DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

LABORATORY MANUAL
FLUID MECHANICS
BME403
IV SEMESTER
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Prepared by Dr. LOKESHA. G

Dr. B. Aparna Professor & HoD
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PROGRAM OUTCOMES (PO’s)

Engineering Graduates will be able to:

PO1. Engineering knowledge: Apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals, and
mechanical engineering specialization to the solution of complex engineering problems.

PO2. Problem analysis: Identify, formulate, review research literature, and analyze complex engineering
problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences, and
mechanical engineering sciences.

PO3. Design/development of solutions: Design solutions for complex engineering problems and design system
components or processes that meet the specified needs with appropriate consideration for the public health and
safety, and the cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.

PO4. Conduct investigations of complex problems: Use research-based knowledge and research methods
including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of the information to provide
valid conclusions.

PO5. Modern tool usage: Create, select, and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering
and IT tools including prediction and modelling to complex engineering activities with an understanding of the
limitations.

PO6. The engineer and society: Apply reasoning informed by the contextual knowledge to assess societal,
health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to the professional
engineering practice.

PO7. Environment and sustainability: Understand the impact of the professional engineering solutions in
societal and environmental contexts, and demonstrate the knowledge of, and need for sustainable development.

PO8. Ethics: Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of the
engineering practice.

PO9. Individual and team work: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse
teams, and in multidisciplinary settings.

PO10. Communication: Communicate effectively on complex engineering activities with the engineering
community and with society at large, such as, being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design
documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions.

PO11. Project management and finance: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the engineering and
management principles and apply these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects
and in multidisciplinary environments.

PO12. Life-long learning: Recognize the need for, and have the preparation and ability to engage in
independent and life-long learning in the broadest context of technological change.
 IV SEMESTER
FLUID MECHANICS
BME403

LABORATORY MANUAL

NAME OF THE STUDENT :

BRANCH :

UNIVERSITY SEAT NO. :

SEMESTER :
 CONTENTS

Sl. Title of the Experiment Page

No No.
1 Determine the viscosity of oil with the following
1-7
a) Redwood Viscometer.
b) Saybolt Viscometer.
2 Measurement of pressure using different Manometers for low and high pressure 8-9
measurement.
Working principle of different flow meters and their calibration (orifice plate, 10-19
3
venturi meter, Rota meter)
4 Determination of head loss in pipes and pipe fittings. 20-25
a) Different valves.
b) Contraction and expansion.
5 Working principle of different flow meters for open channel and their calibration. 26-31
a) V-Notch.
b) Rectangular Notch.
6 Impact of jet on flat and curved plates.
7 Effect of change in cross section and application of the Bernoulli equation.
8 Reynolds apparatus to measure critical Reynolds number for pipe flows.
9 Determination of drag and lift co-efficients of standard objects using wind tunnel.
(Demo)
10 Measurement of coefficient of pressure distribution on a cylinder at different
Reynolds numbers. (Demo).
11 Use any CFD package to study the flow over aerofoil/cylinder. Revision of
experiments. (Demo)

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REDWOOD VISCOMETER
Experiment No. 1 Date of Experiment:
AIM : To determine the viscosity of the sample oil using Red wood Viscometer at different
temperatures.

APPARATUS : Red wood Viscometer, Thermometers, stop watch, 50 ml measuring flask,

weighing balance.

INTRODUCTION:

Viscosity is a measure of internal frictional resistance of a fluid to shear and indicates its relative
resistance to fluid flow. Consider a fluid between two parallel plates separated by a distance
‘b’ as shown in figure 3(a). Bottom plate is a fixed plate and top plate moves with a velocity
‘U’ as a force ‘P’ is applied. The velocity of the oil at the stationary surface is zero and velocity
of the oil at the moving surface is equal to the speed of that surface. Thus a shearing action
takes place at each horizontal layer and is caused to move at a velocity differing from that of its
adjoining layers and the angle of shear deformation indicated as  .

