How Do You Calculate Reynolds Number for Water Flow in Pipes?

In summary, the Reynolds Number equation was used to determine the turbulence of Fluid A and Fluid B. Fluid A, which is water with a flow rate of 10 m/s and an absolute viscosity of 432 centipoise, has a Reynolds Number of 227.546. Fluid B, which is crude oil with a flow rate of 10 m/s and an absolute viscosity of 450 centipoise, has a Reynolds Number of 203.333. Therefore, Fluid A is more turbulent than Fluid B. It is important to note that the units used in the question for pipe size and viscosity were not in SI units, so careful attention must be paid to unit conversions in order to accurately solve problems.
  • #1
jim1174
79
0

Homework Statement



Substance water
Temperature 60 degrees c
Density 983kg
Pipe size 10"
Flow rate 10 m/s
Abs viscosity 432 centipoise

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



(Velocity of fluid or flow rate ) (diameter of pipe) divided by (viscosity of fluid)

(10)(10)(983) divided by (432) = 227.546
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The Reynolds No. is non dimensional. Is your calculation of Reynolds No. non-dimensional? What kind of viscosity is used to calculate Reynolds No.? Have you used the correct viscosity?
 
  • #3
This is all that was on the assignment

Refer to the Reynolds Number Equation and answer the following questions:
1. Which is more turbulent – Fluid A or Fluid B? Explain your answer?

Fluid a
Substance water
Temperature 60 degrees c
Density 983 kg
Pipe size 10"
Flow rate 10
Abs viscosity 432 centipoise

(10)(10)(983) divided by(432) = 227.546

Fluid b
Substance crude oil
Temp 60 degrees
Density 915kg
Pipe size 10"
Flow rate 10 m/s
Abs viscosity 450 centipoise
(10)(10)(915) divided by 450 = 203.333
 
Last edited:
  • #4
You are mixing up different units here. If you are working in SI, the pipe size (diameter?) and viscosity given in the question are not in SI units.
 
  • #5
Like AlephZero stated, you must check these things out. Not all your problems will be simple plug-and-chug calculations. You must think about what the formulas mean and always pay attention to using the proper units.
 

Related to How Do You Calculate Reynolds Number for Water Flow in Pipes?

1. What is the Reynolds number equation and what does it represent?

The Reynolds number equation is a dimensionless number used in fluid mechanics to predict the flow behavior of a fluid. It is calculated by multiplying the fluid's density, velocity, and characteristic length and dividing it by the fluid's dynamic viscosity.

2. How is the Reynolds number used in fluid mechanics?

The Reynolds number is used to determine whether a fluid flow is laminar (smooth and predictable) or turbulent (chaotic and unpredictable). This information is important in engineering and design as it helps determine the appropriate size and shape of objects moving through fluids.

3. What is the significance of the critical Reynolds number?

The critical Reynolds number is the value at which a fluid flow transitions from laminar to turbulent. This number varies depending on the type of fluid and the surface it is flowing over. It is an important factor in understanding and predicting fluid behavior.

4. Can the Reynolds number equation be applied to all types of fluids?

Yes, the Reynolds number equation can be applied to all types of fluids, including liquids and gases. However, the results may vary depending on the properties of the fluid, such as its viscosity and density.

5. How is the Reynolds number related to drag force?

The Reynolds number is directly related to the drag force experienced by an object moving through a fluid. As the Reynolds number increases, so does the drag force. This is because at higher Reynolds numbers, the fluid becomes more turbulent, creating more resistance for the object.

Similar threads

Replies
31
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Classical Physics
Replies
5
Views
970
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
Back
Top