Fluid mechanics: finding friction factor, should be simple

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the Darcy-Weisbach friction factor for water flowing through a smooth brass tube with a diameter of 3 cm at a flow rate of 0.002 m³/s. The user initially calculated a friction factor of 0.0075 using the formula f=64/Re, but recognized the discrepancy with the expected value of 0.0185 found in the textbook. The error was attributed to not consulting the Moody Diagram for Reynolds numbers exceeding 2,500, which indicates a transition to turbulent flow where the friction factor must be determined from the diagram.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid mechanics principles, specifically the Darcy-Weisbach equation.
  • Familiarity with Reynolds number calculations and their significance in flow regimes.
  • Knowledge of the Moody Diagram and its application in determining friction factors.
  • Basic mathematical skills for fluid flow calculations, including area and velocity equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the Moody Diagram for various flow conditions in fluid mechanics.
  • Learn about the differences between laminar and turbulent flow and their implications on friction factor calculations.
  • Explore the derivation and application of the Darcy-Weisbach equation in different fluid systems.
  • Investigate the effects of pipe roughness on flow characteristics and friction factor determination.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying fluid mechanics, engineers involved in hydraulic design, and professionals seeking to optimize fluid flow in piping systems.

musicmar
Messages
95
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Given: water at 20°C flows through a 3cmID smooth brass tube at 0.002 m^3/s.

Homework Equations


V=Q/A
f=64/Re
Re=VD/(nu)

The Attempt at a Solution


V=Q/A=(0.002 m^3/s)/((∏/4)*(0.03 m)^2) = 2.829 m/s

Re=VD/(nu)
= (2.829 m/s)*(0.03 m)/(1x10^-6 m^2/s)=84882.64

f=64/Re=0.0075


I know this is wrong for two reasons:
1. The numeric answer is in the back of the book: 0.0185
2. Looking at the Moody Diagram: there is no f value on the chart below 0.008.

Any help in finding my mistake would be appreciated.
Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Out of interest I've had a look at this, but I've not touched fluid flow since I was a student.

Here is a very similar example: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071223185604AAiTXv9

How does your working compare? I see you haven't explicitly used density. (BTW, you've lost one of the 0's from your ƒ.)

Here's a Moody diagram http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/moody-diagram-d_618.html

https://www.physicsforums.com/images/icons/icon2.gif It seems to indicate that for Reynold's numbers up to about 2,500 the flow is laminar, the graph is a straight line so the Darcy–Weisbach friction factor formula ƒ=Re/64 applies. But for Re exceeding about 2,500 the flow is turbulent and you must consult the Moody diagram. If you do, I think you'll get your 0.018 figure. :cool:

How have I done? :smile:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
We had another problem that explicitly told us to use the Moody Diagram, so I guess I didn't realize it would be necessary, but you are right. I didn't use density because it is included in the kinematic viscosity, nu(didn't bother to find a symbol for it). I did get the right answer from the Moody diagram.
Thank you.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K