Heritage Institute of Technology
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulic Machines Lab. (MECH 3111/ MECH 2252)
Expt. No.: MECH 3111/MECH 2252__ Date:________
Experiment: Characteristic of Laminar & Turbulent flow.
Objective:
(i) To study the characteristic of laminar and turbulent flow in a pipe by using simple flow
visualization.
(ii)To find out the Critical Reynolds Number for pipe flow.
Theory:
The flow of real fluids can basically occur under two very different regimes namely laminar and
turbulent flow. The laminar flow is characterized by fluid particles moving in the form of lamina sliding
over each other, such that at any instant the velocity at all the points in particular lamina is the same. The
lamina near the flow boundary move at a slower rate as compared to those near the center of the flow
passage. This type of flow occurs in viscous fluids, fluids moving at slow velocity and fluids flowing
through narrow passages.
The turbulent flow is characterized by constant agitation and intermixing of fluid particles such that their
velocity changes from point to point and even at the same point from time to time. This type of flow occurs
in low density Fluids flow through wide passage and in high velocity flows. Reynolds conducted an
experiment for observation and determination of these regimes of flow. By introducing a fine filament of
dye in to the flow of water through the glass tube, at its entrance he studied the different types of flow. At
low velocities the dye filament appeared as straight line through the length of the tube and parallel to its
axis, characterizing laminar flow. As the velocity is increased the dye filament becomes wavy throughout
indicating transition flow. On further increasing the velocity the filament breaks up and diffuses completely
in the water in the glass tube indicating the turbulent flow. After conducting his experiment with pipes of
different diameters and with water at different temperatures Reynolds concluded that the various parameters
on which the regimes of flow depend can be grouped together in a single non dimensional parameter called
Reynolds Number.
Reynolds Number is defined as, the ratio of Inertia Force to the Viscous Force, where viscous force is shear
stress multiplied surface area and inertia force is mass multiplied acceleration of the fluid particles.
UD UD
Re
where
Re-Reynolds Number U - Velocity of flow
D - Characteristic length = diameter in case of pipe flow ρ - Mass density of fluid
μ - Dynamic viscosity of fluid v = μ/ρ - Kinematic viscosity of fluid
Reynolds observed that in case of flow through pipe for values of Re<2000 the flow is laminar
While offer Re>4000 it is turbulent and for 2000<Re<4000 it is transition flow.
1 Signature of the student with date.
Apparatus Used:
1. Reynolds Apparatus
2. Measuring Flask
3. Stop Watch
Experimental Procedure:
1. Fill up sufficient amount of water in the upper head tank.
2. Start water flow through pipe and adjust gradually. Start dye injection.
3. Wait for some time. A steady line of dye will be observed. Adjust dye flow, if required.
4. Slowly increases the water flow keeping water level in supply tank constant. At particular flow rate, dye
line will be disturbed. Note down this flow rate.
5. Further increase the flow. The disturbances of dye line will go on increasing and at certain flow; the dye
line diffuses over the entire cross section. Note down this flow.
6. Slightly increase the flow and then slowly reduce the flow. Note the flow at which diffused dye tends to
become steady. (beginning of transition zone while reducing velocity.)
7. Further reduce the flow and note the flow at which dye line becomes straight and steady.
Observations:
Internal diameter of the glass tube (m) = Ø25 mm__
Cross sectional area of the glass tube (m2) ____________________________
Temperature of the water ( 0C) _____________________________
Density of the water (kg/m3) _____________________________
Kinematic Viscosity of the water [from standard table] (m2/s) ________________________
2 Signature of the student with date.
Measuring Cylinder reading Average
Velocity Re=UD/ν
Appearance of the Volume of Volume of Time Flow rate U=Q/A
Sl No
colored jet water water Q
t (m/s)
collected collected (m3/s)
(ml) (m3) (s)
1
2
Experimental Data Sheet:
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6
10
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Signature of the student with date.
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15
Answer the following questions:
1. Define Critical Reynolds Number and state its physical significance. State the value of Critical
Reynolds Number for the present experiment.
2. List the sources of the error of the experiment.
3. Draw the schematic diagram of the experimental set-up.
Name________________________________________________________________________
Department _____________________Roll No _________________Section________________
Signature of the class teacher______________________________________________________
Date of the experiment___________________________________________________________
4 Signature of the student with date.
