Fluid Mechanics Lab Manual

B.M.S.
College of Engineering
(Autonomous Institute Under VTU, Bengaluru -19)
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Fluid Mechanics Laboratory Manual
Name :……………………………………………
U.S.N : ………………………………………...
Sem/Sec : ………………………………...............
Mechanical Engineering Association

B.M.S.College of Engineering
VISION
To become a centre of excellence in educating students to

become successful Mechanical Engineers
MISSION
➢ To empower the students with fundamentals for

successful career in the field of Mechanical Engineering
➢ To continue their education through post-graduation,
research & development
➢ To provide service to the society
COURSE OUT COMES
Students will be able to distinguish and calibrate different flow measuring

1
devices.
Students will be able to characterise the flow field based on the Reynolds
2
number.
Students will be able to measure the pressure distribution on stream lined
3
and bluff bodies.
4 Students will be able to calibrat the friction in ducts

Students will be able to visualize the flow around the objects using flow
5
visualisation techniques.

Certificate
This is to certify that Ms./Mr. _______________________________

bearing USN ___________________is the student of III Semester
B.E.(Mech.), BMS College of Engineering, affiliated to
Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum has successfully
completed the lab work connected with the Fluid Mechanics Lab
as prescribed by the college during the Academic year ____-____.
Total Marks obtained
Staff Incharge : ________________ Prof.& Head
Date : ________________ Dept. of Mechanical Engg.

List of Experiments
Part A
Hydraulics Lab
1. Calibration of V- Notch.
2. Calibration of Venturimeter.
3. Calibration of Orifice Meter.
4. Estimation of friction in pipes.
5. Reynolds Experiment
6. Bernoullis Experiment
7. Hele Shaw Apparatus
Part B
Wind Tunnel Lab

1. Velocity and Total Pressure Measurement using Pitot tube.
2. Static Pressure Measurement using Projection Manometer.
3. Estimation of Pressure distribution of symmetric airfoil.
4. Estimation of Pressure distribution of Cambered airfoil.
5. Estimation of Pressure distribution on cylinder.
6. Estimation of Pressure distribution on sphere.
7. Flow Visualization on airfoil, cylinder and sphere.

Fluid Flow Measurements

Introduction:
As the fluid flow relative to the objects either internally or externally, measurements of properties
like pressure, velocity, mass flow rate or discharge are of primarily important. This can be achieved
by
• Pitot Tubes (Static and Total) for Velocity Measurement.
• Manometers for Pressure Measurement.
• Notches and Weirs for measuring discharge.
• Venturimeter and Orifice Meter for discharge.
The rate of a fluid through a pipe or duct or interflow is measured by instruments like Venturimeter,
Orifice meter etc., whereas through an open channel the rate of flow is measured by notches and
wires. Pressure in the fluid is measure by manometer, barometer etc.
In this lab students get exposed to learning how to measure mass flow rate or volume flow rate,
velocity and pressure using pitot tubes and manometers and how to visualise for over streamlined
and bluff bodies.
Mass Flow rate meters or Discharge measuring

instruments:
Venturi meter:
A Venturi meter is a device used for measuring the rate of flow of fluid flowing through a pipe. It
consists of three parts as shown in Figure 1:
• A short converging part
• Throat
• Diverging part.
Expression for rate of flow
through Venturi meter:
Consider a Venturi meter fitted in a
horizontal pipe through which a fluid is
flowing (say water), as shown in figure
below
Let d1= diameter at inlet or at

section (1)


P1= pressure at section (1)
v1 = velocity of fluid at section (1),

π 2
a= area at section (1) = d , and d2, p2, v2, a2, are corresponding values at section (2).
4 1
Applying Bernoulli’s equation at sections (1) and (2), we get
P1 V12 P2 V2 2
! + + Z1 = + + Z2
ρg 2g ρg 2g
As pipe is horizontal, hence
P1 V12 P2 V2 2 P1 − P2 V2 2 V12
! + = + Or ! = −
ρg 2g ρg 2g ρg 2g 2g
P1 − P2
But ! is the difference of pressure heads at section 1 and 2 and it is equal to h or
ρg
P1 − P2 P − P2
! = h. Substituting the value of ! 1 in the above equation, we get
ρg ρg
V 22 − V12
h! = (1)
2g
Now applying continuity equation between section 1 and 2
a1 − v2
a
! 1v1 = a 2 v2 Or v! 1 =
a1
Substituting this value of v! 1 in equation (1)

a 2 v2 2
2g [ a12 ] 2g [ a12 ]
2
V2 a1 V2 2 a22 V2 2 a12 − a 2 2
! =
h − = 1− =
2g 2g
a12
v! 2 2 = 2gh
a12 − a 2 2
a12 a1
v! 2 = 2gh = 2gh
a12 − a 2 2 a12 − a 2 2
Since Discharge is given by , !Q = a 2 v2

a1 a1a 2
Q
! = a2 × 2gh = × 2gh --- (2)
a12 − a 2 2 a12 − a 2 2
Equating (2) gives the discharge under ideal conditions and is called, theoretical discharge. Actual
discharge will be less than theoretical discharge.


