OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT

AYELEDZUI ROBERT 01202197D

LAWERTEH JENNIFER 01205507D
ATTA PHILIP OFORI 01202459D
AMOAKO OSEI ERNEST 01203782D
ASIEDU HERODETUS 01201929 D
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT

CONTENT
 TITLE
 ABSTRACT
 INTRODUCTION
 PRACTICAL APPLICATION
 OBJECTIVE
 METHOD
 EQUIPMENT
 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
 APPARATUS
 THEORY
 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
 PROCEDURE
 RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS
 RESULTS
 OBSERVE TABLE
 SAMPLE CALCULATIONS
 DERIVED TABLE
 GRAPHS
 PRECAUTIONS
 RECOMMENDATIONS
 REPORT
 CONCLUTION
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ABSTRACT

Osborne Raynolds experiment is used to investigate the characteristics of

the flow of the liquid in apipe which is alos used to determine the
Raynolds number for each state of the flow. The design of the apparatus
allowed studying the characteristics of the flow of the fluid in the pipe,
the behaviour of the flow and also to calculate the range for the laminar,
transitional and turbulent flow where the calculations is used to prove the
Raynolds number is dimensionless by using the Raynolds number
formula.
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT
INTRODUCTION

In nature and in laboratory experiments, flow may occur under two very
different regimes: laminar and turbulent. In laminar flows, fluid particles
move in layers, sliding over each other, causing a small energy exchange to
occur between layers. Laminar flow occurs in fluids with high viscosity,
moving at slow velocity. The turbulent flow, on the other hand, is
characterized by random movements and intermixing of fluid particles, with
a great exchange of energy throughout the fluid. This type of flow occurs in
fluids with low viscosity and high velocity. The dimensionless Reynolds
number is used to classify the state of flow. The Reynolds Number
Demonstration is a classic experiment, based on visualizing flow behavior
by slowly and steadily injecting dye into a pipe. This experiment was first
performed by Osborne Reynolds in the late nineteenth [Link] apparatus
allows the experiment to visualize the flow and determine whether it is
laminar, transitional or turbulent. An overflow tank maintains a constant
pressure head on the flow tube while rate is controlled via globe valve at the
outlet.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The Reynolds number has many practical applications, as it provides

engineers with immediate information about the state of flow throughout
pipes, streams, and soils, helping them apply the proper relationships to
solve the problem at hand. It is also very useful for dimensional analysis and
similitude.  As an example, if forces acting on a ship need to be studied in
the laboratory for design purposes, the Reynolds number of the flow acting
on the model in the lab and on the prototype in the field should be the same.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this lab experiment is to illustrate laminar, transitional,

and fully turbulent flows in a pipe, and to determine under which
conditions each flow regime occurs and the Osborne Reynolds
Experiment is to illustrate laminar, transitional and turbulent pipe flow
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT
rates and to determine the conditions under which these types of flow
occurs. The examples of flow that we should get from the experiment are

Laminar flow is a types of flow in which the flow of particles flow in a

streamline parallel to one another gliding smoothly over one another in
the direction of flow.

Turbulent flow is a type of flow which the fluid particles moves in a

disorderly manner or move in a chaotic manner.

Transitional flow is when the flow changes from laminar to turbulent or

vice versa a disturbance is created, it is called as the transitional flow.

METHOD

The visualization of flow behavior will be performed by slowly and steadily

injecting dye into a pipe. The state of the flow (laminar, transitional, and
turbulent) will be visually determined and compared with the results from
the calculation of the Reynolds number.

EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is required to perform the Reynolds number

experiment:

hydraulics bench,

The Reynolds demonstration apparatus,

Cylinder for measuring flow,

Stopwatch for timing the flow measurement, and

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION

The equipment includes a vertical head tank that provides a constant head of
water through a bellmouth entry to the flow visualization glass pipe. Stilling
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT
media (marbles) are placed inside the tank to tranquilize the flow of water
entering the pipe. The discharge through this pipe is regulated by a control
valve and can be measured using a measuring cylinder. The flow velocity,
therefore, can be determined to calculate Reynolds number. A dye reservoir
is mounted on top of the head tank, from which a blue dye can be injected
into the water to enable observation of flow conditions

Armfield Reynolds apparatus

APPARATUS AND MATERIAL

Material
1. Water
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT
Apparatus
1. Beaker
2. Stop watch

3. Osborne Raynolds Apparatus

 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT

THEORY

Flow behavior in natural or artificial systems depends on which forces

(inertia, viscous, gravity, surface tension, etc.) predominate. In slow-moving
laminar flows, viscous forces are dominant, and the fluid behaves as if the
layers are sliding over each other. In turbulent flows, the flow behavior is
chaotic and changes dramatically, since the inertial forces are more
significant than the viscous forces.

