University of engineering and technology,

Lahore

Name : MAHAM ARSLAN

Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Roll # : 2015-CIV-57

Fluid mechanics open ended lab

Submitted to: ENGR. HUZAIFA
To verify the velocity profile in closed pipe.
Statement of purpose:
We have to verify the velocity profiles derived in the literature in real live
experimentation. It will suggest that our equations are correct and close to the real
values.
Literature review:
Velocity profile:
The development of the velocity boundary layer in a pipe. It is the variation in
velocity along a line at right angles to the general direction of flow.
Velocity profile in laminar flow:
For flow through noncircular pipes, the Reynolds number is based on the
hydraulic diameter Dh.
Dh = 4Ac/p
For non-circular pipes everything remains same but the reynauld’s no. is based on
hydraulic radius instead of simple diameter.
For pipe flow,
V=Vc(1-y2/yo2)
The flow obtained by this equation is parabolic with zero velocity at the
extreme points of the pipe. The maximum velocity is at the mid point and it is twice
the average velocity.
2V=Vc
Velocity profile in turbulent flow:
Most flows encountered in engineering practice are turbulent. This is
particularly true for pipe flows, so it is essential at this time to introduce a few very
fundamental notions that will lead us to a better physical understanding of the friction
factors, and hence the pressure losses, in such flows.
For turbulent flow, because of the fluctuations, every velocity and pressure is
a rapidly varying random function of time and space. It is seen that the velocity at a
point in the pipe flow is different at different intervals even when the flow is not
changing which means that there is some velocity fluctuation at a point.

U’’= instantaneous velocity

U’= temporal mean velocity
Delta.U = fluctuation in mean velocity

From the equations it is obtained the the turbulent flow because of its haphazard
nature gives a different profile than laminar flow. The max and avg. velocity in this
case are related as:
Umax ≈ V(1+1.33 sq.rt.( f))
Similarly, the velocity profile eq is :
V /Umax = (y/ R )1/n
The velocity profile is a bit flat with sharp edges. The comparison of theoretical
laminar and turbulent flow is given in figure.
Manometer reading:
As the manometer is inclined the velocity head can be determined by:
P3+ᵧair*h2+

Research methodology:
The research method is quantitative as we have experimentally tried to verify
the velocity profiles.
Results and findings:
For laminar flow,
Vc= 3.2 m/s
V = 1.6 m/s
e= 0.03 mm
v= 1.5 x 10-5 m2/s
D= 30.5 cm
Dh= A/P= 0.093/4(0.305)= 0.07625 m
For turbulent flow,
Vc= 15.5 m/s
Let, f= 0.013
V= 13.45 m/s
RN=VL/v=V(4Dh)/v= 13.45(4)(0.07625)/1.5 x 10-5 = 273483.33
From moody’s dia,
f= 0.013
Hence confirmed.

For laminar flow,

exp the
. o.
y vel Vel
(m/ (m/
(mm) s) s)
0 3.2 3.2
3.0
76
16
30 2 3.2
2.7
04
64 3.1
60 9 5
2.0
85
46
90 1 3.1
1.2
18
59 3.0
120 7 8
0.1
04
05 1.4
150 8 1

For turbulent flow,

theo.
y exp. vel Vel
(mm) (m/s) (m/s)
0 15.48 15.5
30 15.18318 15.48
 60 14.80256 15.46
90 14.27134 15.44
120 13.38527 15.43
150 9.909771 15.32

From the results obtained it can be seen that,

Conclusion:
The experimental values have deviated from the theoretical values. The results
suggest that there was some error in the experimentation as the experimental curve is
not conforming to the theoretical one. The experimental laminar flow profile is
similar to that of the turbulent flow it could be because we had no way to establish
laminar flow in the wind tunnel. The opening of the tunnel does not allow smooth
passage of air. Also, the flow of air was distorted by the steel grid in the tunnel and
some groves made in the tunnel.

Suggestions:
 The experiment could be repeated by taking different openings to mark
the difference that occurs.
 The opening of the tunnel could be made circular to allow smooth
passage of air.
 The experiment could be done using water as fluid as air is more fickle
than water.
 The experiment could be done in circular pipe to get better and reliable
answers.