Course Notes in Fluid Mechanics University of Benghazi

Dr. Husam Elghannay Faculty of Engineering

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VISCOUS FLOW IN PIPES

For all flows involved in this chapter, we assume that the pipe is completely filled
with the fluid being transported.
The flow of a fluid in a pipe may be laminar flow or it may be turbulent flow.
Osborne Reynolds, a British scientist and mathematician, was the first to distinguish
the difference between these two classifications of flow by using a simple apparatus
as shown in Fig. 8.3a. In laminar flow the motion of the particles of fluid is very
orderly with all particles moving in straight lines parallel to the pipe walls.

Reynolds saw that this expression

.u.d/
where  = density, u = mean velocity, d = diameter and m = viscosity
would help predict the change in flow type. If the value is less than about 2000 then
flow is laminar, if greater than 4000 then turbulent and in between these then in the
transition zone.
This value is known as the Reynolds number, Re:
Re =u.d/
Laminar flow: Re < 2000
Transitional flow: 2000 < Re < 4000
Turbulent flow: Re > 4000

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Spring 2020 Page 1 of 8
Course Notes in Fluid Mechanics University of Benghazi
Dr. Husam Elghannay Faculty of Engineering
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HEAD LOSS IN PIPE SYSTEM

In any pipe system there is a head loss due to friction (hf) and there are additional loss
called minor losses due to:
1. Pipe entrance or exit.
2. Sudden expansion or contraction
3. Bends, elbows, tees and other fittings
4. Valves, (open or partially closed)
5. Gradual expansions, or contractions
The general formula of the energy equation (including losses in the system) is:

𝑃1 𝑉12 𝑃2 𝑉22
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2 + ℎ𝑠 + ℎ𝐿
𝛾 2 𝛾 2
hL=hf+hm
where:
hm is the minor head losses in the pipe system

𝑉2
ℎ𝑚 = ∑ 𝑘.
2𝑔
Where k is the loss coefficient of the valve, elbow,.. etc.
And hf, is the friction loss:

𝐿 𝑉2
ℎ𝑓 = (𝑓 )
𝑑 2𝑔
Where f is the friction factor, L is the length of the pipe, and d is the pipe diameter.
The friction factor for laminar flow in pipe (Re < 2300) is function only of Reynolds
number:
f = 64.0/ReD

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Course Notes in Fluid Mechanics University of Benghazi
Dr. Husam Elghannay Faculty of Engineering
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For turbulent flow (Re> 4000 ) the friction factor is function of both the Reynolds
number and the surface roughness of the pipe. And can be given by:
1 6.9 𝜀/𝑑 1.11
≈ −1.8 𝑙𝑜𝑔 [ +( ) ] ( Haaland Formula)
𝑓1/2 𝑅𝑒𝑑 3.7

/d is the relative roughness of the pipe material

Alternatively Moody chart can be used

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‫‪Course Notes in Fluid Mechanics‬‬ ‫‪University of Benghazi‬‬
‫‪Dr. Husam Elghannay‬‬ ‫‪Faculty of Engineering‬‬
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‫‪Course Notes in Fluid Mechanics‬‬ ‫‪University of Benghazi‬‬
‫‪Dr. Husam Elghannay‬‬ ‫‪Faculty of Engineering‬‬
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Course Notes in Fluid Mechanics University of Benghazi
Dr. Husam Elghannay Faculty of Engineering
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Example 2: Water is to flow at a rate of 1.0 m3/s through a rough concrete pipe ( = 3
mm) that connects two ponds. Determine the pipe diameter if the elevation difference
between the two ponds is 10 m and the pipe length is 1000 m. Neglect minor losses.

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Course Notes in Fluid Mechanics University of Benghazi
Dr. Husam Elghannay Faculty of Engineering
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Home Work:

(ans., hf = 117 m, p= 265000 Pa)

Q.1) Water ( = 1.21×10-5 ft2/s) flows from the container shown in Fig. Q.1.
Determine the loss coefficient needed in the valve if the water is to "bubble up" 3 in
above the outlet pipe. Knowing that the loss coefficients for fittings are: kent=0.2,
kelbow=1.5. (ans. Kvalve=5.68)

The loss coefficient for the sharp-edged entrance is 0.5, and for the fully opened globe valve
is 6.9. (Ans. P = 840 W)

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‫‪Course Notes in Fluid Mechanics‬‬ ‫‪University of Benghazi‬‬
‫‪Dr. Husam Elghannay‬‬ ‫‪Faculty of Engineering‬‬
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‫)‪(D ≈ 0.491 ft‬‬

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