DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

COURSE OF STUDY: BSC MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

NAME: DUNCAN KIPLANGAT

REG NUMBER: E023-01-0890/2017

UNIT NAME: FLUID MECHANICS 2

UNIT CODE: EMG 3101

TASK: OSBORNE REYNOLDS APPARATUS

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 25/11/2019

 ABSTRACT
Osborne Reynolds experiment is used to investigate the characteristic of the flow of fluid in a
pipe which is also used to determine the Reynolds Number for each state of the flow.
Osborne Reynolds apparatus was used to study the characteristic of the flow of the fluid in
the pipe with the aid of an ink to make this kind of flows visible. The data obtained was then
used to calculate the range of Reynolds numbers (Re) for the laminar, transition and turbulent
flow. The results obtained shows that Reynolds number is dimensionless as seen in the
Reynolds Number formula. From the experiment three types of fluid flows were observed
which includes the laminar flow, transition flow and turbulent flows this were obtained by
varying the flow rate and the velocity which the fluid flows and with the aid of an ink the
flows were made visible by observing the ink behavior for each case. For laminar flow the
ink showed a straight line while for turbulent flow the ink moved in a zigzag manner and for
the transition flow the ink wandered about and showed intermittent burst of mixing, followed
by a more laminar behavior of flow. And as the flow rate is increased, the transition from
laminar to turbulent flow was gradually seen.

OBJECTIVES
To illustrate the types of flow in pipes such as laminar flow, transition flow and turbulent
flow in a pipe.
To calculate the Reynolds number using the data collected.
To determine the condition under which these types of flow occurs in pipe flows.
INTRODUCTION
Osborne Reynolds apparatus is used to carry out an experiment to investigate the
characteristic of the fluid flow in a pipe it is also used to determine the Reynolds Numbers for
each state of the flow.
Therefore, in this lab experiment we used the Osborne Reynolds apparatus to studying the
characteristic of flow in a pipe and the behavior of the flow under varied velocities. From the
data obtained we’ll the proceed to calculate the range of Reynolds numbers for the laminar,
transitional and turbulent flows using the Reynolds formula.
This experiment was carried out with the aim of proofing the Reynold numbers for different
fluid flows and for this case how true is the formula and if not, the reasons why the
experimental values differ from the known Reynolds values for laminar flows, transitional
flows and for the turbulent flows.
 THEORY
Flow in pipes usually differs from each other depending on a number of factors that affect
fluid flows. This factor includes the following forces inertia, viscous, gravity and surface
tension of the fluid. Depending on this number of factors we therefore, classify fluid flows
into three categories that is; laminar flow, transition flow and turbulent flow. According to
the flow speed of the fluid we have, slowly-moving laminar flows where viscous forces are
dominant and the fluid behaves as if the layers are sliding over each other. While in rapidly
moving turbulent flows, the flow behavior is chaotic and changes rapidly since the inertial
forces are more significant than the viscous force.
Turbulent flow usually denotes an unsteady condition within the fluid flow, in which the
particles of fluid move in a disorderly manner occupying different relative positions in
successive cross-sections of the pipes. And since it is impossible to trace the motion of an
individual particle in a flowing fluid, we use ink to show this type of flow in a clearer way.
The turbulent fluid flow is characterized by the random movement and intermixing of fluid
particles with great exchange of energy throughout the fluid. It occurs in fluid with low
viscosity and moving high velocity.
Laminar flow: laminar flow denotes a steady condition in a fluid flow where the particles of
the fluid moves in an orderly manner and retain the same relative positions in successive
cross-sections and if an ink is used a straight line is depicted by the flowing fluid since the
fluid particle moves in layers while sliding over each other thus causing a small energy
exchange to occur between layers. Laminar flow occurs in fluids with high viscosity moving
at a slow velocity.
Turbulent flow: Turbulent flow denotes an irregular flow and is characterized by tiny
whirlpool regions. Where the velocity of the fluid is not constant at every point of the fluid
when a dye is used the dye will rapidly mix with the water due to the substantial lateral
movement and energy exchange in the flow and moves in a zigzag manner.
Transition flow: a transition of flow between laminar and turbulent flows and when a dye
is used its stream will wander about and show intermittent burst of mixing, followed by a
more laminar behavior of flow. As the flow rate is increased, the transition from laminar to
turbulent flow is a gradual process and this zone of change is defined as transitional flow.
This type of flows is shown in the image below:

Fig1: Types of flows in pipes

 Image source: https://images.app.goo.gl/3cffyx3wawJoe6in7
Theoretical Reynolds numbers for different fluid flows
Re ≤ 2000 laminar flow
2000 ≤ Re ≤ 4000 transitional flow
Re ≥ 4000 turbulent flow
ρVd Vd
R e ynolds number , ℜ= = ….. (1)
μ v
Where,
ρ = density of fluid
μ = Coefficient of dynamic viscosity
V = Velocity of the fluid
d = Diameter of flow visualization pipe
υ = Kinematic viscosity
EQUIPMENT USED
The F1-10 Hydraulic Bench which allows us to measure flow by limited volume collection
A thermometer
A stop watch that allows us to determine the flow rate of water.
The F1-20 Reynolds apparatus
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