a1a 2
Q
! act = cd × × 2gh --- (3)
a12 − a 2 2
where !cdis co−efficient of venturimeter and its value is less than 1.
Value of ‘h’ given by differential U-tube manometer
Case I. Let the differential manometer contains a liquid which is heavier than the liquid flowing
through the pipe.
Let s! hspecific gravity of heavier liquid
s! ospecific gravity of liquid flowing through pipe.
[ sh ]
sh
X= Difference of the heavier liquid column in U-tube Then h
! = --- (4)
Case II. If the differential manometer contains a liquid which is lighter than the liquid flowing
[ so ]
sl
through the pipe, the valve of h is given by h
! = 1−
where !sl specific gravity of lighter liquid in U tube
s! o specific gravity of fluid flowing through the pipe
X= Difference of the heavier liquid columns in U-tube
Case III. Inclined Venturimeter with Differential U-tube manometer. The above two cases are
given for a horizontal Venturimeter. This case is related to incline Venturimeter having different U-
tube manometer. Let the differential manometer. Let the differential manometer contains heavier
liquid then h is given as
( ρg ) ( ρg ) [ so ]
P1 P2 s
h
! = + Z1 − + Z 2 = x h − 1 ----- (6)
Case IV. Similarly, for inclined Venturimeter in which differential manometer contains a liquid
which is lighter than the liquid flowing through the pip, the value of k is given as
( ρg ) ( ρg ) [ so ]
P1 P2 s
h! = + Z1 − + Z 2 = x 1 − h ----- (7)


Orifice meter or Orifice plate
It is a device used for measuring the rate of flow of a liquid through a pipe. It is a cheaper device as
compared to Venturimeter. It also works on the same principal as that of Venturimeter. It consists of
a flat circular plate which has a circular sharp edged hole called orifice, which is concentric with the
pipe. The orifice diameter is kept generally 0.5 times the diameter if the pipe. Through it may vary
from 0.4 to 0. 8 times the pipe diameter.
A differential manometer is connected at section (1), which is at a distance of about 1.5 to 2.0 times
the pipe diameter upstream from the orifice plate, and at section (2), which is at a distance of about
half the diameter of the orifice on the downstream side from the orifice plate.
Let P1= pressure at section (1), v1 = velocity at section (1), a= area of pipe at section (1) and p2, v2,
a2, are corresponding values at section (2). Applying Bernoulli’s equation at sections (1) and (2).
Applying Bernoulli’s Principle we get
P1 V12 P2 V2 2
! + + Z1 = + + Z2
ρg 2g ρg 2g
( ρg ) ( ρg )
P1 P2 V2 V2
Or ! + Z1 − + Z2 = 2 − 1
2g 2g
( ρg ) ( ρg )
P1 P2
But Differential head = h = ! + Z1 − + Z2


V2 2 V12
h
! = − Or 2gh
! = V2 2 − V12
2g 2g
Or V
! 2= 2gh + V12 --- (i)
Now section (2) is at the vena contracta and a

! 2 represents the area at the vena contracta. If a
! 0 is the
a2
area of orifice then, we have!Cc = Where C ! c= Co-efficient of contraction a
! 2 = ao × Cc
ao
a2 aC
By continuity equation, we have !a1v1 = a 2 v2 Or v! 1 = v2 = o c v2
a1 a1
Substituting the values of v! 1 in equation (i), we get
ao 2Cc 2 v2 2
v! 2 = 2gh +
a12
( a1 ) c 2 ( a1 ) c ]
ao 2 ao 2 2
[
Or v! 2 2 = 2gh + C v ()v2 × 1 −
2 2 C = 2gh
2gh
v! 2 =
1 − ( ao ) Cc 2
a 2
aoCc 2gh
The discharge !Q = v2 × a 2 = v2 × aoCc a 2 = aoCc --- (iv)
1 − ( a ) Cc 2
ao 2
1 − ( ao )
a 2
1
The above expression is simplified by using C
! d = Cc
1 − ( ao ) Cc 2
a 2
1 − ( ao ) Cc 2
a 2
1
Hence we get !Cc = Cd
1 − ( ao )
a 2
Substituting this value of C

! cin equation (iv). We get


1 − ( ao ) Cc 2
a 2
1 2gh
! = ao × Cd
Q ×
1 − ( ao ) 1 − ( ao ) Cc 2
a 2 a 2
1 1
Cd ao 2gh Cd ao a1 2gh
! =
a12−ao 2
1 − ( ao )
a 2
Where C
! d=Co-efficient of discharge for orifice meter.
The co-efficient of discharge for orifice meter is much smaller than that for a Venturimeter.

