INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED

ENGINEERING
ISSN: 2229-838X e-ISSN: 2600-7916 IJIE
Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) 1-6
[Link]

Bernoulli Equation in Practice: A Comparative Analysis of

Pressure Drop in Sudden Enlargements (1 inch to 1 ½
inch)
Alisa Aainaa, Muhammad Farid, Muhammad Redzuan, Umie Amierah,
Wardina Amira
1 Alisa Aainaa binti Kamsari, Fakulti Kejuruteraan Mekanikal dan
Pembuatan/Univesiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia/Parit Raja, 86400, MALAYSIA
2 Muhammad Farid Bin Dulah, Fakulti Kejuruteraan Mekanikal dan
Pembuatan/Univesiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia/Parit Raja, 86400, MALAYSIA
3 Muhammad Redzuan Bin Mohd Yasin, Fakulti Kejuruteraan Mekanikal dan
Pembuatan/Univesiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia/Parit Raja, 86400, MALAYSIA
4 Umie Amierah Binti Che Din, Fakulti Kejuruteraan Mekanikal dan
Pembuatan/Univesiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia/Parit Raja, 86400, MALAYSIA
5 Wardina Amirah Binti Sharizal Izani, Fakulti Kejuruteraan Mekanikal dan
Pembuatan/Univesiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia/Parit Raja, 86400, MALAYSIA

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify the device to measure water
flowrate in a household that is to be designed and tested. The study that
we have conducted above in Fluid Mechanic 1 (BDA 20603) is a very
important study to identify the design and fabricate a flowrate
Keywords measuring apparatus for household usage based on the knowledge we
Flow rate, Bernoulli, Pipe, Pressure gained in BDA 20603. Apparatus that has been tested for validity as a
Drop, Velocity. water flow meter. We will observe the pressure drop by calculating the
flow rate at two points in sudden enlarge device and compare the result
with the Bernoulli equation as the theoretical reading. In conclusion,
we can see how the Bernoulli equation works in real life.

1. Introduction
In fluid mechanics, the term "suddenly enlarge" refers to a situation where the cross-sectional area of a fluid flow
increases abruptly, leading to significant changes in flow behavior. This abrupt expansion typically causes flow
separation, energy losses due to turbulence, and the formation of a recirculation zone downstream of the
enlargement. A diffuser in fluid mechanics is a device designed to reduce the velocity of a fluid while increasing
its static pressure as it flows through a gradually expanding cross-sectional area. Diffusers are commonly used in
applications like turbines, compressors and HVAC systems to recover pressure energy from the flow. The gradual
expansion minimizes flow separation and turbulence, optimizing energy efficiency and preventing excessive
energy losses. Diffusers are typically analyzed using principles of fluid dynamics, including the continuity equation
and Bernoulli's principle. The performance of a diffuser is often evaluated in terms of pressure recovery and flow
uniformity.

According to fluid mechanics, an abrupt expansion of a pipe results in a substantial shift in pressure and energy
loss since the flow is disrupted. According to the continuity equation, the fluid's velocity falls as it moves from a
smaller to a bigger cross-sectional area. Bernoulli's equation states that this drop in velocity causes the static
pressure to rise. Nevertheless, the transition is not seamless; the sudden change in geometry causes flow
separation, turbulence, and the development of eddies in the pipe's larger section. Known as head loss or pressure
drop, this irreversible loss of mechanical energy results from the energy dissipated by these turbulent eddies. The
pressure drop in a sudden enlargement is influenced by the difference in velocities before and after the
enlargement. The velocities in the smaller and larger sections of the pipe are respectively to the acceleration due
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.
 2 Int. Journal of Integrated Engineering Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) p. 1-6

to gravity. The pressure recovery after the enlargement is limited because a portion of the energy is converted
into heat and sound due to turbulence. As a result, while the static pressure rises, it does not fully compensate for
the energy lost to turbulence.

So, for our objective in this project is to:

1. Determine the pressure drop.

2. Determine the flow rate at both pipes.
3. Compare the result using Bernoulli equation and the real-life problem.

(a)
Fig. 1 (a) Diffuser

(b)
Fig. 1 (b) Flow inside sudden enlarge

2. Theoretical Background
A fundamental concept in fluid mechanics, the Bernoulli Equation defines how a fluid moves along a streamline
and is derived from the conservation of energy. The sum of the pressure energy, kinetic energy per unit volume,
and potential energy per unit volume for an incompressible, non-viscous fluid stay constant during the flow. The
following is a mathematical expression for this principle:

𝑃 𝑣2
+ + 𝑧 =constant (1)
𝜌𝑔 2𝑔

To ensure that the fluid's properties do not change over time at any given location along the streamline, the
equation is predicated on the assumptions that the fluid is perfect, meaning it does not experience energy losses
due to internal friction (viscosity), and the flow is steady. Furthermore, Newton's laws of motion are assumed to
control the system, and the flow is assumed to be irrotational, indicating that there are no swirling motions or
vortices inside the fluid, according to the Bernoulli Equation.

