DEDAN KIMATHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

BSc MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

TITLE; OSBORNE REYNOLD’S EXPERIMENT

UNIT:FLUID MECHANICS II

UNIT CODE:EMG 3101

EXPERIMENT DATE: 06TH JULY 2023

SUBMISSION DATE: 26TH JULY 2023

ABSTRACT
The experiment aimed to observe and study fluid flow behavior in a pipe, focusing on
laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow regimes. By visualizing the flow using a dye
injection technique, the transitions between different flow regimes were explored, with the
Reynolds number serving as a key parameter in characterizing the flow. The Reynolds
apparatus was used to conduct the experiment, and the volume flow rate, kinematic viscosity,
and Reynolds' number were calculated from the collected data. The results showed a clear
relationship between the Reynolds number and the flow behavior. At low Reynolds numbers
(< 2000), laminar flow was observed, characterized by smooth and orderly motion. As the
Reynolds number increased into the transitional range (2000 - 4000), the flow behavior
exhibited intermittent bursts of mixing and increased unpredictability. At high Reynolds
numbers (> 4000), turbulent flow prevailed, with chaotic and rapid mixing. The experiment
demonstrated the significance of the Reynolds number in determining flow regimes and
provided valuable insights into fluid mechanics. Understanding flow behavior in pipes is
crucial for engineering applications, such as pipeline design, heat transfer, and aerodynamics.
Despite some limitations due to the small-scale laboratory setting and using a single fluid and
pipe diameter, the experiment served as a foundational tool for further research and
development in fluid mechanics.
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this experiment was to observe and study the behaviour of fluid flow in a
pipe, specifically focusing on laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow regimes. This classical
experiment, first conducted by Osborne Reynolds in the late nineteenth century, remains a
fundamental demonstration in fluid mechanics. By visualizing the flow behaviour using a dye
injection technique, we aimed to gain insights into the transitions between different flow
regimes and the significance of the Reynolds number in characterizing fluid flow.
In fluid mechanics, the Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless parameter that represents
the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces within the fluid. It plays a critical role in
determining the nature of fluid flow, whether it is smooth and orderly (laminar flow), exhibits
some fluctuations (transitional flow), or becomes chaotic and irregular (turbulent flow).
Understanding these flow regimes is essential for various engineering applications, such as
pipeline design, heat transfer, and aerodynamics.
THEORY
A flow can behave in very different ways depending upon which forces predominate within
it. Slow flows are dominated by viscous forces, tend to be well ordered and predictable and
are described as laminar. In laminar pipe flow the fluid behaves as if concentric layers
(laminae) are sliding over each other with a maximum velocity on the axis, zero velocity at
the tube wall and a parabolic velocity distribution. Dye injected carefully at a point in a
laminar pipe flow will be stretched out by the flow to form a clear well-defined line. The only
mixing that can occur is by molecular diffusion.
Increasing the flow rate substantially will alter the flow behaviour dramatically, as the inertia
of the fluid (due to its density) becomes more significant than the viscous forces; this is then
a turbulent flow. In turbulent pipe flow, dye injected at a point is rapidly mixed due to the
substantial lateral motion in the flow and the dye behaviour appears chaotic. These motions
appear random and arise from the growth of instabilities in the flow. Detailed behaviour is
impossible to predict except in statistical terms.
There is an in-between stage, transitional flow, in which a dye stream will appear to wander
about and will show intermittent bursts of mixing, followed by a more laminar behaviour.
The Reynolds number, Re, provides a useful way of characterising the flow, it is defined as:
Re = ud/v
where v is the kinematic viscosity, u is the mean velocity given in terms of the volume flow
rate and d is the diameter of the pipe.