Pitot-Tube
It is a device used for measuring the velocity of flow at any point in a pipe or a channel. It is
based on the principle that if the velocity of flow at a point becomes zero, the pressure there is
increased due to the conversion of the kinetic energy into pressure energy. In its simplest form, the
Pitot-tube consists of a glass tube, bent at right angle as shown in figure below.
The lower end, which is bent through 90 is directed in the upstream direction as shown in
Figure 3. the liquid rises up in the tube to the conversion of kinetic energy in to pressure energy.
The velocity is determined by measuring the raise of liquid in the tube.
Consider two points (1) and (2) at the same level in such a way that (2) is just at the inlet of the
Pitot-tube and point (1) is far away from the tube.
Let P1= intensity of pressure at point (1)
v1 = velocity of flow at (1)
P2= pressure at section (2)
V2 = velocity at point (1), which is zero
H= depth of tube in the liquid
h= rise of liquid in the tube above the free surface.
Applying Bernoulli’s equations at point (1) and (2), we get

P1 V12 P V2
! + + Z1 = 2 + 2 + Z 2
ρg 2g ρg 2g
But Z1 = Z 2 as points (1) and (2) are on the same line and v2 =0.
P1 P2
! = pressure head at (1) = H and ! = pressure head at (2) = (h+H)
g g
V12
Substituting these values, we get ! +
H = (h + H ) ; !V1 = (2gh)
2g


This is theoretical velocity. Actual velocity is given by (! v1) = Cv 2gh , Where C
! v= Co-efficient
act
of Pitot-tube
Velocity of flow in a pipe by Pitot-tube.
For finding the velocity at any point in a pipe by Pitot-tube, the following arrangements are
adopted:
! !
1. Pitot-tube along with a vertical piezometer tube as shown in Fig. (b).
2. Pitot-tube connected with piezometer tube as shown in Fig. (c).
3. Pitot-tube and vertical piezometer tube connected with a different U-tube manometer as
shown in Fig. (d).
! !
4. Pitot-static tube, which consists of two circular concentric tubes one the other with some
annular space in between as shown in Fig. (e). The outlet of these two tubes are connected to
5. the different manometer where the difference of pressure head ‘h’ is measured by knowing
Sg
[ So ]
the Difference of the levels of the manometer liquid say x. then h
! =x −1


Darcy-Equation for loss of head due to friction in pipes
Consider a a uniform pipe, having steady flow as shown in fig below. Let 1-1 and 2-2 are two
sections of pipe.
Let P1 = pressure intensity at section 1-1,
v1 = velocity of flow at section 1-1,
L = length of the pipe between section 1-1 and 2-2,
D = diameter of pipe,
F’ = frictional resistance per unit wetted area per unit velocity,
Hf = loss of head due to friction,
And p2, V2 = are values of pressure intensity and velocity at section 2-2.
Applying Bernoulli’s equation between sections 1-1 and 2-2,
Total head at 1-1 = Total head at 2-2 + loss of head due to friction between 1-1 and 2-2
P1 V12 P V2
Or ! + + Z1 = 2 + 2 + Z 2 + hf But!z1 = z2as pipe is horizontal V
! 1 = V2 as diameter of
g 2g g 2g
pipe is same at the two sections.
P1 P
! = 2 + hf … (i)
ρg ρg
But hf is the head lost due to friction and hence intensity of pressure will be reduced in the direction
of flow by frictional resistance.
Now frictional resistance = frictional resistance per unit wetted area per unit velocity × wetted area
× velocity2
or F1 = f’×dL×V2 [wetted area= d × L velocity = V=V1 = V2]
= f’×P×L×V2 [p d = Perimeter = P] … (ii)
The force acting in the fluid between sections 1-1 and 2-2 are:


1. Pressure force 1-1 = p1 × A
Where A= Area of pipe
2. Pressure at section 2-2 = p2 × A
3. Frictional force F1 as shown in figure above.
Resolving all forces in the horizontal direction, we have
! 1 A − p2 A − F1 = 0
p
(p1 − p2)A = F1 = f′ × P × L × V
2
or [p From (ii), F1 f’PLV2]
f′ × P × L × V 2
Or !p1 − p2 =
A
But from equation (i), ! 1 − p2 = ghf
p
Equating the value of (! p1 − p2), we get
f′ × P × L × V 2
! f =
gh
A
f′ p
or ! f =
h × × L × V2 … (iii)
g A
P Wet tedper im eter d 4
In equation (iii), ! = = =
A Area 4
d2 d
f′ p 4lv 2
! f =
h × × L × V2 =
g A d
f′ f
Putting ! × , where f is known as co-efficient of friction.
g 2
4.f ′ Lv 2 4f . l . v2
Equating (iv), becomes as ! f =
h . = …..(1)
g d d × 2g
Equating (1) is known as Darcy-Weisbach equation. This equation is commonly used for finding
loss of head due to friction in pipes.
Sometimes equation (1) is written as

f . l . v2
! f =
h …. (2)
d × 2g
Then f! is known as friction factor.
Co-efficient of friction (f) which is function of Reynold number is given by


16
f! = ! e < 2000(viscou s f lo w)
for R
Re
0.079
= ! 1/4
for !Re varying from 4000 to!106
Re
L = length of pipe
V = mean velocity of flow,
d = diameter of pipe.
Chezy’s Equation for Loss of Head Due to Friction in Pipe

f . l . v2
! f =
h … (1)
d × 2g
Where hf = loss of head due to friction,
P = wetted perimeter of pipe,
A = area of cross-section of pipe,
L = length of pipe,
V = mean velocity of flow,
and Hf = loss of head due to friction.
P ( Per im eter (wet ted ) )

A Area of f lo w
Now the ratio of ! is called hydraulic radius and is denoted by m.
A 4
d2 d
\ Hydraulic mean depth, !m = = =
P d 4
A P 1
Substituting ! =m∨ = in equation (1), we get
P A m
f g 1 g hf
h
! f = × L × V 2 ∨ V 2 = hf × × m × = ×m×
g f′ L f′ L
\
g hf g hf
! =
V ×m× = m … (2)
f′ L f′ L


g hf
Let ! = C, where C is a constant known as Chezy’s constant and ! = i, where I is loss of head
f′ L
per unit length of pipe.
g hf
Substituting the values of ! and ! in equation (2), we get
f′ L
! = C mi
V … (3)
Equation (3) is known as Chezy’s formula. Thus the loss of head due to friction in pipe from
Chezy’s formula can be obtained if the velocity of flow through pipe and also the value of C is
known. The value of m for pipe is always equal to d/4.


