Fluid Mechanics

Lab

Submitted to:
Miss Huma Bilal
Submitted by:
Zeeshan Anjum Sandhu

Roll no:
09-ME-355

Experiment no.2
To determine the operating characteristics of Pelton
Wheel Turbine at various speeds.
Method:
By the measurement of power, torque, volume flow rate
against rotors speed with constant input head.
Apparatus:
Hydraulic bench

Pelton Turbine Apparatus

Stop watch

Digital techometer

Technical data:
Radius of rotor=r= 30mm=0.03m
Theory:
Pelton Wheel:
The Pelton wheel is among the most efficient types of
water turbines. The Pelton wheel extracts energy from the
impulse (momentum) of moving water, as opposed to its weight
like traditional overshot water wheel.
Turbine:
A turbine is a rotary engine that extracts energy from a fluid flow
and converts it into useful work
Pelton Wheel Turbine:

In a Pelton Turbine or Pelton Wheel water jets impact on the

blades of the turbine making the wheel rotate, producing torque
and power.
Design : The Pelton Turbine has a circular disk mounted on the
rotating shaft or rotor. This circular disk has cup shaped blades,
called as buckets, placed at equal spacing around its
circumference. Nozzles are arranged around the wheel such that
the water jet emerging from a nozzle is tangential to the
circumference of the wheel of Pelton Turbine. According to the
available water head (pressure of water) and the operating
requirements the shape and number of nozzles placed around the
Pelton Wheel can vary.
Principle:
The change in momentum (direction as well as speed) of water
stream produces an impulse on the blades of the wheel of Pelton
Turbine. This impulse generates the torque and rotation in the
shaft of Pelton Turbine.
The Pelton turbine is the most visually obvious example of an
impulse machine. A spear valve directs a jet of water at a series
of buckets which are mounted on the periphery of a rotor. As the
water exiting the spear valve is at atmospheric pressure, the force
exerted on the rotor is entirely due to changes in the direction of
the flow of water. The Pelton turbine is therefore associated with
considerable changes of kinetic energy but little change in
pressure energy. The spear valve allows the jet diameter to be
varied which allows the water flow rate to be varied with a
constant jet velocity. Large turbines may include more than one
spear valve around the periphery of the rotor.
The operating characteristics of a turbine are often
conveniently shown by plotting torque T, brake power P b, and
overall turbine efficiency E t against turbine rotational speed n
for a series of volume flow rates Q v, as shown in chart provided.
It is important to note that the efficiency reaches a maximum and
then falls, whilst the torque falls constantly and linearly. The
optimum conditions for operation occur when the required 'duty
point' of head and flow coincides with a point of maximum
efficiency.

The basic terms used to define, and therefore measure, turbine

performance in relation to rotational speed include:
i)
ii)

Volume flow rate,

Head,

iii) Torque, power output and efficiencies.

The flow rate of fluid through the turbine is the volume passing
through the system per unit time.
Q v = V/t
[m 3 /s]

..... (1)

The term 'head' refers to the elevation of a free surface of

water above or below a reference d atum. In the case of a turbine
we are interested in the head of the water entering the rotor,
which of course has a direct effect on the characteristics of the
unit. In this apparatus the head of water is generated by the
pump on the hydraulics bench rather than an elevated reservoir.
Terms specifically applied to the analysis of turbines and
generating systems are briefly defined below.
Hence

Hi = P1 / g

[m]

The hydraulic power supplied by the water, Pi, can be calculated

as
Pi= g H Q

[Nm/s =

Watts]

..(3)

The mechanical power, Pm, produced by the turbine in creating a

torque T on the brake at rotor speed n is given by
Pm = 2 n T
Watts]

[Nm/s =
..... (4)

The torque itself is given by the equation:

T = (w1- w2)
r

[Nm]

(5)

where Fb= w1- w2 is the brake force reading on the spring

balances and r is the pulley radius.
However, the fluid friction 'losses' in the turbine itself, require a
hydraulic efficiency Eh to be defined as:-

Further, the mechanical losses in the bearings etc. require a

mechanical efficiency E m to be defined as

The Armfield turbine units do not include the direct measurement of

mechanical power Pm, but instead measure brake force applied to
the rotor via the band brake. A further efficiency is therefore
required, expressing the friction losses in the brake assembly Eb:-

The overall turbine efficiency Et is thus:-

Which is equal to :

Thus:
Et = Eh Em Eb
Industrial Use:
1. It is commonly used for the electric power generation.
2. Its design also involve in the propeller shaft of an craft.
3. Its mechanism also involve in certain machineries.
4. It also give a concept of momentum transfer and torque.

Procedure:
1. The accessory is designed to be positioned on the side
channel of the hydraulics bench and the inlet pipe should be
connected to the bench supply.
2. Open the flow control valve of Hydraulic Bench.
3. Maximize the flow in the tank and then adjust the pressure
by pressure gauge.
4. Flow control valve also fixed and should not change.
5. Now pressure is kept 1.2 bar and fixed it.
6. Then come to the spring balance. First check the zero error
and then apply the loads w1 and w2.
7. As the load increases rotor speed decreases.

8. Note the rotor speed by digital tachometer which measures

rpm.
9. By the applying of load we calculate the time for the 3 liter
volume so by this we calculate the volume flow rate.
10.
Then by multiply load difference with the radius of the
rotor we find torque.
11.

Then calculate the efficiency by the formulas involved.

Comments:
1. While noting the rpm from the tachometer the hand should
be stationary so that the exact rpm can be find out.
2. There is also need to remove the personal error caused
during calculating the time.
3. From the impact of jet on the target the momentum transfer
takes place.
4. It is also noted that if weight deference increases there is an
increase in torque due to which the brake power increases
and also the efficiency increase.
5. The shape of the target curve depends upon the speed of
the jet.
6. By the increase of weight the rotor speed decreases so to
collect the time for the volume of 3 liter from the bench also
increase.

Observations and Calculations :

No Roto
.
r
of spee
ob d n
s (rpm
)

Spri
ng
bala
nce
w1
(kg)

Spri
ng
bala
nce
w2
(kg)

Volu
me
V
(m3)

Tim
et
(sec
)

10-3

Flo Inp Inpu

w
ut
t
rat hea pow
e
d H er Pi
Qv (m) (kW)
(m3
/s)
10

Turb Brak Effici

ine
e
ency
Torq pow
=
ue T
er
brake
(Nm)
Pb
powe
(kW)
r
Input
powe
r

-6

1.

1673

0.8

2.8

10

300 12.2

35.9

0.06

10.51

29.3

2.

1583

1.2

7.94

378 12.2

45.2

0.08
4

13.92

30.7

3.

1582

1.6

4.4

7.87

381 12.2

45.6

0.08
4

13.91

30.5

4.

