FLUID MECHANICS LABORATORY

The Fluid Mechanics Laboratory covers practical aspects of fluid flow for both compressible and
incompressible fluids and its properties. It features the following equipment: Bernoulli's apparatus, Osborne
Reynolds Demonstration unit, Multi Pump Test Rig, Fluid Friction Measurement unit, Fixed and Fluidized
Bed Equipment, centrifugal fan and centrifugal pump
S. No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Equipment in Fluid Mechanics Laboratory

Name of Equipment
Mode/Model Number

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Quantity
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Before beginning the experiments, read carefully and take note of the followinginstructions:
A. LABORATORY POLICIES
1. When conducting or observing experiments, eating, smoking, playing, andsleeping are
NOT ALLOWED inside the laboratory.
2. Do not let any person who is not enrolled in this laboratory course enter thesaid laboratory.
3. Students who are absent during the performance of the experiments willobtain a zero mark
in the corresponding experiments.
B. GENERAL EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS
1. Recognize possible hazardous locations especially if the experiment involvesoperation of
the larger equipment. Watch out for edges in the equipment.
2. Do not overload of overfill equipment such that it exceeds its maximum safetolerances.
3. Take special precaution in minimizing spillage of water or of any other liquidsnear electrical
outlets.
4. Do not play with the various valves and switches present on the equipment.
5. Waste papers and other garbage should not be thrown into the various water tanks in the
laboratory.
C. GENERAL LIQUID HANDLING
1. Minimize the spillage of water inside the laboratory. Water used by the equipment should
not be used for any other purpose.
2. Determine first the nature of the liquid before disposing. If not sure, ask the laboratory
technician to verify it.
3. When handling mercury, take precaution in preventing spillage and accidental disposal. Do
not prolong exposure of your hands and skin to the mercury.
4. For liquids that are to be re-used, store them back on their previous containers after the
experiment. Do not transfer them to other containers.
D. OBSERVATIONS AND REPORTS
1. Reports and observations should be written in ink and should be submitted in a bounded
note-form, identical to the engineering field note.
2. The following should be included in the report:
i. Experiment Number and Title
ii. Materials and Equipment/ Apparatus
iii. Tabulated Data and Results
iv. Computation
v. Sketch and/or Layout
vi. Discussion and/or Analysis
vii. Conclusion
viii. References
3. In the discussion, the results of the experiment should be interpreted in the light of existing
theories and facts. Reasons for discrepancies should be given.
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4. Conclusions should be in the students own words and it must be related to the objective of
the experiment

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EXPERIMENT #1
DETERMINATION OF DENSITY OF A LIQUID
INTRODUCTION:
Density is an elementary physical property of matter. It is defined as the ratio of mass to volume of
a substance as shown in the following:
Density=

Mass
Volume

Numerically it represents the mass per unit volume of matter. The SI unit of density is always
expressed in the unit of kg m 3 or g.cm3. As the temperature increases, the density of a substance will be
decreased, this will be discussed later in discussion. When thermal expansion occurs, the volume of the
substance increases while its mass is remained. By referring to the formula given, the density of the
substance decreases as the temperature increase. The density of a substance is varies with the change of
temperature at surrounding.
OBJECTIVE:
TO DETERMINE THE DENSITY OF THE LIQUID BY VOLUMETRIC METHOD.
APPARATUS:
(A) GRADUATED CYLINDERS
(B) METER STICK
(C) LIQUID
(D) WEIGHING BALANCE
PROCEDURE:
1. WEIGH THE EMPTY GRADUATED CYLINDER.
2. GET A LIQUID JUST ENOUGH TO FILL THE GRADUATED CYLINDER TO ITS DESIRED
NECK LEVEL.
3. WEIGH THE GRADUATED CYLINDER WITH LIQUID IN IT.
4. READ AND RECORD THE VOLUME OF THE LIQUID.
ANALYSIS:
1. DISCUSS THE THEORY PERTINENT TO THE EXPERIMENT PERFORMED.
2. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROPERTY/ THEORY UNDER INVESTIGATION TO
THE STUDY OFFLUID MECHANICS.

