Experiment 5: Critical Reynolds Number in Pipe Flow

Objective
The objective of this experiment is to find the critical Reynolds number for the transition range that exits in pipe
flow.
Theory
The Reynolds number is defined as a dimensionless ratio of inertia forces to viscous forces and is used in identifying
certain characteristics of fluid flow. The Reynolds number can be used to determine whether the flow in a pipe is laminar or
turbulent. A Reynolds number of 2,100 is usually accepted as the transitional value between laminar and turbulent flow
regimes. However, the transition between flow regimes exist over a range of Reynolds numbers. The critical Reynolds
number is the Reynolds number that exists anywhere in the transition region between laminar and turbulent flow. Given the
tube size, the Reynolds number can be calculated with

Re

VD
v

(1)
Where V is the average velocity in the pipe, D is the hydraulic diameter, and v is the kinematic viscosity of the liquid. In this
experiment, a square pipe and two different sized circular pipes will be used. For a circular pipe flowing full, the hydraulic
diameter equals the inside diameter of the pipe. For a square pipe, the hydraulic diameter will equal the length of one side.
This can be show with the equation

4Area
Wetted Perimeter
(2)

Procedure
1.
2.

Figure 1: The critical Reynolds number determination apparatus.

Fill the tank with water and remove any air bubbles in the pipes. Record the water temperature in the tank.
Establish laminar flow in one of the pipes by starting a very low flow rate of water and dye. Use the valve at point B
in Figure 1 to adjust the dye flow rate. A seamless, threadlike dye pattern should be achieved in the pipe at a distance

3.

that is about ten hydraulic diameter lengths away from the pipe entrance.
Once a laminar flow is achieved, open the rotameter valve, at point A in Figure 1, slightly to increase the water flow

4.

rate.
Increase the water flow rate and observe the dye pattern until the pattern changes by still appears laminar. This is the

5.

beginning of transition. Record this flow rate from the rotameter.

Continue increasing the flow rate and observing the dye pattern. Eventually, the dye will completely mix with the

6.

water. The flow will be fully turbulent once this point has been reached. Again, record the flow rate at this point.
Repeat steps 2-5 for the other two pipes. Note to keep the water level in the tank at a constant height throughout the
experiment. Once complete, close the valve at point B to stop the dye flow and drain the tank.

Results

Table 1: Experimental Constants

Pipe Type
Large
Circular
Small

Hydraulic Diameter
(ft)

Pipe Area
(ft2)

0.083

0.0055

0.042

0.0014

Circular
Square
0.073
0.0053
Kinematic Viscosity of Water at 55F (ft2/s)
1.27E-05

Table 2: Recorded Data

Pipe Type

Beginning of Transition Flow Rate

(gal/min)

Critical Flow Rate (gal/min)

0.64

0.82

0.34

0.48

0.40

0.50

Large
Circular
Small
Circular
Square

Pipe Type

Table 3: Calculated Reynolds Numbers

Beginning of Transition Reynolds
Critical Reynolds
Number
Number

Large
Circular
Small
Circular
Square

Critical Re Percent
Error

1722

2207

5.1%

1830
966

2584
1207

23.0%
42.5%

Discussion and Conclusion

The target critical Reynolds number for each pipe is 2100. From Table 3 column 3, the Reynolds number for the
large and small circular pipes is close to the accepted value of 2100. However, the Reynolds number calculated for the square
pipe has more error than the other two pipes. This error could have originated from an air bubble that was trapped inside of
the pipes entrance to the tank. Also, while performing the experiment, a lot of sediment was noticed in the water. This
sediment could have caused turbulence in all three pipes which would have affected the average velocity of the flowing
water. This ultimately would affect the calculated Reynolds numbers for each pipe. Another source of error could have
originated from moving the table that the apparatus is built on. If the table is moved slightly, then the dye flowing in the pipe
would appear to be turbulent for some time. This would have affected our judgment in determining whether if the flow was
turbulent or still laminar. The error in this experiment could be reduced if the water in the tank is clean and all air is correctly
removed from the system. Also, the pipe entrance for each pipe is square and not round. A rounded pipe entrance would also
reduce the error in this lab because it would reduce turbulence caused by square pipe entrance.
Questions
1.

A similar procedure can be followed for testing Reynolds number for gases. However, gases cannot be dyed like

2.

liquids. Another method of determining if the gas flow is turbulent would have to be used.
The Reynolds number is not dependent on tube size or shape. It is the dimensionless ratio of inertia forces to viscous

3.

forces.
This method cannot work for opaque liquids. The observation of the flowing dye is the key element in determining
turbulent flow within the pipes.

4. From Table 3, the beginning of the transition from laminar to turbulent pipe flow starts around a Reynolds number
of 1700 and ends at the accepted critical Reynolds number of 2100.