1.

0 Abstract :
This experiment is carried out to investigate the validity of Bernoullis theorem.
In the experiment , the concept of Bernoullis principle was demonstrated experimentally and
how pressure is distributed along a venture tube with six different measurement points. Also to
differentiate between actual flowrate, theoretical flowrate, and the relation of the coefficient of
discharge. Mathematically, flowrates velocity, pressure heads and flowrates will be drawn out
with graphical illustration. And how the discovery of venturi effect has an effective role in this.

2.0 Inrtoduction:
Daniel Bernoulli a Swiss mathematician and physicist stated a theorem which gives the
interaction between the pressure acting at a point on the surface of the liquid and the velocity of
its particles. Bernoulli theorem states that the total energy of a small amount of an incompressible liquid flowing from one point to another remains constant throughout the
displacement. It also states that states that for an inviscid flow, an increase in the speed of the
fluid occurs instantaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential
2

V
V
energy. It is given in this equation, h1 1 h2 2 hv . It can be derived from the principle
2g
2g
of conservation of energy that in a steady flow, the sum of all forms of mechanical energy in a
fluid along a streamline is the same at all points on that streamline.
Giovanni Battista Venturi the physicist behind the name of the venturi tube. In his discovery he
describes the relationship between the fluid velocity and pressure where he found out that the
pressure of the fluid in the tube falls when a narrowing of the tube clip (Neck). Almost the entire
mechanism lies on that principle in particular, the fluid passing through the tube from the inlet
with a certain diameter to the neck section where the diameter is smaller.

Figure1: Venturi tube

This difference in diameter is what causes the fluid to flow faster at the neck therefore, creating
less pressure compared to the flow out of the inlet where the diameter is larger, thus the fluid
flows slower creating higher pressure. This is how pressure heads (head static) are calculated
using the piezometers at all six points with results appearing at the pressure gauge (head total),
according to this equation,
A special case where pressure gauges have zero mm difference, the equation adds up a
subtraction of 80mm,
Bernoullis principle plays an essential role in our modern daily applications in the world around
us. For instance, in airflight which involves the architecture of the wings, where the top side of
the wing has a curvy shape while the bottom is entirely flat. When the air flight flies in the sky
the air flowing on the bottom is slower than at the top therefore, creating pressure less than at the
top side where the air flows faster. This is how planes are allowed to lift.

Figure2: Bernoullis Principle in a wing

Baseball field is another place where you can see Bernoulli plays. In fact the whole pitch works
based on Bernoullis principle. Starting from the curvy ball, the pitcher is required to grip the
seams of the ball which forms the curvy shape by gripping the ball in such a way the ball is to

spin creating a thin layer caused by air friction. At that particular moment, and when the ball
spins in such a manner, the air pressure is now less at the bottom of the ball and definitely a
higher pressure at the top where the velocity according to Bernoullis principle should be less.

What matters here is that when all this occurs, the bottom side ball is likely to spin downwards
faster than its top resulting in a miscalculating from the batter of the balls position. Now we
know why some of the best baseball players in the world have to learn fluid mechanics back at
the locker room.

Figure3: Bernoullis Principle in baseball

Race cars are also a good example that picture Bernoullis Principle. Normally, the idea of the
principle is completely the opposite than it is in airplanes; otherwise race cars would fly around
the racetrack due to the high velocity. A brief explanation on how this works is that the race car
hires Bernoulli's principle to keep its rear wheels on the ground while driving at high speeds. The
race car's spoiler on the other hand designed like an upside-down wing, with the curvy surface at
the bottom generates a net downward force, just to keep the car stick to the ground.

3.0 Apparatus :
HM150.07 Bernoullis Theorem Demonstration which shown in Figure 4
a.

Assembly board

b.

Single water pressure gauge

c.

Discharge pipe

d.

Outlet valve

e.

Venturi tube with 6 measurement points

f.

Compression gland

g.

Probe for measuring overall pressure

h.

Hose connection (water supply)

i.

Valve at water inlet

j.

6-fold water pressure gauge (pressure distribution in venture tube)

Figure 4 HM150.07 Bernoullis theorem demonstration

4.0 PROCEDURES
a. A quick inspection was performed to ensure that the unit was in proper operating condition.
b. A hose connection was made and the unit was connected to the nearest power supply.
c. The discharge pipe was opened.
d. The cap nut (1) of probe compression gland was set such that the slight resistance was felt on
moving probe.
e. Inlet and outlet valves were opened.
f. The pump was opened and the main cock was slowly opened.
g. Vent valves (2) on water pressure gauge was opened and the outlet cock was closed carefully
until pressure gauges were flushed.
h. Water level in pressure gauges was regulated such that neither upper nor lower range limit

(UL, LL) is overshot or undershot.

i.

Pressures at all measurement points were recorded. Overall pressure probe was the moved to
corresponding measurement level and overall pressure was noted down.

j.

Volumetric flow rate was determined using stopwatch to establish time required for raising
the level in the volumetric tank from 20 to 30 liters.

k. Steps h, i and j were repeated for different flow rate.

