THE UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

B.A.Sc. UTILITIES ENGINEERING

Semester 1, Year 1

LAB REPORT: FRICTION FACTOR

For

INSTRUCTOR: Sharaaz Hosein

Course Title: Fluid Mechanics

Course Code: FLUD 2003

The University of Trinidad and Tobago

Point Lisas Campus

From

Brent I Hardeo ID# 61766

OBJECTIVE
To calculate friction factor, f, from a horizontal length of pipe.

INTRODUCTION
The Fluid Friction Apparatus allows a study of flow. It is designed to allow a detailed study of pressure
drop because of fluid friction, when an incompressible fluid flows through pipes, fittings, and flow
measuring devices. Friction head losses in straight pipes of different sizes can be investigated with a
wide range of Reynolds number, covering laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow regimes.

Our study focuses on factors that cause a pressure loss in pipes, which includes pipe length and
diameter, flow velocity, a friction factor based on the roughness of the pipe and the type of accessory,
and the type of flow whether is turbulent or laminar. In this experiment we will calculate the fluid
friction head losses which occurs when water flows through a length of pipe. The values obtained in the
fluid friction apparatus are compared with theoretical values calculated by the equations studied in our
fluid mechanics class.

Also, the pipes play an important role in our daily life, transporting potable water for human
consumption or irrigation of soils used for agriculture. Pipes are used to transport fluids from one place
to another. Is important to know the pressure losses in pipes and accessories caused by friction to
design equipment (like pumps) that overcome this losses in energy and changes in velocity.

APPARATUS
The supplied apparatus:
1. Mercury manometer
2. 1 m length roughened pipe
3. Vernier caliper
4. measuring tape
5. pump system
6. stop watch

PROCEDURE
1. The length of a pipe was measured using measuring tape.
2. The pipes internal Diameter was Measured using a Vernier caliper.
3. A pump was started to allow water to flow through the system.
4. The pipe under study was isolated from the other pipes in the system.
5. The time taken for 5 liters to pass through the pipe was recorded and using a volumetric flask,
flow-control valve and stop watch, the flow rate through the pipe was measured.
6. The pressure drop in the manometer was recorded.
7. Steps 1 6 with repeated using 4 different flow rates.
DIAGRAMS

Figure 1: Friction Factor Apparatus

Opening % Time , t Pressure (up) Pressure (down)

25 19.63 278 225
50 16.19 274 220
75 16.26 275 218
100 16.19 276 218
Table 1: showing results of pressure and time recorded at percentage opening.
CALCULATION
P1 P2 P1 P2 Time (s)
(Pa)
(mm/Hg) (mm/Hg) (Pa)

278 225 37063.623 29997.537 19.63

274 220 36530.334 29330.925 16.19

275 218 36663.657 29064.280 16.26

278 218 37063.624 29064.280 16.19

1 mm/hg = 133.322 pascals

VALUE Velocity,v Flow Rate,Q Minor Friction Factor, f

(m/s2) (m3/s) losses,
hL(m)

Flowrate (25%) 1.0009 2.54712 0.7203 0.253923879

104
Flowrate (50%) 1.2136 3.0883 0.7339 0.175977547
104
Flowrate (75%) 1.1627 3.0750 0.7747 0.202380991
104
Flowrate (100%) 1.2136 3.0883 0.8154 0.195519951
104
 2 (0.018)2
Diameter of pipe, D = 0.018m , = =
4 4

= . .

.
Flowrate (25% open): , = = . = . .

2.54712 104
= => = = = . /
2.5447 104

.
Flowrate (50% open): , = = . = .

3.0883 104
= => = = = . /
2.5447 104

.
Flowrate (75% open): = = . = .

2.9586 104
= => = = = . /
2.5447 104

.
Flowrate (100% open): , = = = .
.
4
3.0883 10
= => = = = . /
2.5447 104
GENERAL ENERGY EQUATION:

+ + + = + +

Which was used for fluid flowing through a conduit.
Using the laws governing the Bernoullis equation:
1. There is no change in v, hence it is eliminated.
2. Height or change in height, Z=0 because pipe is horizontal.
3. = = 0.

1 2
=

1 2 1 2 1 2
= = = =>
9.81 103

= =

1 2 37063.62329997.537
Flowrate(25% open): = 9.8110 3 = = .
9.81103

2 0.018 9.81 0.7203

= = = .
1 (1.0009)2

1 2 36530.33429330.925
Flowrate (50% open): = 9.8110 3 =
= .
9.81103

2 0.018 9.81 0.7339

= = = .
1 (1.2136)2

1 2 36663.65729064.280
Flowrate (75% open): = 9.8110 3 =
= .
9.81103

2 0.018 9.81 0.7747

= = = .
1 (1.1627)2

1
2 37063.62429064.280
Flowrate (100% open): = 9.8110 3 =
= .
9.81103

2 0.018 9.81 0.8154

= = = .
1 (1.2136)2
DISCUSSION
In this experiment, the pressure of the fluid (water) fell as it travelled along the (1m) length of pipe. This
drop-in pressure was because of the friction losses in the pipe and for 25% open, the friction factor was
found to be 0.253923879 for 50% open it was 0.175977547 ,75% open 0.253923879 and 100% open
0.195519951.

Acting on the horizontal length of pipe the pressure drop as calculated between the fluid entering and
exiting the test pipe were recorded. The pressure drop as the fluid flows through the tube is caused by
the resistance to flow /friction acting on the fluid.
Also, when the flow rate increases the velocity of the liquid increased at the same rate causing the flow
to become more turbulent and the frictional resistance was seen to depend highly on the flow rate of
the fluid.
Flow rate of the fluid was seen to depend highly on the frictional resistance and because of the
increased flow rate the friction or resistance to flow also increases
This showed that the friction factor varied with the flowrate. The friction factor was the smallest for 50%
open and the largest for 25% open. The friction factor is also seen to be directly proportional to the loss
in head, hL, therefore, the higher the friction factor the higher the loss in head. The loss in head was the
smallest for 25% open and the largest for 100% open.

There may be errors in the reading taken causing inaccuracies in the results, this may be due to parallax
errors when reading the Manometer and volumetric flask, as well as human reaction time when
recording the time on the stopwatch.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the lab was thought to be successful as the friction factor in the pipe was found to be:
0.253923879 for25% open, 0.175977547 for 50% open , 0.253923879 for 75% open and 0.195519951
for 100% open. .