1428

1.6

5.2

7.66

392 12.2

46.9

0.10
8

16.14

34.4

5.

1418

1.9

5.9

7.81

384 12.2

45.9
5

0.12
0

17.81

38.7

6.

1220

6.8

8.22

365 12.2

43.7

0.14
4

18.38

42.1

Mechanics of Materials Lab

Submitted to:
Sir Farooq
Submitted by:
Zeeshan Anjum Sandhu
Roll no:
09-ME-355

Experiment no.2
To demonstrate cavitation phenomenon with forced
conduction.
Apparatus:
Hydraulic bench
Demonstration Unit

Cavitation

Technical data:
Area at inlet valve = A1=150mm2
Area at throat point=A2=36mm2
Theory:
Cavitation:
Cavitation is the formation of vapor bubbles of a flowing liquid in
a region where the pressure of the liquid falls below its vapor
pressure.
Cavitation is usually divided into two classes of behavior:
1. Inertial (or transient) cavitation.
2. Non-inertial cavitation.
Inertial cavitation:
Inertial cavitation is the process where a void or bubble in a liquid
rapidly collapses, producing a shock wave. Such cavitation often
occurs in control valves, pumps, propellers, impellers, and in the
vascular tissues of plants.
Non-inertial cavitation:
Non-inertial cavitation is the process in which a bubble in a fluid is
forced to oscillate in size or shape due to some form of energy

input, such as an acoustic field. Such cavitation is often employed

in ultrasonic cleaning baths and can also be observed in pumps,
propellers, etc.
Places of cavitation:
Major places where cavitation occurs are in pumps, on propellers,
or at restrictions in a flowing liquid.
As an impeller's (in a pump) or propeller's (as in the case of a ship
or submarine) blades move through a fluid, low-pressure areas
are formed as the fluid accelerates around and moves past the
blades. The faster the blades move, the lower the pressure
around it can become. As it reaches vapor pressure, the
fluid vaporizes and forms small bubbles of gas. This is cavitation.
When the bubbles collapse later, they typically cause very strong
local shock waves in the fluid, which may be audible and may
even damage the blades.
Advantages /uses:
1. In industry, cavitation is often used to homogenize, or mix
and break down, suspended particles in a colloidal liquid
compound such as paint mixtures or milk.
2. Cavitation plays an important role for the destruction
of kidney stones in shock wave lithotripsy.
3. In industrial cleaning applications, cavitation has sufficient
power to overcome the particle-to-substrate adhesion forces,
loosening contaminants.
4. Cavitation is not always a limitation for sea life; some
animals have found ways to use it to their advantage when
hunting prey e.g pistol shrimp
Disadvantages:
Following problems occur due to cavitation.
1. A great deal of noise.
2. Damage to components.

3. Vibration occurs.
4. Loss of head/efficiency.
5. Erosion of surface.
6. For pipe cavitation change in velocity and elevation
takes place.
7. Under extreme conditions this can break the impeller
shaft.
Techniques to avoid cavitation:
To avoid cavitation in centrifugal pumps, the pressure of the fluid
at all points within the pump must remain above saturation
pressure. The quantity used to determine if the pressure of the
liquid being pumped is adequate to avoid cavitation is the net
positive suction head (NPSH).The net positive suction head
available (NPSHA) is the difference between the pressure at the
suction of the pump and the saturation pressure for the liquid
being pumped. The net positive suction head required (NPSHR)
is the minimum net positive suction head necessary to
avoid cavitation.
Observations and Calculations:
No.
of
obs

Volum
eV
(m3)
10-3

Time
t
(sec)

Vol flow
Inlet
Outlet
rate
pressur pressu
Q (m3/s)
e P1
re P2
-3
10
bar
bar

0.56

0.2

6.91

0.72

5.63

V1=Q/
A1 m/s

V2=Q/
A2 m/s

-0.78

3.73

15.5

0.4

-0.76

4.8

20

0.99

0.6

-0.74

6.6

27.5

4.84

1.03

0.8

-0.705

6.87

28.6

4.44

1.13

0.86

-0.69

7.53

31.4

Procedure:
1. The accessory is designed to be positioned on the bench
supply.
2. Open the flow control valve of Hydraulic Bench.
3. Then calculate the discharge by increasing pressure P 1 at
inlet valve.
4. Note the pressure P2 at the throat point where the cavitation
occur.
5. Then calculate the velocities at inlet and at throat point.

Comments:
1. Sometimes cavitation makes disturbance and sometimes it
helps a lot in doing work.
2. If pressure increases gradually then flow becomes steady
and cavitation doesnt occur and we get straight line.
3. To avoid cavitation we use NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head)
that is the pressure of the fluid at all points within the pump
must remain above saturation pressure.
4. In industry, cavitation is often used to homogenize, or mix
and break down, suspended particles in a colloidal liquid
compound such as paint mixtures or milk.
5. If cavitation becomes large then it damage the components
and is also dangerous.

Experiment no.3
To study the working of axial flow impulse turbine by
using turbine service unit.
Apparatus:
Turbine Service Unit

Axial Flow Impulse Turbine

Unit
Theory:

Turbine:
A turbine is a rotary engine that extracts energy from a fluid flow
and converts it into useful work.
Impulse turbine:

These turbines change the direction of flow of a high velocity fluid

or gas jet. The resulting impulse spins the turbine and leaves the
fluid flow with diminished kinetic energy. There is no pressure
change of the fluid or gas in the turbine rotor blades (the moving
blades), as in the case of a steam or gas turbine, all the pressure
drop takes place in the stationary blades (the nozzles).

Types of impulse turbine:

Various types of impulse turbine are:
1. Pelton wheel
2. Turgo turbine
3. Cross flow turbine
Axial flow:
In axial flow turbine, water flows mainly in the direction parallel to
the axis.
Mixed flow turbine:
Water flows mainly radialy at entrance and leaves axially as in
Francis turbine.

Advantages of impulse turbine:Impulse turbine are generally more suitable for mini hydro
applications in developing countries than reaction trbine for
following purposes :
1. No pressure seals around the shaft
2. Easier to fabricate and maintain
3. No concept of cavitation in impulse turbine.
4. Better part flow efficency
Disadvantages:
The main disadvantages are:
1. Only suitable for high head applications
2. The rotor speed of rotor is quite low
3. Flow rate is quite low
Procedure:
1. Adjust the turbine unit according to the instructions and
figure.
2. Open the water supply and allow the water to enter to the
accessory.
3. Then there comes a moment at which we adjust the
discharge and pressure.
4. Noted the values of pressure and discharge from the sensors
involved in the apparatus.
5. There are four sensor available in the apparatus. Pressure
sensor is used to calculate the pressure. Speed sensor is
used to calculate the speed in rpm. Brake power sensor is

used to calculate the brake power. Total head sensor is used

to calculate the total head involved.
6. Now increasing the load and note the variations occur by
varying the load in the readings.
Comments:
1. Main valve must be closed before starting the experiment.
2. Casing should be air tight.
3. Due to low flow rate and high head pelton turbine works on
this principle.
4. Impulse turbine cannot run full therefore it has an efficiency
of 89% and it is less efficient than reaction turbine because it
always runs full and has an efficiency of 93%.

