Benz Joshad Paolo F.

Gudoy
Reynolds Number Experiment
Date of Performance: March 5, 2018
Date of Submission: March 12, 2018

I. Introduction

Reynolds Number is a dimensionless number that determines what type of flow is present. It
is determined by the ratio of the kinetic or inertial forces (i.e. density, velocity and diameter) to
the viscous forces (i.e. viscosity). It was devised by Osborne Reynolds in 1883 by observing the
flow of a dye in a water stream and changing the volumetric flow rate of water.

Low Reynolds number flows, being dominated by viscous effects, are typically laminar with
little dynamic action, and are therefore more sluggish. At higher Reynolds number, the flow is
typically turbulent with lots of large and small scale swirling motions (called eddies or vortices)
and the flow can be quite chaotic on small scale even when the gross flow is fairly steady and
smooth on average.

II. Objectives
The objectives of this experiment are as follows:

1. To operate the Reynolds Number Experiment equipment,

2. To demonstrate and verify the existence of the three main flow regimes, i.e.
laminar, turbulent and transitional flow,
3. To determine the volumetric flow rate that demonstrate the three main flow
regimes; and
4. To determine the upper and lower critical Reynolds number for the transition to
occur and compare it with the theoretically accepted values.
III. Methodology

Materials

The following materials were needed for the experiment:

 Reynolds Number Experiment  Bucket

equipment  Syringe
 Graduated Cylinder  Stopwatch

Method

To accomplish the experiment, the following procedures were made and followed:

1. Fill the dye container with 0.5% w/v Potassium Permanganate

2. Fill the reservoir of the equipment with water from the lower channel
3. Test for leaks for both apparatus and container
4. Run the apparatus by opening the valve for both water and dye
5. Allow the apparatus to reach steady state conditions
6. Measure the flow by volumetric method using the bucket and stopwatch
7. Repeat the procedure using different valve openings (1/4, 1/2 and fully opened)
8. Observe flow conditions and record the flow rates
9. Compute for the Reynolds Number
10. Do at least two trials
11. Repeat the procedure for a decreasing valve opening

IV.Results and Discussion

The data gathered for this experiment are shown in the preceding tables
Table 1. Data for increasing valve opening – first trial
Valve Opening v (m/s) Q (m3/s) NRe Flow Type
1/4 0.0431 2.4667x10-5 1 307.5281 Laminar
1/2 0.4052 2.32x10-4 12 292.5843 Turbulent
Fully Open 0.8966 5.1333x10-4 27 200.2247 Turbulent
 Table 1 shows the data acquired from the first trial for increasing valve opening. These
data were used to calculate for the Reynolds number to determine the presence of the flow
regimes at different volumetric flow rates. For the 1/4 opened valve, the acquired velocity from
the volumetric flow rate of 2.4667x10-5 m3/s was 0.0431 m/s giving a Reynolds Number of
1,307.5281. For the 1/2 opened valve, the acquired velocity from the volumetric flow rate of
2.32x10-4 m3/s was 0.4052 m/s giving a Reynolds Number of 12,292.5843. For the fully opened
valve, the acquired velocity from the volumetric flow rate of 5.1333x10-4 m3/s was 0.0.8966 m/s
giving a Reynolds Number of 27,200.2247.

By examining the dye flowing in the pipe, it was observed that its movement is uniform
with a bit of fluctuations for the 1/4 opened valve. For the 1/2 and fully opened valve, the flow of
the dye is disorderly and created eddies.

Table 2. Data for increasing valve opening – second trial

Valve Opening v (m/s) Q (m3/s) NRe Flow Type
-6
1/4 0.0151 8.6667x10 458.0899 Laminar
1/2 0.3336 1.91x10-4 10 120.4494 Turbulent
Fully Open 0.7795 4.4633x10-4 23 647.7528 Turbulent

Table 2 shows the data acquired from the second trial for increasing valve opening.
These data were used to calculate for the Reynolds number to determine the presence of the
flow regimes at different volumetric flow rates. For the 1/4 opened valve, the acquired velocity
from the volumetric flow rate of 8.6667x10-5 m3/s was 0.0151 m/s giving a Reynolds Number of
458.0899. For the 1/2 opened valve, the acquired velocity from the volumetric flow rate of
1.91x10-4 m3/s was 0.3336 m/s yielding a Reynolds Number of 1,120.4494. For the fully opened
valve, the acquired velocity from the volumetric flow rate of 4.4633x10-4 m3/s was 0.7795 m/s
giving a Reynolds Number of 23,647.7528.