Discharge over a Triangular Notch or Weir
The expression for the discharge over a triangular notch or weir is the same. It is derived as:
Let H = head of water above the V-notch
\ = angle of notch
Consider a horizontal strip of water of thickness ‘dh’ at a depth of h from the free surface of
water as shown in figure below.
From fig (b), we have

θ AC AC
ta
! n = =
2 OC (H − h)
θ
AC
! = (H − h)ta n
2
θ
Width if strip ! B = 2AC = 2(H − h)ta n
A
2
θ
Area of strip !2(H − h)ta n × dh
2
The theoretical velocity of water through strip ! 2gh
theoretical
Discharge, dQ, through the strip is !
dQ = Cd × Areaofstrip × Velocity
θ
! d × 2(H − h)ta n
C × dh × 2gh
2
θ
! d(H − h)ta n
2C × dh × 2gh × gh
2


H
θ
∫
\ Total discharge, Q is ! = 2Cd(H − h)ta n × d h ×
Q 2gh × gh
2
0
H
θ
∫
2C
! d × ta n × 2g (H − h)h 1/2 d h
2
0
H
θ
∫
! × Cd × ta n ×
2 2g (Hh 1/2 − h 3/2)d h
2
0
H
[ 3/2 5/2 ]
θ Hh 3/2 h 5/2
! × Cd × ta n ×
2 2g −
2
0
[3 ]
θ 2 2
2
! × Cd × ta n × 2g H . H 3/2 − H 5/2
2 5
[3 ]
θ 2 5 2 5
2
! × Cd × ta n × 2g H2 − H2
2 5
[ 15 ]
θ 4 5/2
2
! × Cd × ta n × 2g H
2
8 θ
! C × ta n × 2g × H 5/2 ----- (1)
15 d 2
For a right-angled V-notch, if C
! d=0.6
θ
θ! = 90°, ta
! n =1
2
8
Discharge Q
! = × 0.6 × 1 × 2 × 9.81 × H 5/2
15
!1.417H 5/2 ----- (2)

Experiment 1: Calibration of V-notch
Aim: to determine the coefficient of discharge cd of a given notch
Apparatus used: V-notch, Pin gauge, stop clock.
Theory:
A notch is a device used for measuring rate of flow of a liquid through a small channel or a
tank. Notch can be defined as in opening in the side of a tank or a small channel in such that the
liquid surface in the tank or channel is below the top edge of the opening. The sheet of water
flowing through a notch is called nappe. The bottom edge of a notch over which the water flows is
known as sill.
Classification of notches:
1. According to the shape of the opening
a. Rectangular notch
b. Triangular notch
c. Stepped notch
2. According to the effect of the side of the nappe
a. Notch with end contraction
b. Notch without end contraction or suppressed notch.
V-notch or triangular notch is a device having triangular shape opening and is preferred for
measuring low discharge accurately.
Procedure:
1. Before starting the experiment note down the measuring tank dimensions and angle of V-
notch.
2. Allow the water to flow up to crest level and note down their initial level of water by
adjusting a pin gauge.
3. Now allow the water to flow over the V-notch by opening the discharge valve, wait up to
flow should be steady state condition.
4. Start the stop clock immediately, allow the water to flow for 60sec or any fixed time interval
5. Note down the final water level in the water collecting tank and also note down the head
over notch.


6. Repeat the above procedure for different head over notches by increasing discharge.
7. Calculate the co-efficient of the discharge using the formula.
Tabular Column:
Sl. Head over V-notch Tank reading Time Qact Log Log K Co-
No. ×10-2m(Hv) ×10-2m in m3/s Hv Qact from efficient
sec graph of
dischar
ge
Cd
IR FR Diff. IR FR Diff.
Observations:
Angle of V-notch =
Water tank dimensions
Area =l×b= Water flow time = t=
Calculations:
1. HV Head over V-notch
2. Tank Reading
l×b×d 3
3. Actual discharge Qa
! ct = m /s
t


4. log Hv =
5. log Qact =(logQa ct − logk) /logHv

k
6. Co-efficient of discharge = !Cd =
8
15
2gta n 2θ
Result: the co-efficient of discharge of a given V-notch is cd=__________________________


