Calculation of Head (Energy) Losses:

In General:
When a fluid is flowing through a pipe, the fluid experiences some
resistance due to which some of energy (head) of fluid is lost.
Energy Losses
(Head losses)

Major Losses Minor losses

loss of head due to pipe Loss due to the change of
friction and to viscous the velocity of the flowing
dissipation in flowing fluid in the magnitude or in
water direction as it moves
through fitting like Valves,
Tees, Bends and Reducers.
34
 3.5 Losses of Head due to Friction
• Energy loss through friction in the length of pipeline is commonly
termed the major loss hf
• This is the loss of head due to pipe friction and to the viscous
dissipation in flowing water.
• Several studies have been found the resistance to flow in a pipe is:

- Independent of pressure under which the water flows

- Linearly proportional to the pipe length, L
- Inversely proportional to some water power of the pipe diameter D
- Proportional to some power of the mean velocity, V
- Related to the roughness of the pipe, if the flow is turbulent
 Major losses formulas
• Several formulas have been developed in the past.
Some of these formulas have faithfully been used in
various hydraulic engineering practices.

1. Darcy-Weisbach formula
2. The Hazen -Williams Formula
3. The Manning Formula
4. The Chezy Formula
5. The Strickler Formula

36
The resistance to flow in a pipe is a function of:

• The pipe length, L

• The pipe diameter, D
• The mean velocity, V
• The properties of the fluid ()
• The roughness of the pipe, (the flow is
turbulent).

37
 Darcy-Weisbach Equation
2 2 Where:
L V 8f LQ
hL  f   f is the friction factor
D 2 g g D5  2 L is pipe length
D is pipe diameter
Q is the flow rate
hL is the loss due to friction
It is conveniently expressed in terms of velocity (kinetic) head in the pipe

The friction factor is function of different terms:

 e  VD e   VD e 
f  F  N R ,   F  ,   F  , 
 D   D   D

Renold number Relative roughness

Friction Factor: (f)
• For Laminar flow: (NR < 2000) [depends only on
Reynolds’ number and not on the surface roughness]
64
f 
NR
• For turbulent flow in smooth pipes (e/D = 0) with
4000 < NR < 105 is
0.316
f  1/ 4
NR

39
For turbulent flow ( NR > 4000 ) with e/D > 0.0, the friction factor
can be founded from:
• Th.von Karman formulas:
1  NR f 
 2 log 
 2.51 
f  
1  D
 2 log 3.7  for N R  105
f  e
• Colebrook-White Equation for f
1  e 2.51 
 0.86 ln   
 
f  3.7 D N R f 
There is some difficulty in solving this equation
So, Miller improve an initial value for f , (fo)
2
  e 5.74 
f o  0.25log  0.9 
  3.7 D N R 
4 103  N R  1108
The value of fo can be use directly as f if: 6
40
110  e D  110 -2
 Friction Factor f
The thickness of the laminar sublayer  decrease with an increase in NR

laminar flow f independent of relative

NR < 2000 Smooth roughness e/D

e  '  1.7e 64 1 N f 
f   2 log 10  R 

pipe wall NR f  2.51 

f varies with NR and e/D

 e  
transitionally   
 2 log 10    
rough 1 D 2.51 
 e
f  3.7 N R f 
 
pipe wall 0.08e   '  1.7e  
Colebrook formula

turbulent flow
f independent of NR
rough
NR > 4000 1  D

e
  0.08e
'  2 log 10  3.7 
f  e
pipe wall
 Moody diagram
• A convenient chart was prepared by Lewis F. Moody and commonly
called the Moody diagram of friction factors for pipe flow,
There are 4 zones of pipe flow in the chart:

• A laminar flow zone where f is simple linear function of NR

• A critical zone (shaded) where values are uncertain because
the flow might be neither laminar nor truly turbulent
• A transition zone where f is a function of both NR and relative
roughness
• A zone of fully developed turbulence where the value of f
depends solely on the relative roughness and independent of
the Reynolds Number
43
Laminar

Marks Reynolds Number

independence
Typical values of the absolute roughness (e) are given in
table 3.1

45
Notes:

• Colebrook formula
is valid for the entire nonlaminar range (4000 <
Re < 108) of the Moody chart

1 e/ D 2.51 

  2 log   

f  3.7 Re f 

In fact , the Moody chart is a graphical representation

of this equation

46
Problems (head loss)
Three types of problems for uniform flow
in a single pipe:
 Type 1:
Given the kind and size of pipe and the flow rate head loss ?