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EXPERIMENT #2
DETERMINATION OF VISCOSITY OF FLUID
INTRODUCTION:
THIS METHOD WAS BASED ON STOKE'S LAW ON VISCOSITY. IT CONSISTS OF A LONG
VERTICAL CONTAINER WHICH IS FILLED WITH THE LIQUID WHOSE VISCOSITY IS TO BE
DETERMINED.
THE TIME TAKEN BY THE FALL TO FALL THROUGH KNOWN DISTANCE L, AFTER A
CONSTANT VELOCITY HAS BEEN ATTAINED BY THE BALL, IS OBSERVED. THUS, THE
CONSTANT VELOCITY IS:
L
V=
t
THE VISCOSITY OF THE LIQUID WITH RELATION TO THE OTHER IS GIVEN BY THE
EQUATION:
D 2 (W sW )
U=
18V
WHERE:
V = VELOCITY OF THE SPHERE
L = DISTANCE OF THE FALL
T = TIME OF THE FALL
D = DIAMETER OF THE SPHERE
(WS W) = SUBMERGED WEIGHT OF SPHERE IN THE LIQUID
OBJECTIVE:
TO DETERMINE THE VISCOSITY OF A LIQUID BY FALLING SPHERE METHOD.
APPARATUS:
(A) LIQUID OF UNKNOWN VISCOSITY
(B) SPHERICAL BALL
(C) STOPWATCH
(D) METER STICK
(E) CALIPER
PROCEDURE:
1. DETERMINE THE DENSITY OF THE SPHERE.
2. DETERMINE THE UNIT WEIGHT OF THE FLUID.
3. INSTALL THE SET - UP OF THE EXPERIMENT AS SHOWN IN THE FIGURE.
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4. DROP THE SPHERICAL BALL WITH THE INITIAL POSITION OF THE BALL JUST NEAR
THE LIQUID SURFACE.
5. MARK THE POINT WHERE THE VELOCITY OF THE BALL STARTS TO BECOME
UNIFROM. THIS WILL BE THE INITIAL POINT OF THE MEASUREMENT OF THE
DISTANCE.
6. SIMULTANEOUSLY SET THE TIME ON AS WITH PROCEDURE #5.
7. SET THE TIME OFF WHEN THE BALL REACHES THE BOTTOM OF THE CYLINDER.
8. MEASURE THE DISTANCE DROPPED FROM THE INITIAL MARKED POINT TO THE FINAL
POSITION OF THE BALL.
9. Repeat the procedure for two more trials using the same set-up.
10. Repeat using different unknown liquid.
OBSERVATIONS:
(SAMPLE DATA SHEET)
THE LIQUID USED HERE IS _____________________________.
WEIGHT OF THE EMPTY BEAKER W B = _____________________________.
WEIGHT OF BEAKER WITH LIQUID W 1 = _____________________________.
VOLUME OF LIQUID V 1 = ______________________________.
UNIT WEIGHT OF LIQUID W = _______________________________.
DIAMETER OF THE SPHERE DS = ______________________________.
WEIGHT OF THE SPHERICAL BALL WS = ______________________________.
Liquid A:
Trial No.

Distance (L)

Time (t)

Velocity (V)

AVERAGE VISCOSITY OF THE LIQUID:

ANALYSIS:
1. DISCUSS STOKE'S LAW ON VISCOSITY.
2. DERIVE THE FORMULA USED IN THE EXPERIMENT.
3. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PROPERTY/THEORY.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. USE A FUNNEL IN POURING THE LIQUIDS.
2. REMOVE ANY TRAPPED AIR INSIDE THE TUBE BY TAPPING.
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Viscosity (U)

3. DO NOT THROW AWAY THE LIQUID ESPECIALLY THE MERCURY. LET THE LABORATORY
ASSISTANT DO THE CLEANING. IN REMOVING IMPURITIES FROM THE MERCURY, DIP
SOME TISSUE PAPER IN THE MIXTURE TO CLING TO THE PAPER.