Figure 1(a): Flow between parallel plates

For fluids, the rate of angular deformation is proportional to shear stress τ where constant of
proportionality is called coefficient of viscosity or dynamic (absolute) viscosity μ of fluid.
a Udt du
Angular deformation, d  tan  = = = dt
b b dy
d du d du du
The rate of angular deformation, = . Therefore,    =
dt dy dt dy dy
Thus absolute or dynamic viscosity is defined as the force required to move a flat surface of
unit area at unit velocity when separated by an oil film of unit thickness. Two common units of
viscosity are N.s/m2 or Poise in C.G.S system. Kinematic viscosity () is defined as the ratio of
absolute or dynamic viscosity (µ) to mass density (). It is denoted by υ= μ /ρ. Its units are
m2/sec or cm2/sec (stoke) in C.G.S system.
In general, viscosity of a fluid depends both on temperature and pressure although
dependence on pressure is weak. Viscous forces in a fluid are due to cohesive forces and
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molecular momentum transfer and it varies with temperature. The viscosity of liquids decreases
with temperature, whereas viscosity of gases increases with temperature.

Reason is in a liquid, the cohesive forces predominates the molecular momentum

transfer, due to closely packed molecules and with increase in temperature, cohesive forces
decreases with the result of decreasing viscosity. But in the case of gases, the cohesive forces
are small and molecular momentum transfer predominates. With the increase in temperature,
molecular momentum transfer increases and hence viscosity increases.

DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS:

Redwood viscometer consists of a cylindrical oil cup with an orifice at the bottom. The orifice
is closed with a steel ball when needed. The oil cup is surrounded by a water bath with a circular
electrical immersion heater and a stirring device. Two thermometers are provided to measure
water bath temp. & oil temperature under test. A round flat-bottomed flask of 50ml marking is
considered to know the time taken to collect 50 ml of oil. The schematic of the apparatus is
shown in figure 3(b).

Figure 1(b): Redwood viscometer

PROCEDURE :

1. Take an empty glass flask and wash it properly and then note down its
weight (W1 grams).
2. Fill the required quantity of water in the container.
3. Plug the mouth of the orifice by the steel ball and fill the tube with the oil sample.
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4. Insert the thermometer into oil bath and note down the room temperature of oil.
5. Place the measuring flask position to collect the oil.
6. Snap the steel ball out and start noting the time till the oil level reaches 50cc mark in
the flask.
7. Record the time ‘t’ in seconds
8. Note down the weight of flask with oil (W2 grams) after collecting 50ml of oil.
9. Repeat the experiment at different temperatures of oil.
10. Calculate the kinematic and absolute viscosities of oil for each temperature settings.

TABULAR COLUMN :
Mass of the empty flask, W1 = gm, Given oil : _________________

S.No Temp of Time for Mass of oil Density of Kinematic Dynamic

oil, collecting 50 including oil, viscosity, viscosity,
T(oC) cc of oil, flask, ρ (kg/m3) υ (m2/s) μ (Pa.sec)
t(sec) W2(gm)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Correlations provided by the supplier of the apparatus are as follows:

Kinematic viscosity υ in m2/s =

179
 = (0.26 * t − ) *10 -6 34 ≤ t ≤ 100
t
50
 = (0.247 * t − ) *10 -6 101 ≤ t ≤ 2000
t
SPECIMEN CALCULATION :
(𝑊2 −𝑊1 )
Density of oil in kg/m3, ρ = × 103
50
GRAPHS :
Plot Temperature vs kinematic viscosity.
Plot Temperature vs dynamic viscosity.

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RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS:

The kinematic viscosity of the given oil ( ) at ……… oC is …….m2/s
The dynamic viscosity of the given oil ( ) at…………oC is ………Pa.sec

CONCLUSIONS:

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SAYBOLT VISCOMETER
Experiment No: 2 Date of Experiment:

AIM : To determine the viscosity of the given oil using saybolt viscometer at different
temperatures.

APPARATUS : Saybolt viscometer, thermometer, stop watch.

INTRODUCTION : Viscosity is the resistance offered in the fluids. This resistance is due to
the internal friction. This property is important for lubrication of engine components and
bearing parts. If viscosity is low, the oil becomes too thin which results in high friction in the
component. If the oil is too thick, that will result in increase of the power loss. Viscosity also
varies with temperature. Hence, lubricating oil has to be selected based on application.

DESCRIPTION OF APPARATUS: Saybolt viscometer consists of a cylindrical oil cup

furnished with an orifice at the bottom. The oil cup is surrounded by a water bath with a circular
electrical immersion heater and a stirring device. Two thermometers are provided to measure
water bath temp. & oil temperature under test. A round flat-bottomed flask of 60 ml marking is
provided to measure 60 ml of oil. The schematic of the apparatus is shown in the above figure.

