Marmara University Engineering Faculty

Department of Metallurgical and Merials Engineering

MSE 3003
Transport Phenomena

FLUID FRICTION IN PIPES

Date: 13/01/2024

Ömer Tarık Karakaya-150520047

Aynil Aydın-
Ufkun Murat Odabaş-
CONTENTS
Introduction............................................................................................................................................3
Background............................................................................................................................................3
Procedure...............................................................................................................................................5
Equipments:........................................................................................................................................5
Introduction
Fluid dynamics is a fundamental area of study in engineering and physics, focusing on the
behavior of liquids and gases in motion. One of the critical aspects of fluid dynamics is
understanding how fluids flow through pipes, which is essential for the design of countless
systems, from household plumbing to industrial chemical processes.
In this lab experiment, we will delve into the concept of fluid friction, also known as viscous
drag, which is a resistance encountered by a fluid as it moves through a pipe. This resistance
is due to the cohesive forces between the fluid molecules and the adhesive forces between the
fluid and the pipe's interior surface.
The primary objectives of this experiment are to: Investigate the relationship between the flow
rate and the pressure drop in the pipe, which is often described by the Darcy-Weisbach
equation. Understand how the roughness of the pipe's interior surface affects the fluid flow
and contributes to the friction factor. Explore the Reynolds number's role in determining the
flow regime—laminar or turbulent—and its impact on the pressure drop.

Background
Fluid mechanics is a branch of physics concerned with the behavior of fluids (liquids and
gases) and the forces on them. It has a wide range of applications, from engineering and
biology to natural phenomena.
In this lab experiment, we focus on fluid flow within pipes, a fundamental aspect of fluid
mechanics with critical applications in various engineering systems such as water distribution,
oil and gas pipelines, and HVAC systems.
Flow Regimes: Fluid flow is categorized into two main regimes: laminar and turbulent.
Laminar flow is characterized by smooth, parallel layers of fluid with minimal mixing, while
turbulent flow is chaotic and dominated by eddies and vortices. The transition between these
regimes is often predicted by the dimensionless Reynolds number, which depends on the
fluid's velocity, density, viscosity, and the pipe's diamete
Where:
 Re is the Reynolds number.
 ρ is the density of the fluid.
 V is the velocity of the fluid.
 D is the characteristic diameter (such as the diameter of a pipe).
 μ is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid.
The Reynolds number helps determine whether a flow is laminar, transitional, or turbulent.
1. Laminar Flow (Re < 2,300): In this regime, fluid flows smoothly in layers with little to no
mixing between layers. The flow is well-ordered and predictable.

2. Transitional Flow (2,300 < Re < 4,000): In this range, the flow is in the process of
transitioning from laminar to turbulent. It may exhibit characteristics of both laminar
and turbulent flow.
3. Turbulent Flow (Re > 4,000): In this regime, the flow is chaotic with eddies and
swirls. Mixing between layers is significant, and the flow is less predictable than in
laminar flow.
Understanding the flow regimes is crucial in fluid mechanics, as it affects factors such as
pressure drop, heat transfer, and energy efficiency in fluid systems. The Reynolds number
provides a useful criterion for predicting and analyzing these different flow regimes.

Bernoulli’s Equation: Bernoulli's equation is a statement of the conservation of energy

principle for flowing fluids, expressing the relationship between velocity, pressure, and
elevation. It is instrumental in predicting the behavior of fluids under various flow
conditions.It is derived from the conservation of energy principle and is named after the Swiss
scientist Daniel Bernoulli. The equation is written as:

Where:
 P is the pressure of the fluid.
 ρ is the density of the fluid.
 V is the velocity of the fluid.
 g is the acceleration due to gravity.
 h is the height of the fluid above a reference point.
The Bernoulli's equation essentially states that the total energy per unit volume in a flowing
fluid remains constant along a streamline, neglecting losses due to viscosity and other
dissipative effects.

