BERNOULLIS THEOREM DEMONSTRATION

Introduction:
Bernoulli's law states that if a non-viscous fluid is flowing along a pipe of varying cross
section, then the pressure is lower at constrictions where the velocity is higher, and the
pressure is higher where the pipe opens out and the fluid stagnate.
Theory:
Bernoullis principle is essentially a work energy conservation principle which states that an
ideal fluid or for situations where effects of viscosity are neglected, with no work being
performed on the fluid, the total energy is constant. This principle also states that the sum of
all forms of energy in a fluid flowing along an enclosed path (a streamline) is the same at any
two points in that path. The pressure, speed and height (h) at two points in a steady-flowing,
non-viscous, incompressible fluid are related by the equation:
1
1
P1+ p v12+ pg h1=P 2+ p v 2z + pg h2
2
2
This equation is the sum of the kinetic energy, potential energy and gravitational energy at
height. If the equation was multiplied through by the volume, the density can be replaced by
mass and the pressure replaced by force times distance. As the replacement, we can see that
the difference in pressure does work which can be used to change the kinetic energy and the
potential energy of the fluid for this equation.
The continuity equation of continuity states that for an incompressible fluid flowing in a tube
of varying cross-section, the mass flow rate is the same everywhere in the tube. The equation
of continuity can be written as:
p1 A 1 v 1= p 2 A2 v 2
p = density,

= cross sectional area, v

= velocity

The density stay at the constant and then it is simply the flow rate ( Av ) that is constant.
The velocity of fluid is greater in the narrow section as we applied the continuity equation.
Bernoulli's principle also states that if a non-viscous flow along a pipe of varying cross
section. Then, an increment in the speed of the fluid simultaneously with a drop in pressure or
a decrease in the fluids potential energy and the pressure increases when the pipe opens out
and the fluid stagnate. Thus, pressure would decreases when the velocity increases.
This is expressed with the following equation:
p v
+ + z=h=constant
pg 2g
Where,

p= Fluid static pressure at the cross section

p = Density of the flowing fluid
g = Acceleration due to gravity (9.81m/s2)

= Mean velocity of fluid flow at the cross section

z= Elevation head at the cross section with respect to datum

h *= Total (stagnation) head

The sum of the pressure head (h), velocity head (h v) and the elevation head (z) is known as
the total head (h*). The total head h*at any cross section is constant according to the
Bernoullis theorem of fluid flow through a pipe. The results will deviate from the theoretical
ones in real flow due to friction, other imperfections and the measurement uncertainties.
The centerline of all the cross sections we are considering lie on the same horizontal plane
(which we may choose as the datum, z = 0, and thus, all the z values are zeros so that the
above equation reduces to:
p v
+ =h=constant
pg 2g

This represents the total head at cross section.

Objective:
To demonstrate the Bernoullis Theorem.
Apparatus:
Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration (Model: FM 24) and Hydraulic Bench (Model: FM 110)
Procedure:
General Start-up Procedures
The Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration (Model: FM 24) is supplied ready for use and only
requires connection to the Hydraulic Bench (Model: FM 110) as follows:
1. Ensure that the clear acrylic test section is installed with the converging section
upstream. Also check that the unions are tighten (hand tight only). If necessary to
dismantle the test section, then the total pressure probe must be withdrawn fully (but
not pulled out of its guide in the downstream coupling) before releasing the couplings.
2. The apparatus is located on the flat top of the bench.
3. A spirit level is attached to baseboard and is levelled by adjusting the feet.

4. Water if filled into the volumetric tank of the hydraulic bench until approximately
90% full.
5. The flexible inlet tube is connected using the quick release coupling in the bed of the
channel.
6. A flexible hose is connected to the outlet and is made sure directed into the channel.
7. The outlet flow control valve is opened partially at the Bernoullis Theorem
Demonstration unit.
8. The bench flow control valve, V1 is closed fully and the pump is switched on.
9. V1 is opened gradually and the piping is allowed to fill with water until all air is
expelled from the system.
10. Trapped bubbles in the glass and plastic transfer tube is checked.
11. At this point, water is seen flowing into the venturi and is discharged into the
collection tank of hydraulic bench.
12. Water flowrate is increased. When the flow in the pipe is steady and there are no
trapped bubbles, the discharge valve is closed to reduce the flow to the maximum
measurable flow rate.
13. Water level in the manometer tubes is seen to display different level of water heights.
The water level is adjusted by the air bleed valve.
14. V1 and outlet control valve are adjusted to obtain a flow through the test section and
the static pressure profile is observed along the converging and diverging sections
indicated on its respective manometers. The total head pressure along the venture tube
is measured by traversing the hypodermic tube.
15. The actual flow of water is measured using the volumetric tank with a stop watch.