Figure 2: Saybolt viscometer

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PROCEDURE :

1. Take an empty glass flask and wash it properly and then note down its weight (W1
grams).
2. Fill the required quantity of water in the container
3. Plug the mouth of the orifice by the stopper and fill the tube with the oil sample.
4. Insert the thermometer into oil bath and note down the room temperature of oil.
5. Place the measuring flask and funnel in position to collect the oil.
6. Snap the orifice plug out and start noting the time till the oil level reaches 60cc mark in
the flask.
7. Record the time in seconds.
8. Note down the weight of flask with 60 cc of oil (W2 grams).
9. Repeat the experiment at different temperatures of oil.
10. Calculate the kinematic and absolute viscosities of oil for each temperature settings.

TABULAR COLUMN :

Mass of the empty flask, W1 = gm

S.No Temp of oil, Time for Mass of oil Density of Kinematic Dynamic
o
T( C) collecting including oil, ρ viscosity, viscosity, μ
60 cc of oil, flask, (kg/m3) υ (m2/sec) (Pa.sec)
t (sec) W2(gm)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Correlations provided by the supplier of the apparatus are as follows:

Kinematic viscosity (υ) in m2/sec is

179
 = (0.26 * t − ) *10 -6 34 ≤ t ≤ 100
t
50
 = (0.247 * t − ) *10 -6 101 ≤ t ≤ 2000
t
SPECIMEN CALCULATION :

(𝑊2 −𝑊1 )
Density of oil (ρ) in kg/m3 = × 103
60

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GRAPHS :

Plot Temperature vs Kinematic viscosity.

Plot Temperature vs Dynamic viscosity.

RESULTS& DISCUSSION:
The kinematic viscosity of the given oil ( ) at ……… oC is …… . m2/s
The dynamic viscosity of the given oil ( ) at…………oC is … … …Pa.sec

CONCLUSIONS:

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Fluid Mechanics BME403

Measurement of pressure using different Manometers for low and high

pressure measurement (manometers using different manometric fluids)
Experiment No: 3 Date of Experiment:
AIM : To measure the pressure of air using simple U-tube manometer with water as
manometric fluid.
APPARATUS : U-tube manometer.
SKETCH :

Simple U-tube manometer

Equating the pressures on the left and right limbs of the manometer,
𝑝𝐴 + 𝜌𝑔ℎ1 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ2
h1 = cm. h2 = cm. pA = 1000 X 9.8 X (h2- h1) = N /m2
AIM : To measure the difference of pressure of water using differential U-tube manometer
with mercury as manometric fluid.

Differential U-tube manometer

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Equating the pressures on the left and right limbs of the manometer,
𝑝𝐴 + ρwater g ( h1+h) = pB + (ρmercury g h ) + (ρwater g h1)

Result :
Pressure of air in simple U-tube manometer =
Difference of pressure of water in a differential U-tube manometer =

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Fluid Mechanics BME403

VENTURIMETER
Experiment No: 4 Date of Experiment:
AIM: To determine the co-efficient of discharge for a given venturimeter.
APPARATUS: Measuring tank, U-tube Manometer, Stop watch, venturimeter.
THEORY: A venturimeter is a device, which is used for measuring the rate of flow of fluid
through a pipe. It is based on Bernoulli’s principle where energy considerations are involved.
The basic principle of venturimeter is that, by reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow
passage, a pressure difference is created and the measurement of the pressure difference enables
the determination of the discharge through the pipe. Figure below illustrate the salient features
of a venturimeter.

Venturimeter

A Venturimeter consists of an inlet section followed by a convergent cone, a cylindrical throat,

and a gradually divergent cone. The inlet section of venturimeter is of the same diameter as that
of the pipe which is followed by a convergent cone. The convergent cone is a short pipe which
tapers from the original size of the pipe to that of the throat of venturimeter. The throat of
venturimeter is a short parallel-sided tube having its cross-sectional area smaller than that of
pipe. The divergent cone of the venturimeter is a gradually increasing its cross-sectional area
from that of the throat to the original size of pipe. A mercury manometer is incorporated in
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between inlet section and throat of venturimeter. Coefficient of discharge is defined as the ratio
of actual discharge to the theoretical discharge. For a venturimeter Cd lies between 0.96 and
0.98.
PROCEDURE:
• Fill the collecting tank with clean water to the maximum level.
• Keep the valve open and switch on the mains.
• Keep the bypass valve fully open and other valves closed and start the motor.
• Note down the difference in manometric limbs (Hm) for each of the steady state flow
rates (expel if any air is there by opening the drain cocks provided with manometer).
• Allow the water to flow into a collecting tank of known dimensions and note down the
time taken (t) for rise in a known level of water (h) in the collecting tank.
• Repeat the experiment for different flow rates by operating valve.

