FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE WATER ENGINEERING LABORATORY

COURSE CODE ECW341
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0
CATEGORY Traditional
DEGREE OF OPEN
0
ENDED
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK
LAB NO 2.4
TITLE APPLICATION OF BERNOULLI EQUATION

INTRODUCTION

The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities (assigned as Level

0) will not be able to provide the avenue for students to enhance independent
learning activities and inculcate creativity and innovation. The traditional
method is fully prescriptive where the three elements namely problem, ways
& means and answers are provided/fully given to the students.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the test is:

PREAMBLE
To verify experimentally the validity of Bernoulli’s Theorem for fluid flow under
steady condition.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the laboratory works, students should be able to:

i) Conduct and construct the application of Bernoulli Equation laboratory

experiments. (CO1 – PO4)
ii) Analyze and interpret the data based on obtained data. (CO2 – PO6)

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

In these laboratory activities students will be exposed to the Bernoulli’s

principle, which is normally known as Bernoulli’s equation, defines the
conservation of energy in terms of non-viscous, incompressible and frictionless
fluid in steady flow. By considering two points, 1 and 2, on a streamline:
p1 v2 p v2
ρg
+ 2g1 + z1 = ρg2 + 2g2 + z2 (1)
The term in equation 9.1 represents the pressure head (𝑝⁄𝜌𝑔), velocity head
(𝑣 2 ⁄2𝑔) and vertical elevation (𝑧). The sum these three terms is known as the

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 FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

total head or total energy. When the locations of the points 1 and 2 in the pipe
are in the same datum position where 𝑧1 = 𝑧2 and
𝑝 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ, Bernoulli’s equation can be written as:
v12 v22 (2)
h1 + = h2 +
2g 2g
The total pressure head, H can be measured from a probe with an end hole
facing into the flow such that it brings the flow to rest locally at the probe end.
Thus;
v2 (3)
H=h+
2g
The velocity of the flow is measured by measuring the volume of the flow, V,
over time period, t. This gives the rate of volume flow as;
V (4)
Q=
t

Students are required to perform experiment to measure the pressure head,

PROBLEM STATEMENT calculate velocity head and the total head and thus verify the Bernoulli’s
Theorem. Prove that the Total Head is constant for each point of observation.

APPARATUS

i) Bernoulli’s Theorem Demonstration Unit as shown in Figure 1

WAYS AND MEANS ii) Hydraulic bench
iii) Measuring cylinder
iv) Stopwatch

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 FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

Figure 1 Bernoulli’s Theorem Demonstration Unit

PROCEDURE
GENERAL START-UP PROCEDURE.

i) Locate the apparatus on the flat top of the bench.

ii) Fill water into the water tank of the hydraulic bench until approximately
90% full.
iii) Connect a flexible inlet tube using the quick release coupling in the bed
of the channel
iv) Connect a flexible hose to the outlet and make sure that it is directed
into the channel.
v) Partially open the discharge valve at the Bernoulli’s Theorem
Demonstration unit.
vi) Fully close the bench valve then switch on the pump.
vii) Gradually open bench valve and allow the piping system, venturi tube
and manometer tube to fill with water until all air has been expelled from
the system
viii) Check for “trapped bubbles” in the glass manometer tube as well as
plastic transfer tube. It needs to be removed for better accuracy.
Unscrew air bleed screw to allow fluid and trapped air to escape out.
Take care not to wet yourself and the premise.
ix) At this point, you can see water flowing into the venturi meter and
discharge into collection tank of hydraulic bench.
x) Proceed to increase the water flowrate by adjusting bench valve. When
the flow is steady and no bubble trapped, close discharge valve to
reduce the flow
xi) You will see water level in manometer tubes begin to display different
water height.
xii) If the water level in manometer too low, increase static pressure by
opening bench valve.

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 FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING DIPLOMA IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

xiii) If the water level in manometer too high, decrease static pressure by
opening discharge valve.
xiv) Actual flowrate can be measured using measuring cylinder and
stopwatch.

TO VERIFY BERNOULLI’S THEOREM

i) Perform the General Start-up Procedure A.

ii) Ensure that the apparatus is leveled properly by using adjustable foot
screws, thus Z1 = Z2.
iii) Record the diameter of the venturi tube at each point and measure the
distance from the first manometer tube to the other manometer tube.
Ensure that the bench valve and the discharge valve are closed and
start the pump.
iv) Gradually open the bench valve to fill the manometer with water and
make sure there is no air trapped in each manometer.
v) Adjust the bench valves and discharge valve and re-tighten the
discharge valve when the manometer levels reach a convenient
height.
vi) Then, open the discharge valve in order to give a convenient
difference between the highest and lowest manometer levels and take
the level reading of all tubes (1 to 6).
vii) Take three sets of reading for volume and time in order to get the
average flow rate through the system.
viii) Repeat step 6 and 7 by adjusting the discharge valve to give high and
low flow rates for both highest and lowest static pressure.

Each group is required to submit a technical report of the laboratory result

highlighting the analysis carry out. The analysis should include the application
of Bernoulli’s Theorem:

i) All readings and data from the experiment should be tabulated

accordingly.
ii) Show the sample calculation of discharge and total head at each
RESULTS
experiment
iii) Plot the graph of pressure head (h), velocity head (v2/2g), and total head
versus horizontal distance in a single graph sheet for each experiment.

Discuss your results and findings from the data analysis. Based on the graph,
comment the changes of pressure head (h), velocity head (v2/2g) and total head
to the changes of cross sectional area of pipe. Comment the validity of the
Bernoulli’s equation, factors affecting the accuracy of this experiment and its
applications in civil engineering. Conclude your findings in the experiment

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