Hazen-Williams Equation:The Hazen-Williams equation is an empirical formula used to

calculate the pressure drop or loss of head in a pipeline system due to fluid flow. The
equation is expressed as follows:

Where:
 Q is the flow rate of water through the pipe (in cubic feet per second or cubic meters
per second).
 C is the Hazen-Williams coefficient, a dimensionless constant that depends on the pipe
material and condition. It typically ranges from 130 to 150 for common water supply
pipes.
 d is the inside diameter of the pipe (in inches or meters).
 h is the head loss or pressure drop in the pipe (in feet or meters).
 L is the length of the pipe (in feet or meters).
 f is the Darcy-Weisbach friction factor, which is a dimensionless parameter that
accounts for the pipe roughness.

Procedure
Equipments:
 Pipes: A set of pipes with varying diameters and surface roughness, including both
smooth and rough pipes.
 Manometer: To measure the pressure drop across the pipe.
 Flowmeter: To measure the flow rate of the fluid through the pipes.
 Water Supply: A consistent and controllable source of water.
 Valves: To control the flow rate and to isolate different sections of the experimental
setup.
 Thermometer: To measure the temperature of the fluid, ensuring that it remains
constant throughout the experiment.

 Begin by setting up the experimental apparatus with two pipes of different

characteristics: one smooth pipe with a diameter of 16.5 mm and one rough pipe with
a diameter of 17 mm.
 Ensure the water temperature is maintained at 23.5°C throughout the experiment to
maintain consistent viscosity.
 Adjust the flow of water to the desired rate, starting with the lowest flow rate of 600
L/h. Use a flowmeter or a calibrated container to measure the flow rate accurately.
 Measure the pressure drop across the smooth pipe at the set flow rate using a
manometer or pressure gauge. Record the head loss as H1 and H2 in millimeters of
water column.
 Record the flow rate and corresponding pressure readings on a whiteboard or in a lab
notebook. For the smooth pipe, the readings at different flow rates (600, 800, 1000,
1200, and 1400 L/h) should be noted as shown in the image.
 Repeat the measurements for the rough pipe, recording the pressure drop across the
pipe at the same flow rates used for the smooth pipe.
 Similarly, record the flow rate and corresponding pressure readings for the rough pipe.
Ensure that the data is clearly distinguished from the smooth pipe data.
 Observe the difference in pressure drops between the smooth and rough pipes at each
flow rate. This will illustrate the effect of surface roughness on fluid friction.
 After completing the measurements for all flow rates, turn off the water supply and
carefully dismantle the setup. Drain the pipes and clean any spills.
 Analyze the recorded data to calculate the friction factor for each pipe and compare
the experimental results with theoretical values.

Figure 1. Experimental setup in the laboratory for fluid friction in pipes

Figure 2. Cross-sections of the pipes used in the experiment

Figure 3. Thermometer to check the temperature of the water

Pressure drop in pipes is the loss of pressure of the liquid due to friction between liquid
particles and conductor walls and obstacles in the pipe. Friction in pipes is one of the classic
laboratory experiments and has always had an important place in the practice of fluid
mechanics and engineering hydraulics. Results and basic principles are very important to
engineers.
The Hydraulic Bank called "AFT" (FME00) designed by EDIBON is designed to determine
the coefficient of friction in pipes of different diameters and roughness, to study pressure
losses in different types of valves and different fittings and to compare different methods of
measuring flow.
The unit contains six straight pipe sections made of different materials and of different
diameters and roughness. Additionally, a range of accessories are available for examining
pressure losses. These accessories include different types of valves (gate, ball, angle seat,
etc.), pipe fittings (line strainer, elbows, sudden expansion, contraction, etc.) and
measurement elements (Venturi tube, Pitot tube, orifice plate flowmeter, flow measurement).
nozzles etc.). Some measuring elements, Venturi tube, Pitot tube, etc., are transparent to
observe their functions. Different pipe sections, valves and pipe fittings contain pressure
measurement points and provide quick connections with tubes connected to these points. With
this unit, friction pressure losses can be examined in a wide range of Reynolds numbers,
including laminar, transitional and turbulent flow regimes.
Two water manometric tubes are used to examine pressure losses in the laminar regime. Two
Bourdon manometers are used to obtain pressure losses in the turbulent regime. There is also
a flowmeter to measure flow and compare measurements.

Figure 4. Experimental setup diagram for fluid friction in pipes