By examining the dye flowing in the pipe, it was observed that its movement is more
uniform than the first trial for the 1/4 opened valve and it is as if the fluid was flowing in a single
line. For the 1/2 and fully opened valve, the flow of the dye dispersed in the tube and very
chaotic. Although eddy formation was more frequent on the first trial for the fully opened valve.
 Table 3. Data for decreasing valve opening – first trial
Valve Opening v (m/s) Q (m3/s) NRe Flow Type
Fully Open 1.13 6.47x10-4 34 281.5641 Turbulent
1/2 0.2038 1.1667x10-4 6 181.6319 Turbulent
1/4 0.0343 1.9667x10-5 1 042.6465 Laminar

Table 3 shows the data acquired from the first trial for decreasing valve opening. These
data were used to calculate for the Reynolds number to determine the presence of the flow
regimes at different volumetric flow rates. For the fully opened valve, the acquired velocity from
the volumetric flow rate of 6.47x10-4 m3/s was 1.13 m/s yielding a Reynolds number of
34,281.5641. For the 1/2 opened valve, the acquired velocity from the volumetric flow rate of
1.1667x10-4 m3/s was 0.2038 m/s yielding a Reynolds number of 6181.6319. For the 1/4 opened
valve, the acquired velocity from the volumetric flow rate of 1.9667x10-5 m3/s was 0.0343 m/s
yielding a Reynolds number of 1042.6465.

By examining the dye flowing in the pipe, it was observed that the flow of the dye for the
fully opened valve was chaotic and eddy formation was more frequent than in the half opened
valve. In the 1/4 opened valve, there is occasional fluctuation of the flow of the stream line

Table 4. Data for decreasing valve opening – second trial

Valve Opening v (m/s) Q (m3/s) NRe Flow Type
Fully Open 0.082205 4.7067x10-4 24 938.4691 Turbulent
-4
1/2 0.2201 1.26x10 6 676.1624 Turbulent
1/4 0.0879 5.0333x10-5 2 666.9326 Transitional

Table 4 shows the data acquired from the second trial for decreasing valve opening.
These data were used to calculate for the Reynolds number to determine the presence of the
flow regimes at different volumetric flow rates. For the fully opened valve, the acquired velocity
from the volumetric flow rate of 4.7067x10-4 m3/s was 0.082205 giving a Reynolds number of
24,938.4691. For the 1/2 opened valve, the acquired velocity from the volumetric flow rate of
1.26x10-4 m3/s was 0.2201 m/s yielding a Reynolds number of 6676.1624. For the 1/4 opened
valve, the acquired velocity from the volumetric flow rate of 5.0333x10-5 m3/s was 0.0879 m/s
yielding a Reynolds number of 2666.9326.
 By examining the dye flowing in the pipe, it was observed that eddy formation was
minimal in the 1/4 opened valve compared to the eddy formation on both fully and 1/2 opened
valve.

V. Summary and Conclusion

Reynolds Number is a dimensionless number that determines what type of flow is

present. It is determined by the ratio of the kinetic or inertial forces (i.e. density, velocity and
diameter) to the viscous forces (i.e. viscosity). It was devised by Osborne Reynolds in 1883 by
observing the flow of a dye in a water stream and changing the volumetric flow rate of water.

This experiment replicates the Reynolds Experiment. This experiment aims to confirm
the presence of the three main flow regimes (i.e. laminar, turbulent and transitional) and at what
volumetric flow rate these flow regimes are present. Also, this experiment aims to confirm the
presence of the flow regimes at the different ranges of Reynolds number.

From the data tables, it can be seen that at Reynolds number less than 2,000, the flow
of the dye was almost uniform. For Reynolds number greater than 2,000, it was observed that
the streamline of the dye was very chaotic and eddy formation was very evident. Also,
occasional fluctuations in the streamline were observed when the Reynolds Number was
nearing to 2,000.

VI.Recommendation

The following recommendations are suggested:

1. There should be an accurate labeling of the valve openings for the equipment so
that the flow rates acquired will be more precise;
2. A wider diameter of the syringe should be used so that the flow of the dye is
more evident;
3. The time should have been decreased because the volume of water gathered
per trial was more than the volume of the bucket; and
4. Change the valve of the equipment because it is hard to open or develop a new
equipment
VII. Bibliography

Geankoplis, C.J, Transport Process and Unit Operations Third Edition

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-significance-of-the-Reynolds-number

VIII. Appendices
A. Raw Data

Table 5. Raw Data for increasing valve opening – first trial

Valve Opening Volume (m3) Time (s) Q (m3/s) v (m/s) NRe

1/4 7.4x10-4 30 2.4667x10-5 0.0431 1,307.5281
1/2 6.96x10-3 30 2.32x10-4 0.4052 12,292.5843
-4
Fully Open 0.0154 30 5.1333x10 0.8966 27,200.2247

Table 6. Raw Data for increasing valve opening – second trial

Valve Opening Volume (m3) Time (s) Q (m3/s) v (m/s) NRe
1/4 2.6x10-4 30 8.6667x10-6 0.0151 458.0899
-3 -4
1/2 5.73x10 30 1.91x10 0.3336 10,120.4494
Fully Open 0.0134 30 4.4633x10-4 0.7795 23,647.7528