Pelton Turbine:
Pelton turbines are designed with a number of cup-shaped
components connected around the circumference of a runner that
is in turn connected to a central hub. Nozzles are positioned all
around the runner, and they inject water into these cups, which
change the potential energy of the water into kinetic energy by
pushing the turbine's wheel around. Pelton turbines may include
different generations of the same cup-and-wheel apparatus, each
an iteration of which creates a greater level of energy efficiency

Turgo Turbines:
Turgo turbines are a variation of Pelton turbines. However,
instead of full cups, Turgo turbines have only half cups around the
runner. The presence of these half-cups allows the water to enter
and exit the cups faster and in greater amounts than with Pelton
turbines, thereby providing it with a much higher level of energy
efficiency. Turgo turbines can be installed horizontally as well as
vertically, while Pelton turbines can only be installed vertically.
Crossflow Water Turbines:
Crossflow water turbines are designed with many troughshaped blades in a radial arrangement around a cylinder-shaped
runner. They are tapered at the water inlet as well as the blades'
ends to ensure that the water flows as smoothly as possible.
Crossflow turbines have only two nozzles, which shoot water at a
45-degree angle to the blades, thus converting the force into
kinetic energy. A controlling mechanism regulates the flow of the
water out of the nozzle. These turbines are drum-shaped. The
water in these turbines actually passes through the blades twice,
once from the outside of the blades to the inside, and another
time from the inside to the outside. Crossflow turbines can usually
handle a greater amount of water flow than Pelton turbines. They
are also sometimes referred to as Michell-Banki or Ossberger
turbines.

Experiment no.4
To study the working of Radial Flow Reaction Turbine.
Apparatus:
Turbine Service Unit
Turbine

Radial Flow Reaction

Theory:
Reaction turbine:
The reaction turbine, as the name implies, is turned by reactive
force rather than by a direct push or impulse

Types of reaction turbine:

Axial flow turbine :
The turbine in which water enters along the axis of shaft and
leaves along the same axis (axially) is called axial flow turbine.
Radial flow turbine:
The turbine in which water enters perpendicular to the axis of
shaft and leaves radially is called radial flow turbine.
Mixed flow turbine:
The turbine in which water enters along the axis of shaft and
leaves perpendicular to the axis of shaft is called mixed flow
turbine.

Radial flow reaction turbine

Types:
1. Francis turbine
2. Kaplan turbine
Advantages:
It has following advantages:
1. Flow rate is quite large in Kaplan turbine as well as rotor
speed than pelton.
2. Mechanical efficiency is large than impulse.
3. Variation in operational head can be easily controlled.
Limitations and disadvantages:
1.Cavitation is ever present.
2. It is not suitable for large heads.
Turbine Service Unit:
The FM6X Turbine Service unit provides a water supply which is
required
to operate the reaction turbine, impulse turbine and pelton wheel
turbine demonstrations. The service unit consists of a stainless
steel base on which is mounted a water reservoir, a compact
three-phase pump and an electronic fl ow
meter. The pump is controlled direct from the computer using the
speed controller inside the IFD7 USB interface console.
DESCRIPTION:
The apparatus consists of an inlet manifold which supplies water
to a central hub.

Water exits the hub radially through two square orifices. The hub
is connected to
the manifold using a graphite face seal. The turbine is mounted
on a horizontal
shaft with a clear acrylic splash guard to allow maximum visibility
of the workings
The unit incorporates a pressure sensor to measure the inlet
condition of the water. This pressure can be accurately controlled
using the software supplied with the service unit.
Procedure:
1. Adjust the turbine unit according to the instructions and
figure.
2. This experiment is similar to the previous owing to the
difference of radial flow reaction turbine unit.
3. Open the water supply and start the experiment.
4. Adjust the discharge and pressure.
5. Note the volume flow rate and pressure from the sensors
involved.
6. Note the remaining reading by varying the load.

Comments:
1. From the whole experiment it is learned that the main valve
should be closed before starting the experiment.
2. For Francis type medium head and medium discharge must
be occurred.
3. For Kaplon type low head and high discharge must be
occurred.
4. Smooth and medium flow rate must be occurred because if
the flow rate is note smooth cavitation occurred and affect
the result.
5. From the research aspect it is noted that the efficiency of
reaction turbine is 93% and it is widely used in various
industries and also in big projects

Experiment no.5
To obtain the fan characteristics curves for a centrifugal
fan at constant speed.
Apparatus:
Centrifugal Fan Demonstration Unit.
Theory:
Centrifugal fan:
A centrifugal fan is a mechanical device for moving air or other
gases. It has a fan wheel composed of a number of fan blades, or
ribs, mounted around a hub. The hub turns on a driveshaft that
passes through the fan housing. The gas enters from the side of
the fan wheel, turns 90 degrees and accelerates due to centrifugal
force as it flows over the fan blades and exits the fan housing.

Description:
A motor driven centrifugal fan, mounted on a stainless steel
plinth. Transparent air inlet and air outlet ducts allow the fan
volute and the impeller to be clearly observed. A manually
operated adjustable aperture allows the air flow rate to be varied
at constant fan speed. A calibrated orifice plate is used on the
discharge to measure the air flow rate. Interchangeable backward
and forward curved blade impellers are provided, to facilitate
direct comparison between their respective operating
characteristics and to demonstrate to which duties each is best
suited.
Electronic sensors measure the pressure head developed across
the fan, the pressure across the orifice plate (and hence the flow
rate) and the air temperature. The fan speed is accurately
controlled by an advanced electronic inverter within the IFD7 (an
essential accessory). This inverter also calculates the torque
produced at the motor drive shaft, allowing the power used by the
fan to be derived. The IFD7 also provides the conditioning
electronics for the sensors and allows their readings to be
displayed on the computer software. Connections to the IFD7 are
a single multi-way connector for the sensors and a connector for
the fan motor drive. The equipment is provided with advanced
education and data logging software.

Uses advantages:
1. Centrifugal fans can generate pressure increases in the gas
stream.
2. They are well-suited for industrial processes and air pollution
control systems.
3. They are also common in central heating/cooling systems.
4. They are used in air ventilation systems
5. The most important component in air conditioner is centrifugal fan
which is most commonly drum type shape.
6. It is mostly used in all types of air conditioners

Limitations/disadvantages:
They are not be used in dirty and dusty air where adhesive
materials exist, those material stick with it and can
completely, destroy its balance. If any dust particle enters in
it, it destroys the blades and the performance of the whole
assembly is also disturbed by dust particles.