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EXPERIMENT #3
DETERMINATION OF THE SPECIFIC GRAVITY
OF AN UNKNOWN LIQUID
INTRODUCTION:
1. The pressure at any point under a liquid is proportional to the depth from the surface to the point in
consideration.
p=wh
2. The pressure head at any point is the sum of the heads of the liquid/s expressed in their equivalent
head to a single liquid. Adding of heads is positive when going down, and negative when going up.
h=p/w
Pressure measuring devices using liquid columns in vertical or inclined tubes are called manometers. One
of the most common is the water filled u-tube manometer used to measure pressure difference in pitot or
orifices located in the airflow in air handling or ventilation system.

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the specific gravity of an unknown liquid using a U tube-manometer.
APPARATUS:
(a) Liquid of unknown specific gravity
(b) manometer stand
(c) plastic tubing
(d) meter stick
(e) water
(f) beaker
(g) funnel
(h) glycerin

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PROCEDURE:
A.
3.
4.
4.
5.

Pour a quantity of water into the U tube.

Pour a quantity of unknown liquid on the other side of the U tube.
Measure the difference in liquid level of each liquid.
Conduct three trials for this procedure.

B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
6.

Pour some amount of glycerin inside the U tube.

Pour some amount of liquid in one side of the U tube.
Pour some amount of water in the other side.
Measure the difference in the liquid level of each liquid.
Conduct three trials.

Sample Data Sheet

Liquid A:
Trial No.

Figure:

Liquid B:
Trial No.

Figure:

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EXPERIMENT #4
DETERMINATION OF PRESSURE DIFFERENCE
OF TWO PIPES
INTRODUCTION:
Frequently in hydraulic problems, the difference in pressure at two points inpipeline or between two pipes is
desired without necessarily knowing thepressure in either one of the pipe.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the difference in pressure between two pipes using the pressure gage meter.
APPARATUS:
(a) meter stick
(b) two pipes of different energy potentials
(c) pressure gage meter
PROCEDURE:
1. Open slowly the gate valve. Observe the reading of the pressure from the pressure gages.
2. Measure the differences in elevation between the centerlines of the two pipes, between the pipes.
3. Observe and records the readings.
4. Perform three trials.
PRECAUTIONS:
1. Sudden opening of the gate valve will tend to push away the mercury to the interior part of the pipe,
thereby losing the mercury liquid.
2. Remove the presence of any air bubbles inside the plastic tubing. This can create error in the
computation of the difference in pressure between pipes.
ANALYSIS:
1. Discuss the theory pertinent to the experiment performed.
2. Explain the importance of the property / theory under investigation to the study of fluid mechanics.

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EXPERIMENT #5
DETERMINATION OF HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
ON A SUBMERGED SURFACE
INTRODUCTION:
Figure 5.1 is a sketch of the device used to measure the center of pressure on a submerged
vertical surface. It consists of an annular sector of solid material attached to a balance beam. When the
device is properly balanced the face of the sector that is not attached to the beam is directly below
(coplanar) with the pivot axis. The solid sector and the balance beam is supported above a tank
of0020water.

(a)
(b)
Figure 5.1 (a) Apparatus for measuring the location of the center of pressure.
(b) Detailed nomenclature for locating the center of pressure.

Figure 3.2 shows the submerged surface viewed from the left side of the tank in Figure 3.1.
Thedepth of the centroid below the surface of the water is h. The x-y coordinate system has its originat the
centroid. The y-direction position of the center of pressure, y R, is (Munson et al., 2.8)

Where Ixc is the moment of inertia of the surface about the x-axis, and A is the surface area.
The location of the center of pressure can be measured using the apparatus sketched in Figure
5.1.The counterweight is adjusted so that the beam is horizontal when there is no water in the tankand no
weight in the pan. When the tank is filled with water the unbalanced hydrostatic forcecauses the beam to
tilt. Adding weight W to the pan at a distance L from the pivot O exertsa moment WL that counterbalances
the resultant moment due to the hydrostatic forces on thequarter-annulus-shaped body ABPQ.
When the water level is as shown in the figure, there are hydrostatic forces on surfaces AB,BS and
AT. Since BS and AT are concentric cylindrical surfaces with the common axis passingthrough O, the
hydrostatic forces on BS and AT do not exert any moment about O. As a resultWL is equal to the moment
due to the hydrostatic force F acting on the vertical plane surface AB.