Fig 2: Reynolds apparatus

Image source: https://images.app.goo.gl/nNwi75nqfcY82Kiz9
 PROCEDURE
Reservoir was filled with the ink and the apparatus setup on the bench with the inlet pipe
connected to the bench fee.
The ink injector was then lowered until it was just above the bell mouth inlet.
The flow control valve was then controlled where the inlet valve was opened and the head
tank slowly filled to the overflow level and the inlet valve closed thereafter.
Flow control valve was then opened to admit water to the flow visualization pipe. Then, the
apparatus was put in steady condition for at least 10 minutes before proceeding.
Then the inlet valve was slightly opened until water tickles from the outlet pipe. The control
valve was opened and the ink control valve was adjusted until slow ink indication was
achieved. The flow rate was measured and recorded.
These steps were repeated while increasing flow rates progressively by opening the flow
control valve. Specific measurement of flow rate at critical condition was taken. Lastly, the
procedure above was repeated for decreasing flow rates and the specific measurement of flow
at critical condition is noted down.

DATA PRESENTATION
Experiment Volume Time Tem Pipe Volume Velocity Reynolds Kinem Type of flow
collected taken p area flow (m/s) number atic
(×10-5m3) to (0C) (m2) rate ×10-3 viscosi
collect ×10-5 (m3/s) ty
(s) ×10-7 ×10-6
(m2/s)
3.4 54.3 6.262 7.973 70.56
A 3.0 48.1 26.0 7.854 6.237 7.941 70.56 1.13 laminar
3.8 60.2 6.312 8.037 71.12
12.2 19.9 61.31 78.06 690.80
B 6.6 11.4 26.0 7.854 57.87 73.70 652.21 1.13 laminar
6.5 11.2 58.04 73.90 653.98
10.0 9.01 110.9 141.0 1249.57 Laminar
C 20.8 7.6 26.0 7.854 273.7 348.0 3079.65 1.13 Transition
23.8 8.9 267.4 340.0 3008.85 Transition
 DATA ANALYSIS
According to Reynolds’ number equation, where it is calculated using the values of velocity
of the flow, diameter of the pipe, density of the fluid and dynamic viscosity value of the fluid.
Dynamic viscosity of water, μ= 1.13×10-3 unitless
Cross-sectional area of the pipe; A=(π(d)2)/4 which is equal to 0.07854 x 10-3 m2
Therefore we need to find the visualization diameter which is given as;
= π (d)2 / 4= 0.07854 x 10-3 m2

(0.0785 x 10−3) x 4
d=
√ π
=0.01m

From the calculation, the Internal diameter of visualization, d = 0.01m

DATA ANALYSIS FOR EXPERIMENT A

volume collected
volumetric Flow rate Q=
elapsed time

3.4 ×10−5 m 3
Q i= =6.262×10-7 m3/sec
54.3 sec
3.0× 10−5 m 3
Qii= =6.2 37×10-7 m3/sec
48.1 sec
3.8× 10−5 m 3
Qii= =6. 312×10-7 m3/sec
60.2 sec
But we know that Q= Area x Velocity
Making velocity V the subject:
volumetric flow rate
Velocity=
Area
6.262×10−7
Vi = =7.973×10-3 m/sec
0.07854 x 10−3 m2
6.237 × 10−7
Vii = =7.941×10-3 m/sec
0.07854 x 10−3 m2
6.312×10−7
Vii = =8.037×10-3 m/sec
0.07854 x 10−3 m2
 ρVd Vd
Reynolds Number, (Re)= ¿ =¿ =
μ v
1000× 7.973× 10−3 m/s ×0.01
(i) Re= =¿ 70.56 which is less than 2000 therefore, the flow
1.13 ×10−3
is laminar flow.
1000× 7.941× 10−3 m/s × 0.01
(ii) Re= =¿ 70.56 which is less than 2000 therefore, the flow
1.13 ×10−3
is laminar flow.
1000× 8.037 ×10−3 m/s × 0.01
(iii) Re= =¿ 71.12 which is less than 2000 therefore, the
1.13× 10−3
flow is laminar flow.
DATA ANALYSIS FOR EXPERIMENT B

volume collected
volumetric Flow rate Q=
elapsed time

12.2 ×10−5 m3
Qi= =6.131 ×10-6 m3/sec
19.9 sec
6.6 ×10−5 m3
Qii= =5.789×10-6 m3/sec
11.4 sec
6.5 ×10−5 m 3
Qii= =5.804 ×10-6 m3/sec
11.2 sec
But we know that Q= Area x Velocity
Making velocity V the subject:
volumetric flow rate
Velocity=
Area
6.131 ×10−6
Vi = =7.806×10-2 m/sec
0.07854 x 10−3 m2
5.789 ×10−6
Vii = =7.370×10-2 m/sec
0.07854 x 10−3 m2
5.804 × 10−6
Vii = =7.390×10-2 m/sec
0.07854 x 10−3 m2
ρVd Vd
Reynolds Number, (Re)= ¿ =¿ =
μ v
 1000× 7.806 × 10−2 m/s × 0.01
(i) Re= =¿ 690.80 which is less than 2000 therefore, the
1.13 ×10−3
flow is laminar flow.
1000× 7.370 ×10−2 m/s × 0.01
(ii) Re= =¿ 652.21 which is less than 2000 therefore, the
1.13 ×10−3
flow is laminar flow.
1000× 7.390× 10−2 m/s × 0.01
(iii) Re= =¿ 653.98 which is less than 2000 therefore, the
1.13 ×10−3
flow is laminar flow.
DATA ANALYSIS FOR EXPERIMENT C