Procedure:
1. The accessory is placed according to instructions and link
with an inverter with installed advanced education software.
2. The aperture must be closed when fan starts.
3. When the fan speed becomes steady and constant then
open the aperture.
4. Note the flow rate and orifice pressure.
5. In order to obtain more readings, alter the flow rate.
6. Finally plot a graph between flow rate and pressure, flow
rate and fan power, flow rate and efficiency.

Observations and calculations:

No.
of
obs

Atmosp
Fan
heric
Settin
Pressur
gs
e Patm
(%)
(kPa)

Fan
Total Power
Fan
Fan
Speed Pressu Outpu Efficien Dischar
(rpm) re Ptf
t
cy y
ge Qv
(KPa)
(W)
Egr
(l/s)
(%)

101

50

1500

0.08

1.12

4.61

13.84

101

50

1500

0.08

1.05

4.37

13.51

101

50

1500

0.08

1.07

4.45

13.51

101

50

1500

0.07

0.99

4.08

13.52

101

50

1500

0.06

0.73

2.89

12.84

101

50

1500

0.06

0.78

3.10

12.84

101

50

1500

0.05

0.62

2.39

11.75

101

50

1500

0.04

0.46

1.74

10.53

101

50

1500

0.04

0.44

1.71

10.54

10

101

50

1500

0.04

0.39

1.50

10.10

Comments:

1. Firstly one thing kept in mind that before starting the whole
experiment the aperture must be closed fully until the speed
becomes constant.
2. At normal conditions the ventilating fans are designed for
clean air service.
3. It is very easiest way to study the working of centrifugal fan
with the advanced computer software. The most important
advantage is save time and human errors are also avoided.
4. Important factor to success the experiment is to control the
flow rate becomes if there is restriction at the inlet valve, the
flow rate can not be reduced.
5. The wiring of motor also plays a vital role in the whole
experiment because if the wiring is incorrect, the air flows in
opposite direction in fan.

Experiment no.6
To obtain the fan characteristics curves for an Axial fan at
constant speed.
Apparatus:
Axial Fan Demonstration Unit.
Theory:
Axial Fan:
The axial fan produces gas flow by virtue of the momentum
changes imparted across the rotary blades, parallel to the axis of
rotation. Such fans are more suitable for higher flows at lower
delivery pressures than their centrifugal counterparts.
The axial-flow fans have blades that force air to move parallel to
the shaft about which the blades rotate.
1. Axial fans blow air along the axis of the fan, linearly, hence
their name.
2. This type of fan is used in a wide variety of applications,
ranging from small cooling fans for electronics to the giant
fans used in wind tunnels.
Description:
An axial fan, mounted on a stainless steel plinth. Transparent air
inlet and air outlet ducts allow the fan construction to be clearly
observed. A manually operated adjustable aperture allows the air
flow rate to be varied. A calibrated orifice plate is used on the
discharge to measure the air flow rate. Electronic sensors
measure the pressure head developed across the fan, the
pressure across the orifice plate (and hence the flow rate), the
rotational speed of the fan and the air temperature. The fan
speed is controlled by modulated DC supply, complete with

current sensing to allow the power drawn by the fan to be

measured. An IFD7 is required to provide the conditioning
electronics for the sensors and to allow their readings to be
displayed on the computer software. Connections to the IFD7 are
a single multi-way connector for the sensors and a power
connector for the fan drive. The equipment is provided with
advanced education and data logging software.

Uses advantages:
1. It is used as a ceiling fan in our rooms, houses and buildings
etc.
2. In automobiles, a mechanical fan provides engine cooling
and prevents the engine from overheating by blowing or
sucking air through a coolant-filled radiator.
3. It can be driven with a belt and pulley off the engine's
crankshaft or an electric fan switched on or off by a
thermostatic switch.
4. Such fans are more suitable for higher flows at lower delivery
pressures than their centrifugal counterparts.
5. They are used as cooling fans in electronics and also used in
wind tunnels.
6. As a variable pitch fan used in controlling static pitches of
pressure
7. It is the simplest type of fan and is best adapted to
applications with high flow against low frictional resistance.
8. Vane axial fan is also used in gas cleaning service unit.

Procedure:
1. The accessory is placed according to instructions and link
with an inverter with installed advanced education software.
2. The aperture must be closed when fan starts.
3. When the fan speed becomes steady and constant then
open the aperture.
4. Note the flow rate and orifice pressure.
5. In order to obtain more readings, alter the flow rate.
6. Finally plot a graph between flow rate and pressure, flow
rate and fan power, flow rate and efficiency.
Observations and Calculations:
No.
of Atmosph Fan
Fan
Total
Fan
Fan
Fan
obs
eric
Settin Speed Pressu Powe Efficie Discharge
Pressure
gs
n
re
r
ncy
(Qv)
Patm
S
(rpm)
Ptf
Outp
(%)
(kPa)
(%)
(KPa)
ut
(W)
1

101

100

70

1.92

26.9

27.3

101

100

72

1.79

25.2

24.9

101

100

74

1.8

25.2

24.4

101

100

75

1.78

24.7

23.7

101

100

77

1.79

24.3

23.4

101

50

45

1.05

18.1

23.5

101

50

44

1.04

18.3

23.6

101

50

43

1.03

18.3

23.8

101

50

43

1.05

18.6

24.3

10

101

50

42

1.06

18.7

24.9

Mot
Air
or Temper
Po
ature
wer
T(0C)
Pe
(W)

Den Orifice
Fan
sity Differe Differe
of
ntial
ntial
air Pressu Pressu
(kg/m
re
re
3
)

Disch
arge
coeffi
cient
(Cd)

Inlet Outl Predi

velo
et
cted
city velo Total
V1
city Press
(m/s
V1
ure
)
(m/s
Pt
)
(kPa)

Predi
cted
Fan
Disch
arge
e
(lit/s)

7.1

25.5

1.16
3

19.7

70.3

0.596

2.29

2.29

281.3

54.5

7.1

25.5

1.16
3

16.4

72.1

0.596

2.09

2.09

288.6

49.8

7.1

25.5

1.16
3

15.8

73.7

0.596

2.05

2.05

294.9

48.7

7.2

25.5

1.16
3

15.0

75.1

0.596

2.00

2.00

300.5

47.5

7.4

25.5

1.16
3

14.5

76.6

0.596

1.97

1.97

306.4

46.8

5.8

25.8

1.16
2

14.7

44.8

0.596

1.98

1.98

179.3

47.0

5.7

25.7

1.16
2

14.8

43.1

0.596

1.99

1.99

176.4

47.2

5.7

25.7

1.16

15.1

43.4

0.596

2.01

2.01

173.5

47.7

2
5.6

25.7

1.16
2

15.7

43.2

0.596

2.05

2.05

172.8

48.6

5.6

25.6

1.16
3

16.5

42.5

0.596

2.10

2.10

169.4

49.9

Comments:
1. Firstly one thing kept in mind that before starting the whole
experiment the aperture must be closed fully until the speed
becomes constant.
2. At normal conditions the ventilating fans are designed for
clean air service.
3. It is very easiest way to study the working of centrifugal fan
with the advanced computer software. The most important
advantage is save time and human errors are also avoided.
4. Important factor to success the experiment is to control the
flow rate becomes if there is restriction at the inlet valve, the
flow rate can not be reduced.
5. The wiring of motor also plays a vital role in the whole
experiment because if the wiring is incorrect, the air flows in
opposite direction in axial fan.
6. There are also present different losses but fan output is
enough to overcome the deficiencies.