In this experiment, the dye injected into a laminar flow will form a clear
well-defined line. It will mix with the water only minimally, due to
molecular diffusion. When the flow in the pipe is turbulent, the dye will
rapidly mix with the water, due to the substantial lateral movement and
energy exchange in the flow. There is also a transitional stage between
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT
laminar and turbulent flows, in which the dye stream will wander about and
show intermittent bursts of mixing, followed by a more laminar behavior.

The Reynolds number (Re), provides a useful way of characterizing the

flow.  It is defined as:

where is the kinematic viscosity of the water v is the mean flow velocity
and d is the diameter of the pipe.

The Reynolds number is a dimensionless parameter that is the ratio of the

inertial (destabilizing) force to the viscosity (stabilizing) force.
As Re increases, the inertial force becomes relatively larger, and the flow
destabilizes and becomes fully turbulent.

The Reynolds experiment determines the critical Reynolds number for pipe
flow at which laminar flow becomes transitional and the transitional flow
becomes turbulent (Re>4000). The advantage of using a critical Reynolds
number, instead of critical velocity, is that the results of the experiments are
applicable to all Newtonian fluid flows in pipes with a circular cross-section.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

PROCEDURE
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT
 Ensure that the test i.e. the vertical positioning of the Reynold apparatus
is fixed on vibration free
 Attach the bell mouth entry carefully and add marble
 Connect the bench outflow to the head tank inlet
 Connect the bench tank to the hydraulic bench volumetric tank
 Start the pump, slightly open the flow valve and the bench will fill the
system with water
 Check that the flow visualization pipe is properly filled
 Once the water level in the tank reaches the overflow tube, adjust the
bench control valve to produce low overflow rate
 Check that the dye control valve is closed, add dye until it is two –third
 Open the valve to check for free flow
 Use stylus to clean needle, if study the flow of dye cannot be established
 Mount the dye injector
 Adjust bench valve and apparatus control valve

Set up the equipment as follows:

Position the Reynolds apparatus on a fixed, vibration-free surface (not on the

hydraulics bench), and ensure that the base is horizontal and the test section
is vertical.

Connect the bench outflow to the head tank inlet pipe.

Place the head tank overflow tube in the volumetric tank of the hydraulics
bench.

Attach a small tube to the apparatus flow control valve, and clamp it to a
fixed position in a sink in the lab, allowing enough space below the end of
the tube to insert a measuring cylinder. The outflow should not be returned
to the volumetric tank since it contains dye and will taint the flow
visualisation.

Note that any movement of the outflow tube during a test will cause changes
in the flow rate, since it is driven by the height difference between the head
tank surface and the outflow point.

Start the pump, slightly open the apparatus flow control valve and the bench
valve, and allow the head tank to fill with water. Make sure that the flow
visualisation pipe is properly filled. Once the water level in the head tank
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT
reaches the overflow tube, adjust the bench control valve to produce a low
overflow rate.

Ensuring that the dye control valve is closed, add the blue dye to the dye
reservoir until it is about 2/3 full.

Attach the needle, hold the dye assembly over a lab sink, and open the valve
to ensure that there is a free flow of dye.

Close the dye control valve, then mount the dye injector on the head tank
and lower the injector until the tip of the needle is slightly above the
bellmouth and is centered on its axis.

Adjust the bench valve and flow control valve to return the overflow rate to a
small amount, and allow the apparatus to stand for at least five minutes

Adjust the flow control valve to reach a slow trickle outflow, then adjust the
dye control valve until a slow flow with clear dye indication is achieved.

Measure the flow volumetric rate by timed water collection.

Observe the flow patterns, take pictures, or make hand sketches as needed to
classify the flow regime.

Increase the flow rate by opening the flow control valve. Repeat the
experiment to visualize transitional flow and then, at higher flow rates,
turbulent flow, as characterized by continuous and very rapid mixing of the
dye. Try to observe each flow regime two or three times, for a total of eight
readings.

As the flow rate increases, adjust the bench valve to keep the water level
constant in the head tank.

Note that at intermediate flows, it is possible to have a laminar characteristic

in the upper part of the test section, which develops into transitional flow
lower down. This upper section behavior is described as an “inlet length
flow,” which means that the boundary layer has not yet extended across the
pipe radius.

Measure water temperature.

