LABORATORY 5: VERIFICATION OF BERNOULLIS THEOREM

PURPOSE:
To investigate Bernoulli Theorem Experimentally.
APPARATUS:
Apparatus for the verification of Bernoullis theorem and measuring tank with stop
watch setup for measuring the actual flow rate (Fig. 1, Fig. 2).

Figure 1: Bernoulli Apparatus

Figure 2: Bernoullis tube with a difference in diameter

THEORY:
Bernoullis Theorem states that The total head of the liquid flowing between two
points remains constant provided there is no loss due to friction and no gain due to an
application of outside work between these two points.
The total head (H) of a flowing liquid is made up of an elevation head or static Head
(z), pressure head (P/) and velocity head (v2/2g), mutually convertible into each
others form.

Where:

P v2

2g

H
v
P
z
g

= total head, m
= velocity, m/s
= pressure, N/m2
= elevation, m
= acceleration due to gravity = 9.81 m/s2
= specific weight of fluid, N/m3

Thus for point 1 and 2, (refer to Fig. 2)

P v12
P v2

z1 2 z 2 h f ,1 2
2g
2g

.. (1)

Where; hf, 1-2 = Friction loss between 1 and 2.

If the Bernoullis tube is in a horizontal position then z 1 = z2 and if the friction loss
between point 1 and 2 is very small, then:

or

P1 v12
P2 v 22

2g
2g

.. (2)

P1 P2
v2
v2

2 1

2g 2g

.. (3)

Since section (1) and section (2) of the Bernoullis tube are different in diameter then
velocity v1 is different from v2. This can be demonstrated by the water levels at point 1
and 2 of the manometer. From the Bernoullis theorem we can see that the lowest
pressure will be at the throat of the tube.
We can further calculate the difference of pressure head between two points and can
compare it with a measured value. The difference between the theoretical and
measured value is mainly due to frictional losses.
If;

Vol
t
A
D

= volume of flow measured from the measuring tank, m3

= measured time, s
= cross-section area, m2
= diameter of Bernoullis tube section, m

From equation (3) we have;

5

P1 P2 v 22 v12

2g
P1 P2
1

2g

Vol / t

A2

P1 P2 Vol 2

2 gt 2

4
D22

2
Vol / t


A1

4

2
D1

P2 P1 8Q 2 1
1
2 4 4

g D2 D1

.. (4)

The dimension of equation (4) is in meter (m).

Since the diameter of the tube each particular section along the tubes length is fixed.
Then we can calculate the pressure drop along the tube if the flow rate is known. The
difference between the theoretical pressure drop and the actual pressure drop
(measured value) is due to the friction in the tube between these two points.
At the same time we can compare the total head at any point along the Venturi tube
using a total head probe (Pitot tubes probe) whose total head is shown on tube No. 7.
PS v S2
P v

zS
z
2g
2g

.. (5)

At the stagnation point in front of the Pitot tube tip vS = 0 and zS = z:

PS
P
v

2g

or

v2
2g

PS

velocity head

.. (6)

PS
P

.. (7)

Therefore the velocity head can be demonstrated by the difference of total head or
stagnation pressure head (PS/) measured from Pitot tube and static pressure head
(P/) at that point.

PROCEDURE:

1. Start the pump and slowly open the valve and let the water go through the
apparatus until all the air bubbles leave.
2. Adjust the apparatus outlet control valve. Set for high head levels scale the
height of water level at tube no. 1 manometer and wait a minute till height of
water levels maintain and make sure the water levels in all tubes of the
manometer can be observed.
3. Close the basin with ball valve and begin the stop watch till 10 liter water
volume from scale on hydraulics bench.
4. Record manometer readings for tube no. 1 and no. 7 (total head).
5. Move the Pitot tube probe so that it is line with point 2, 3, etc. and record data as
in table 1.
6. Repeat the experiment for a medium and low head levels.

DISCUSSION:
1. Show all the calculation.

2. Plot a graph of velocity head against head loss. Discuss.

3. When carrying out the actual tests there is a small frictional loss and the following
observation can be made. Give your opinion.

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS:
Volume: ______ liter

Time: ______ second.

Flow rate: ______ m3/s

5

Measured
Point
(P/)act
no.
cm

v n2 v12
2g

cm

Theoretica
l
(P/)th
cm

Difference
P /
P / th x100
%

Actual Total
head (tube no.
7)
Hact
cm

Head loss
Hact
cm

1
2
3
4
5
6
8
Volume: ______ liter
Measured
Point
(P/)act
no.
cm

Time: ______ second.

v n2 v12
2g

cm

Theoretica
l
(P/)th
cm

Difference
P /
P / th x100
%

Flow rate: ______ m3/s

Actual Total
head (tube no.
7)
Hact
cm

Head loss
Hact
cm

1
2
3
4
5
6
8
Volume: ______ liter

Point
no.

Measured
(P/)act
cm

Time: ______ second.

v n2 v12
2g

cm

Theoretica
l
(P/)th
cm

Difference
P /
P / th x100
%

Flow rate: ______ m3/s

Actual Total
head (tube no.
7)
Hact
cm

Head loss
Hact
cm

1
2
3
4
5
6
8
Note: 1.
2.
3.

P/ = P/th P/act
Hact = H1 act Hn act
v n2 v12
= (P/)1 th (P/)n th
2g