The Bernoulli Equation is utilized in real-world applications to assess a variety of engineering systems, such as
hydraulic systems, airfoils, and pipelines. It describes how a decrease in pressure and an increase in fluid velocity
happen at the same time, or vice versa. This phenomenon has important ramifications for fields like
hydrodynamics, where it helps design effective water distribution systems, and aerodynamics, where it helps
explain how lift is generated on airplane wings. Corrections and modifications of the Bernoulli Equation enable
more precise modeling of real-world fluids with viscosity and turbulence, even as its accuracy decreases in those
situations.
 3 Int. Journal of Integrated Engineering Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) p. 1-6

Although the Bernoulli Equation is a useful tool, its applicability to certain fluid flow conditions is limited by a
number of restrictions. One of its main drawbacks is that it assumes that the fluid is incompressible, which means
it cannot be used with compressible fluids like gases in situations where density varies greatly, such as in high-
speed flows or at high elevations. Furthermore, because the equation is developed assuming that the fluid is
viscous, it does not take frictional energy losses into account, which reduces its accuracy for fluids that behave
viscously in the actual world.

Additionally, the equation assumes constant flow, which means that at any point along the streamline, the fluid's
characteristics such as pressure and velocity do not alter over time. It is therefore inapplicable to transient flows
when these characteristics change over time. Additionally, the Bernoulli Equation is not appropriate for assessing
flow fields where streamlines diverge, converge, or intersect because it only applies along a single streamline.

The assumption that the fluid particles are not undergoing rotational motion or vorticity, or irrotational flow, is
another drawback. Because rotating effects become important in flows with turbulence or vortices, this limits its
application. Additionally, the calculation ignores outside influences that could change the fluid system's energy
balance, like those brought on by pumps, fans, or mechanical labor.

Finally, heat transfer and other thermal phenomena that may affect fluid density and pressure are not taken into
consideration by the Bernoulli Equation. For this reason, it is not appropriate for flows, such thermodynamic or
compressible flow systems, where temperature variations are crucial.

Since it can explain the relationship between pressure, velocity, and elevation in fluid flows, the Bernoulli Equation
has many uses in many branches of science and engineering. It is most frequently used in aerodynamics to explain
how lift is produced on airplane wings. The faster airflow over the wing's top surface results in a lower pressure
than the bottom, which pushes the wing upward. It is also utilized in the design of Venturi meters, which use
pressure differentials at narrowed pipe segments to monitor the fluid flow rate in pipelines.

The Bernoulli Equation, which ensures effective flow through pipes, pumps, and valves, is used in hydrodynamics
to build and analyze water distribution systems. It is also utilized to comprehend how siphons, which move fluids
over elevation changes by using pressure differences, work. Another use is in internal combustion engine
carburetor design, where it helps regulate fuel and air mixing by utilizing pressure drops in a narrower path.

By measuring velocity and pressure variations, the equation is further used in medical domains, such as the
analysis of blood flow in arteries, where it helps diagnose diseases like arterial stenosis. It is also utilized in the
functioning of apparatuses that use pressure differentials to transform liquids into fine sprays, such as atomizers
and spray nozzles. The Bernoulli Equation offers a useful framework for comprehending and maximizing fluid
flow in these and numerous other real-world systems, despite its romanticized presumptions.

The mass of fluid moving through a specific cross-section in a particular amount of time is measured by the mass
flow rate. It is essential to the continuity equation, which is frequently used to study fluid flow in conjunction with
the Bernoulli equation.

In the analysis of fluid systems, the mass flow rate is essential. The fluid velocity at various places in the system
can be computed using the continuity equation if the mass flow rate and pipe size are known. The velocities can
then be entered into the Bernoulli equation to assess the energy changes in the system in terms of pressure,
velocity, and elevation. Fluid flow in hydraulic systems and pipelines must be understood and optimized using
this method.

