Bernoulli Principle Lab

By Eli Enders and Dusty Spears CWR 3201C Fluid Mechanics Dr. Kristoph Kinzli

Image courtesy of solutioninn.com

Introduction The objective of this lab is to determine flow rate. For that flow rate, a velocity distribution in the venturi meter at the 6 pressure ports needs to be determined along with a plot of the calculated velocity distribution and measured velocity distribution. Also, the pressure distribution at all 6 ports needs to be determined along with a graph of the dynamic, static and total pressure. Finally, the flow rate coefficient of the venturi meter needs to be determined. To find the last one, the pressure difference between port 1 and 3 will be used. These objectives are performed as to better understand Bernoullis equation and the different heads derived from the equation. The assumptions made for this lab are the same assumptions made for the use of the Bernoulli equation, such as no friction, a steady flow, constant density, inviscid flow, and flow lies on a streamline. Another assumption made is that there is no elevation change within the flow. Theory The principal equation used in the lab will be Bernoullis equation:

Bernoullis equation also has an alternate form:

Where

is the pressure head,

is the velocity head, and

is the elevation head.

Since there is no elevation change:

For flow rate: and Where is mass, is volume, and is density.

Experimental Procedures The equipment used was an HM150.07, which is venturi tube with 6 different pressure measurement points. The fluid flowing through the HM150.07 was water, and thanks to the ability of the HM150.07 to allow for a closed circuit, it was a continuous and constant flow of water. The probe compression gland was fully inserted into the venturi tube and a reading from the first pressure port was taken along with a reading from the single water pressure gauge (total head tube). The probe compression gland was then taken out and the tip was at the next pressure port where a second reading was taken along with another reading from the total head tube. This process was repeated for the rest of the 6 tubes. After these steps, volumetric flow was determined by using a stopwatch and filling a measuring bucket. Results and Discussion Point 1 Pressure (mm) Total Head (mm) Dynamic Head (m) Measured Velocity (m/s) 215 220 5 x 10-3 0.313 Point 2 195 215 0.02 0.626 Point 3 20 213 0.193 1.95 Point 4 125 195 0.07 1.17 Point 5 145 184 0.039 0.875 Point 6 152 177 0.025 0.700

CrossSection Area (m2x10-6) Calculated Velocity

338.6

233.5

84.6

170.2

255.2

338.6

0.313

0.700

1.98

1.37

1.21

1.16

The purpose of this lab was to determine the flow rate using Bernoullis principles. The flow rate calculated for the velocity distribution was 1.06 x 10-4 m3/s. The measured flow rate was 0.14 L/s

Velocity Distribution
2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Measured Points Measured Velocity Calculated Velocity

The graph above shows that the calculated and measured velocities at a flow rate of 1.06 x 10-4

Flow Velocity (m/s)

m3/s. The deviations at points 4, 5, and 6 could be measurement errors.

Pressure Distribution
0.25 0.2 Pressure (m) 0.15 Static Pressure 0.1 0.05 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 Measured Points Dynamic Total

The graph above represents the pressure changes in the venturi tube. The graph fulfills the equation related to Bernoulli, hdyn = htot - hstat. Also, the total pressure head has a negative slope, showing a general loss of pressure throughout the venturi tube. The calculated flow rate factor K, is 1.00 L/s*bar. Sample Calculations Flow Rate, Q = (0.313 m/s) x (338.6 x 10-6 m2) = 1.06 m2/s Velocity = (2 x 9.81 m/s2 x (5 x 10-3)) = 0.313 m/s Flow Rate Factor, K = (0.14 L/s) / ((215 mm 20 mm)) = 1.00 L/s*bar Conclusions The objectives of the lab were completed; a flow rate was determined and used throughout the calculations of velocity distribution, pressure distribution, and flow rate coefficient. The flow

through the venturi tube obeyed Bernoullis principle throughout. Although the total pressure declined, this is most likely due to measurement errors. Some possible sources of error include not properly reading the measurements of the pressure head and/or the total head. Also when measuring the flow rate the stopwatch may not have been correctly started and/or stopped. All calculations in the lab have been double checked for accuracy.