EXPERIMENT 3:

REYNOLDS NUMBERS
INTRODUCTION
Reynolds Test is a test by analysis a flow in pipe. When a liquid is flowed in a pipe, it will appear
three type of flow. There are Laminar Flow, Transitional Flow and Turbulent Flow. The type of
the flow can be classify by refer to the type of line of that appear and by calculate the Reynolds
No.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the experiment are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

To arrange work procedure accordingly

To execute safety and health procedure
To handle the given task correctly
To identify the data needed
To accomplish the task within a time frame given
To document the task and produce the report

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, student should be able to:
1. Apply principles to solve problems in laminar and turbulent flow and relation to
Reynolds number, Darcys and Hagen-Poiseuille equation for problem solving.
2. Apply correct methods and procedures of hydraulics solution towards practical problems.

THEORY/BACKGROUND

Fluid flow can be classified to three regimes which is laminar, transitional and turbulent regime.
Laminar regime is a regime where the flow is characterized by smooth streamlines and highly
ordered motion. Turbulent is a regime where flow is characterized by velocity fluctuations and
highly disordered motion. Transitional regime is where the flow fluctuates between laminar and
turbulent before it becomes fully turbulent.
The transitional from laminar to turbulent flow depends on geometry, surface roughness, flow
velocity, surface temperature, and type of fluid. However, Osborne Reynolds discovered that the
flow regime mainly depends on the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces. This ratio is what
we called as Reynolds number.
At small or moderate Reynolds numbers the viscous forces are large enough to suppress theses
fluctuations and to keep the fluid in line. Thus, the flow is streamlined and in ordered motion.
However, at large Reynolds numbers, the inertial forces, which are proportional to the fluid
density and the square of the fluid velocity, are large relative to the viscous force. As the results,
the viscous force cannot prevent the random and rapid fluctuations of the fluid. Thus, the flow
will be in disordered motion.
The boundary of Reynolds number for laminar, transitional and turbulent regime varies by
geometries and flow condition. For example, flow in a circular pipe is laminar for Reynolds
number less than 2300, turbulent for Reynolds number larger than 4000 and transitional in
between. However, we will have other boundaries if the pipe cross sectional area is a square.
This experiment is to visualize the laminar, transitional and turbulent flow in a pipe and to
determine the boundary of Reynolds number for flow in the pipe.
First by controlling the flow rate, establish the laminar flow. Then by slowly increase the flow
rate observes what happened to the dye streak.
volumetric flow rate reading.
transitional and turbulent regime.

PROCEDURE

Record the flow pattern change and its

Determine the boundary of Reynolds number for laminar,

1. Dye filled into the container in the apparatus. Dye liquid valve is closed.
2. Water is supplied to the apparatus tank. The valve controls the flow through a transparent
pipe is closed.
3. Flow control valve is opened slightly. The constant column is obtained.
4. The valve is opened and the flow of dye is controlled so that the colors appear as straight lines.
5. Flow rates is measured.
6. Velocity increased slightly until the dye began to appear wavy-square. This flow rates is
measured.
7. Flow velocity increased again until the dye began to appear dispersed in water and flow is
measured.
8. Dye is poured back into the bottle and the former dye, and the needle is washed after
completion. Water tanks emptied.
EQUIPMENT:
Reynolds Experiment Apparatus
Aluminium well

Water reservoir
Overflow section

Metering tap
Brass inflow tip
Flow-optimised inflow
Glass ball

Test pipe section

Connections for water supply
Waste water discharge
Base plate

OBSERVATIONS

Drain cock

(i)
Pipe diameter , d
Cross section area, A

0.01
7.854 x 10-5

M
m2

Kinematic viscosity,

1 x 10-6

m2/s

(ii)
Volume, V

Time, T

Flow rate, Q

(m3)

(s)

(m3/s)
-5

Velocity (m/s)
-11

0.004

69.68

5.741 x 10

7.310 x 10

0.004

20.53

1.948 x 10-4

0.004

7.06

5.666 x 10-4

Sketch of the
dye

Reynolds
Flow type

No.
(Re)

Laminar

731

2.480 x 10-10

Transition

2480

7.214 x 10-10

Turbulent

7214

DISCUSSION
By referring to the result and calculation, we found that the test to determine Laminar flows was
successful. Reynolds No that we get from the test is 731 that less than 2000 (Re<2000) follow
the character of Laminar flows. The coloring condition of the flow from the test had show a
straight line.
From the test, we was successfully determine the transitional flows with 2480 of Reynolds No
that more than 2000 but less than 4500 (2000<Re >4500). The coloring condition of the flow
from the test had show a straight line and roll line.
The test that we have done to determine turbulent flow was successful. From the calculation, we
get 7214 the Reynolds No that more than 4500 (Re>4500). The coloring condition of the flow
from the test had show a roll line.

CONCLUSION

As a conclusion from the test, we were able to determine type of flows. We successful to identify
the type of flows by calculate the Reynolds No from the result and we also can defined the flow
by line appear.
PRE-LAB QUESTIONS
1. What is Reynolds Number?
2. Explain what is the meaning is if one say The flow has low Reynolds Number?
3. Draw velocity profile for fully developed turbulent flow.