Hazen-Poiseuille equation for

(Major) loss of head (Laminar

flow)
Dr A D Katdare
05/10/2020
Hazen-Poiseuille Equation
• Assumptions Fluid follows Newton’s la of viscosity.
• No slip at boundry (i.e. velocity at boundry will be zero)
• Consider horizontal pipe as shown in the figure below.
Hagen-Poiseulle equation
Let P be the intensity of pressure at left end.
Therefore, pressure intensity at right end, +
Forces acting on element are,
• Shear force, 2 on surface of element
• from left side
• + from right side
For steady flow, net force on element must be zero.

- + - 2 =0
Hazen-Poiseuille Equation
- + - 2 =0
Simplyfying,
=− ….(1)

Above equation (1) indicated that, flow will occur only of pressure
gradient exists in the direction of flow.
But, we know that, at r = 0, =
r = R, = −

Hence, at boundary shear stress is maximum and at center it is zero.

Velocity and shear stress distribution in laminar flow
Hazen-Poiseuille Equation
Now, from Newton’s law of viscosity,
= …..(i) y is measured from boundary
Therefore, y = R – r dy = - dr (R is constant)
Substituting in equation (i), = − ….. (3)

Now, comparing equation (1) and (3),

− =−
Therefore, = . .
Hazen-Poiseuille Equation

= . .

Integrating w.r.t. ‘r’ = + (a)

To determine, value of C, we will use boundary conditions.
At r = R, u = 0
0= + ∴ =
Substituting in (a),
= (! − ) (4)

Equation 4 is a parabola, hence velocity distribution will be parabolic.

 Hazen-Poiseuille Equation
We know that, maximum velocity is at centre,
#$ = (! ) …(5)
From equation (4) and (5),
= 1− (6)
%&'

Equation (6) represents, ratio of velocity at any value to maximum velocity

%&'
Similarly we can find, average velocity as, ) =
+
Therefore, discharge will be given by, * = ! #$
 Hazen-Poiseuille Equation
Now substitute the value of umax in )
- .
)= ! …, =
If pressure between section 1-1 and 2 -2 at a point distance x and x2, from entrance
respectively will be,
- .
/ − 0 = /
1 1
8 )
− − = −
!

− =
8 3 32 3
4 − =
4 4
Hazen-Poiseuille Equation
+
• But, u=(Q/A) and 7 = 4
32 )3 128 *3
− = − =
4 4
Loss of head of terms of velocity Loss of head of terms of discharge

Above two equations are known as Hagen-Poiseuille equation.

Power required to overcome viscous resistance,

8 9
= * (watt)
:
Summary of Hagen- Poiseuille equation
SN Description Equation

1 Shear stress at any point ‘r’ from =−

centre
2 Velocity at any point = . .
3 Maximum velocity #$ = (! )
4 Average velocity 1 −1 ,
)= !
2 4 ,
5 Ratio of max to average velocity %&'
.
=2

6 Pressure difference 32 )3
− =
4
7 Head loss 32 )3
ℎ< =
=4
8 Power required 8 .9
= :
*
Calculation of major head loss
SN Turbulent flow Laminar flow

1 Darcy-Weisbach equation with Darcy-Weisbach equation with

> D.8 >
friction factor f as f = friction factor f as f = 1/F
? ( ?)

Head loss equation, Head loss equation,

@3A @3A
ℎ< = ℎ< =
2B4 2B4

2 --- Hazen-Poiseuille Equation as,

32 3
ℎ< =
=4