Mass flow rate:

(2)
𝑚̇ = 𝜌𝑄 = 𝜌𝐴𝑣
Continuity equation:
(3)
𝜌1 𝐴1 𝑣1 = 𝜌2 𝐴2 𝑣2

𝑘𝑔
• 𝑚̇ = mass flow rate ( 𝑠 )
𝑘𝑔
• 𝜌 = density (𝑚3 )
• 𝐴 = area (𝑚 2 )
𝑚3
• 𝑄 = volume flow rate ( )
𝑠
• 𝑣 = volume (𝑚 3 )
 4 Int. Journal of Integrated Engineering Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) p. 1-6

3. Problem and solution

Fluid transport systems are an essential part of daily life, which is commonly found in water distribution systems
in homes, industrial pipelines fluid transport and HVAC systems. In these systems, the flow of liquids or gases is
often disrupted by sudden changes in pipe diameters, such as when transitioning from a smaller pipe (1 inch) to
a larger one (1.5 inches). These transitions lead to sudden enlargements, which cause turbulence, energy loss, and,
most importantly, pressure drops.

The pressure drop in such cases is a critical parameter because it directly affects the mass flow rates to measure
how much fluid passes through a system per unit of time. In practical definition, an inaccurate understanding of
pressure drops can lead to systems inefficiencies

In this project, we aim to investigate the relationship between pressure drop and mass flow rate in systems
involving sudden pipe enlargements. Specifically, our focus is on the transition from a 1-inch diameter pipe to a
1.5-inch diameter pipe. By doing so, we seek to understand the physics behind pressure drops caused by sudden
enlargements and determine how mass flow rate influences the pressure drop across the junction.
We hypothesize that increasing the outlet area will reduce the velocity of the outflowing water due to the
conservation of mass, as described by the Continuity equation:

𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴2 𝑉2 (3)

By conducting experiments and simulations, we will collect data on the flow rate, velocity, and pressure changes
resulting from the nozzle modification. This data will help us validate our theoretical predictions and provide
insights into these transportation systems.

(a)
Fig. 2 (a) Sketch diagram

i. Mass flow rate & continuity equation

𝑚̇ 𝑖𝑛 = 𝑚̇ 𝑜𝑢𝑡
(𝜌𝑄)𝑖𝑛 = (𝜌𝑄)𝑜𝑢𝑡
(𝜌𝑉𝐴)𝑖𝑛 = (𝜌𝑉𝐴)𝑜𝑢𝑡

ii. Area inlet (d=0.0254 m)

𝜋𝑑2
𝐴1 =
4
𝜋(0.0254)2
𝐴1 =
4
𝐴1 = 5.07 × 10−4 𝑚 2

iii. Area outlet (d=0.0381 m)

𝜋𝑑2
𝐴2 =
4
5 Int. Journal of Integrated Engineering Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) p. 1-6

𝜋(0.0381)2
𝐴2 =
4
𝐴2 = 1.14 × 10−3 𝑚 2

iv. Height difference

∆ℎ = ℎ2 − ℎ1
∆ℎ = 11.9 𝑐𝑚 − 10.3 𝑐𝑚
∆ℎ = 1.6 𝑐𝑚

v. Calculate Q inlet

∀
𝑄1 =
𝑡
5.5 × 10−3 𝑚 3
𝑄1 =
95 𝑠
𝑄1 = 5.79 𝑚 3 𝑠 −1

vi. Calculate V inlet

𝑄 = 𝑣1 𝐴
𝑄
𝑣1 =
𝐴1
5.79 𝑚 3 𝑠 −1
𝑣1 =
5.07 × 10−4 𝑚 2
𝑣1 = 0.11 𝑚𝑠 −1

vii. Calculate V outlet

𝑚𝑖𝑛
̇ = 𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑡
̇
𝑄 = 𝑉𝐴
𝑄𝑖𝑛 = 𝑄𝑜𝑢𝑡
𝑣1 𝐴1 = 𝑣2 𝐴2
𝑣1 𝐴1
𝑣2 =
𝐴2
0.11 𝑚𝑠 −1 × 5.07 × 10−4 𝑚 2
𝑣2 =
1.14 × 10−3 𝑚 2
𝑣2 = 0.049 𝑚𝑠 −1

viii. Calculate pressure drop

(𝑣22 − 𝑣12 )𝜌𝑔

𝑃1 − 𝑃2 =
2𝑔
 6 Int. Journal of Integrated Engineering Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) p. 1-6

(𝑣22 − 𝑣12 )𝜌
Δ𝑃 =
2
{(0.049 𝑚𝑠 −1 )2 − (0.11 𝑚𝑠 −1 )2 }(1000 𝑘𝑔 𝑚 −3 )
∆𝑃 =
2
∆𝑃 = −4.85 Pa

ix. Calculate actual pressure drop

∆𝑃 = 𝑃1 − 𝑃2 = 𝜌𝑔(ℎ1 − ℎ2 )
∆𝑃 = 1000𝑘𝑔𝑚 −3 × 9.81 𝑚𝑠 −2 (0.103𝑚 − 0.119𝑚)
∆𝑃 = −1.57 𝑃𝑎