Return the remaining dye to the storage container. Rinse the dye reservoir
thoroughly to ensure that no dye is left in the valve, injector, or needle.
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT
RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS

The following dimensions of the equipment are used in the appropriate

calculations. If required, measure them to make sure that they are accurate

Diameter of test pipe: d = 0.010 m

Cross-sectional area of test pipe: A =7.854×10-5 m2

RESULTS
1. Slightly open the valve flow, while the bench is adjusted produce a slow
trickle through the overflow pipe
2. Adjust the dye control valve
A. In order to observe the velocity profile in laminar flow, close the
bench valve and open the dye control valve to deposit a drop of dye
at the bell mouth entry. When the outlet control valve is open
observe the dye as it deforms to take up a three dimensional
parabolic profile.
B. Measure the volume flow rate by opening the apparatus flow valve
and repeat the dye injections to visualize.
Use the following table to record your measurements and observations

Raw Data Table

Observe table:

Volume collected ( m3 ) Time (s) Temperature (⁰C) Pipe Area( m²)

3 × 10-3 20 25 7.854× 10-5
3× 10-3 48 25 7.854 × 10-5
3 × 10-3 53 25 7.854 × 10-5
3 × 10-3 71 25 7.854 × 10-5
3× 10-3 130 25 7.854 × 10-5

Sample Calculations:
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT
Time (s) Volume flow rate ( m3/s ) Kinematic Viscosity (106 × Reynolds number ( R=
m /s )
2 ud
volume pipe area ∀
V= time K= time volume rate
U= pipe area 48

√
D = pipe area× 4
π
D = 0.01m
. ∀ = kinematic viscosity

20 V=
3× 10−3
K=
7.854 ×10−5 1.5 × 10−4
20 20
U=
7.854 ×10−5
= 1.5 ×10−4 = 3.927×10−6 U = 1.91 m/s
1.91× 0.01
R= ¿ 3.927

R = 4863.8

48 3× 10−3 7.854 ×10−5 6.25 ×10−5

V= K= U= −5
48 48 7.854 ×10
= 6.25 ×10−5 = 1.636×10−6 U = 0.80 m/s
o .80 ×0.01
R ==
1.636× 10−6

R = 4907.9
53 V=
3× 10−3
K=
7.854 ×10 −5
¿ 5.66× 10−5
53 53
U=
7.854 ×10−5
= 5.66 ×10−5 = 1.482×10−6
U = 0.72m /s
0.72× 0.01
R == −6
1.482×10

R = 4858.3
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT

Derived table:
Volume collected Time to Temperature Pipe Area Volume Kinematics Reynolds
(m3 ) collect (⁰ C ) ( m2 ) flow rate Viscosity number
(s) (m3 /s ) (10 ×m /s) ( Re)
6 2

3 ×10
−3
20 25 7.854× 1.5 ×10−4 3.927 4863.8
10-5 ×10
−6

3 ×10
−3
48 25 7.854× 6.25 1.636 4889.9
10-5 ×10
−5
×10
−6

3 ×10
−3
53 25 7.854× 1.482 4858.3
10-5 5.66 ×10−5 ×10−6

3 ×10
−3
71 25 7.854× 4.23 1.106 4801.3
10-5 ×10
−5
×10
−6

3 × 10-3 130 25 7.854× 2.31 0.604×10−6 4801.3

10-5 ×10
−5
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT

Precautions
 Close the drain plug
 Use clean water
 Carefully open the inlet valve
 Fill the reservoir with water
 Carefully make reading to enable good classification

Recommendations

Based on this experiment, there are many ways to improve the

experiment and obtain the best results. Firstly, the experiment should be
repeated three times in order to get average readings.

REPORT

1. Use the template provided to prepare your lab report for this experiment.
Your report should include the following:
2. Table(s) of raw data
3. Table(s) of results
 OSBORNE RAYNOLD EXPERIMENT
4. A description, with illustrative sketches or photos, of the flow
characteristics of each experimental run.
5. Discuss your results, focusing on the following:
6. How is the flow pattern of each of the three states of flow (laminar,
transitional, and turbulent) different?
7. Does the observed flow condition occur within the expected Reynold’s
number range for that condition?

Conclusions
The laminar flow occurs when the fluid is flowing in a streamline and
turbulent occurs when it is flowing in a chaotic manner and transitional is
in between.
From the experiment, only turbulent flow was recorded, that is, the
Reynolds Number was over 4000

Under most practical conditions, the flow in a circular pipe is laminar for
Re ≤ 2300. Turbulent for Re ≥ 4000 and transitional in between.
Re ≤ 2300 Laminar flow
2300 ≤ Re ≤ 4000 transitional flow
Re ≥ 4000 turbulent flow