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In this experiment the force F is not measured. Instead the theoretical value F =ghA isassumed,
where h is the depth of the centroid of the surface. The moment due to F is measuredand the theoretical
value of F is used to compute the location of the center of pressure.
Balancing the moments about O gives
WL=F (H + y R)
Substituting F = ghA and solving for yR yields
WL
yR =
H
ghA
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the hydrostatic pressure on a submerged surface.
APPARATUS:
(a) hydrostatic pressure apparatus
(b) weights
(c) scale ruler
PROCEDURES:
1. Adjust the counterweight so that the balance the beam is horizontal with no water in thetank.
2. Add water up to some level. During the lab you will use at least four water levels. Make suresome
water levels leave part of the vertical face exposed.
3. Add weights to the pan to restore the beam to a horizontal position. Record the weight.Measure H.
4. Measure and record h.
5. Calculate yR,th and compare to yR,m. If the values are not reasonably close, check yourmeasurement
procedure.
6. Return to step 2 and repeat the measurements using at least three other water levels.
ANALYSIS:
1. Discuss the theory pertinent to the experiment performed.
2. Explain the importance of the property / theory under investigation to the studyof fluid
mechanics.
3. How does the design of the apparatus enable the resultant force on the vertical surface to
bemeasured? Are any significant forces being neglected? Does the section of the vertical
surfacethat is above the water surface contribute any error to the measurement?
4. Compare the experimental and theoretical values of yR and explain any discrepancy. Pick
onepoint in the middle of the range of measurements. For that data point, how much of a
changein the measured yR would be caused by an error of 10 grams in the weight
measurement?

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EXPERIMENT #6
DETERMINATION OF METACENTRIC HEIGHT
OF A FLOATING BODY
OBJECTIVES:
To determine the metacentric height of a floating body
To illustrate the relationship of the metacentric height of a floating body and its stability.
APPARATUS:
(a) metacentric height apparatus
The unit shown inFigure6.1 consists of a pontoon (1)
and a water tank as float vessel. The rectangular
pontoon is fitted with a vertical sliding weight (2) which
permits adjustment of the height of the centre of gravity
and a horizontal sliding weight (3) that generates a
defined tilting moment. The sliding weight scan be
fixed in any positions using knurled screws. The
positions (4, 5) of the sliding weights and the draught
(6) of the pontoon can be measured using the scales. A
heel indicator (7) is also available for measuring the
heel angle.

Figure 6.1 Different parts of experimental apparatus

(b) Weight
(c) Basin of water
PROCEDURE:
1. Measure the dimensions of the scow.
2. Determine the weight of the scow together with the set of weight.
3. Observe the angle indicator reading from the normal position and the titled position.
4. Measure the depth of floatation of the block in water for the different magnitude of load. Make sure
that the plumb line is vertical.
5. Move the load in a quarter distance going to the centre edge of the block. Observe and record the
offset from the center or the angle of inclination or tilt.
6. Move again the load a quarter distance or place it three four distance from the centre going to the
edge. Observe and record the inclination or tilt.
7. Repeat the procedure for two more trials.

DISCUSSION:
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1. Discuss the theory pertinent to the experiment performed.

