Analysis of energy losses in smooth pipes

Abstract

Pipe is a closed conduit, usually of circular section, which is used for carrying fluids under pressure. The pipe running partially full, in such a case atmospheric pressure exists inside the pipe, also behaves like an open channel. In general, energy or head losses on pipe consisted of major energy losses due to friction and minor energy losses due to sudden enlargement of pipe, sudden contraction of pipe, bend in pipe, an obstruction in pipe, pipe fittings etc. The main purpose from this research is to analyse energy losses in smooth pipes. There are several steps in analysing such as calculating Reynolds Number (Re) in order to determine flow type, calculating friction factor by using several formulas, and calculating roughness value (k) on smooth pipe with different various scenarios. The experimental study was performed at Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics Laboratory to process the analysis. The results indicated that the flow type is turbulent when Reynolds Number (Re) is more than 4000. The turbulent flow is characterized by random and irregular movement of fluid particles. The other result also shown that roughness value (k) in smooth pipe is inverse proportion to Reynolds Number.