Experiment no.7
To study the characteristic curve of centrifugal pump.
Apparatus:
Centrifugal Pump Unit.
Theory:
Centrifugal Pump:

Hydraulic Bench

The centrifugal pump is the machine most commonly used to

move liquids from one place to another. As such it is a particularly
instructive unit with which to introduce students to the whole
subject of Rotodynamic fluid machines. Discovering the
relationship between head, flow, rotational speed and power
provides a framework of general applicability. For example,
matching the required duty point to the conditions of maximum
energy efficiency may be explored as a creative student project.

Centrifugal Pump with cover removed

Description:
A motor driven centrifugal pump, mounted on a stainless steel
plinth with a water reservoir and pipework for continuous
circulation. The pump volute and the water reservoir are
manufactured from clear acrylic for maximum visibility. Similarly
the pipe runs are made from transparent PVC. Manually operated
valves at the pump inlet and outlet allow control of the flow and
also facilitate the study of suction effects. The pump volute has
been designed so that the impeller can be easily accessed and
replaced without tools. The apparatus is delivered with two
impellers, one with forward curved blades and one with backward
curved blades, allowing the students to investigate the effects of
impeller characteristics. Electronic sensors measure the pump
inlet pressure, the pump outlet pressure, the flow rate and the
water temperature. The pump speed is accurately controlled by
an advanced electronic inverter within the IFD7 (an essential
accessory). This inverter also calculates the torque produced at
the motor drive shaft, allowing the power used by the pump to be
derived. The IFD7 also provides the conditioning electronics for
the sensors and allows their readings to be displayed on the

computer software. Connections to the IFD7 are a single multiway connector for the sensors and a connector for the pump
motor drive. The equipment is provided with advanced education
and data logging software.

Working:
A centrifugal pump works by converting kinetic energy into
potential energy measurable as static fluid pressure at the outlet
of the pump. With the mechanical action of an electric motor or
similar, the rotation of the pump impeller imparts kinetic energy
to the fluid through centrifugal force. The fluid is drawn from the
inlet piping into the impeller intake eye and is accelerated
outwards through the impeller vanes to the volute and outlet
piping. It makes the fluid flow radially.
Advantages:
1. Centrifugal pumps are commonly used to transfer viscous
fluids through a piping system
2. It is used in textile industry while bleaching process, metal
treatment process that is anodizing metals and in
chemical industries as a catalyst and acid transfer.
3. It is easiest and reliable equipment to analyze the speed,
pressure, power, and efficiency at a time.
4. The fluid discharges directly in to the volute chamber.

Limitations:
The major role in centrifugal pump is volute chamber which
is specially designed to reduce velocity and increase pressure. If
the casing of volute chamber is destroyed by the fluid then it
affects the whole pump and destroy the whole assembly.
Procedure:
1. First the accessory is adjusted according to the instructions
given.
2. Then fix the inlet valve of hydraulic bench to centrifugal
pump.
3. Then maximize the flow so that output obtain is zero.
4. Note the pressure from the pressure meter.
5. Centrifugal pump is attached to speed and torque sensors to
measure rpm and torque.
6. First close the valve and note the reading and then small
open and note the second reading and then fully open the
valve and note the reading

Observations and Calculation:

Speed is kept constant:
No.
of
obs

Discharg
e Q
(liter/min
)

Pressure
P
(bar)

Head
H=P/pg

Speed
N
(rpm)

Torque
T

2.5

1.25

12.24

2523

645

1.1

11.22

2523

704

7.5

0.4

4.69

2523

750

0.2

2.24

2523

780

Pressure is kept constant:

No. of
obs

Discharge
Q (liter/min)

Speed
N (rpm)

11

1151

14

1364

17

1614

23.5

1965

Comments:
1. It is the simplest, reliable and efficient apparatus to analyze
the characteristic curve of centrifugal pump.
2. The console box attach to the pump helps a lot in varying
the speed, from with the torque and flow rate varies. On the
other hand changing the pressure also helps a lot to analyze
the parameters.
3. When speed is kept constant, we noted that by decreasing
the pressure, the flow rate and torque increases which shows
that there is an inverse relationship between the three
parameters at constant speed.
4. The apparatus is not affected by the internal viscosity.

Experiment no.8
To Study the characteristic curves of centrifugal pumps in
series.
Apparatus:
Centrifugal Pump Unit.

Hydraulic Bench

Theory:
Centrifugal pumps are often used together to enhance either the
flow rate or the delivery pressure beyond that available from the
single pump. The unit is designed to demonstrate the operational
advantages of parallel or series operation, depending on the
required duty.
For pumps join in series, it is required that the outlet of one join
with the inlet of other in order to increase the head. From this
arrangement the pump discharge remains same.
Q1=Q2=Q
H=H1+H2
Description:
Two motor driven centrifugal pumps, mounted on a stainless steel
plinth with a water reservoir and pipe work for continuous
circulation. The pumps can be configured for single pump
operation, two pumps in parallel or two pumps in series by using
manually operated ball valves. Similarly, manual valves are used
to control the flow and facilitate the study of suction effects,
including demonstration of air release. In parallel operation the
two pumps draw from a shared inlet pipe of a wider diameter than
the pump inlet, reflecting a typical industrial configuration of
parallel pumping. Each pump has impellers that can be easily
accessed and replaced without tools. The apparatus is delivered
with three impellers in total, one with forward curved blades and
two with backward curved blades, allowing the students to
investigate the effects of impeller characteristics. Electronic
sensors measure the pump outlet pressure of each pump, the
shared pump inlet pressure, the flow rate and the water
temperature. The pump speed of the first pump is accurately
controlled by an advanced electronic inverter within the IFD7 (an

essential accessory) and can be varied over the full range. The
inverter also calculates the torque produced at the motor drive
shaft, allowing the power used by the pump to be derived. The
second pump runs at inherent motor speed. This combination of
control facilities allows a wide range of different configurations to
be investigated. The IFD7 also provides the conditioning
electronics for the sensors and allows their readings to be
displayed on the computer software. Connections to the IFD7 are
a single multi-way connector for the sensors and a connector for
the pump motor drive. The equipment is provided with advanced
education and data logging software.

