CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr.

Fuad Musleh

Kingdom of Bahrain

College of Engineering
Civil Engineering Department

(CENG321) Hydraulics Laboratory

Experiment #1 (2nd Semester 2020-2021)

Osborne Reynolds’ Apparatus

This experiment replicates the work done by Osborne Reynolds to characterize laminar,
transitional and turbulent flow in terms of the “Reynolds Number” (ρvd/μ).

Student Name: Student No:

Section No.: Serial No.:
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 CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr. Fuad Musleh

Introduction
When a fluid flows next to a solid boundary the nature of
the flow depends on the velocity relative to that boundary. At low
velocities the layers of fluid move smoothly over one another and
this is termed 'laminar' flow. However, as the velocity is increased,
small disturbances cause eddies which 'mix up' the layers of fluid and
produces a different pattern of flow, which is termed 'turbulent'.
This change has a significant effect on the forces acting between
the fluid and the solid Boundary.
An understanding of the fluid behavior is of fundamental importance
in the study of hydraulics and fluid mechanics. When fluid flows along
a pipe, the nature of the flow determines the pressure loss and
hence the power required to pump the fluid along the pipe. British
physicist named Osborne Reynolds (1842-1912) first identified the
variables controlling the flow and produced a rational means of predicting the
nature of flow. Reynolds showed that the behavior depends on the balance
between inertia and viscous forces in the fluid. This led to the definition of a non-
dimensional parameter, now called Reynolds number, which expresses the ratio
of inertia to viscous forces and can be used to identify the conditions under which
the flow changes from laminar to turbulent. By experiment it was
found that the change always occurred at a similar value of
Reynolds number irrespective of the fluid and the size of pipe. The
Reynolds Number and Transitional Flow demonstrates the kind of
experiment conducted to show the dependence of flow on Reynolds
number. The apparatus enables the nature of the flow in a pipe
to be studied by observing the behavior of a filament of dye
injected into the fluid. The flow rate can be varied and the
change, or 'transition', between laminar and turbulent flow can be
clearly demonstrated. It was concluded that the nature of a given flow of
incompressible fluid is characterized by its Reynolds’ number. Reynolds’ number is
given by the mathematical expressions:
𝒗𝒅
𝑹= (eq.1)
𝝂
Where
𝑹: Reynolds’ number, 𝑣: Flow velocity (𝑚/𝑠𝑒𝑐), 𝒅: Flow visualization pipe
internal diameter (𝑚), 𝝂: Kinematic viscosity (𝑚2 ⁄𝑠).
Consequently, and as result of Reynolds’ number, flow can be visualized as:
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 CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr. Fuad Musleh
1. Laminar flow: (𝑅 ≤ 2000) Fluid moves in layers, or laminas, one layer gliding
smoothly over an adjacent layer with only a molecular interchange of
momentum. Any tendencies toward erratic motion are damped out by viscous
shear forces that resist relative motion of adjacent fluid layers. For this
condition, friction loss is directly proportional to mean flow velocity.
Laminar flow is the type of flow in which
the particles move in a straight line in the
form of a thin parallel sheets. Laminar flow
denotes a steady condition where all stream
lines follow parallel paths. Under this
condition, the dye will remain easily
identifiable as a solid core.

2. Transition flow: (2000 < 𝑅 ≤ 4000) Fluid is in a situation of change from

smoothly viscous motion to erratic turbulent motion. Particles are in a position
of bearing both molecular and momentum motion.
3. Turbulent flow:(𝑅 > 4000) Fluid here shows erratic motion which produces
momentum interchanges. These interchanges reduce viscous effects
appreciably and appear turbulent in a fine-scale for small Reynolds’ numbers
(eddies) or a large scale for big Reynolds’ numbers (huge vortex and swirls). For
these conditions, friction loss is proportional to velocity to the power
of 1.7— 2.0.
Turbulent flow is the type of flow in
which the particles move in a zigzag
pattern. Turbulent flow denotes as
unsteady condition where stream lines
interact causing shear plan collapse and
mixing occurs. As the flow rate is
increased, the transition from laminar to
turbulent flow is a gradual process. This
zone of change is defined as transitional
flow. This will appear as
a wandering dye stream prior to dispersion
as turbulence occurs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MpO8kuJvzE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upHHx42r4E0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiX5PfFxmIs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pae5WrmDzUU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiX5PfFxmIs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXwFyUfc8Vs

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 CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr. Fuad Musleh

Objectives
To perform the classical experiment conducted by Reynolds to illustrate
laminar, transitional and turbulent pipe flows and to determine the condition
under which these type of flow occurs.
 The experiment involves running the Osborne Reynolds equipment
with different flow rates. The volume is fixed at 0.5 L
amount of water. The time required to collect this volume is recorded
each time to obtain its volume flow rate.
 For each case, with a different value of flow rate, we observe the
characteristic of the flow, whether there are laminar, transitional or
turbulent characteristics of flow.
 From the data collected we made calculation to estimate the range for
laminar, transitional and turbulent flow.
Materials and Equipment
 Water supply
 Reynolds’ Apparatus (Fig.1)
 Measuring cylinder marked at a known volume (here, 0.5 L) with a clear
color (here, red).
 Stopwatch
 Vegetable dye
 Thermometer

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 CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr. Fuad Musleh

Fig.1 - Reynolds’ Apparatus.

