NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
Fluid Mechanics
Lab
Submitted by:
Syed Shahzaib Iqbal
CMS:508129
Group
3 ME-
16(A)
Date: 2/8/2026
Submitted to:
Lab Engineer Sir Rizwan Farooq
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
Experiment Title:
“Determination of Volumetric Flow Rate Using
Hydraulic bench”
Abstract
This experiment was performed to determine the volumetric flow rate of
water supplied by a pump into a bathtub. Water was allowed to flow
through a pipe into the tub at different pump speeds. The rise in water
volume was measured using a volume gauge attached to the bathtub
while time was recorded using a digital stopwatch. After that we
increase the speed of pump, From the change in volume and time the
volumetric flow rate was calculated. The experiment helped in
understanding the relation between pump speed time and volumetric
flow rate.
Objectives
To develop a clear understanding of manual volumetric
flow rate measurement using a hydraulic bench.
To experimentally determine the effect of control valve opening
on the discharge rate of water.
To establish and graph the relationship between valve position and
volumetric flow rate.
To enhance practical knowledge of fluid flow behavior in
laboratory-scale hydraulic systems.
Theory
Electric Motor
An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy in the
form of rotational motion. This rotation is transmitted to the pump shaft and
impeller. The speed of the motor directly affects the rotational speed of the
impeller and hence the energy transferred to the fluid.
Hydraulic Benches:
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
A hydraulic bench is an important laboratory apparatus used in fluid
mechanics to provide a controlled and continuous water supply for
experiments. It is a compact, self-contained unit suitable for both teaching
and research purposes.
The main components of a hydraulic bench include a sump tank that stores
water, a centrifugal pump that circulates water to experimental setups, a
control valve for adjusting flow rate, and a measuring tank with a graduated
scale to determine volumetric flow rate by measuring collected water over
time.
Hydraulic benches are commonly used to study flow characteristics, determine
flow coefficients, verify Bernoulli’s theorem, and analyze head losses in pipe
systems.
Overall, the hydraulic bench plays a key role in understanding fluid
behavior and practical hydraulic system analysis.
Calibration:
Calibration plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of
experimental measurements. Any miscalibration in instruments such as
measuring cylinders or stopwatches can lead to incorrect volume or time
readings, which directly affect flow rate calculations. Even small systematic
errors can distort the relationship between valve opening and discharge
rate. In this experiment, a zero error of 2.8 liters was identified in the
measuring cylinder and was accounted for during data analysis. Regular
calibration minimizes experimental uncertainty and enhances the credibility
of results.
Volumetric Flow Rate
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
Volumetric flow rate is defined as the volume
ΔV
of fluid flowing per unit time and is given by
Δt
Q=
Where
Q = volumetric flow rate
ΔV = change in volume of water
Δt = corresponding time interval
The significance of volumetric flow rate spans a wide range of engineering
applications. In hydraulic and mechanical systems, it governs the efficient
operation of pumps, turbines, and pipelines. In water supply and irrigation
networks, accurate determination of flow rate is essential for ensuring
equitable and efficient distribution of water resources.
Apparatus
Centrifugal Pump: Used to move fluid through the system by
converting rotational energy into fluid flow.
Hydraulic Bench: Served as the main experimental setup
providing a controlled and continuous water supply.
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
Stopwatch (Chronometer): Used to accurately measure the time
taken for water collection.
Graduated Measuring Cylinder: Used to measure the
volume of water collected during each trial.
Procedure
The bathtub was placed on a level surface and connected to
the pump through a pipe
The volume gauge on the bathtub was checked and initial volume was
noted
The pump was switched on at minimum speed
ΔV = V_final − V_initial
The change in volume was calculated using
The volumetric flow rate was obtained by dividing the change in
volume by the measured time.