Working:
A centrifugal pump works by converting kinetic energy into
potential energy measurable as static fluid pressure at the
outlet of the pump . With the mechanical action of an electric
motor or similar, the rotation of the pump impeller imparts
kinetic energy to the fluid through centrifugal force. The fluid
is drawn from the inlet piping into the impeller intake eye
and is accelerated outwards through the impeller vanes to
the volute and outlet piping. It makes the fluid flow radially.
Advantages:
1. Centrifugal pumps are commonly used to transfer viscous
fluids through a piping system
2. It is used in textile industry while bleaching process, metal
treatment process that is anodizing metals and in
chemical industries as a catalyst and acid transfer.
3. It is easiest and reliable equipment to analyze the speed,
pressure, power, and efficiency at a time.
4. The fluid discharges directly in to the volute chamber.
Limitations:
The major role in centrifugal pump is volute chamber which
is specially designed to reduce velocity and increase pressure. If

the casing of volute chamber is destroyed by the fluid then it

affects the whole pump and destroy the whole assembly.

Procedure:
1. In this experiment we now use the other centrifugal pump
which exists in the hydraulic bench setup.
2. Now we connect the outlet of the first centrifugal pump to
the inlet of the second centrifugal pump
3. Take the first reading when valve is fully closed.
4. Increase the pressure by opening the valve.
5. Speed is constant throughout while we obtain readings for Q,
P, T.
6. In order to investigate the relationship between Q and N, we
kept the pressure constant.
Observations and Calculations:
Speed is kept constant:
No.
of
obs

Discharg
e Q
(liter/min
)

Pressure
P
(bar)

Head
H=P/pg

Speed
N
(rpm)

Torque
T

2.9

29.59

3123

955

35

20.40

3123

1690

40

1.5

15.30

3123

1820

45

10.20

3123

1920

Pressure is kept constant:

No. of
obs

Discharge
Q (liter/min)

Speed
N (rpm)

45

1512

47.5

1790

52.5

2538

55

3125

Comments:
1. Centrifugal pumps are used in series in order to overcome a
larger system head.
2. Pump performing curves plays a vital role to determine
stable operations.
3. Priming of both pumps must be done before performing the
experiment.
4. It is noted that in order to attain a constant speed for the
impeller, the delivery valve should remain closed for a
couple of seconds.
5. Flow rate of both pumps remains same because the pumps
are assembled in series.

Experiment no.9
To Study the characteristics of Centrifugal pumps in
parallel
Apparatus:
Centrifugal Pump Unit.

Hydraulic Bench

Theory:
Centrifugal pumps are often used together to enhance either the
flow rate or the delivery pressure beyond that available from the
single pump. The unit is designed to demonstrate the operational
advantages of parallel or series operation, depending on the
required duty.
For pumps join in series, it is required that the outlet and the inlet
of both pumps are joined together in order to obtain same head.
From this arrangement the total discharge is equal to the
individual discharge.
Q=Q1+Q2
H=H1=H2

Description:
Two motor driven centrifugal pumps, mounted on a stainless steel
plinth with a water reservoir and pipe work for continuous
circulation. The pumps can be configured for single pump

operation, two pumps in parallel or two pumps in series by using

manually operated ball valves. Similarly, manual valves are used
to control the flow and facilitate the study of suction effects,
including demonstration of air release. In parallel operation the
two pumps draw from a shared inlet pipe of a wider diameter than
the pump inlet, reflecting a typical industrial configuration of
parallel pumping. Each pump has impellers that can be easily
accessed and replaced without tools. The apparatus is delivered
with three impellers in total, one with forward curved blades and
two with backward curved blades, allowing the students to
investigate the effects of impeller characteristics. Electronic
sensors measure the pump outlet pressure of each pump, the
shared pump inlet pressure, the flow rate and the water
temperature. The pump speed of the first pump is accurately
controlled by an advanced electronic inverter within the IFD7 (an
essential accessory) and can be varied over the full range. The
inverter also calculates the torque produced at the motor drive
shaft, allowing the power used by the pump to be derived. The
second pump runs at inherent motor speed. This combination of
control facilities allows a wide range of different configurations to
be investigated. The computer link software IFD7 also provides
the conditioning electronics for the sensors and allows their
readings to be displayed on the computer software. Connections
to the IFD7 are a single multi-way connector for the sensors and a
connector for the pump motor drive. The equipment is provided
with advanced education and data logging software. See the
software section of this datasheet for further details.

Advantages:
1. Centrifugal pumps are commonly used to transfer viscous
fluids through a piping system
2. It is used in textile industry while bleaching process, metal
treatment process that is anodizing metals and in
chemical industries as a catalyst and acid transfer.
3. It is easiest and reliable equipment to analyze the speed,

pressure, power, and efficiency at a time.

4. The fluid discharges directly in to the volute chamber.
Limitations:
The major role in centrifugal pump is volute chamber which
is specially designed to reduce velocity and increase pressure. If
the casing of volute chamber is destroyed by the fluid then it
affects the whole pump and destroy the whole assembly.

Procedure:
1.

Set the accessory on the hydraulic bench for the supply of

water.
2. In order to connect the pumps in series, it is necessary to
connect the inlet and outlet in common.
3. In order to operate the pumps in series, the pump must be
started for a few minutes.
4. Now regulate the discharge valve to achieve steady
conditions.
5. By increases or decreasing the torque and the speed, the
discharge varies. Note this discharge and observe it.
Comments:
1. It is noted carefully when pump is started, the delivery valve
should remain close for few minutes to attain the constant
speed for the impeller.
2. When the system characteristic curve is obtained for curves
in parallel, the operating point at the intersection of two
curves represents a higher volumetric flow rate than for a
single pump.
3. The volumetric flow rate is actually less than twice the flow
rate and achieved by using a single pump.
4. A greater system head loss occurs with the increase fluid
velocity.

Experiment no.10
To draw and analyze the characteristic curve of Axial
Pump.
Apparatus:
Computer Control Multi-pump Testing Bench.
Theory:

Axial pump:
Axial Flow Pumps or Propeller Pumps allow fluid to enter the
impeller axially.
Description:
They discharge fluid nearly axially, pumping the liquid in a
direction that is parallel to the pump shaft. An axial flow pump is
also called a propeller pump because the impeller works much

like the propeller of a boat. The propeller is driven by a motor that

is either sealed directly in the pump body or by a drive shaft that
enters the pump tube from the side. Axial flow pumps use the
propelling action of the impeller vanes on the liquid to develop
pressure. Axial flow pumps can be adjusted by changing the pitch
of the blades on the propeller. This makes them useful for either
high-flow/low-pressure applications or low-flow/high-pressure
applications.