4. Pictures during problems

Refer to appendix A

5. Data

Experiment 1 Experiment 2 Experiment 3 Average

H1(cm) 8.3 10.3 12.3 10.3
H2(cm) 9.9 11.9 13.9 11.9
t(s) 94 95 93 95
V(l) 6 5.5 5 5.5

6. Discussion

From the experiment and theoretical equation, we can conclude the value of actual and experiment does not
meet with accurate value because of the error and others effect. To use the Bernoulli equation, we need to
know the limitations of Bernoulli equation before making an experiment, for example we must the viscosity
is inviscid, the flow rate in steady flow, the liquid is incompressible and no heat transfer or the flow is in
adiabatic flow. To make accurate value of height, we can combine the difference of height like u-tube
manometer to get a good value of heights. The fluid flow and real-life conditions often complexities that must
be accounted for and by these factors, we can better interpret experimental results and refine our models to
more accurately predict fluid behaviour.

References
Authored Book
[1] Cengel, Y. A., & Cimbala, J. M. (2018). Fluid mechanics: Fundamentals and applications (4th ed.). McGraw-
Hill Education.
[2] Kundu, P. K., Cohen, I. M., & Dowling, D. R. (2015). Fluid Mechanics (6th ed.). Academic Press.
[3] Munson, B. R., Young, D. F., Okiishi, T. H., & Huebsch, W. W. (2013). Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics (7th
ed.). Wiley.
Journal
[1] Qin, R., & Duan, C. (2017, October). The principle and applications of Bernoulli equation. In Journal of
Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 916, No. 1, p. 012038). IOP Publishing.
[2] Saleta, M. E., Tobia, D., & Gil, S. (2005). Experimental study of Bernoulli's equation with losses. American
journal of physics, 73(7), 598-602.
[3] Boetcher, S. K. S., & Sparrow, E. M. (2007). Limitations of the standard Bernoulli equation method for
evaluating Pitot/impact tube data. International journal of heat and mass transfer, 50(3-4), 782-788.

Appendix A: pictures during activities

 7 Int. Journal of Integrated Engineering Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) p. 1-6

(a) (b) (c)

(d) (e)

Appendix B: minute of meeting

Date 16/12/2024
Time 5 PM
8 Int. Journal of Integrated Engineering Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) p. 1-6

Venue WhatsApp group

Attendance:
1. Muhammad Farid Bin Dulah
2. Alisa Aainaa binti Kamsari
3. Muhammad Redzuan Bin Mohd Yasin,
4. Umie Amierah Binti Che Din
5. Wardina Amirah Binti Sharizal Izani
Absent None
Discussion Dr Shahrul brief a simple group project and will continue with Mr. Suzairin. The task
has been shared in author and WhatsApp group.
Problems We need to do a model based on topic given
Picture
9 Int. Journal of Integrated Engineering Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) p. 1-6

Date 18/12/2024
Time 5 PM
Venue TSN cafe
Attendance:
1. Muhammad Farid Bin Dulah
2. Alisa Aainaa binti Kamsari
3. Muhammad Redzuan Bin Mohd Yasin,
4. Umie Amierah Binti Che Din
5. Wardina Amirah Binti Sharizal Izani
Absent None
Discussion The project was illuminated, divided and discussed by the leader. Next, redzuan
went to buy the necessary items like pipe glue, plasticine, pipe 1inch and 1.5 inch
Problems The problem will discuss by WhatsApp if needed
Picture
10 Int. Journal of Integrated Engineering Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) p. 1-6

Date 6/1/2025
Time 5 PM
Venue TSN prayer hall
Attendance:
1. Muhammad Farid Bin Dulah
2. Alisa Aainaa binti Kamsari
3. Muhammad Redzuan Bin Mohd Yasin,
4. Umie Amierah Binti Che Din
Absent Wardina Amirah Binti Sharizal Izani (food poisoning)
Discussion Testing the project and take a data. Then make a solution for the problems that we faced
especially leaking and error
Problems The project takes a few times to get the data
Picture
11 Int. Journal of Integrated Engineering Vol. 0 No. 0 (YEAR) p. 1-6

Date 10/1/2025
Time 3 PM
Venue WhatsApp group
Attendance:
1. Muhammad Farid Bin Dulah
2. Alisa Aainaa binti Kamsari
3. Muhammad Redzuan Bin Mohd Yasin,
4. Umie Amierah Binti Che Din
5. Wardina Amirah Binti Sharizal Izani
Absent None
Discussion Finish the task given.
Problems Mistaken the Bernoulli equation
Picture