 Type 2:
Given the kind and size of pipe and the head loss flow rate ?

 Type 3:
Given the kind of pipe, the head loss and flow rate size of pipe ?
 Example 1
The water flow in Asphalted cast Iron pipe (e = 0.12mm) has a diameter 20cm
at 20oC. Is 0.05 m3/s. determine the losses due to friction per 1 km
 Type 1:
Given the kind and size of pipe and the flow rate head loss ?
0.05m 3 /s
V  1.59m/s

π/4  0.2 m
2 2

T  20o C  υ  1.0110 6 m 2 /s
e  0.12mm
e 0.12mm
  0.0006 Moody f = 0.018
D 200mm
VD 1.59  0.2
NR    314852  3.15  10 5

 1.0110 6
L V2  1,000 m  1.59 
2
hf  f  0.018  
D 2g 
 0.20 m  2 9.81 m/s
2
 
48
 11.55 m
 Example 2
The water flow in commercial steel pipe (e = 0.045mm) has a diameter 0.5m
at 20oC. Q=0.4 m3/s. determine the losses due to friction per 1 km
 Type 1:
Given the kind and size of pipe and the flow rate head loss ?

Q 0.4
V   2.037 m / s
A 0.52 
4
497 10 6 497 10 6
   1. 006  10 6

T  42.51.5 20  42.51.5

0.5  2.037
NR   1.012  10 6

1.006 10 6
e 0.045 5
  9  10
D 0.5 103
Moody
 f  0.013
2
1000 2.037
h f  0.013    5.5 m / km
0.5 2  9.81
 Use other methods to solve f
1  ks 2.51 
1- Cole brook  0.86 ln   
 3.7 D R f 
f  e 

2 2
  k s D 5.74    9  10 5 5.74 
f o  0.25log  0.9   0.25log    0.01334
 
 3.7 Re    3.7 
1.012  10 6 
0.9 


1  9 10 5 2.51 
 0.86 ln   
0.01334  3.7 Re 0.01334 

8.66  8.678

2
1000 2.037
h f  0.01334    5.5 m / km
0.5 2  9.81
 Example 3
Cast iron pipe (e = 0.26), length = 2 km, diameter = 0.3m. Determine the
max. flow rate Q , If the allowable maximum head loss = 4.6m. T=10oC
 Type 2:
Given the kind and size of pipe and the head loss flow rate ?
2
LV
hF  f
D 2g
2000 V2
4.6  f 
0.3 2  9.81
1
0.0135
V 
2

f 497 10 6 497 10 6
   1.31  10 6

T  42.51.5 10  42.51.5

0.3  V
NR  6
 2.296  10 6
V2
1.3110
e 0.26 5
  8.67  10  0.00009
D 0.3 10 3
 Trial 1

f  0.01 
eq1
V  1.16 m/s
eq
 2
N R  2.668 105 V2 
0.0135
1

f
e
 8.67 10  4
D 2
N R  2.296 106V 
Moody
 f  0.02

Trial 2

f  0.02 
eq1
V  0.82 m/s
eq
 2
N R  1.886 105
e
 8.67 10  4
D
Moody
 f  0.021

V= 0.82 m/s , Q = V*A = 0.058 m3/s

 Example 3.5
Compute the discharge capacity of a 3-m diameter, wood stave
pipe in its best condition carrying water at 10oC. It is allowed to
have a head loss of 2m/km of pipe length.
 Type 2:
Given the kind and size of pipe and the head loss flow rate ?