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 CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr. Fuad Musleh

Theory
Recalling (eq.1):
𝑣𝑑
𝑅= (eq.1)
𝜈
Knowing that
𝑄 𝑉/𝑡
𝑣= = (eq.2)
𝐴 0.25𝜋(𝑑)2
Where,
𝑄: Flow rate (Discharge) (𝑚3 ⁄𝑠)
𝐴: Flow visualization pipe internal cross-sectional area (𝑚2 )
𝑉: Water volume (𝑚3 )
From (eqs.1 and 2):
𝑉/𝑡
𝑑 𝑉
0.25𝜋(𝑑)2 (eq.3)
𝑅= =
𝜈 0.25𝜋𝜈𝑑𝑡

Consequently, and as result of Reynolds’ number, flow can be visualized as:

1. Laminar flow (𝑅 ≤ 2000)
2. Transition flow (2000 < 𝑅 ≤ 4000)
3. Turbulent flow (𝑅 > 4000)
Procedure
1. Setting up the apparatus: (Fig.1)
Fill the reservoir with dye, position the apparatus on the bench and connect the
inlet pipe to the bench feed. Lower the dye injector until it is just above the bell
mouth inlet. Close the flow control valve. Open bench inlet valve and slowly fill
the head tank to the overflow level, then close the inlet valve.
2. Taking the readings:
Measure the temperature of the water. Allow the apparatus to stand at least
ten minutes before proceeding. Open and close the flow control valve to admit
water to the flow visualization pipe.
 Laminar Flow Condition:
Initially, open the flow control valve slightly to let the water enter to the flow
visualization pipe in a low rate such that you can observe the dye flowing in
the flow visualization pipe in a clear straight steady line. Start the stopwatch
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 CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr. Fuad Musleh
just when you start to fill the measuring cylinder with this flow. Once the
water achieves the red mark (at 0.5 L level), stop the stopwatch and take its
readout and record it in Table 1. Further open or close the flow control valve
slightly such that the dye still flows in a clear straight steady line, and repeat
the previous procedure. Repeat the previous step one more time to gain
three readings at the laminar flow condition.
 Transition Flow Condition:
Open the flow control valve slowly until you see the dye in the flow
visualization pipe still flows in a straight line, but it is less clear and not steady
(i.e. waving to right and left). By the same procedure just explained, take
three time readings within the transition flow condition.
 Turbulent Flow Condition:
Open the flow control valve slowly until the dye in the flow visualization pipe
is invisible, (i.e. overlaps with water). Take three time readings in this
condition in the same procedure.

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 CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr. Fuad Musleh

Fig.2 (a) the line of the dye in laminar flow; (b) fluctuation and tearing of the dye liquid at the
transition point; (c) unordered movement of the dye in turbulent flow. (Article in Eurobean
Journal of Physics-March 2003)

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 CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr. Fuad Musleh

Raw Data and Results (Calculations)

𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 = 10 𝑚𝑚
𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 20°𝐶
𝑉𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 = 𝑚 2 ⁄𝑠
𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 = 0.5 × 10−3 𝑚3
Table 1 - Experiment Data
Time Reynolds’ Description of the line of dye
Flow Condition
min sec Number
1 51.7
Laminar Flow 2 54.65
0 39.2
0 23.95
Transition Flow 0 25.75
0 24.9
0 11.45
Turbulent Flow 0 12.7
0 7.5

Sample of Calculations
 Calculating the velocity:

 Calculating Reynolds number:

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 CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr. Fuad Musleh

Discussion and Conclusion

- Write a brief summary of what you have understood of this experiment, the
main ideas you have learned, the importance of Reynolds number concept
the extra videos and material you have seen, .
- Discuss the observations and results made, the difficulty of finding the
velocity for turbulent flow, the sources of errors, and the differences
between the three types of flow patterns and their characteristics with
illustrative sketches of the flow characteristics of each case. Does the
observed flow condition occur within the expected Reynold’s number range
for that condition?
- Can we make easily a clear line between different types of flow?
- Discuss any source of error in the calculation of the observations.
- Compare the experimental results with any theoretical studies you have
undertaken.
- Comment on the following:
“Note that at intermediate flows, it is possible to have a laminar
characteristic in the upper part of the test section, which develops into
transitional flow lower down. This upper section behavior is described as an
“inlet length flow,” which means that the boundary layer has not yet
extended across the pipe radius.”

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 CENG321 Hydraulics, Dr. Fuad Musleh

REFERENCES
Books
1) Bruce R Munson, Donald F. Young, Theodore H. Okiishi, Fundamental Of Fluid
Mechanics, fourth edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Webs
1) https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_Reynolds retrieve in August 2015.
2) http://discoverarmfield.com/en/products/view/f1-20/Osborne-reynolds-demonstrtion
retrieve in August 2015.
3) www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/36047993/LAB-REPORT-Osbourne-Reynolds-Apparatus
retrieve in August 2015.
4) www.mdp.eng.cam.ac.uk/web/library/enginfo/aerothermal_dvd_only/aero/fprops/pipeflo
w/node8.html retrieve in August 2015.
5) www.britannica.com/science/turbulent-flow retrieve in August 2015.
6) www.hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/pfric.html retrieve in August 2015.
7) www.engineeringtoolbox.com/laminar-transitional-turbulent-flow-d_577.html retrieve in
August 2015.

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