Table 7. Raw Data for decreasing valve opening – first trial

Valve Opening Volume (m3) Time (s) Q (m3/s) v (m/s) NRe
-4
Fully Open 0.01941 30 6.47x10 1.13 34281.5641
1/2 3.5x10-3 30 1.1667x10-4 0.2038 6181.6319
1/4 5.9x10-4 30 1.9667x10-5 0.0343 1042.6465
 Table 8. Raw Data for decreasing valve opening – second trial
Valve Volume
3
Time (s) Q (m3/s) v (m/s) NRe
Opening (m )
Fully Open 0.01412 30 4.7067x10-4 0.082205 24,938.4691
1/2 3.78x10-3 30 1.26x10-4 0.2201 6676.1624
-3 -5
1/4 1.51x10 30 5.0333x10 0.0879 2666.9326

B. Documentation

The Reynolds Number Experiment Equipment

Measuring the Volume of the Water Acquired

C. Sample Calculations

For Increasing Valve Opening – First Trial (1/4 Valve Opening):

t=30 s D= 27 mm V= 7.4 x 10-4 m3 ρ = 1000 kg/m3 μ = 8.9x10-4 Pa-s

𝑉 7.4 x10−4 𝑚3 𝑚3
𝑄= = = 2.4667𝑥10−5
𝑡 30 𝑠 𝑠

𝑚3
𝑄 2.4667𝑥10−5 𝑠 𝑚
𝑣= = = 0.0431
𝐴 𝜋 1 𝑚 2 𝑠
4 (27 𝑚𝑚 𝑥 1000 𝑚𝑚)

𝑘𝑔 𝑚 1𝑚
𝜌𝑣𝐷 (1000 𝑚3 )(0.0431 𝑠 )(27 𝑚𝑚 𝑥 1000 𝑚𝑚)
𝑁𝑅𝑒 = = = 1,307.5281
𝜇 8.9 𝑥 10−4 𝑃𝑎 − 𝑠

For Increasing Valve Opening –Second Trial (1/4 Valve Opening):

t=30 s D= 27 mm V= 2.6 x 10-4 m3 ρ = 1000 kg/m3 μ = 8.9x10-4 Pa-s

𝑉 2.6 x10−4 𝑚3 𝑚3
𝑄= = = 8.6667x10−6
𝑡 30 𝑠 𝑠

𝑚3
𝑄 8.6667x10−6 𝑠 𝑚
𝑣= = = 0.0151
𝐴 𝜋 (27 𝑚𝑚 𝑥 1𝑚 2 𝑠
4 1000 𝑚𝑚)

𝑘𝑔 𝑚 1𝑚
𝜌𝑣𝐷 (1000 𝑚3 )(0.0151 𝑠 )(27 𝑚𝑚 𝑥 1000 𝑚𝑚)
𝑁𝑅𝑒 = = = 458.0899
𝜇 8.9 𝑥 10−4 𝑃𝑎 − 𝑠
For Decreasing Valve Opening – First Trial (Fully Opened Valve):

t=30 s D= 27 mm V= 0.01941 m3 ρ = 1000 kg/m3 μ = 8.9x10-4 Pa-s

𝑉 0.01941 𝑚3 𝑚3
𝑄= = = 6.47x10−4
𝑡 30 𝑠 𝑠

3
−4 𝑚
𝑄 6.47x10 𝑠 𝑚
𝑣= = = 1.13
𝐴 𝜋 1 𝑚 2 𝑠
4 (27 𝑚𝑚 𝑥 1000 𝑚𝑚)

𝑘𝑔 𝑚 1𝑚
𝜌𝑣𝐷 (1000 𝑚3 )(1.13 𝑠 )(27 𝑚𝑚 𝑥 1000 𝑚𝑚)
𝑁𝑅𝑒 = = = 34,281.5641
𝜇 8.9 𝑥 10−4 𝑃𝑎 − 𝑠

For Decreasing Valve Opening – Second Trial (Fully Opened Valve):

t=30 s D= 27 mm V= 0.01412 m3 ρ = 1000 kg/m3 μ = 8.9x10-4 Pa-s

𝑉 0.01412 𝑚3 𝑚3
𝑄= = = 4.7067x10−4
𝑡 30 𝑠 𝑠

𝑚3
𝑄 4.7067x10−4 𝑠 𝑚
𝑣= = = 0.082205
𝐴 𝜋 (27 𝑚𝑚 𝑥 1𝑚
)2 𝑠
4 1000 𝑚𝑚

𝑘𝑔 𝑚 1𝑚
𝜌𝑣𝐷 (1000 𝑚3 )(0.082205 𝑠 )(27 𝑚𝑚 𝑥 1000 𝑚𝑚)
𝑁𝑅𝑒 = = = 24,938.4691
𝜇 8.9 𝑥 10−4 𝑃𝑎 − 𝑠