Fluid mechanics
Fluid Friction Apparatus
Real fluids lose pressure as they flow, because of friction and turbulence. The losses show up in straight pipes, in fittings such as bends, elbows, tees, and valves, and in measuring devices like flow meters. Any piping system has to account for them.
This rig measures those losses. It carries pipes of several diameters with pressure tappings at known intervals, so the drop across a section can be read with a gauge or an electronic sensor. Branches and bends are included so students can also measure minor losses.
A control valve on the supply line sets the flow rate. To measure the actual discharge, students collect water in a measuring tank and time the fill with a stopwatch.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 320 × 60 × 200 cm |
|---|---|
| Power supply | 220 V |
| Pipe material | Galvanised steel, PPR, PEX |
| Maximum pressure | 3 bar |
| Rectangular elbows (90°) | 8 |
| Long-radius elbows (90°) | 4 |
| Elbows (45°) | 4 |
| Valves | Gate valve, ball valves, reducer |
| Tee connections | 2 |
| Pressure sensors | 2 × electronic, with LCD |
| Pressure gauges | 2 |
Learning outcomes
- Determine the fluid friction factor for a given pipe.
- Measure the major head loss in different types and sizes of pipes.
- Measure the minor head loss for different pipe fittings.