OBSERVATIONS:
d1= Dia. of the pipe (Diameter of the venturimeter at inlet) = 27mm=0.027m
d2= Diameter of venturimeter at throat= 14mm=0.014m
At= Cross sectional area of the measuring tank = 0.125m2

TABLE OF READINGS:
Sl No. Difference in Height of water collected in Time taken
Manometric limbs measuring tank t
Hm (m) h (m) (sec)
1
(m)
2
3

FORMULAE:

1. H= m of water
Sm = Specific gravity of mercury (Manometric liquid) = 13.6
Sw = Specific gravity of water = 1

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2. Qtheoretical= m3/sec

a1= Area of the venturimeter at inlet = m2

a2= Area of the venturimeter at throat = m2

3. Qactual=Actual discharge = (At X h) / t m3/sec
4. Cd = Co-efficient of discharge =Qactual / Qtheoretical

SAMPLE CALCUALATIONS:

TABLE OF CALCUALATIONS:
Sl. No. Actual discharge Theoretical discharge Coefficient of
Qact (m3/sec) Qth (m3/sec) discharge Cd
1
2
3

RESULT:
The average co-efficient of discharge of given venturimeter is………………

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Fluid Mechanics BME403

NOZZLE METER
Experiment No: 5 Date of Experiment:
AIM: To determine the coefficient of discharge of nozzle meter.
APPARATUS: Measuring tank, U-tube Manometer, Stop watch, a pipe with nozzle meter.
THEORY: The flow in Nozzle meter is nothing but a venturimeter without its diverging cone.
A Nozzle meter also called flow-nozzle is a device through which contraction of area is brought
about by nozzle. One of the pressure tapings is provided at a distance of one diameter upstream
the nozzle plate and other at nozzle exit. The pressure difference between two tapings is
measured by means of a U-tube manometer.
A flow nozzle can measure higher flow rates than an equivalent orifice plate at the same design
differential pressure. The flow nozzle is available to 3 standards and in designs for either
clamping between flanges (within the bolt circle) or for welding into the pipe. The nominal
values of discharge coefficient for orifice plate and nozzle are 0.67 and 0.95 respectively.
Nozzle is better suited for flow measurements when the fluid is likely to contain dust particles.
In the case of flow nozzle, the minimum cross-section of fluid stream occurs at the exit of the
nozzle.

Nozzle Meter (Flow Nozzle)

PROCEDURE:
• Fill the collecting tank with clean water to the maximum level.
• Keep the valve open and switch on the mains.
• Keep the bypass valve fully open and other valves closed and start the motor.

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• Note down the difference in manometric limbs (Hm) for each of the steady state flow
rates (Expel if any air is there by opening the drain cocks provided with Manometer).
• Allow the water to flow into a collecting tank of known dimensions and note down the
time taken (t) for rise in a known level of water (h) in the collecting tank.
• Repeat the Experiment for different flow rates by operating valve.

OBSERVATIONS:
d1= Dia. of the pipe (Diameter of the nozzle meter at inlet) = 25mm =0.025m
d2= Diameter of nozzle meter at throat = 12 mm = 0.012m
At= Cross sectional area of the measuring tank = 0.125m2

TABLE OF READINGS:
Sl No. Difference in Height of water collected in Time taken
Manometric limbs measuring tank ‘t’
‘Hm’ (m) ‘h’ (m) (sec)
1
(m)
2
3

FORMULAE:

1. H= m of water
Sm = Specific gravity of mercury (Manometric liquid) = 13.6
Sw = Specific gravity of water = 1

𝑎1 𝑎2 √2𝑔𝐻
2. Qth= m3/sec; a1= Area of the Nozzle meter at inlet = m2
√𝑎12 −𝑎22

𝜋d22
a2=Area of the of Nozzle meter at throat = m2
4
3. Qact=Actual discharge = (At X h) / t m3/sec
4. Cd = Co-efficient of discharge =Qact / Qth

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SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:

TABLE OF CALCULATIONS:

Sl. No. Actual discharge Theoretical discharge Coefficient of

Qact (m3/sec) Qth (m3/sec) discharge Cd
1
2
3

RESULT: The average co-efficient of discharge of given Nozzlemeter is………

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Fluid Mechanics BME403

VERTICAL ORIFICE
Experiment No: 6 Date of Experiment:

AIM: To determine the coefficient of velocity, coefficient of contraction and coefficient of

discharge for a sharp edged circular orifice by passing a horizontal jet of water through
orifice.
APPARATUS: Header tank with sharp edged orifice installed in the vertical plane of tank side,
a vertical sight glass fitted with the tank to record the water level in the tank, a constant steady
supply of water with a means of varying the flow rate, a traveling distance gauge to measure
the co-ordinate X-Y.
THEORY: An orifice may be defined as an opening provided in the side or bottom of a tank
for the purpose of discharge. The opening will be considered as an orifice only when the level
of the upstream side is above the top of orifice. The liquid stream discharged by the orifice is
called a jet. The liquid particles approach the orifice from all direction and after passing through
the orifice the jet contracts and reaches a minimum sectional area at certain section called vena-
contracta.

Coefficient of velocity Cv is defined as the ratio of actual (mean) velocity to the theoretical
velocity. Cv is usually in the range 0.97 to 0.99. One way of determining the actual velocity of
a small jet is to allow it to describe a trajectory in the atmosphere, under the influence of gravity.
The horizontal component v of jet velocity remains unchanged, and after a time t a particle
leaving the vena contracta has travelled a horizontal distance x=vt. Since there is downward

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acceleration g, the vertical component of velocity is initially zero for horizontal discharge; the
vertical distance y travelled in the same time is gt2/2. Coefficient of contraction Cc is defined
as the ratio of the area of the vena contracta to the area of the orifice a itself. The coefficient of
discharge Cd is the ratio of the actual discharge Qact to the theoretical discharge Qth. The value
of Cd of orificemeter lies between 0.60 to 0.65.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
• Admit the water supply to the header tank and maintain a constant head ‘H’.
• Measure the head of water ’H’ above the center line of the orifice.
• Note down the co-ordinates of X-axis after the vena contracta at reasonable distances
where there is a stream line flow.
• Note down the corresponding co-ordinates of Y-axis by moving the travelling distance
gauge and by touching the jet from underneath by the pointer of hook.
• Allow the water to flow into a collecting tank of known dimensions and note down the
time taken (t) for rise in a known level of water (h) in the collecting tank.
• Lower the water level in the header tank in stages by adjusting the flow control valve
and repeat the experiment.
• Tabulate the readings and calculate the coefficient of velocity, coefficient of
contraction coefficient of discharge.
OBSERVATIONS:
At= Cross sectional area of the measuring tank = 0.117 m2 ;
d= diameter of the orifice = 10mm = 0.01m

TABLES OF READINGS:
Rise of water Time
level
Sl. No. Head over the ‘X’ ‘Y’ ‘t’
orifice ‘h’
‘H’ ( m) (m) (m) (sec)
(m)

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FORMULAE:

gX2
1. Actual velocity Vactual = m /s
2Y
(Using X-Y Co-ordinates, X & Y are in meters)

2. Theoretical velocity, Vth = 2  g  H m/s

ActualVelocity
3.Co-efficient of Velocity, Cv =
TheoreticalVelocity

4. Theoretical discharge Qth= Theoretical velocity * Area of jet

Qth = 2  g  H  a in m³/s

d 2
Where, a=Area of jet = in m2
4
At  h
5. Actual discharge Qactual = in m³/s
t
Qactual
6. Co-efficient of Discharge, Cd =
Qth
7. Coefficient of contraction, Cc= Cd/Cv

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:

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TABLE OF CALCULATION
Actual Theoretical Actual Theoretical Co-efficient Co-efficient Co-
velocity velocity Discharge Discharge of Velocity of Discharge efficient of
Sl. Contraction
‘Va’ ‘Vth’ ‘Qact’ ‘Qth’ ‘Cv’ ‘Cd’
No ‘Cc’
(m/s) (m/s) (m3/s) (m3/s)

RESULT: The co-efficient of velocity of Vertical orifice setup Cv =………

The co-efficient of discharge of Vertical orifice setup Cd =………
The co-efficient of Contraction of Vertical orifice setup Cc=………

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PIPE FRICTION (MAJOR LOSSES)