Working:
An axial flow pump, or AFP, is a common type of pump that
essentially consists of a propeller in a pipe. The propeller can be
driven directly by a sealed motor in the pipe or mounted to the
pipe from the outside or by a right-angle drive shaft that pierces
the pipe. The main advantage of an AFP is that it can easily be
adjusted to run at peak efficiency at low-flow/high-pressure and
high-flow/low-pressure by changing the pitch on the propeller.

Diagram
Applications:
1.
2.
3.
4.

It is used food evaporator in food industry.

Used for mining and minerals in chemical processing.
Also used in petrol pump and CNG stations.
Used in digesters or evaporator circulation in chemical
industry.
5. Pulp & paper Industry evaporator for chemical transfer.
6. Sewage digesters in municipal sectors.
7. Also used for water, flood control, ballast transfer.
Disadvantages:
1. The structure of double shaft system becomes complex.
2. The pump performance is inferior at over flow rate as the
rear rotor loading is weakened.
3. The blade rows interaction from rear rotor to front rotor more
strongly appears.

Procedure:
1. The button of axial pump which is located at the control
console box is switched on.
2. The console is internally adjusted such that at one time
only one pump is working.
3. The red button is for start the pump and the black button
is to turn off this pump.
4. A dimmer is also attached to the console box which is
used in order to vary the speed.
5. At variable speed we obtain the values of speed, head,
efficiency,Ph.

Observations and Calculations:

No.
of
obs

Spe
Padm
ed
(bar)
(rpm
)

Pdis
(bar
)

Lev
el
(m
m)

Flow
(I/mi
n)

Torqu
e
(Nm)

Ht

Nh

Nm

Eff
(%)

209
8

0.00
71

0.11 34.1
6
1

38.1
1

0.201

Na
N

Na
N

44.
1

Na
N

240
2

0.00
72

0.12 46.2
1
1

48.3
1

0.203 1.2
6

9.9

51.
1

19.
4

265
9

0.00
75

0.12 54.7
5
7

54.2
9

0.216 1.3
0

11.
5

60.
2

19.
1

279
9

0.00
71

0.12 58.4
7
8

56.5
4

0.222 1.3
2

12.
2

65.
1

18.
8

300
0

0.00
63

0.12 63.9
8
4

59.4
6

0.229 1.3
4

13.
1

71.
9

18.
2

Graph between Flow rate and Speed:

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

Graph between Flow rate and Efficiency:

60

65

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

60

65

60

65

60

65

Graph between Flow rate and Head:

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

Graph between Flow rate and Torque:

0.52
0.5
0.48
0.46
0.44
0.42
0.4
0.38
0.36
40

45

50

55

COMMENTS:1. 1-Axial flow pumps used in high flow rate and for low head
applications
2. Axial flow pumps are frequently used in industrial setting
such as circulating pumps
3. Axial flow pumps are used in heat recovery systems and high
volume flow applications

4. A submersible axial pump that uses an axial flow design is

common in irrigation and drainage applications

Experiment no.11
To draw and analyze the characteristic curve of Gear
Pump.
Apparatus:
Computer Control Multi-pump Testing Bench.
Theory:
Gear pump:
The gear pump is the most widely used of the positive action
rotary pumps.
Two gear wheels operate inside a casing. One is driven whilst the
other rotates in
mesh with it. The liquid is carried around in the space between
consecutive teeth and then ejected as the teeth mesh. The pump
has no valves. It is a positive displacement pump and will deliver
against high pressures. The output is a more even fl ow than that
of a reciprocating pump. It is particularly suitable for high
viscosity fluids.

Description:
A motor driven gear pump, mounted on a stainless steel plinth
with a water reservoir and pipework for continuous circulation.
The pump head and the water reservoir are manufactured from
clear acrylic for maximum visibility. A manually operated valve at
the pump outlet allows control of the flow and a pressure relief
valve protects the operator and the equipment. Electronic sensors
measure the pump outlet pressure, the flow rate and the water
temperature. The pump speed is accurately controlled by an
advanced electronic inverter within the IFD7 (an essential
accessory). This inverter also calculates the torque produced at

the motor drive shaft, allowing the power used by the pump to be
derived. The IFD7 also provides the conditioning electronics for
the sensors and allows their readings to be displayed on the
computer software. Connections to the IFD7 are a single multi
way connector for the sensors and a connector for the pump
motor drive. The equipment is provided with advanced education
and data logging software.

Working:
As the gears rotate they separate on the intake side of the pump,
creating a void and suction which is filled by fluid. The fluid is
carried by the gears to the discharge side of the pump, where the
meshing of the gears displaces the fluid. The mechanical
clearances are small in the order of 10 m. The tight
clearances, along with the speed of rotation, effectively prevent
the fluid from leaking backwards. The rigid design of the gears
and houses allow for very high pressures and the ability to pump
highly viscous fluids.
Many variations exist, including; helical and herringbone gear sets
(instead of spur gears), lobe shaped rotors similar to Roots
Blowers (commonly used as superchargers), and mechanical
designs that allow the stacking of pumps. The most common
variations are shown below (the drive gear is shown blue and the
idler is shown purple).

Applications:
1. Gear pumps are also widely used in chemical
installations to pump fluid with a certain viscosity.
2. Used for petrochemicals that are pure or filled bitumen,
pitch, diesel oil, crude oil, lube oil etc.
3. It is used for chemicals such as sodium silicate, acids,
plastics, mixed chemicals, isocyanates etc.
4. It has a vital role in paint & ink industry.
5. Also used for resins & adhesive.
6. In pulp & paper industry such as acid, soap, lye, black
liquor, kaolin, lime, latex, sludge etc.
7. In food industry such as chocolate, cacao butter, fillers,
sugar, vegetable fats and oils, molasses, animal food
etc

Procedure:
1. The button of gear pump which is located at the control
console box is switched on.

2. The console is internally adjusted such that at one time

only one pump is working.
3. The red button is for start the pump and the black button
is to turn off this pump.
4. A dimmer is also attached to the console box which is
used in order to vary the speed.
5. At variable speed we obtain the values of speed, head,
efficiency,Ph.

Observations and Calculations:

No.
of

Spe
ed

Padm

Pdis
(bar

Lev
el

Flow
(I/mi

Torqu
e

Ht

Nh

Nm

Eff

obs

(rpm (bar)
)

(m
m)

n)

(Nm)

(%)

104
0

0.02
9

0.16 71.6
4
2

62.7

0.47

1.4
9

15. 51.2 29.