At the same time the stopwatch was started
Water was allowed to flow into the bathtub
After a specific time interval the pump and stopwatch were stopped
Final volume was noted from the gauge in Liters
The procedure was repeated by increasing the pump speed gradually
Volume and time readings were recorded for each speed setting
Record a minimum of five readings, keeping the speed constant while
varying the flow rate, to fully characterize pump performance
Observations
Time was recorded in seconds using a digital stopwatch
Volume was recorded in liters from the bathtub gauge
Multiple readings were taken at different pump speeds
Sample Calculations:
Data:
Initial volume: 𝑉1 = 2.8 L
Final volume: 𝑉2 = 7.6 L
Initial time: 𝑡1 = 0 s
Final time: 𝑡2 = 12.94 s
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
Calculate volumetric flow rate in L/s:
The volumetric flow rate 𝑄is:
𝑄=Δ 𝑉2 − 𝑉1
=
𝑉 𝑡2 − 𝑡1
Δ
𝑡
𝑄 = 7.6 − 2.8= 4.8
≈ 0.3709 L/s
12.94 − 0 12.9
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Convert to m³/s:
Since 1 L = 10−3 m3:
𝑄 = 0.3709 L/s × 10−3 = 3.709 × 10−4 m³/s
So the sample calculation shows:
𝑄 = 0.3709 L/s = 3.709 × 10−4
m³/s
Formula used:
𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 = ∆V
∆t
•
• ∆𝑉 = 𝑉𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑙 − 𝑉𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙
• 1 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑟𝑒 = 0.001 𝑚3
Where,
∆𝑉 is the difference of volume in 𝑚3 t is the time taken in seconds
Calculations
Table Calculations:
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
Knob ΔVolume ΔTime (s) Volumetric Volumetri
(l) Flow Rate c Flow
(l/s) Rate
(m3/s)
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
1 2.8 0 0.3709 3.709×10-4
7.6 12.94
2 7.6 12.94 0.6720 6.720×10-4
16 25.44
3 16 25.44 0.5018 5.018×10-4
21.5 36.4
4 21.5 36.4 0.4720 4.720×10-4
28 50.17
5 28 50.17 0.4477 4.477×10-4
37 70.27
6 37 70.27 0.5968 5.968×10-4
46 85.35
7 46 85.35 0.6036 6.03610-4
55 100.26
8 55 100.26 0.8598 8.598×10-4
68 115.38
ΔV
Volumetric flow rate was calculated using
Δt
Q=
For each reading change in volume was divided by corresponding
change in time Results were expressed in liters per second
Graphs
Volume vs Time graph
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
Flow Rate vs Pump Speed graph
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
Discussion
The experimental results indicate that the volumetric flow rate increases
with an increase in pump speed. This trend agrees with centrifugal pump
theory which states that discharge is directly related to rotational speed.
The volume versus time plots show an approximately linear relationship for
constant pump speed indicating nearly uniform discharge. Minor deviations
in results may be attributed to human reaction time in stopwatch operation
slight variations in motor speed and limitations of volume gauge resolution.
Results
Volumetric flow rate was successfully calculated
Higher pump speed resulted in higher flow rate
1
0
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
The experiment verified basic concepts of fluid flow measurement
Limitations
The experiment was performed under unsteady flow conditions due
to continuous filling of the bathtub which limits the accuracy of
instantaneous flow rate measurement.
Manual operation of the digital stopwatch introduced human reaction
time error during start and stop of readings.
The volume gauge on the bathtub had limited resolution which may have
caused slight inaccuracy in volume measurement.
Minor fluctuations in pump speed could not be completely avoided due
to variations in motor voltage.
Energy losses due to pipe friction bends and minor leakages were
neglected in the analysis.
Improvements
Use of an electronic flow meter would provide more accurate and
continuous measurement of volumetric flow rate.
Automation of time recording using data acquisition systems can
eliminate human reaction time errors.
A constant speed motor with speed controller can be used to
maintain uniform pump speed.
Calibration of the volume gauge before experimentation can reduce
systematic errors.
Using a longer time interval for measurements can improve accuracy
by reducing relative error.
Conclusion
The experiment successfully demonstrated the measurement of
volumetric flow rate using a pump and bathtub arrangement. The
relationship between pump speed volume and time was clearly
observed. This experiment provided practical understanding of flow
rate measurement in fluid mechanics.
Precautions
Ensure no leakage in pipe
connections Start and stop
stopwatch carefully Record
1
1
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
volume readings accurately
(SMME)
1
2
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
(SMME)
Do not operate pump without water
Sources of Error
Delay in starting or stopping
stopwatch Inaccuracy in volume
gauge readings Fluctuation in pump
speed
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