Solution 1:
LV2  2ghf 1/ 2  D
 1/ 2
hf  f V     
D 2g   L    f  

 1000  V
2
0.12
2 f  V 
2

 3  2(9.81) f
Table 3.1 : wood stave pipe: e = 0.18 – 0.9 mm, take e = 0.3 mm
e 0.3
  0.0001
D 3
VD 3V
At T= 10oC,  = 1.31x10-6 m2/sec  N R    2.29  10 6
.V
 1.31 10 6
• Solve by trial and error:
• Iteration 1:
0.12
• Assume f = 0.02  V   V  2.45m / sec
2

0.02
N R  2.29 106.2.45  5.6 106
From moody Diagram: f  0.0122

Iteration 2:
0.12
update f = 0.0122  V2   V  3.14m / sec
0.0122
N R  2.29 106.3.14  7.2 106
From moody Diagram: f  0.0121  0.0122

Iteration f V NR
V2  3.15 m/s
0 0.02 2.45 5.6106   32
1 0.0122 3.14 7.2106 Solution: Q  VA  3.15.
2 0.0121
4
Convergence
 22.27 m3 /s
Alternative Method for solution of Type 2 problems
1/ 2
D3 / 2  2 gh f 
NR f   
  L 
Type 2. Given the kind and size of pipe and the head loss flow rate ?

Determines relative roughness e/D

Given N R f and e/D we can determine f (Moody diagram)

Use Darcy-Weisbach to determine velocity and flow rate
Because V is unknown we cannot calculate the Reynolds number
However, if we know the friction loss hf, we can use the Darcy-Weisbach equation
to write: LV2  1/ 2   1/ 2
2ghf D
hf  f V     
D 2g   L    f  

Re 
VD   1  D 3 / 2  2ghf 1/ 2
We also know that: Re    1/ 2     
  f      L  
 1/ 2 
 D  2 gh f
3/ 2

NR f  
1/ 2
  unknowns
   L  
Can be calculated based on Quantity plotted along the top of the Moody diagram
available data
 Moody Diagram  D3 / 2  2 gh f 
1/ 2

N R f 1/ 2   
   L 

Fully rough pipes

Resistance Coefficient f

Relative roughness e/D

Smooth pipes

Reynolds number
 Example 3.5
Compute the discharge capacity of a 3-m diameter, wood stave pipe in its best
condition carrying water at 10oC. It is allowed to have a head loss of 3m/km
of pipe length.

Type 2: Given the kind and size of pipe and the head loss flow rate ?
Solution 2:
At T= 10oC,  = 1.31x10-6 m2/sec
1/ 2
D  2 gh f
3/ 2
 (3)3 2 2(9.81)(3)
NR f      9.62  105
  L  1.31 106 1000
Table 3.1 : wood pipe: e = 0.18 – 0.9 mm, take e = 0.3 mm e  0.3  0.0001
D 3
From moody Diagram: f  0.0121

LV 2
 2 gh f 
1/ 2
D
1/ 2
  32
hf  f  V       3.15m / sec , Q  VA  3.15.
D 2g  L   f  4
 22.27 m3 /s
f = 0.0121
 Example (type 2)
1

H = 4 m, L = 200 m, and D = 0.05 m

H
What is the discharge through the
2 galvanized iron pipe?

Table : Galvanized iron pipe: e = 0.15 mm e/D = 0.00015/0.05 = 0.003

 = 10-6 m2/s
We can write the energy equation between the water surface in the reservoir and the
free jet at the end of the pipe: 2 2
p1 V1 p V
 h1   2  h2  2  hL
 2g  2g
2
 L V
2
V2
04000  f 
2g  D  2g
2g 4 78.5
V2  
L 1  4000 f
1 f  
D
 Example (continued)
Assume Initial value for f : fo = 0.026

78.5
Initial estimate for V: V  0.865 m/sec
1  4000  0.026
DV
Calculate the Reynolds number N R   5  104  V  4.3  104

Updated the value of f from the Moody diagram f1 = 0.029
78.5
V  0.819 m/sec
1  4000  0.029
DV2
NR   5  104  V  4.1 104


Iteration f V NR
0 0.026 0.865 4.3104 V 2  0.814 m/s
1 0.029 0.819 4.1104 Solution:   0.05 2
Q VA  0.814 
2 0.0294 0.814 4.07104 4
3 0.0294 Convergence  1.60  103 m3 /s
 Initial estimate for f
A good initial estimate is to pick the f value that is valid for a fully rough pipe with
the specified relative roughness

e/D = 0.003
fo = 0.026
Solution of Type 3 problems-uniform flow in a
single pipe

Given the kind of pipe, the head loss and flow rate size of pipe ?
Determines
equivalent roughness e