Table 1 shows cross section area of venturi tube in the six measurement points.
Table 1 Cross Section Area
Point, i

A, (mm2)

A, (10-4 m2)

338.6

3.386

233.5

2.335

84.60

8.460

170.2

1.702

255.2

2.552

338.6

3.386

Measurement
points

Factors
Hstat. (mm)

205

195

60

145

160

165

Hdyn. (M)

220
0.015

225
0.030

223
0.163

205
0.060

192
0.032

190
0.025

Vmean

0.5425

0.7672

1.7883

1.0850

0.7923

0.7003

Vcalc.

0.5425

0.7672

1.7883

1.0850

0.7923

0.7003

% Diff

91.49

86.71

57.70

112

110

147

Htotal (mm)

Time

Flowrate

(s)

(m3/s)

104.23

Calculations:

We calculated the hdyn , by using the equation:

hdyn = htotal - hstat

As the time, 104.23 s is time taken to fill 10 L of water in tube; The volumetric flow rate
can be determine as follow,

m3/s

As the volumetric flow rate is in meters, it is wise to convert all unit to meter to ease
calculation and reduce error in calculation.

The Vmean can be calculated by using the formula,

2 ghdyn.

The velocity above is the numerical values from experiment; the difference in this value
can be calculated by finding the velocity values from theoretical formula, that is;

2.83348E-01 m/s

The percentage difference of the two velocities can be found by;

2nd set of readings :

Measurement
points

Factors
Hstat. (mm)

175

165

35

120

130160

135

Htotal (mm)

182

180

180

165

155

150

Hdyn. (M)

0.007

0.015

0.145

0.045

0.025

0.015

Vmean

0.3705

0.5425

1.6866

0.9396

0.7003

0.5425

Vcalc.

0.2460

% Diff

50.61

0.3568
52.04

0.9849
71.24

0.4896
91.91

0.3265
114

0.2361
130

Time

Flowrate

(s)

(m3/s)

120.01

8.33264E05 m3/s

Graphs:

Flow Velocity versus Measurement

Points
Flow Velocity m/s

2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0

Points

Flow Velocity versus Measurement

Points
Flow Velocity m/s

2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0

4
Points

Pressure Head versus Measurement

Points
Pressure Head , m

0.25
0.2
0.15
Static
0.1

Total

0.05

Dynamic

0
0

Points

Pressure Heads versus Measurement

Points
Pressure Heads , m

0.2
0.15
Static

0.1

Total

0.05

Dynamic

0
0

4
Points

6.0 Discussion:
Regarding the trend of flow velocity versus measurement points, at first it is known that more the
pressure ,the lesser the velocity and we can prove that from the graph readings we got.At point 1
when the pressure is at the highest ,thats when we have the least velocity,As the curve is at its
lowest point.At point measured 3 ,The curve is at its peak ,indicating that the velocity is the
highest at this point.At point 3 pressure was measured the least so velocity was found out tp be
the highest at that point.In the second set of reading almost the same graph was found,where
point measured 1 had the least velocity compared to point measured 3.
In comparison between pressure heads and measurement points. It is said that total heads shall
remain constant. According to the results achieved there is a slight difference among total heads
and not exactly constant but since readings are in millimeter these differences can be negligible.
As for static heads, it decreases to a minimum value where the diameter is the smallest (point 3),
with an increase as it passes through the narrow. Last but not least is the dynamic head pressure.
As fluid flows to the throat or neck ( the smallest diameter area) fluid is therefore disturbed and
now it is the highest while before and after passing the constriction area the fluid is said to be
undisturbed thus, low pressure.

7.0 Conclusion:
At the end of the experiment, Bernoullis principle was investigated. Flow
velocities trends were observed. It is found that velocity will tend to increase at narrow area
compared to wider area, and pressure will decrease so it is an inverse relationship between

velocity and pressure in terms of diameter changes.Another conclusion involving the behavior of
pressure heads where static pressure decreases as passing through a smaller diameter while it is
the opposite for dynamic pressure as it inceaes.. Total heads as explained normally stays
constant. There are some factors which may have affected the final results and therefore the
graph sketches. Those factors can be either reading errors by the observer when observing the
manometers, or a fluctuating in manometers readings due to lack of control at inlet and discharge
valves.For better results, an observer shall make sure to have a parallel sight when taking notes
of the heads shown in the manometers. Make sure to have a better control of inlet and outlet
valves in order to have all manometers at normal states and not overflowing or having bubbles to
have more accurate and stable readings.

8.0 Refrences:

Bernoulli's Principle. Available:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernoulli's_principle. Last accessed 8th
nov 2012

Howtowithmanish. (2014). Bernoulli's Principle. Available:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Bernoullis-Principle/step10/PracticalApplications-Race-Car/. Last accessed 8th nov 2012

Rama Durgaiah, 2002, Fluid Mechanics and Machinery, 1st Edition, New
Age International (P) Ltd, India

R.K. Bansal 1983, A Textbook of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic

Machines, 1st Edition, Laxmi Publications (P) Ltd, India.