INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS Characterization of fluid flow regime was the core of the experiment; that is based on observation and

through analytical solution, using the Reynolds Number equation. The Reynolds number is a dimensionless parameter describing the type of fluid flow that is the ratio of inertial and viscous forces present in a fluid flow, and is described by the equation below.

The experiment was done mainly with the use of the Reynolds Number apparatus. It is a simple transparent tube with a certain nominal size, where fluid flows inside it. The fluid flow was controlled by a partially open valve at the head tank (fluid source) integrated to the apparatus. A continuous fluid flow was strictly maintained for steady state flow process. Water, as the most ideal material for the experiment (economical and thermodynamic property availability) was tested with a fine filament of dye injected to it while flowing. The dye was added because it aided the observer to have an accurate visualization on the water flow characteristics in the tube. There are five trials done in the experiment. At each trial, increasing the water flow rate was done by loosening the outlet valve. Differences in fluid flow characteristics were observed and distinguished, so that distinction between the two types of fluid flow, laminar and turbulent can be established. On the other hand, exiting fluid volume was measured at a given instant over a period of time (either 5 or 10 s preference) to determine the water volumetric flow rate, using a 1-L plastic graduated cylinder. On the first two trials of the experiment, where flow rate were small, a smooth, orderly and stable flow of water was observed indicated by intact dye filament flow characteristic. The flow is said to be laminar. At low velocities, the fluid tends to flow without lateral mixing. There are no cross currents perpendicular to the direction of the flow and eddies (swirl of fluids) as well. This is a characterization of a high momentum diffusion and low momentum convection which results to a low value of Reynolds Number (Re<2100). On the latter half, a chaotic and unorderly flow of fluid was observed known to be as the turbulent flow. Presence of eddies was also observed with lateral mixing causing into a well dispersed dye on water. For this type of flow, Re>4000, low momentum diffusion and high momentum convection was present. These results greatly coincide with the theory. However, two results do not fell under on both laminar and turbulent range, yet, based on observation of the flow characteristics, fluid flow with the Re of 2568 and 3887, was determined to be laminar and turbulent respectively, which were near to the critical values of 2100 and 4000, accordingly. At increased value of fluid velocity, fluid at the center has a greater tendency of moving quickly towards the edge of the stream (at the pipe walls). Inside the tube, once the fluid flow is disturbed (e.g. due to internal roughness at the walls of the pipe), inertia of fluid tend to move it into a new direction. However, viscous forces from the surrounding fluid will tend to move it in the general direction of flow. For a shear force large enough to overcome any deviation, then laminar flow would result. Meanwhile, if the shear force is not sufficient to overcome the inertia of the particles due to high velocity magnitude, turbulent flow would result.

Aside from fluid flow rate and velocity, Re number is also dependent mainly on flow geometry and configuration, and other fluid properties such as viscosity and density. However, these parameters were remained constant since the experiment was performed at constant temperature and pressure. Principal error in the experiment may have been rooted from systematic error in measuring the flow rate of fluid. Since at each trial, there was only one chance of measuring the volumetric flow rate because values of flow rates are different for each trial. Because of this, there would be no point of comparison between flow rates measured, thus accuracy cannot be determined. This part of the experiment can be referred to as the most critical part, since it s the only part where human intervention is greatly necessary. One recommendation would be at each trial, there would be another set of trial (at least three) of measuring the flow rate. In that way, we can check if the values are statistically the same. Another error may come from the apparatus itself. The Reynolds number apparatus has some weak points that may heavily affect the student s observation. These just come from improper maintenance, such as corroding tube and needles due unclean apparatus, that may affect the fluid properties majorly. CONCLUSION Observation on flow characteristics of water as well as dichotomy classification was done. It was achieved that there are two major types of fluid flow regime, which are laminar and turbulent flow. Results from observation using the apparatus were verified using the Reynolds Number equation by which coinciding results was achieved. It was obtained that for laminar type of fluid flow, an orderly flow of fluid can be observed due to high momentum diffusion and low momentum convection with a value of Re<2100 and alternately, a chaotic flow with the presence of eddies can be observed for turbulent type of flow having an Re>4000. By an increase of value of fluid velocity, flow type reaches turbulence due to fluid at the center has the greater tendency to move at the edges, where friction at the pipe wall are present. This causes an increase in inertial force and Re that made the flow turbulent. Errors came from measuring fluid velocity, systematically in nature due to uncertainties in measuring the fluid volume. Another error came from corroding apparatus that may alters the observations of flow characteristics.

School of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry Mapua Institute of Technology Chemical Engineering Laboratory I

APPENDICES

Figure 1. Reynolds Number Apparatus

FLOW

FLOW

DYE FILAMENT LAMINAR FLOW

MOTION OF PARTICLES TURBULANT FLOW

Figure 2. Laminar and Turbulent Fluid Flow