Without D we cannot calculate the relative

Problem?
roughness e/D, NR, or N R f

Solution procedure: Iterate on f and D

1. Use the Darcy Weisbach equation and guess an initial value for f
2. Solve for D
3. Calculate e/D
4. Calculate NR
5. Update f
6. Solve for D
7. If new D different from old D go to step 3, otherwise done
 Example (Type 3)
A pipeline is designed to carry crude oil (S = 0.93,  = 10-5 m2/s) with a discharge of 0.10
m3/s and a head loss per kilometer of 50 m. What diameter of steel pipe is needed?
Available pipe diameters are 20, 22, and 24 cm.
From Table 3.1 : Steel pipe: e = 0.045 mm
Darcy-Weisbach:
2
Q
 
 L V
2
L  A  L Q 4
2 2
1 16 fLQ2
hf  f    hf  f  f   5
 D  2g  D  2g  D D 2 g 2
2 4
D 2g
1/ 5
16  1000  0.102 
1/ 5
16 fLQ  2

D  D f 1/ 5  0.440  f 1/ 5

2 g 2
h

 2  9.81   2
 50 
 f 

Make an initial guess for f : fo = 0.015 D  0.440 0.0151/ 5  0.190 m

Now we can calculate the relative roughness and the Reynolds number:
e 0.045  103
  0.00024 
D D
update f
VD Q D 4Q D 4Q 1 1 f = 0.021
NR      12.7  103
  66.8  103

 A  D 2   D D
 Updated estimate for f

f1 = 0.021

e/D = 0.00024
 Example Cont’d
D  0.440  f 1/ 5
1 Solution:
N R  12.7  103 
D
D = 0.203m
From moody diagram, updated estimated for f :
Use next larger commercial
f1 = 0.021 D = 0.203 m size:
N R  62.5  103 update f
e D = 22 cm
 0.00023
D

Iteration f D NR e/D
0 0.015 0.190 66.8103 0.00024
1 0.021 0.203 62.5103 0.00023
2 0.021 Convergence
 Example 3.6
Estimate the size of a uniform, horizontal welded-steel pipe installed to carry 14
ft3/sec of water of 70oF (20oC). The allowable pressure loss is 17 ft/mi of
pipe length.
Solution 2:
From Table : Steel pipe: e = 0.046 mm
LV2 Q  2
Darcy-Weisbach: hL  f  
D 2g L  A   L Q 2 42 1 16fLQ 2
hL  f f 
Q VA D 2g D 2g  2D 4 D 5 2g 2
1/ 5
 8 fLQ 2 
 D 2 
 1
/5  g hL 
 8  f  5280 14  2
D  f 1/ 5  4.33  f 1/ 5 a
 9 .81   2
 17 
Let D = 2.5 ft, then V = Q/A = 2.85 ft/sec
Now by knowing the relative roughness and the Reynolds number:
e 0.003
  0.0012
D 2.5
We get f =0.021
VD 2.85 * 2.5
NR    6.6 *105
 1.08 *10 5
A better estimate of D can be obtained by substituting the latter
values into equation (a), which gives

D  4.33  f 1/ 5  4.33 * 0.0211/ 5  2.0 ft

A new iteration provide

V = 4.46 ft/sec
NR = 8.3 x 105
e/D = 0.0015
f = 0.022, and
D = 2.0 ft.
More iterations will produce the same results.
 Empirical Formulas 1
• Hazen-Williams
D  5cm    V  3.0m / sec
V  1.318CHW Rh0.63S 0.54 British Units

V  0.85CHW Rh
0.63 0.54
S SI Units
D 2
wetted A D
Rh  hydraulic Radius   4 
Simplified

wetted P D 4
hf
S
L
C HW  Hazen Williams Coefficien t
10.7 L
hf  1.852
Q1.852
SI Units
CHW D 4.87
 Empirical Formulas 2

Manning Formula

• This formula has extensively been used

for open channel designs

• It is also quite commonly used for pipe

flows

70
• Manning

1 2 / 3 1/ 2
V  Rh S
n Rh  hydraulic Radius 
wetted A D

wetted P 4
hf
S
Simplified

L
n  Manning Coefficien t

10.3 L nQ 
2
hf  SI Units
D 5.33
71
 1 2/ 3 1/ 2
V  Rh S
n
2
Q
h f  10.3n 2 L 16 / 3
D
L 2 2
h f  6.35 1.33 n V
D

• n = Manning coefficient of roughness (See Table)

• Rh and S are as defined for Hazen-William
formula.