Experiment No: 7 Date of Experiment:
AIM: To determine Darcy friction co-efficient and also to determine the velocity of the fluid
jet for different diameters of pipe.
APPARATUS: Pipe line of three different diameters, U-tube manometer to measure the
pressure difference across the tappings, one at either end of the pipe line, measuring tank to
measure the flow rate.
THEORY: When a fluid is flowing through a pipe, the velocity of the liquid layer adjacent
to the pipe wall is zero. The velocity of liquid goes on increasing from the wall and thus velocity
gradient and hence shear stresses are produced in the whole liquid due to viscosity. This viscous
action causes loss of energy which is usually known as frictional loss. This energy lost due to
friction is known as major energy losses and calculated by the following formulae: (a) Darcy-
Weisbach formula and (b) Chezy’s formula. The frictional resistance for turbulent flow is
dependent on the nature of the surface in contact, independent of pressure and is proportional
to Vn (n varies from 1.5 to 2.0), density of fluid and the area of surface in contact.
PROCEDURE:
• Measure the length ‘L’ between the tappings and diameter‘d’ of the pipeline.
• Connect the pressure tappings to the U-tube manometer and expel any air trapped in
the system.
• Adjust the flow control valve to give the maximum possible flow through the pipe.
• Record the difference in mercury level ‘hm’ within the manometer limbs.
• Allow the water to flow into a collecting tank of known dimensions and note down the
time taken (t) for rise in a known level of water (h) in the collecting tank.
• Reduce the discharge in steps by adjusting the flow control valve and record the series
of readings at each stage.
• Repeat the above procedure for pipes of different diameters.
OBSERVATIONS:
Area of measuring tank, At = 0.177 m²
Length of pipe, L = 1.5 m
Diameter of pipe, d = 12.5mm, 19mm, 25 mm

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TABLE OF READINGS:
Sl. Diameter of pipe Difference in Rise of water level in
No Manometric limbs measuring tank Time taken
‘d’ (m) ‘Hm’ (m) ‘h’(m) ‘t’ (sec)

1 (m) -3
12.5x10
2 19x10-3
3
23 25x10-3

FORMULAE:
At  h
1. Discharge Q = m3/s
t
Q
2. Velocity of fluid, V = m/s
a
 d2
Where, a = area of pipe = m2
4
S 
3. hf = Hm  m −1 m of water column
 Sw 
where Sm is specific gravity of mercury=13.6
Sw is specific gravity of water = 1
4  f  L V 2
4. Darcy’s formula for finding loss of head in pipe is, h f =
d  2g

2  g  hf  d
Therefore, f =
4  L V 2
Where hf = the loss of head due to friction,
L = the length of the pipe,
f = co-efficient of friction

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:

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TABLE OF CALCULATIONS:

Loss of head in
Diameter of ‘m’ of water Discharge Velocity Co-efficient
pipe column Q of friction,
Sl. d (m) V
3
No hf (m) (m /sec) f
(m/s)

1 12.5x10-3

2 19x10-3

3 25x10-3

RESULT: Co-efficient of friction is=…………..and the velocity of flow is = ………

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MINOR LOSSES
Experiment No: 8 Date of Experiment:
AIM: To determine the loss coefficient during the flow of fluid through various pipe fittings
and valves in a pipe.
APPARATUS: Measuring tank, Manometer, Stop watch.
THEORY: Water when flows inside pipe lines have to overcome many restrictions to reach
from point of flow of origin to point of utilization. These restrictions are valves, reduction or
enlargement of pipe diameter, bends, non return valves etc. It is very important to study and
know head loss across these fittings, as it gives us idea to determine total head required for
pumping water at required discharge rate by considering length of pipe, number of pipe fittings
in between. A main frame house with all pipe fittings i.e., control valves, enlargement,
contraction etc., Fittings provided are : Pipe 1 – 1 inch NB fitted with Reducer Collar-
1Enlarging Collar , 90o Elbow , 90o Long bend , Pipe2 – 1 inch NB fitted with Ball valve,
Gate valve , Globe(wheel) valve , Non Return valve (NRV) .
PROCEDURE:
• Fill the collecting tank with clean water to the maximum level.
• Keep the valve open and switch on the mains.
• Keep the any one valve (Say ball valve) fully open and other valves closed and start
the motor.
• Note down the difference in manometric limbs (Hm) for each of the steady state flow
rates (Expel if any air is there by opening the drain cocks provided with Manometer).
• Allow the water to flow into a collecting tank of known dimensions and note down the
time taken (t) for rise in a known level of water (h) in the collecting tank.
• Repeat the Experiment for various valves and pipe fittings by operating the respective
valve and fittings and keeping others fittings closed.
OBSERVATIONS:
d1= Dia. of the pipe (Diameter of the nozzle meter at inlet) = 25mm=25x10-3 m
d2= Diameter of nozzle meter at throat = 12mm=12x10-3 m
At= Cross sectional area of the measuring tank = 0.125 m2