Experiment 2 : Calibration of Venturimeter
Aim: to determine the coefficient of discharge cd of a given Venturimeter.
Apparatus used: Venturimeter, U-tube manometer (Hg), stop clock, V-notch and hook gauge.
Theory:
A Venturemeter is a device used used for measuring the rate of flow of fluid flowing through a pipe.
It is based on the principle of Bernoulli’s theorem. It consists of three parts they are Convergent
cone, throat, Divergent cone. Convergent cone has a total inclined angle of 21hI and length
(d)
D
approximately equal to 2.7 ! the length of the throat is equal to ‘d’ diameter. Divergent cone
has a total inclined angle of throat 6~.
Procedure:
1. Before starting the experiment note down the inlet and throat diameter and also crest level of
V-notch.
2. Release the air trapped in the manometer tube by opening the air valves.
3. Using the control valve allow the water to flow through Venturimeter at the uniform rate.
4. Note down the manometer reading on both the limbs and convert into meter for water.
5. Note down the final reading of V-notch and calculate the discharge using the formula Qact =
1.417×!Hv 5/2 m 3 /s
a1a 2
6. Calculate the theoretical discharge Qth using formula Qth = 2ghm 3 /s
a12 − a 2 2
7. Finally calculate the coefficient of discharge of a Venturimeter using the formula

Qact
cd
! =
Qth
Observation:
1. d1 = diameter of pipe =
2. d2 = diameter of throat =
3. a1 = area of pipe =
4. a2 = area of throat =


Tabular Column:
  Head Qact (m3/ Qth (m3/ Co-

Sl. Mercury V-notch reading over s) ×10-3 s) ×10-3 efficient
No Manometer reading ×10-2m Venturim of
×10-2m eter dischar
h=13.6×x( ge
m of H2O) Qact
!cd =
Qth
IR FR Diff
(h1) (h2) (n) IR FR Diff
Calculations:
1. Head over Venturimeter Manometer reading x = (h1 − h 2) ; H=13.6 × x m of H2O
2. Head over V-notch, IR = , FR = , Diff =
! act = 1.417 × Hv 5/2 m 3 /s

3. Actual discharge = Q
a1a 2
4. Theoretical discharge!Qth = 2ghm 3 /s
a12 − a 2 2
Qact
5. Co-efficient of discharge = !cd =
Qth
Result:
The co-efficient of discharge of a Venturimeter is determined and tabulated and The co-efficient of
discharge of a Venturimeter is found to be cd=________
Experiment 3: Calibration of Orifice meter


Aim: To determine the co-efficient of discharge of a given Orifice meter
Apparatus used: Orifice fixed with a pipe of known diameter, Manometer, V-notch.
Theory: Orifice is a simple device to measure the flow in a pipe by reducing the flow passage in
one section. The pressure difference between 2 sections is created. The measurement of pressure
between 2 sections enables us to determine the discharge which is taking place in the pipe.
Procedure:
1. Before starting the experiment, note down the diameter of orifice and initial reading of V-
notch.
2. Allow the water to flow through orifice and maintain the head over orifice is constant.
3. Before this, note down the initial reading of head over orifice.
4. Once the head reaches constant note down the final reading of head over V-notch is noted.
5. Finally calculate the co-efficient of discharge of orifice using the formula

Qact
C
! d=
Qthr
6. Repeat the experiment for different head over orifice and discharges and calculate cd.
Observation:
1. d1 = diameter of pipe =
2. d2 = diameter of throat =
3. length of the channel l=
4. width of channel =
5. length of pipe lp=
6. V-notch=


Tabular Column:
Gate
Manometer V-notch h=13. Qact Qth
Valv
Reading (n) reading Hv 6 mm m3/s m3/s c! = Qact From Graph
e d
Qth
×10-2 m ×10-2 m of ×10- ×10-
open
Sl. H2O 3 3
No
Diff
LC RL IR FR Diff. N K Cd
.
Calculations
d12 d22
1. Area of pipe a
! 1= , a2 =
4 4
2. Manometer reading Diff=Rl-LL
3. V-notch reading Diff=FR-IR

! act = 1.417 × Hv 5/2 m 3 /s
4. Actual discharge = Q
a1a 2
5. Theoretical discharge = Q
! th = 2ghm 3 /s
a1 − a 2
2 2
Result: From the graph co-efficient of discharge = C

! d=____________

Experiment 4: Reynolds Apparatus
Aim : To Study Laminar to Turbulent Transition for flow in a tube
Theory : Laminar flow in a tube is known to undergo transition to become turbulent with increasing
values of Reynolds number. The two states of flow can be distinguished by introducing a color dye
along the axis of the tube. In laminar flow, the dye remains undisturbed and moves along the tube
axis. In turbulent flow, the velocity field reveals time dependent oscillations which lead to stronger
mixing of the dye with the surrounding fluid.
Description
The Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless ratio of inertia forces to viscous forces and is used in
determining the type of flow occurring: laminar or turbulent.
In most engineering text books, a Reynolds number of 2300 is usually accepted as the value at
transition; that is, the value of the Reynolds number between laminar and turbulent flow regimes.
The Reynolds number that exists anywhere in the transition region is called the critical Reynolds
number.
The objective of this experiment is to determine the range of Reynolds numbers by Reynolds
apparatus over which transition occurs.
Given the tube size (10 mm), the Reynolds number can be calculated as:
V Dh
Re
! =
ν
where, 
Re = Reynolds number 
V = velocity of fluid (m/s) 
Dh = hydraulic diameter (m) 
2 2
μ (mu) = dynamic viscosity of fluid (N.s/m ) ν (nu) = kinematic viscosity of fluid (m /s) ρ (rho) =
3
density (kg/m )
The hydraulic diameter (different than hydraulic radius) is calculated as:
4A
! h=
D , Wetted Perimeter P w
Pw