OBJECTIVES
1. To observe laminar, transitional and turbulent pipe flow.
Method
Visualization of flow behavior by injection of a dye into a steady flow in a pipe. This is a
classical experiment and was first performed by Osborne Reynolds in the late nineteenth
century.
Equipment Required
1. In order to complete the demonstration, we need a number of pieces of equipment.
2. The F1-10 Hydraulics Bench which allows us to measure flow by timed volume
collection.
3. The F1-20 Reynolds' Apparatus.
 4. A stopwatch to allow us to determine the flow rate of water (not supplied).
5. Thermometer

Reynolds apparatus
EQUIPMENT SETUP
The equipment setup for the Reynolds apparatus involves positioning the apparatus on a
stable surface and ensuring that the test-section is vertical. The bell-mouth entry is attached to
create a smooth inflow with minimal disturbances, and marbles are added to the head tank to
aid in the flow process. The bench outflow is connected to the head tank inlet pipe, and the
head tank overflow is connected to the hydraulic bench's volumetric tank to collect excess
water.An outflow tube is attached to the apparatus flow control valve, and its end is clamped
above the volumetric tank. The pump is started, and the flow control valve is slightly opened
to fill the system. The dye injector is prepared by adding dye to the reservoir, attaching the
hypodermic needle, and checking for a steady flow of dye. The dye injector is mounted on
the head tank above the bell mouth.The final steps involve adjusting the bench valve and
apparatus flow control valve to achieve a slow trickle overflow rate if needed. The apparatus
is allowed to stand for at least five minutes for system stabilization before proceeding with
the experiment.Overall, the equipment setup is designed to ensure controlled and stable flow
conditions for accurate visualization and observation of flow behavior during the experiment.
PROCEDURE

1. The F1-10 Hydraulics Bench was set up to allow precise measurement of flow rates
through timed volume collection.
2. The F1-20 Reynolds' Apparatus was assembled, consisting of a transparent pipe
section with an inlet and outlet, a dye injection port, and a control valve for regulating
water flow.
3. The water supply was connected to the Reynolds' Apparatus, and the flow rate was
controlled using the control valve.
4. The thermometer was used to measure and record the temperature of the water, as
fluid properties such as viscosity are temperature-dependent.
5. To start the experiment, the water flow was set to a low rate, ensuring a laminar flow
regime. A stopwatch was used to time the collection of a known volume of water.
6. A small amount of dye was injected into the flowing water at the inlet of the
transparent pipe section. The dye allowed us to visualize the flow patterns and
behavior.
7. The experiment was repeated several times at different flow rates to explore the
transitions between laminar and turbulent flow.
8. As the flow rate was gradually increased, the flow patterns were observed and
recorded to identify the point of transition from laminar to turbulent flow.
9. Careful observations were made to note the changes in flow behavior during the
transition from laminar to turbulent flow, such as the formation of vortices and
increased mixing.
10. To ensure accuracy, multiple trials were conducted at each flow rate, and the average
values were calculated for the flow rate and the corresponding Reynolds numbers.
11. All data and observations were recorded for subsequent analysis.
DATA PRESENTATION

Volume Time Temperature Pipe Area Volume Kinematic Reynold’s Flow

collected to °C m2 flowrate viscosity Number description
3
m collect
s *10-3 106 m2/s

m3/s
0.11 30.23 18.5 7.854*10- 3.638 46.322 2.973 Laminar
5
0.102 34.63 2.945 37.551 2.402
0.1 35.65 2.805 35.741 2.291