  d12
a1= Area of the pipe at inlet = m2
4

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vemana I.T
Fluid Mechanics BME403

  d22
a2= Area of the pipe at inlet = m2
4
TABLE OF READINGS:
1. PIPE FITTIGNS
Difference in Height of water collected Time taken
Sl. Type of Pipe fitting Manometric limbs in measuring tank t
No Hm (m) h (m) (sec)
1. Sudden Contraction
(m)
2 Sudden Expansion
3 900 Elbow (short bend)
4 900 long bend

2. VALVES (Fully opened condition)

Difference in Height of water collected Time taken
Sl. Type of Valve Manometric limbs in measuring tank t
No Hm (m) h (m) (sec)
1. Ball Valve
(m)
2 Gate valve
3 Globe Valve
4 Non-return valve

FORMULAE:
𝑆𝑚
1. hL = Hm [ 𝑆𝑤 − 1] m of water

Sm = Specific gravity of mercury (Manometric liquid) =13.6

Sw = Specific gravity of water = 1
2. Actual discharge, Qactual = (At x h) / t m3/s
3. Velocity at entrance, V1 = Qactual / a1 m/s
4. Velocity at exit, V2 = Qactual / a2 m/s
5. Head loss hL = k(V1-V2)2/2g m for Pipe fittings
hL = kV2/2g m for valves

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vemana I.T
Fluid Mechanics BME403

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:

TABLE OF CALCULATIONS:
Actual Discharge Head loss Loss
Sl. Type of Pipe fitting Qact (m3/s) hL (m) coefficient
No K
1. Sudden Contraction
2 Sudden Expansion
3 900 Elbow (short bend)
4 900 long bend
5 Ball Valve
6 Gate valve
7 Globe Valve
8 Non-return valve
RESULT: The loss coefficient during the flow of fluid across various types of fittings and
valves in a pipe is found and tabulated.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vemana I.T
Fluid Mechanics BME403

V-NOTCH
Experiment No: 9 Date of Experiment:

AIM: Calibration of V-notch by establishing relation between flow rate and head over v-
notch.
APPARATUS: A constant head, steady water supply with a means of varying the flow rate,
an approach channel, Flow rate measuring facility (measuring tank), A point or hook gauge.
THEORY: A Notch is a device used for measuring the rate of flow of a liquid through a
small channel or a tank. A weir is a concrete or masonary structure placed in open channel
over which flow occurs. The notches are classified according to the shape of the opening as
Rectangular notch, V or triangular notch, Trapezoidal notch or Stepped notch. The most
common shape is triangular, since it has advantage of greater accuracy at reduced flow rates
compared with other shapes. The coefficient of discharge will be constant for all heads. A
triangular notch is known as V-Notch. V-Notches are used to monitor discharge in small open
channels. The most common application is the use as seepage water monitoring system inside
large dams. The value of Cd ranges from 0.5 to 0.6.

PROCEDURE:
• Positioned the V-notch to be calibrated at the end of the channel in a vertical plane.
• Fill the channel with water upto crest level and note the initial reading hi on the
surface level gauge.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vemana I.T
Fluid Mechanics BME403

• Adjust the flow control valve to give a maximum possible discharge without flooding
the notch and maintain steady flow.
• Note the final surface level gauge reading hf.
• Calculate the difference between the two surface level gauge readings, which gives the
head over notch `H’.
• Allow the water to flow into a collecting tank of known dimensions and note down the
time taken (t) for rise in a known level of water (h) in the collecting tank.
• Lower the water level in the approach channel in stages by adjusting the flow control
valve and record the series of readings (hf, t and h) at each stage.
• Tabulate the readings and calculate the coefficient of discharge.

