Moody Diagram

When solving many fluid dynamics problems, be it steady state or transient, the Darcy-Weisbach
friction factor, f, is necessary. It is effective to solve for this friction factor using the Moody
Chart.

Procedure
1. As with many fluid mechanics problems, the first order of business is to determine the
Reynolds number of the flow. If you don't have a velocity by which to calculate the
Reynolds Number, you will need to assume either a velocity, or an initial friction factor. If
you assume an initial velocity, proceed as usual. If you assume a friction factor (I like 0.02),
jump to step 10. If done correctly, you will converge at the same answer.
2. Refer to the Moody Chart. If the Reynolds Number falls in the Laminar or Transition range,
refer to appropriate equations. If however the flow is in the Turbulent range, we are ready to
proceed with the Moody Chart.
3. Compute the relative pipe roughness. This value is the roughness of the pipe, divided by the
diameter of the pipe. Remember, you want this to be unit less, so ensure that the roughness
and diameter are in matching units.
4. Also remember, just because the wall roughness may be zero, making the relative roughness
zero, this does not mean that the friction factor will be zero.
5. Find the line referring to your relative roughness on the right side of the diagram. In the
case that your value does not have a printed line, imagine a line paralleling the nearest line
representing your relative roughness. It may be helpful to sketch in this line.
6. Follow this line to the left as it curves up until to reach the vertical line corresponding to
your flow's Reynolds Number.
7. Mark this point on the Chart.
8. Using a straight edge, follow the point straight left, parallel to the x axis, until you reach the
far left side of the chart.
9. Read off the corresponding friction factor.
10. Calculate the energy losses knowing the friction factor.
11. Calculate a new velocity and Reynolds Number.
12. Compare your new Reynolds Number with your previous value. If the Reynolds number is
appreciably different from your previous value, repeat the calculations with this new
Reynolds Value. If however it is close to your previous value, your answer has converged,
and you are finished.