0.146 25.83 5.652 71.957 4.603 transition

0.13 23.33 5.572 70.939 4.532
0.092 17.19 5.352 68.198 4.374

0.11 18.90 5.820 74.172 4.760 transition

0.107 18.79 5.694 72.545 4.653
0.096 17.40 5.517 70.462 4.517

0.088 16.37 4.790 60.970 3.903 transition

0.134 25.07 5.345 68.095 4.362

0.182 16.58 10.977 139.678 8.950 turbulent

0.116 11.09 14.968 133.388 8.552
0.106 10.49 10.104 128.574 8.229

DISCUSSION
Sure, here is a discussion for a report on the observation of laminar, transitional, and
turbulent pipe flow the objective of this experiment was to observe the different types of pipe
flow (laminar, transitional, and turbulent) by injecting a dye into a steady flow of water. This
experiment was first performed by Osborne Reynolds in the late nineteenth century.
The results of this experiment showed that the flow type changed from laminar to turbulent as
the Reynolds number increased. The Reynolds number is a dimensionless number that is used
to characterize the flow of a fluid. It is calculated by the following equation:
Re = ρvd/μ
where:
ρ is the density of the fluid
v is the velocity of the fluid
d is the diameter of the pipe
μ is the viscosity of the fluid
When the Reynolds number is less than 2100, the flow is laminar. This means that the fluid
flows in parallel layers, and there is no turbulence. When the Reynolds number is greater than
4000, the flow is turbulent. This means that the fluid flows in a chaotic manner, and there are
eddies and vortices.
The average velocity of the flow also increased as the Reynolds number increased. This is
because the fluid has more energy to flow when it is moving faster.
The results of this experiment are consistent with the findings of previous studies. The
Reynolds number is a key parameter in determining the type of flow. The flow changes from
laminar to turbulent as the Reynolds number increases. The average velocity of the flow also
increases as the Reynolds number increases.
Laminar Flow (Re < 2000)
From the table, the volume flow rates corresponding to laminar flow (Re < 2000) range from
approximately 2.805 * 10^ (-3) m³/s to 3.640 * 10^ (-3) m³/s.
In laminar flow, the fluid particles move in smooth, parallel layers, with minimal mixing and
well-defined streamlines.
Transitional Flow (2000 ≤ Re < 4000)
From the table, the volume flow rates corresponding to transitional flow range from
approximately 4.790 * 10^ (-3) m³/s to 5.820 * 10^ (-3) m³/s.
Transitional flow is characterized by an intermittent shift from laminar to turbulent behaviour.
The flow becomes more unpredictable, with intermittent eddies and fluctuations in the flow
patterns.
Turbulent Flow (Re ≥ 4000)
From the table, the volume flow rates corresponding to turbulent flow range from
approximately 10.104 * 10^ (-3) m³/s to 10.977 * 10^ (-3) m³/s.Turbulent flow is chaotic and
unpredictable, with rapid mixing of fluid particles and a breakdown of organized flow
patterns. Turbulence is characterized by the presence of eddies and fluctuations throughout
the flow.
This experiment provides a visual representation of the different types of flow. It can be used
to study the effects of different parameters, such as the fluid viscosity, on the flow type.
The following are some limitations of this experiment:
The experiment was conducted in a small-scale laboratory setting. The results may not be
generalizable to larger-scale systems.
The experiment used a single fluid (water). The results may not be generalizable to other
fluids.
The experiment used a single pipe diameter. The results may not be generalizable to pipes
with different diameters.
Despite these limitations, this experiment provides valuable insights into the different types
of pipe flow. It can be used to develop and improve models of pipe flow.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the experiment on observing laminar, transitional, and turbulent flow behavior
in a pipe using the Reynolds apparatus provided valuable insights into fluid mechanics and its
practical applications. Through careful adjustments of the apparatus flow control valve, bench
valve, and dye control valve, we were able to visualize and study distinct flow regimes in a
controlled and systematic manner.
Overall, the experiment served as an essential tool for grasping the diverse behaviors of fluid
flow in pipes and their implications in engineering and scientific fields. By building on these
foundational concepts, we can continue to explore and improve our understanding of fluid
mechanics, paving the way for innovative solutions and advancements in various industries.

REFFERENCES
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Education.
3. Munson, B. R., Young, D. F., Okiishi, T. H., & Huebsch, W. W. (2012). Fundamentals
of Fluid Mechanics (7th ed.). Wiley.
4. Osborne Reynolds. (1883). An experimental investigation of the circumstances which
determine whether the motion of water shall be direct or sinuous and of the law of
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5. Crowe, C. T., Elger, D. F., & Roberson, J. A. (2015). Engineering Fluid Mechanics
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