2. Explain the importance of the property / theory under investigation to the study fluid
mechanics.
3. What will happen if the center of gravity and the center of buoyancy of a floating object are the
same?
4. When and why will the floating object become unstable? Compare theoretical expectations to
your lab observations and discuss any differences.
5. Derive and measure the buoyancy force exerted to the experimental setup when the vertical
weight is at the bottom and the horizontal weight is at the center.
Sample Data Sheet

No. of
Observation

Displacement
of weight

Angle of
Rotation
R

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

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CM
L

EXPERIMENT #7
DETERMINATION OF COEFFICIENT
OF DISCHARGE OF A VENTURIMETER
OBJECTIVES:
To determine the coefficient of discharge of a given venturimeter
APPARATUS:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

venturimeter
manometer
measuring tank
stop watch

PROCEDURE:
1. Measure the diameter of the inlet of the venturimeter. The diameter for the throat is given below.
2. Open the supply valve. The observations are taken when the flow becomessteady.
3. The liquid is collected. The time is determined with the help of a stopwatch.
4. Determine the difference in pressure between the inlet and throat using the pressure gage meters.
5. The procedure is repeated using different discharges by regulating the supply valve.
DRAWING

Figure 7.1 Ideal Conditions in a Venturi meter

OBSERVATIONS:
D1 Diameter of inlet: 3.78 cm
D2Diameter of throat: 1.98 cm

Trial No.

Diff. in

Volume

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Time

Discharge

Cd

Pressure
(P1 P2)

Average Cd = _________________________
Formula to be used:

Where:
Q = volume flux
AA and AB = cross sectional areas
hAand hB= heights in the piezometer tubes
DISCUSSION:
1. Discuss the theory pertinent to the experiment performed.

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(Q)

2. Explain the importance of the property/theory under investigation to the study fluid
mechanics.EXPERIMENT

#8
DETERMINATION OF COEFFICIENT
OF DISCHARGE OF A SUBMERGED ORIFICE
INTRODUCTION:

Fig. 8.1 Wholly submerged orifice

An orifice is an opening with a closed perimeter through which water flows. Orifices may have any
shape, although they are usually round, square, or rectangular. Flow in an orifice can either be discharge
into free air or through a submerged orifice. For this experiment, a set-up with a submerged office is to be
used.
The discharge in a submerged orifice is given by:
Q a=CA 2 g (h1h2)
Where:
Qa

= actual discharge collected

= coefficient of discharge of the submerged orifice

( h1h2 ) = difference in water level at the upstream and downstream

A

= area of the orifice

OBJECTIVES:
To determine the coefficient of discharge C of a submerged orifice
APPARATUS:
(a) flume
(b) orifice
(c) measuring tank
(d) caliper
(e) stopwatch
PROCEDURE:
1. Measure the diameter of the orifice.
2. Install the plate with the orifice across the flume.
3. Open the supply valve. The observations are taken when the difference in water level is already
constant.
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4. The liquid is collected in the measuring tank. The volume is taken by volume on a scale indicator
installed at the side of the collecting tank. Record the time, which is taken simultaneously with the
collection of water.
5. Measure the difference in water level.
6. The procedure is repeated for different discharges, which is obtained by regulating the supply
valve.
OBSERVATIONS:
Diameter of orifice d = ____________________ cm
Trial No.

h1

h2

h1 h2

Volume

Time

Average value of C
PRECAUTIONS:
1. Choose the appropriate size of the orifice such that for a certain discharge it will create a
noticeable difference in head.
2. There should be no seepage of water along the sides of the walls of the channel.
3. Specific gravity of water must nearly equal to 1.0 if not it should be measured by a hydrometer in
case there are water impurities.
4. Stopwatch should be operated instantaneously with the volume reading in the tank.
ANALYSIS:
1. Discuss the theory pertinent to the experiment performed.
2. Explain the importance of the property/theory under investigation to the study of fluid mechanics.

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REFERENCES
(n.d.). Retrieved 21 05, 2015, from
http://www.codecogs.com/library/engineering/fluid_mechanics/orifice/geometr
y/submerged-orifice.php
(n.d.). Retrieved May 20, 2015, from http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/u-tubemanometer-d_611.html
(n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2015, from
web.cecs.pdx.edu/~gerry/class/EAS361/lab/pdf/lab3_hydrostatics.pdf
(n.d.). Retrieved May 21, 2015, from http://www.sfu.ca/~mbahrami/ENSC
%20283/Lab/Buoyancy%20and%20Stability%20of%20a%20Floating
%20Body.pdf

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