72
73
 The Chezy Formula

V C 1/ 2
Rh S 1/ 2

2
L V 
hf  4  
DC 

where C = Chezy coefficient

74
• It can be shown that this formula, for circular pipes, is
equivalent to Darcy’s formula with the value for
8g
C
f
[f is Darcy Weisbeich coefficient]

• The following formula has been proposed for the value of

C: 0.00155 1
23  
C S n
0.00155 n
1  (23  )
S Rh
[n is the Manning coefficient]

75
 The Strickler Formula:
V 2/3
k str Rh S 1/ 2

2
L  V 
h f  6.35 1.33  
D  k str 

where kstr is known as the Strickler coefficient.

Comparing Manning formula and Strickler formula, we can see that

1
 k str
n
76
Relations between the coefficients in Chezy,
Manning, Darcy, and Strickler formulas.
1
k str 
n
C  k str R
1/ 6
h

1/ 3
f R
n h
8g

77
 Example
New Cast Iron (CHW = 130, n = 0.011) has length = 6 km and diameter = 30cm.
Q= 0.32 m3/s, T=30o. Calculate the head loss due to friction using:

a) Hazen-William Method

10.7 L
hf  1.852
Q1.852

CHW D 4.87
10.7  6000
hf  1.852 4 .87
0.321.852
 333m
130 0.3

b) Manning Method
10.3 L nQ 
2
hf 
D 5.33
10.3  6000 0.011 0.32
2
hf  5 .33
 470 m
0.3
 Minor losses

It is due to the change

of the velocity of the
flowing fluid in the
magnitude or in
direction [turbulence
within bulk flow as it
moves through and
fitting] Flow pattern through a valve

79
 • The minor losses occurs due to:

• Valves
• Tees
• Bends
• Reducers
• And other appurtenances

• It has the common form

V2 Q2
hm  k L  kL
2g 2 gA2
“minor” compared to friction losses in long pipelines but,

can be the dominant cause of head loss in shorter pipelines 80

 Losses due to contraction
A sudden contraction in a pipe usually causes a marked drop in pressure
in the pipe due to both the increase in velocity and the loss of energy to
turbulence.
Along wall

2
V2
Along centerline hc  kc
2g
Value of the coefficient Kc for sudden contraction

V2
Head Loss Due to a Sudden Contraction

V 22
hL  K L
2g

2
V2
hL 0.5
2g

83
Head losses due to pipe contraction may be greatly reduced by
introducing a gradual pipe transition known as a confusor

Figure 3.11

k c'

2
V2
hc'  kc'
2g
 Head Loss Due to Gradual Contraction
(reducer or nozzle)

hL K L
V 2  V1
2 2

2g

a 100 200 300 400

KL 0.2 0.28 0.32 0.35

A different set of data is :

85
 Losses due to Enlargement
A sudden Enlargement in a pipe

(V1  V2 ) 2
hE 
2g
 Head Loss Due to a Sudden Enlargement

V 12
hL  K L
2g
2
 A1 
KL  1  
 A2 

or :

hL 
V1  V2  2

2g

87
 Note that the drop in the energy line is much
larger than in the case of a contraction

abrupt expansion

gradual expansion

smaller head loss than in the case of an abrupt expansion

 Head losses due to pipe enlargement may be greatly reduced by
introducing a gradual pipe transition known as a diffusor

V  V2
2 2
hE'  k E' 1
2g
Head Loss Due to Gradual Enlargement
(conical diffuser)

hL K L
V
1  V2
2 2

2g

a 100 200 300 400

KL 0.39 0.80 1.00 1.06

90
Gibson tests

91
 Loss due to pipe entrance
General formula for head loss at the entrance of a pipe is also
expressed in term of velocity head of the pipe
2
V
hent  K ent
2g

