Fluid Mechanics Laboratory

Experiment 1

Reynolds Number
:Theory
: Incompressible fluid flow in pipe line , there are two kinds of flow
. a) laminar flow
. b) turbulent flow
Laminar flow is defined as flow in which the fluid moves in
layer or laminas , one layer gliding smoothly over an adjacent
layer with only a molecular interchange of momentum . turbulent
flow is opposite of laminar flow, where considerable mixing
occurs, velocities are high. The type of flow can be determined by
the estimation of Reynolds number .
The Reynolds number is a ratio of an inertia force to a
viscous force . The inertia effect is proportional to ( u 2) (twice
the kinetic energy per unit volume) and the shear stress
proportional to ( u / D )
R e= u D / = u D / (/) = u D /
.1
Where
: density of fluid in ( kg/m3)
u : velocity of flow in (m/s)
D : diameter of flow in (m)
: viscosity of fluid in (N.sec/m2)
: kinematics viscosity in (m2/sec)
where , if
Re 2300 laminar flow ,
1

Fluid Mechanics Laboratory

Experiment 1

Re 4000 turbulent flow ,

2300 < Re < 4000 critical flow.

Figure(1) Dye Sketches

The objective of this experiment is to determine the range of
Reynolds numbers by Reynolds apparatus (Figure 2) over which
transition occurs.

Figure(2) Reynold Number (Re) Apparatus

:Materials
2

Fluid Mechanics Laboratory

Experiment 1

a. Volumetric Cylinder (500 ml)

b. Stop Watch
c. Potassium Permanganate
d.Thermometer

Procedure
a. Record the temperature of the water using the thermometer, find
the corresponding kinematic viscosity.
b. Then measure the flow rate by timing the collection of a known
quantity (volume) of water from discharge pipe. This will help you
to determine the velocity of the water in the pipe.
Q=

V
t

.2
u=

Q
A

..3
c. Slowly increase the flow rate by opening the discharge valve until
disturbances of the dye filament are noted (Figure 1). This can be
regarded as the starting point of transition to turbulent flow.
d. Increase the flow rate as described above until the disturbances
increase such that the dye filament becomes rapidly diffused.
Small eddies will be noted just above the point where the dye
filament completely breaks down. This can be regarded as the
onset of fully turbulent flow (Figure 1).

Fluid Mechanics Laboratory

Experiment 1

Experiment Data Sheet:

Temperature of water = _______ oC
Visual Dye
Condition

Flow Rate
(m3/s)

Velocity
(m/s)

Re

Classification
of Flow by Re

Questions:
a. Define the critical flow?
b. How the effect of the temperature on the Reynold number?
c. Show that the Reynolds number is the only dimensionless
grouping possible from the relevant parameter list(,, d ,u)
by computing the dimensions for all other possible
arrangements.
d. How is Reynolds number designed for:
o Flow in a circular pipe of diameter, D?
o Flow in a rectangular duct of cross section a x b?