To verify Bernoulli's theorem for a viscous fluid

BASANT KUMAR
M. TECH SCHOLER
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
ECB BIKANER

Abstract:The main purpose of this experiment is to investigate the validity of the Bernoulli
equation when applied to the steady flow of water in a tape red duct and to measure the flow
rate and both static and total pressure heads in a rigid convergent/divergent tube of known
geometry for a range of steady flow rates.. Based on the results taken, it has been analysed
that the velocity of convergent flow is increasing, whereas the velocity of divergent flow is
the opposite, whereby the velocity decreased, since the water flow from a narrow area to a
wider area. Therefore, Bernoullis principle is valid for a steady flow in rigid convergent and
divergent tube of known geometry for a range of steady flow rates, and the flow rates, static
heads and total heads pressure are as well calculated. The experiment was completed and
successfully conducted.

Introduction:Bernoulli's Principle is essentially a work energy conservation principle which

states that for an ideal fluid or for situations where effects of viscosity are neglected, with no
work being performed on the fluid, total energy remains constant. Bernoulli's Principle is
named in honour of Daniel Bernoulli. This principle is a simplification of Bernoulli's
equation, which states that the sum of all forms of energy in a fluid flowing along an enclosed
path (a streamline) is the same at any two points in that path.

Theory:Bernoulli's law indicates that, if an inviscid fluid is flowing along a pipe of varying
cross section, then the pressure is lower at constrictions where the velocity is higher, and
higher where the pipe opens out and the fluid stagnates. Many people find this situation
paradoxical when they first encounter it (higher velocity, lower pressure). The well-known
Bernoulli equation is derived under the following assumptions:
1. fluid is incompressible ( density is constant );
2. flow is steady:
3. flow is frictionless ( = 0);
4. along a streamline;

Then, it is expressed with the following equation:

Where (in SI units):

p = fluid static pressure at the cross section in N/m2.
= density of the flowing fluid in kg/m3
g = acceleration due to gravity in m/s2 (its value is 9.81 m/s2 = 9810 mm/s2)
v = mean velocity of fluid flow at the cross section in m/s
z = elevation head of the centre of the cross section with respect to a
datum z=0
h* = total (stagnation) head in m
The terms on the left-hand-side of the above equation represent the pressure head (h),
velocity head (hv ), and elevation head (z), respectively. The sum of these terms is known as
the total head (h*). According to the Bernoullis theorem of fluid flow through a pipe, the total
head h* at any cross section is constant (based on the assumptions given above). In a real flow
due to friction and other imperfections, as well as measurement uncertainties, the results will
deviate from the theoretical ones.
In our experimental setup, the centreline of all the cross sections we are considering lie on the
same horizontal plane (which we may choose as the datum, z=0), and thus, all the z values
are zeros so that the above equation reduces to:

(This is the total head at a cross section).

For our experiment, we denote the pressure head as hi and the total head as h*i, where i
represents the cross section we are referring to.

Experiment setup-:
Position the inlet head tank and the variable head outlet tank on the
mounting studs provided on the hydraulic bench working surface and connect the Bernoulli

apparatus between them using the union connections. Connect the bench feed hose to the
inlet head tank and attach an overflow hose to the overflow outlet of the inlet head tank.

Apparatus:
Bernoulli (Venturi-type) flow
apparatus with column-manometers
and Pitot tube;
3-5 gallon bucket; and
stopwatch.

NOTE: 1 ml = 1 cm3 = 1000 mm3

Observation-:
Area of collecting tank = A = L x B = ______ x _______ = ________ cm2
Difference in water level in collecting tank = h = ________ cm
Time required for rise of water level by 10 cm = t = ________ sec.
Discharge = Qac = volume of water/time =A H/ t =
m3/sec

EXPERIMANTAL PROCEDURE:

Check if the drain valve is open and keep it wide open and check whether the
outlet pipe goes to the drain. Initiate flow through the Venturi test section by
opening inlet valve(s).
Check that all manometer tubing are properly connected to the corresponding
pressure taps and are air-bubble free. If needed flush the air-bubbles by slowly
closing the exit valve and draining the water (and the air-bubbles) through the
manometer tubing.
Adjust both (inlet and outlet) valves so that you get the maximum difference in
levels between tapping points.
Wait for some time for the level in manometer tube to stabilize (it takes some time
for it to reach steady state).
After the steady state is achieved, redirect the water outlet hose into a container
whose capacity is known (10 litters, for example) and record the time taken for the
water to fill it up. Take at least 3 measurements and record the timings in order to
calculate (average) flow rate.
Gently push (slide) the Pitot (total head measuring) tube, connected to
manometer , so that its end reaches the cross section of the Venturi tube at . The

reading shown by manometer is the sum of the pressure and velocity heads, i.e. the
total (or stagnation) head (h*), because the Pitot tube is held against the flow of fluid
forcing it to a stop (zero velocity). The reading in manometer measures just the
pressure head (h) because it is connected to the Venturi tube pressure tap, which
does not obstruct the flow, thus measuring the flow static pressure.
Repeat steps for other cross sections .

Observation table

Sr
no.

Piezometric
head
( p/w+z )
(cm)

Duct area
(a) cm

Velocity V
(V=Q/A)
(m/s)

Velocity head
(V^2/2g)
(cm)

Total energy
(p/w+V^2/2g+z)
(cm)

1.
2.
3.
4.

Sample Calculation :
* Discharge = Qact =A H/ t cm3/sec
* Duct area = a = 4 x L = _____ x _____ = _________ cm2
* Velocity =aV = Q = = cm/sec
* Velocity head =V2/2g cm
* Total head =P/w+ V2/2g+z = ( + + ) = ..cm

* Draw the graph :

a) No. of tubes to = p/w+Z cm
b) No. of tubes to = v^2/2g cm
cm
c) No. of tubes to - Z +v^2/2g +p/w
RESULT : The total energy of a streamline, while the particle moves from one point to
another. Bernoullis theorem for an incompressible fluid flow is verified.

CONCULSION:-

REFERENCES:[1] Fluid Mechanics Dr R.K.Bansal

[2] Experiment In Fluid Mechanics- Sarabjit singh
[3] Harland, John (1984). Seamanship in the age of sail. London: Conway Maritime Press. p.
43. ISBN 0-85177-179- 3.
[4] Rousmaniere, John, Editor; Technical Committee of the Cruising Club of America (1987).
Desirable and Undesirable Characteristics of Offshore Yachts. New York, London:
W.W.Norton. p. 310. ISBN 0-393-03311-2.