EXPERIMENT 1

Fluid Flow Regime

(Reynolds Number Apparatus)

Submitted by:

Gaspar, Rickie Mae S.

Group 3
INTRODUCTION
Flow pattern or flow regime is a geometric distribution of the components. This experiment shows
the flow patterns observed along the axis of the horizontal pipe. All fluid flow patterns are classified to two broad
categories or regimes. These are the laminar and the turbulent flow which are important in the design and
operation of any fluid system. Laminar flow happens when dealing with small pipes and low flow velocities.
There are no eddies present perpendicular to the direction of the flow. While in turbulent flow, eddies and wakes
make the flow unpredictable. Turbulent flow happens in general at high flow rates. On applying external
disturbance, we find there are irregular fluctuations. A mixture of laminar and turbulent flow is called the
transition flow. Turbulence in the center of the pipe, and laminar flow near the edges can be simultaneously
observed as shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: Areas of laminar, transition and Turbulent flow

. Each of these flows behave in different manners in terms of their frictional energy loss while flowing
and have different equations that predict their behavior. In order to determine the behavior of the fluid, Reynolds
Number is used. Mathematically, it is a ratio of the inertia (destablizing) force to the viscous damping(stabilizing)
force where the flow depends on the relative importance of fluid friction(viscosity) and flow inertia.

𝐷𝑢𝑝
𝑁𝑅𝐸 = (eq.1)
𝜇

Figure 2: Streamlines in Laminar, Transition and turbulent Flow Regimes in Pipe Flow
 Figure 2 shows that when 𝑁𝑅𝐸 is less than 2100, the flow is laminar and when it is greater than 4000, the
flow is turbulent and when it is bwetween 2100 and 4000, transition flow is observed. Using this dimensionless
Reynolds number method to determine the behavior of a fluid pattern makes this experiment applicable to all
Newtonian Fluid flows in round pipes of all diameters. Estimating the characteristic of the flow is important
because increased mixing and shearing occur in turbulent flow. This results in increased viscous losses which
affects the efficiency of hydraulic machines. In this experiment, a green dye is used to pass through the axis of
the horizontal pipe while observing its flow behavior with five increasing variations of the opening valve.

METHODOLOGY
In this experiment, Reynolds Number is being measured using the Reynolds Number Apparatus. The first
thing the researchers did is to check the water and the dye to be used then measuring the inside diameter of the
tube which is 25mm. The researchers opened the water passage to supply and fill the tubes of the apparatus, and
the discharge valve allowing the water to be release out of the tube. The flow of the dyed water was regulated
until a distinct and smooth dye line is attained. A 1 liter graduated cylinder is used to collect water from the output
stream coming from the apparatus for 10 seconds while observing the pattern or behavior of the dye in the water.
The temperature of the water collected is measured using a thermometer to identify the density and viscosity of
the water flowing inside the apparatus. The volumetric flow rate is calculated by diving the time, which is 10
seconds, to the volume of water collected. The Reynolds Number can now be calculated. Compare the pattern of
the water observed to the pattern of the water based on the Reynolds number. This will be done 5 times with
different openings of the discharge valve. In each trial, the opening of the valve for the water supply must be
increased gradually. Once the experiment is done, close the water supply and the dye supply.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

All the data from the experiment were tabulated and can be obtained in the Table presented in the
Preliminary Data Sheet. These values were a numerical representation for assessing the general pattern of the
fluid flow (e.g. Laminar, Transitional or Turbulent). From this data, the value of Reynolds number can be
calculated as defined by Oswald:
𝐷𝑢𝜌
𝑁𝑅𝑒 = Equation 1
𝜇
where 𝐷 is the diameter of the pipe. (m)
𝑢 is the average velocity of the fluid (m/s)
𝜌 is the density of the fluid flowing through the pipe; function of temperature (kg/m3)
𝜇 is the viscosity of the fluid; (Pa-s)
All of which are parameters that affects the Reynolds number.
In the experiment, the value of Reynolds number was used to correlate the behavior of the dye to its
corresponding type of flow as mentioned above. Referring to the table, a direct proportionality relationship
occurred between the fluid velocity and the Reynolds number. Through the visual method of observation, the
increase in velocity of the fluid causes the behavior of the dye to be unstable with a gradual formation of eddies,
even when the volumetric flowrate only reached 5E-5 m3/s. Both of which characteristics were an indication of
transitional to turbulent flow having a range 2100 < 𝑁𝑅𝑒 ≤4000. Moreover, the representative values of 𝑁𝑅𝑒 in
determining the type of flow were operated in a constant temperature basis. It is to be expected since obtaining
properties requires to be at a specific parameter, in this case the temperature, to avoid inconclusive results.
The above argument seemed reasonable because relating to equation 1, 𝑁𝑅𝑒 is really a function of velocity.
Comparison of the fluid flow at varying flow rate shows that the Reynolds number at which the velocity is
seriously affected varies considerably, thus suggesting that certain types of flow regimes give rise to better
characteristics than the other. For laminar, the Reynolds number is less than 2100, corresponding to a steady
behavior. For transitional to turbulent, an un-steady behavior is to be observed.

CONCLUSIONS
It has been made clear from the previous experiment that, to obtain the most satisfactory result for a
particular trial, all the properties, variables of the fluid must be considered. The volumetric flow rate, velocity,
diameter of the pipe and the viscosity of the fluid, taken at a constant temperature. All of which were obtained
correctly. In addition to this, the design Reynolds number and not less important the likely range of Reynolds
number must be taken into the account.
The results so far have been expressed in terms of velocity which proves a direct relation to the Reynolds
number and the flow of the dye in the experiment. From the results, the pattern of flow through the Reynolds
number apparatus undergoes considerable change with variation of Reynolds number. At low Reynolds number,
laminar flow occurs causing a steady, smooth, streamline flow without eddies while at higher speed, turbulent
fluid flow resulted. The proof of both laminar and turbulent flow determined experimentally can be determined
by mathematical analysis using the equation 1.
For a more accurate result, it is recommended to use a different color of dye (e.g. purple) which can be
easily observed.