Experiment
1. General start up procedures is performed.
2. All manometer tubes are checked whether has properly connected to the
corresponding pressure taps and are air-bubble free.
3. The discharge valve is adjusted to a high measureable flow rate.
4. After the level is stabilized, the water flow is measured using the volumetric method.
5. The hypodermic tube is slid gently connected to manometer G, so that its end reaches
the cross section of the venture tube at A. wait for some time and the readings from
manometer G and A are taken and recorded. The reading shown by manometer G is
the sum of the static head and velocity heads, i.e. the total (or stagnation) head (h*),
because the hypodermic tube is held against the flow of fluid forcing it to a stop (zero
velocity). The reading in manometer A measures just the pressure head (hi) because it
is connected to the venturi tube pressure tap, which does not obstruct the flow, thus
measuring the flow static pressure.
6. Step 5 is repeated for other cross sections.
7. Step 3 to 6 is repeated with 3 other decreasing flow rates by regulating the venture
discharge valve.
8. The velocity, ViB is calculated using Bernoullis equation where:
ViB = 2 x g x ( h ghi )
9. The velocity, ViC is calculated using the continuity equation where

ViC =

Q avg
Ai

10. The difference between the two calculated velocities are calculated.
General Shut Down Procedures
1. Water supply valve and venture discharge valve is closed.
2. Water supply pump is turned off.
3. Water from the unit is drained off when not in use.

Result and Calculation:

Time,
t

Cross
Section

(s)

16.32
17.13
18.59
17.25
17.06
17.22

A
B
C
D
E
F

Using Bernoulli equation

h*=hG
(mm)

255
255
255
240
241
244

hi
(mm
)

243
232
165
205
215
226

V iB =
h hi
2 g

(m/s)
0.49
0.67
1.33
0.83
0.71
0.59

Using Continuity
equation

Difference

2
A i= Di /4 V iC =Qav / A i ViB-Vic
(m/s)
(m/s)
(m2)

5.3110-4
3.6610-4
2.0110-4
3.1410-4
3.8010-4
5.3110-4

0.58
0.80
1.34
0.92
0.77
0.55

0.09
0.13
0.01
0.09
0.06
0.04

Volume, V =5L
3

Qav=

V (m )
t (s)

Discussion:
We had demonstrated the Bernoullis Theorem and from the result, we had calculated that
when the diameter of the cross section decrease, there were increasing in velocities along the
distribution tube. The smallest cross section (which is cross section C) gave huge pressure
difference and had the highest velocities. The results had shown that larger pressure
difference gave out the most speed of fluid flow. Furthermore through the experiment, we had
observed as fluid flow through the venturi meter, the head is higher at the narrower tube and
vice versa. The narrower tube leads to high velocities and low pressure.
The volumetric flow rates are calculated for the trial. The speed of water was controlled by
using valve and times taken are recorded as the volumetric tank reached 5L.

In order to determine the velocities of each cross section, two different equation were used;
by using Bernoullis Equation (ViB) and by using continuity equation (V iC). From the
calculations we observed that all of calculated V iB had highest value compared to ViC. The
continuity equation is the conservation of mass on a steady flow process through a control
volume. With uniform density of water, the velocity is equal to volumetric flow rate over
area. ViC took area of cross section into consideration, which when area increase velocity
decrease. ViC is directly proportional to area.
Whereas the Bernoullis equation is when an increment in the speed of the fluid
simultaneously with a drop in pressure and the pressure increases when the pipe opens out
and the fluid stagnate. Thus, pressure would decreases when the velocity increases. This
equation took pressure difference into consideration. As we discussed about both equations,
both equations were suitable to be used to calculate the velocities. However, there some
parameters needed to be considered like pressure difference and area.
We also had calculated the difference between ViB and ViC (ViB - ViC), to show that the value
of ViB are greater than ViC.
Conclusion:
As Bernoulli stated, high velocity of fluid flow result in low pressure and based on continuity
equation, smaller area result in high velocity. Thus, the result proved both equation could be
used to determine the velocity of fluid flow in manometer. Even the value is not exactly the
same, but the pattern of increasing and decreasing at the converging and diverging portion is
same. So that, as the velocity increases, the total head pressure also increases for both
convergent and divergent flow.
Attachment:
References:
http://fenglab.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/3/3/24334557/c._bernoullis_theorem_demonstration.p
df
https://www.scribd.com/doc/246653261/Bernoulli-s-Principle-Demonstration-Lab-Report