Apparatus Required:
The apparatus consists of a storage and supply tank, which has the provision for supplying color
dye through a jet. A perspex tube is provided to visualize the flow condition within the tube. The
entry of water in the perspex tube is through an elliptical bell mouth to ensure smooth flow at the
entry. A regulating value is provided downstream to regulate the volumetric flow. Vary the
discharge gradually to prevent flow disturbances, particularly in the transition range of Reynolds
numbers.
A collecting tank is used to measure discharge of water through the tube.
The goals of the present experiment are as follows:
i. Visualize dye mixing for flow in a tube under laminar and turbulent conditions. 
ii. Carefully estimate the critical Reynolds number below which flow is laminar and above which it
is turbulent.


Experimental Procedure:
1. Turn on the water, and partially open the discharge valve at the base of the apparatus.
2. Open and adjust the dye injector valve to obtain a fine filament of dye in the flow down the
glass tube. If the dye is dispersed in the tube reduced to water flow rate by closing the
discharge valve and adjusting the supply as necessary to maintain the constant head. A
laminar flow condition should be achieved in which the filament of  
dye passes down the complete length of the tube without disturbance.
3. Then measure the flow rate by timing the collection of a known quantity (volume) of water
from discharge pipe. This will help you to determine the velocity of the water in the pipe.
4. Slowly increase the flow rate by opening the discharge valve until disturbances of the dye
filament are noted. This can be regarded as the starting point of transition to turbulent flow.
Increase the discharge as required to maintain constant head conditions. Do not miss to
sketch the dye condition and measure the flow rate for each of your trials.
5. If necessary, increase the flow rate as described above until the disturbances increase such
that the dye filament becomes rapidly diffused. Small eddies will be noted just above the
point where the dye filament completely breaks down. This can be regarded as the onset of
fully turbulent flow.
6.Now you should close the dye injector valve in order to finalize your experiment.
Visual Time fo Flow rate

Classifica
Condition
Dye 300 ml of m3 Velocity
Re
tion of
Condition water rise ( ) m/s Flow by
Sketch in s s Re
Laminar
Laminar
Transition
Transition
Turbulent
Turbulent
Turbulent


 
Result and Discussions:

Experiment No 5: To Verify Bernoull’s Theorem
Apparatus: Bernoulli’s Apparatus Controlling valve at inlet and outlet, Discharge Measuring Tank,
Scale, Stopwatch etc.
P v2
Formula: Total Energy = ! + + z = Con st
ρg 2g
P V2
Where ! = Pressure Energy, ! = Kinetic Energy, Z = Potential Energy
ρg 2g
Theory: The Bernoulli’s theorem states that the total energy of inviscid, incompressible fluid in a
steady state of flow, remains constant along a stream line. Daniel Bernoulli’s enunciated in 1738
that is “ In any stream flowing steadily without friction, the total energy contained in a given mass
is some at energy contained in a given mass is some at energy point in its path of flow.”
Procedure:
1.Open the measuring tank valve fully, to keep the tank empty. Close the outlet valve.
2.Open the inlet valve and let water rise to some height ‘h1’ in the inlet tank. Measure this height on
the piezometer.
3.Now open the outlet valve slightly and maintain height h2 < h1 to maintain the flow rate.
4. Thus adjust the outlet valve fill the water level remains constant at ‘h’, and also readings on each
of the piezometer.
5. Check if reading is correctly written. Close the measuring tank valve. Measure the discharge, i.e.
note rise in water level in 5 or 10 sec., write these and also measure and note length and breath of
the tank. This completes on run. Take at least three runs by changing the discharge.
6.Note down the area of the conduit at various gauge points.
7.Open the supply valve and adjust the flow so that the water level in the inlet tanks remains
constant.
8.Measure the height of water level (above an arbitrarily selected suitable plane) in different
remains constant.
9.Measure the discharge of the conduit with the help of measuring tank.
10.Repeat steps 2 to 4 for two more discharges.
11.Plot graph between total energy and distance of gauge points starting from u/s side of conduit.

Observation :
! 2 Difference in water
Area of collecting tank = A = L x B = ______ x _______ = ________ cm
level in collecting tank = ∆h = ________ cm
Time required for rise of water level by 10 cm = ∆t = ________ sec.

