Question

what assumptions do you make in determining the theoretical friction factors in the pipe flow experiment?

Answer 1

Fluid in pipe flow experiences various losses such as friction loss, expansion loss, contraction loss, exit and entrance loss etc. Here i am going to mention some assumptions made in a pipe flow experiment.

1- Energy loss will take place in pipe flow because of friction. It counts in a major losses of pipe.

2- Fluid experienced kinetic energy ( caused by velocity of fluid) , potential energy ( by height of flow) and pressure energy.

3- Incompressible flow i.e. density of fluid is constant.

4- Kinetic energy remain same because it considered constant cross section of pipe i.e. velocity is constant throughout the flow.

5- Potential energy constant because the pipe is horizontal.

6- Steady flow in a pipe. (In practical, its hard to maintain steady flow but for theoretical approach we assume the flow to be steady)

7- Follows equation of continuity which says the discharge remain same.