected to
manometer 8, so that its end reaches the cross section of the Venturi tube
at 1, for example. Wait for some time and note down the readings from
manometer 8 and 1. The reading shown by manometer 8 is the sum of the
pressure and velocity heads, i.e. the total (or stagnation) head (h*), because
the Pitot tube is held against the flow of fluid forcing it to a stop (zero
velocity). The reading in manometer 1 measures just the pressure head (h)
because it is connected to the Venturi tube pressure tap, which does not
obstruct the flow, thus measuring the flow static pressure.

12. Repeat step 11 for other cross sections.

13. Repeat step 1 -12 for other flowrate (another two different flowrate).

14. Record all the measurements acquired.

15. Calculate the velocity, ViB using the Bernoulli’s equation where:

ViB  2  g  (h8  h i )

16. Calculate the velocity, ViC using the continuity equation where ViC = Qav /
Ai

17. Determined the difference between two calculated velocity and the
percentage differ of it.

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 Fluid Mechanics (CPD 12403)
Experiment 1: Demonstration of Bernoulli’s Theorem in Fluid Flow

Results

Flowrate (Q) = _____________________ L/min = _____________________ m3/s

Cross Using Bernoulli equation Using Continuity Difference

Section equation

ViB = Ai = ViC =
I h =h8
* hi = [2*g*(h* - hi )] = Di2 / 4 Qav / Ai (ViB-ViC)/
ViC
cm cm m/s mm2 m/s %
A 530.93
B 366.44
C 201.06
D 314.16
E 380.13
F 530.93

Flowrate (Q) = _____________________ L/min = _____________________ m3/s

Cross Using Bernoulli equation Using Continuity Difference

Section equation

ViB = Ai = ViC =
I h =h8
* hi = [2*g*(h* - hi )] = Di2 / 4 Qav / Ai (ViB-ViC)/
ViC
cm cm m/s mm2 m/s %
A 530.93
B 366.44
C 201.06
D 314.16
E 380.13
F 530.93

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 Fluid Mechanics (CPD 12403)
Experiment 1: Demonstration of Bernoulli’s Theorem in Fluid Flow

Flowrate (Q) = _____________________ L/min = _____________________ m3/s

Cross Using Bernoulli equation Using Continuity Difference

Section equation

ViB = Ai = ViC =
I h =h8
*
hi = [2*g*(h* - hi )] = Di2 / 4 Qav / Ai (ViB-ViC)/
ViC
cm cm m/s mm2 m/s %
A 530.93
B 366.44
C 201.06
D 314.16
E 380.13
F 530.93

Where:

Distance Diameter of cross-

Cross-section
(mm) section (mm)
A 60.0 26.0
B 83.0 21.6
C 105.0 16.0
D 148.6 20.0
E 166.4 22.0
F 215.0 26.0

*The distance is from the beginning tip to the respective tapings.

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 Fluid Mechanics (CPD 12403)
Experiment 1: Demonstration of Bernoulli’s Theorem in Fluid Flow

Discussion
Plot graph manometer reading vs distance for discussion.

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 Fluid Mechanics (CPD 12403)
Experiment 1: Demonstration of Bernoulli’s Theorem in Fluid Flow

Tutorial

1. What is meant by stagnation pressure?

2. List down three factors which cause pressure to vary along a pipe.

3. a) Discharge can be measured either in terms of mass flow rate and

volumetric flow rate. Define discharge.

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 Fluid Mechanics (CPD 12403)
Experiment 1: Demonstration of Bernoulli’s Theorem in Fluid Flow

b) Benzene flows through a 100 mm diameter pipe. The mean velocity of

flow is 3 ms-1. Find the volumetric flow rate and mass flow rate. Mass

density of benzene is 879 kgm-3.

Conclusion

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 Fluid Mechanics (CPD 12403)
Experiment 1: Demonstration of Bernoulli’s Theorem in Fluid Flow

References

1. Joseph B. Franzini. Fluid Mechanics. 10th Ed. McGrawHill (2002)

2. John F. Douglas. Fluid Mechanics with Engineering Applications. 4th Ed.
Prentice Hall (2001).
3. Noel de Nevers. Fluid Mechanics for Chemical Engineers. 2nd Ed. McGraw
Hill (1991).
4. McCabe, W.L., Smith, J.C. and Harriot. Unit Operations of Chemical
Engineering. 5th Ed., Mc Graw Hill (1993)