Volume of water AΔH m3
Discharge = !Qact = = = ————————————!
T im e Δt s
S No Piezometric Duct Area

Velocity Velocity Head
Total Energy
P 2 Q cm V2 P v2
Head +z a cm V= +
ρg 2g
+ z = Const
w a s 2g
Result: 

Part B
Introduction to Wind Tunnel Experiments
Wind tunnels are devices which provides air stream under controlled conditions so that models of
interest can be tested for parameters like pressure, velocity, Lift, Drag etc. Wind- tunnels are
generally classified as
• Low speed tunnels
• High speed tunnels
• Specific purpose tunnels.
Objective of Wind Tunnel Experiments
The primary objective of this experiment is to familiarize the student with the measurement of static
and stagnation pressures, and (indirectly) velocity, in a subsonic wind tunnel. Static taps and
stagnation (Pitot) probes will be used to measure pressures on the surface of a 2-D symmetric
airfoil, cambered airfoil, on circular cylinder and on a sphere. In addition, this lab demonstrates
some techniques used in flow visualization, smoke visualization (in a suction type wind tunnel).
Students should gain experience in observing flows and draw conclusions about the flow fields.
The Aerodynamic Problems
Pressure distribution on Airfoil Surface - When a 2-D airfoil is placed in a uniform subsonic free
stream, the flow velocity near the airfoil is modified and, as evidenced by the Bernoulli equation, so
is the local static pressure. The resulting chord wise pressure distribution on the surface of the
airfoil may be calculated by various methods using an inviscid fluid model.
At moderate angles of attack, the flow accelerates over the upper surface of the airfoil, the surface
static pressure is less than free stream over most of the chord, and the pressure coefficient (defined
[p − p∞]
as C
! p= ) distribution on the airfoil upper surface has mostly negative values. Normally,
( 2 ρv )
1 2
there is a large suction peak (large negative value of C

! p ) very near the leading edge on the upper
surface, followed by a region of increasing static pressure (adverse pressure gradient) from there to
the trailing edge. On the lower surface of the airfoil, there is a stagnation point near the leading
edge, where C ! p = 1.0 , and the flow accelerates thereafter. When the two pressure coefficient
(c)
x
distributions are plotted versus chord wise location, ! , the area between the two curves is a
measure of the normal force coefficient on the airfoil and hence of the airfoil lift coefficient.
Visualization of Flow around Bodies


Aerodynamics is a difficult science because the medium with which the aerodynamicist works (air)
is not visible under normal conditions. Valuable insights into the physical features or behavior of an
air flow can be achieved if the entire flow field or certain regions, e.g., streamlines (or streaklines or
pathlines) could be seen by the eye or by a recording device. If the flow could be made visible by
some kind of flow visualization technique, then it would be possible to observe flow phenomena
which are essentially inviscid (e.g., vortical flows, flows distant from surfaces) as well as those
phenomena which are dominated by the effects of viscosity (e.g., flow separation and wakes behind
bodies).
Flow visualization in air may be broadly divided into surface flow visualization and off-the-surface
visualization. Surface flow visualization methods include tufts, fluorescent dye, oil or special clay
mixtures that are applied to the surface of a model.
Visual inspection of such tufts and coatings as a function of time, or after some time, will give
valuable information on such things as the state of the boundary layer (laminar or turbulent),
transition, regions of separated flow and the like. It must be remembered in such visualization that
what is observed on the surface is not always indicative of what is happening away from the
surface.
The second type of visualization is off the surface and involves the use of such tracers as smoke
particles, oil droplets or helium-filled soap bubbles. The visualization medium must faithfully
follow the flow pattern or it is not conveying the correct information. Smoke particles and oil
droplets are very small and are light enough such that they will often follow the motion of the flow;
soap bubbles are small and can be filled with helium to make them neutrally buoyant.
Each of these methods requires appropriate lighting and some device for recording the image, such
as the human eye or a camera. If the flow-field is illuminated in a plane by appropriate masking of
the light source it is possible to examine discrete sections or slices of the flow. For example, a laser
light beam can be expanded into a thin sheet by passing it through a cylindrical lens. This sheet then
can be used to illuminate any cross-section of an airflow that has been seeded with particles. The
laser light will reflect from the particles, but dark images will be observed where there is an absence
of particles, such as in the center of a vortex. A vortex core is almost void of particles since they
have been spun out by the action of centrifugal force
Measuring Devices
Pressure Taps and Probes - The surface pressure distribution on an airfoil or any object under
consideration will be measured by means of 30 static pressure taps. These are small holes on the
surface of the model that are connected to inclined tube manometer. The pressure taps on the airfoil
are located on the upper and lower surfaces in the chord-wise. In addition to qualitative
observations, under certain conditions it is possible to make quantitative measurements from flow
visualization data as well. For example, a measurement of the distance between streamlines in a 2-D
incompressible flow provides information on velocity ratios in the flow-field direction at mid-span.
For the flow visualization experiments, no quantitative data will be taken; the emphasis is on
observing the behavior of the flow and extracting conclusions from those observations.


Each student should come prepared to make notes and draw rough sketches documenting what is
observed; these sketches and notes will comprise the data from the experiments.


Experiment 5: Velocity measurement using Pitot tube
Aim: To measure velocity of the flow field using Pitot tube.
Apparatus:
1. Pitot tube
2. Inclined tube manometer
3. Wind tunnel to generate wind.
4. Anemometer to measure wind speed
Procedure:-
The following procedure is adopted to measure velocity using Pitot tube.
1. The Pitot tube is fixed to the 2D traverse at the point where the measurement is desired.
2. Connect to the U-Tube manometer to the Pitot tube.
3. Switch on the wind tunnel, and adjust the rpm to desired value.
4. Maintain the speed of the tunnel for about 2 to 3 min and take the readings in the
manometer.
5. Measure the speed of the wind flowing out using the anemometer at the same point.
6. Calculate the speed obtained using Pitot tube, and compare the velocities obtained using
both the instruments.