OBVERSATION:
1. At= Cross sectional area of the measuring tank = 0.247 m2
2. θ = Notch angle= 600

TABLE OF READINGS:
Sl No. Head over V-Notch Height of water collected in Time taken
measuring tank ‘t’
‘H’ (m) ‘h’ (m) (sec)
1
(m)
2
3

FORMULAE:
1. Actual discharge Qact = (At x h) / t m3/sec
8 𝜃
2. Theoretical discharge Qth=
15
√2𝑔 tan 2 𝐻 5/2 m3/sec

Qa
3. Coefficient of discharge Cd =
Qth

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vemana I.T
Fluid Mechanics BME403

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:

TABLE OF CALCUALATIONS:

Sl. No. Actual discharge Theoretical discharge Coefficient of

Qact (m3/sec) Qth (m3/sec) discharge Cd
1
2
3

RESULT: Average Coefficient of discharge of 600 V- Notch is, Cd = ……………..

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vemana I.T
Fluid Mechanics BME403

RECTANGULAR NOTCH
Experiment No: 10 Date of Experiment:

AIM: Calibration of rectangular notch by establishing relation between flow rate and head
over rectangular notch.
APPARATUS: A constant head, steady water supply with a means of varying the flow rate, an
approach channel, Flow rate measuring facility (measuring tank).
THEORY: A Notch is a device used for measuring the rate of flow of a liquid through a small
channel or a tank. A weir is a concrete or masonary structure placed in open channel over which
flow occurs. The notches are classified according to the shape of the opening as rectangular
notch, V or triangular notch, Trapezoidal notch or Stepped notch. The value of Cd ranges from
0.5 to 0.6.

Rectangular Notch

PROCEDURE:
• Positioned the rectangular notch to be calibrated at the end of the channel in a vertical
plane.
• Fill the channel with water upto crest level and note the initial reading hi on the surface
level gauge.
• Adjust the flow control valve to give a maximum possible discharge without flooding
the notch and maintain steady flow.
• Note the final surface level gauge reading hf.

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vemana I.T
Fluid Mechanics BME403

• Calculate the difference between the two surface level gauge readings, which gives the
head over notch `H’.
• Allow the water to flow into a collecting tank of known dimensions and note down the
time taken (t) for rise in a known level of water (h) in the collecting tank.
• Lower the water level in the approach channel in stages by adjusting the flow control
valve and record the series of readings (hf, t and h) at each stage.
• Tabulate the readings and calculate the coefficient of discharge.

OBVERSATION:
1. At= Cross sectional area of the measuring tank =

TABLE OF READINGS:
Sl No. Head over V-Notch Height of water collected in Time taken
measuring tank ‘t’
‘H’ (m) ‘h’ (m) (sec)
1
(m)
2
3

FORMULAE:
1. Actual discharge Qact = (At x h) / t m3/sec
2
2. Theoretical discharge Qth= 3
√2𝑔 𝐿 𝐻 3/2 m3/sec

Qa
3. Coefficient of discharge Cd =
Qth

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vemana I.T
Fluid Mechanics BME403

TABLE OF CALCUALATIONS:

Sl. No. Actual discharge Theoretical discharge Coefficient of

Qact (m3/sec) Qth (m3/sec) discharge Cd
1
2
3

RESULT: Average Coefficient of discharge of rectangular notch is, Cd = ……………..

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Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vemana I.T
PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES (PEO’s)
PEO1:
Solve real time problems using fundamentals of mathematics
and engineering sciences.
PEO2:
Design, analyze and evaluate mechanical systems using modern
tools for the benefit of society in a conducive environment.
PEO3:
Create innovative products with multidisciplinary approach
as an individual and as a team with good interpersonal skills
and ethical values.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC OUTCOMES (PSO’s):

PSO1:
Apply the knowledge gained on metals and structures to show their
limitations and make them to think for better procedures.
PSO2:
Apply fundamental principles of thermal sciences on energy
utilization and its impact on environment.
 VISION AND MISSION OF THE INSTITUTE

VISION
➢ TO BECOME A PROMINENT INSTITUTE FOR QUALITY TECHNICAL EDUCATION,
RESEARCH, AND SKILLS WITH ETHICAL VALUES.

MISSION

• To continually impart quality technical education for creating competent engineers.

• To develop a sustainable eco-system that nurtures research and innovative skills through industry-
institute collaboration.

• To mould as a responsible citizen by inculcating professional integrity and ethical values.

VISION AND MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

VISION

➢ TO BE RECOGNIZED IN THE FIELD OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND

RESEARCH TO PRODUCE COMPETENT ENGINEERS
MISSION
• Impart technical education through effective teaching learning methods.

• Create research ambience to face the current technological challenges for the benefit of society.

• Strengthen industry-institute interface for developing team work, internship and entrepreneur skills.