92
 Head Loss at the Entrance of a Pipe
(flow leaving a tank)

Reentrant Sharp
(embeded) edge
KL = 0.8 KL = 0.5

Slightly
rounded
Well
KL = 0.2
rounded
KL = 0.04

V2
hL  K L 93
2g
Different pipe inlets

increasing loss coefficient

Another Typical values for various amount of rounding of
the lip

95
 Head Loss at the Exit of a Pipe
(flow entering a tank)
KL = 1.0 KL = 1.0

V2
hL 
2g KL = 1.0
KL = 1.0

the entire kinetic energy of the exiting fluid (velocity V1) is

dissipated through viscous effects as the stream of fluid mixes
with the fluid in the tank and eventually comes to rest (V2 = 0).
96
 Head Loss Due to Bends in Pipes

V2
hb  kb
2g

R/D 1 2 4 6 10 16 20
Kb 0.35 0.19 0.17 0.22 0.32 0.38 0.42

97
 Miter bends
For situations in which space is limited,

98
 Head Loss Due to Pipe Fittings
(valves, elbows, bends, and tees)

V2
hv  K v
2g

99
100
The loss coefficient for elbows, bends, and tees

101
Loss coefficients for pipe components (Table)
Minor loss coefficients (Table)
Minor loss calculation using equivalent
pipe length
kl D
Le 
f
Energy and hydraulic grade lines

Unless local effects are of particular interests, the

changes in the EGL and HGL are often shown as
abrupt changes (even though the loss occurs over
some distance)
 Example
In the figure shown below, two new cast iron pipes are in series,
D1 =0.6m, D2 =0.4m, length of each pipe is 300m, level at A
=80m , Q = 0.5m3/s (T=10oC). There is a sudden contraction
between Pipe 1 and 2, and Sharp entrance at pipe 1.
Find the water level at B?

e = 0.26mm
v = 1.31×10-6
Q = 0.5 m3/s
 Solution
Z A  ZB  hf
hL  h f 1  h f 2  hent  hc  hexit
2 2 2 2
L1 V1 L2 V2 V1 V2 V22
hL  f1  f2  kent  kc  kexit
D1 2 g D2 2 g 2g 2g 2g
Q 0.5 Q 0.5
V1    1.77 m/ sec , V2    3.98 m/ sec ,
π π
A1 0.62 A2 0.42
4 4
VD VD
Re1  1 1  8.1105 , Re 2  2 2  1.22 106 ,
υ υ
 0.26 
  0.00043,  0.00065,
D1 600 D1
moody
 f1  0.017 moody
 f 2  0.018

hent  0.5, hc  0.27, hexit  1

 2 2 2 2
L1 V1 L2 V2 V1 V2 V22
hL  f1  f2  kent  kc  kexit
D1 2 g D2 2 g 2g 2g 2g

 300  1.77  300  3.98

2 2
h f  0.017  .  0.018  .
 0.6  2 g  0.4  2 g
 1.77 2   3.982   3.982 
 0.5   0.27      13.36m
 2g   2g   2g 

ZB = 80 – 13.36 = 66.64 m
 Example
A pipe enlarge suddenly from D1=240mm to D2=480mm. the
H.G.L rises by 10 cm calculate the flow in the pipe
Solution p1 V12 p2 V22
  z1    z 2  hL
g 2 g g 2 g
V12 V22  p2   p1 
  hL    z 2     z1 
2g 2g  g   g 
V12 V22 V1  V2
 
 2

 0.1
2g 2g 2g

V1 A1  V2 A2
V1 

4 0. 24 
2
 V2 

4 0 .48 2

V1  4V2
16V22 V22 4V2  V2
 
 
2

 0.1
2g 2g 2g
2
6V2
 0.1
2g
V2  0.57 m / s  Q  V2 A2  0.57  4 0.482  0.103m 3 / s
• Note that the above values are average
typical values, actual values will depend
on the manufacturer of the components.
• See:
– Catalogs
– Hydraulic handbooks !!

111
CHW  Hazen Williams Coefficien t
CHW  Hazen Williams Coefficien t

113
 When V  3.0m / sec
0.081
Vo 
CH  C Ho  
V 

Where:
CH = corrected value
CHo = value from table
Vo = velocity at CHo
V = actual velocity

114