volume collected
volumetric Flow rate Q=
elapsed time

10.0 ×10−5 m3
Qi= =1.109 ×10-5 m3/sec
9.01 sec
20.8× 10−5 m 3
Qii= =2.737×10-5 m3/sec
7.60 sec
23.8× 10−5 m 3
Qii= =2.674 ×10-5 m3/sec
8.90 sec
But we know that Q= Area x Velocity
Making velocity V the subject:
volumetric flow rate
Velocity=
Area
1.109 ×10−5
Vi = =1.41×10-1 m/sec
0.07854 x 10−3 m2
2.737 × 10−5
Vii = =3.48×10-1 m/sec
0.07854 x 10−3 m2
2.674 × 10−5
Vii = =3.40×10-1 m/sec
0.07854 x 10−3 m2
ρVd Vd
Reynolds Number, (Re)= ¿ =¿ =
μ v
1000× 1.41× 10−1 m/s × 0.01
(i) Re= =¿ 1249.57 which is less than 2000 therefore, the flow
1.13 ×10−3
is laminar flow.
 1000× 3.48× 10−1 m/s × 0.01
(ii) Re= =¿ 3079.65 which is greater than 2000 therefore, the
1.13 ×10−3
flow is transition flow.
1000× 3.40× 10−1 m/s × 0.01
(iii) Re= =¿ 3008.85 which is greater than 2000 therefore,
1.13 ×10−3
the flow is
Transition flow

Vd μ
kinematic viscosity= ℜ =
ρ

kg
1.13 ×10−3( )
μ m . s =1.13×10-6 m2/s
=
ρ 1000(kg /m3)

DISCUSSION
When Reynolds number is less than 2000, the flow is said to be a laminar and when it is
greater than 2000 the flow is said to be turbulent and when it is 2000<Re<4000, then the flow
is known as transition flow. According to the Reynolds`s experiment carried out laminar flow
occurred when a thin filament of ink injected appeared as a single line and there was no
dispersion of ink throughout the flow, except the slow dispersion due to molecular motion.
While transition flow occurred when the ink moved in a wavy way with no clear show of a
straight line nor a zigzag.
From the calculations of the Reynolds numbers using the obtained data from varied
flowrates, the values obtained satisfied various types of flows and therefore the types of flows
were classified as shown in the data presentation table above. However, we were not able to
classify turbulent flow due to the predominant transition values of (Re) from the results. This
might be due to the errors which we encountered while carrying out the experiment. The flow
velocity used was minimal and therefore we were not able to attain the critical velocity for
the turbulent flow.
SOURCES OF ERROR
From the data collection process, the following errors were observed which lead to error
transfer in carrying out data analysis.
parallax error between the person guarding the stop watch and the person with the collecting
beaker for this case the stop watch was stopped while the collecting beaker was still at the
nozzle of the exit pipe thus leading to error in volume collection and time taken.
It was impossible to hold the ink jet in an unshakable state due to human errors
The clip valve was not able to move smoothly and this affected the flow rate speeds
 RECOMMENDATIONS
Due to the various errors in the data obtained which caused to the varied values of the
Reynolds numbers the following are future recommendations in order to avoid such errors in
the future.
The experiment should be done at suitable and unshaken place for this case the lid should be
closed tightly and held in an unshakable position to avoid human errors while holding the ink
jet.
The the clip and the valve which control the injection of the ink must be regulated slowly and
carefully.
When removing the beaker from the exit valve the stop watch should be stopped instantly to
avoid wrong data collection of time.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion we found out that as the flow rate increases, Reynolds number also increases
and the ink flow changes from a thin thread to wavy to zigzag like flow.
Laminar flow occurs when the Reynolds number calculated is less than 2000 while
transitional flow occurs when Reynolds number calculated is between 2000 and 4000 while
turbulent flow occurs when Reynolds number calculated is above 4000 however, for our case
we were not able to find turbulent flow in calculation since the flowrate used did not allow
for the turbulent flow to occur. It is proved that the Reynolds equation is dimensionless since
there are no units left after the calculation.
The pipe diameter was found to be 0.01m after the calculation from the pipe area.
The kinematic viscosity was found to be 1.13×10-6 m2/s and was constant throughout the
flow

REFERENCES
F. M. White, 1999. Fluid Mechanics, McGraw-Hill.
“Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines” by Rajput R K
“Fluid Machines and Hydraulic Machines” by Bansal R K
“Fluid Mechanics And Machinery” by S Ramachandran and V Saikrishnan