Experiment 6, 7 8 and 9
Pressure distribution of circular cylinder/symmetric airfoil/cambered airfoil/sphere
AIM
To determine the pressure distribution over a circular cylinder/Sphere/Symmetric and Cambered

Airfoil
APPARATUS REQUIRED
1. Cylindrical pattern/ Symmetric or Cambered Airfoil/ Sphere
2. Subsonic, wind tunnel
3. Inclined tube manometer of 30 channels
4. Control unit of wind tunnel
Procedure:
1. Mount the desired model in the test section of the wind tunnel and adjust the angle of attack.
2. Connect the pressure tapings to the inclined manometer according to the numbers provided
on the tubes.
3. Adjust the reading of the inclined tube manometer to a particular height and make this
height zero.
4. Connect the single channel electronic pressure scanner to the Pitot tube on the wind tunnel
to record the wind speed.
5. Switch one the wind tunnel and adjust the motor rpm to the desired speed of the wind.
6. Now record the difference in the inclined tube manometer, Δh

! = h2 − h1.
7. Calculate the pressure at the point using the measured difference.
[p − p∞]
8. Calculate the C
! p= value at the point.
(2 )
1
ρv 2
9. Plot the Cp curve with Reynolds number.
10. Repeat the experiment at different velocity and for different angle of attack.
The above procedure can be adopted to any geometry object placed to evaluate the pressure
distribution in the wind tunnel.

Calculations and Tabular Column:
[p − p∞]
S Ang Wi Manometer Reading for Pressure, Height in Cm !C =
( 2 ρv )
p
1 2
n le of nd
o Atta Spe
ck ed
degr m/s
ees
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
1 2 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 2

Experiment 10:- Flow Visualization using smoke rake
AIM
To find characteristics of flow field generated by objects in the flow.
Apparatus required
Airfoil (or) buff bodies like cylinder, sphere, or any automobile, Smoke generator, Laser light,
paraffin wax to generate smoke.
Theory
Procedure
1. Select the object on which flow visualization is to be carried out
2. Mount the object in the test section.
3. Assemble the Laser equipment and adjust the laser sheet to the desired position.
4. Check the paraffin wax in the smoke generator bottle
5. Connect the single channel pressure measurement device to the Pitot tube to measure the air
flow on the object
6. Now switch ON the heater control unit and keep out it minimum.
7. After the initial heating is done the smoke starts coming out of smoke distribution now
decrease the heating in such a way that continuous smoke starts coming out of smoke rake.
8. Switch ON the motor of the tunnel.
9. Adjust the sapped to get uniform visible smoke on the airfoil model.
10. The observed the flow pattern at different orientation of models.
11. After the experiment is over switch off the heat controller of the smoke generator.
12. Allow the flow blower and fan to operate the far sometime to drive unused smoke.
CAUTIONS
1. During experimental check for blockage due to condensed oils in smoke outlet leading to
distribution and drain onto sump bottle.
2. Check periodically that adequate amount of paraffin is available in the over neat bottle.
3. Never switch ON the heater for long time of the smoke generator unit.









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B.M.S.

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Fluid Mechanics Laboratory Manual

Mechanical Engineering Association

Department of Mechanical Engineering

To become a centre of excellence in educating students to

➢ To empower the students with fundamentals for

COURSE OUT COMES

Students will be able to distinguish and calibrate different flow measuring

4 Students will be able to calibrat the friction in ducts

Mechanical Engineering Association

Department of Mechanical Engineering

This is to certify that Ms./Mr. _______________________________

Total Marks obtained

Staff Incharge : ________________ Prof.& Head

Date : ________________ Dept. of Mechanical Engg.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering

3. Calibration of Orifice Meter.

4. Estimation of friction in pipes.

7. Hele Shaw Apparatus

Wind Tunnel Lab

2. Static Pressure Measurement using Projection Manometer.

3. Estimation of Pressure distribution of symmetric airfoil.

4. Estimation of Pressure distribution of Cambered airfoil.

5. Estimation of Pressure distribution on cylinder.

6. Estimation of Pressure distribution on sphere.

7. Flow Visualization on airfoil, cylinder and sphere.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering

Fluid Flow Measurements

• Pitot Tubes (Static and Total) for Velocity Measurement.

• Manometers for Pressure Measurement.

• Notches and Weirs for measuring discharge.

• Venturimeter and Orifice Meter for discharge.

Mass Flow rate meters or Discharge measuring

Let d1= diameter at inlet or at

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Department of Mechanical Engineering

v1 = velocity of fluid at section (1),

Substituting this value of v! 1 in equation (1)

Since Discharge is given by , !Q = a 2 v2

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Department of Mechanical Engineering

where !cdis co−efficient of venturimeter and its value is less than 1.

Value of ‘h’ given by differential U-tube manometer

where !sl specific gravity of lighter liquid in U tube

s! o specific gravity of fluid flowing through the pipe

X= Difference of the heavier liquid columns in U-tube

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Department of Mechanical Engineering

Now section (2) is at the vena contracta and a

Substituting the values of v! 1 in equation (i), we get

Substituting this value of C

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