3
8

164
5

0.01
4

0.35 108.
3
9

58.3

0.67

3.5
7

34. 116. 29.

1
1
3

200
8

0.01
3

0.44 104.
5
0

61.5

0.78

4.5
2

45. 163. 27.

4
7
2

223
6

0.00
08

0.54 101.
8
1

62.9

0.89

5.6
9

58. 209. 27.

5
2
9

246
9

0.00
9

0.66 102.
1
1

62.4

1.02

6.9
5

70. 264. 26.

9
2
9

COMMENTS:1. External gear pumps are popular pumping principle and are
often used as lubrication
2. External gear pumps are most common in machine tools
,fluid power transfer nits and as oil pumps in engines
3. Gear pumps are oftenly used for low volume transfer or low
lift applications
4. Gear pumps are most simplest and robest positive
displacement pumps in which fluid experiences a uniform
force

Graph between Flow rate and Speed:

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

60

65

60

65

60

65

Graph between Flow rate and Efficiency:

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

Graph between Flow rate and Head:

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

Graph between Flow rate and Torque:

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

60

65

Experiment no.12
To draw and analyze the characteristic curve of Centrifugal
Pump.
Apparatus:
Computer Control Multi-pump Testing Bench.
Theory:
Centrifugal pump:
A centrifugal pump is a rotodynamic pump that uses a
rotating impeller to increase the pressure of a fluid. Centrifugal
pumps are commonly used to move liquids through a piping
system. The fluid enters the pump impeller along or near to the
rotating axis and is accelerated by the impeller, flowing radially
outward into a diffuser or volute chamber (casing), from where it
exits into the downstream piping system. Centrifugal pumps are
used for large discharge through smaller heads.
Working principle:
The basic principle of centrifugal pump on which the pumps acts
is that when the mass of liquid is made to rotate by the impeller ,
the liquid is thrown away from the center of rotation and the
centrifugal head is impressed which helps to rise the liquid to a
higher level.

Working:
A centrifugal pump works by converting kinetic energy into
potential energy measurable as static fluid pressure at the outlet
of the pump. This action is described by Bernoulli's principle.
With the mechanical action of an electric motor or similar, the
rotation of the pump impeller imparts kinetic energy to the fluid
through centrifugal force. The fluid is drawn from the inlet piping
into the impeller intake eye and is accelerated outwards through
the impeller vanes to the volute and outlet piping.

As the fluid exits the impeller, if the outlet piping is too high to
allow flow, the fluid kinetic energy is converted into static
pressure. If the outlet piping is open at a lower level, the fluid will
be released at greater speed.

Applications:
1. Centrifugal pumps are used for large discharge through
smaller heads.
2. Centrifugal pumps are commonly used to move liquids
through a piping system.
3. An oilfield solids control system needs many centrifugal
pumps to sit on or in mud tanks.
4. Small centrifugal pumps (e.g. for garden fountains) may be
magnetically coupled to avoid leakage of water into the
motor.
5.

Disadvantages:

1. Cavitation occurs because the NPSH of the system is too low

for the selected pump.
2. Wear of the Impellercan be worsened by suspended solids
3. Corrosion inside the pump caused by the fluid properties.
4. Overheating due to low flow.
5. Leakage along rotating shaft.

Procedure:
1. The button of centrifugal pump which is located at the
control console box is switched on.
2. The console is internally adjusted such that at one time
only one pump is working.
3. The red button is for start the pump and the black button
is to turn off this pump.
4. A dimmer is also attached to the console box which is
used in order to vary the speed.
5. At variable speed we obtain the values of speed, head,
efficiency,Ph.

Observations and Calculations:

No.
of
obs

Spe
Padm
ed
(bar)
(rpm
)

Pdis
(bar
)

Lev
el
(m
m)

Flow
(I/mi
n)

Torqu
e
(Nm)

Ht

Nh

Nm

Eff
(%)

659

0.00
82

0.20 38.4
4
4

41.9
8

0.419 2.1 14.7 28.

5
8
9

51.
1

974

0.00
83

0.20 47.6
5
0

49.3
5

0.418 2.2 17.8 42.

1
2
7

41.
7

119
3

0.01
02

0.22 55.4
9
4

54.7
2

0.433 2.4 22.1 54.

8
5
1

40.
9

133
6

0.01
06

0.23 60.8
3
0

57.8
4

0.457 2.5 24.0 63.

4
8
9

37.
6

150
0

0.01
02

0.24 65.8
0
4

60.3
5

0.499 2.6 26.0 78. 33.

3
0
4 2

Graph between Flow rate and Speed:

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

60

65

60

65

Graph between Flow rate and Efficiency:

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

Graph between Flow rate and Torque:

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

60

65

Graph between Flow rate and Head:

0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35
40

45

50

55

60

65

Experiment no.13
To study the Wind Tunnel.
Apparatus:
Wind Tunnel.
Theory:
Wind tunnel:
A wind tunnel is a research tool used in aerodynamic research. It
is used to study the effects of air moving past solid objects.
Working principle:

Description:
Air is blown or sucked through a duct equipped with a viewing
port and instrumentation where models or geometrical shapes are
mounted for study. Typically the air is moved through the tunnel
using a series of fans. For very large wind tunnels several meters
in diameter, a single large fan is not practical, and so instead an
array of multiple fans are used in parallel to provide sufficient
airflow. Due to the sheer volume and speed of air movement
required, the fans may be powered by stationary turbofan engines
rather than electric motors.
The airflow created by the fans that is entering the tunnel is itself
highly turbulent due to the fan blade motion and so is not directly
useful for accurate measurements. The air moving through the
tunnel needs to be relatively turbulence-free and laminar. To
correct this problem, closely-spaced vertical and horizontal air

vanes are used to smooth out the turbulent airflow before

reaching the subject of the testing.
Due to the effects of viscosity, the cross-section of a wind tunnel
is typically circular rather than square, because there will be
greater flow constriction in the corners of a square tunnel that can
make the flow turbulent. A circular tunnel provides a smoother
flow.
The inside facing of the tunnel is typically as smooth as possible,
to reduce surface drag and turbulence that could impact the
accuracy of the testing. Even smooth walls induce some drag into
the airflow, and so the object being tested is usually kept near the
center of the tunnel, with an empty buffer zone between the
object and the tunnel walls. There are correction factors to relate
wind tunnel test results to open-air results.
Lighting is usually recessed into the circular walls of the tunnel
and shines in through windows. If the light were mounted on the
inside surface of the tunnel in a conventional manner, the light
bulb would generate turbulence as the air blows around it.
Similarly, observation is usually done through transparent
portholes into the tunnel. Rather than simply being flat discs,
these lighting and observation windows may be curved to match
the cross-section of the tunnel and further reduce turbulence
around the window.
Pressure measurements:
Pressure across the surfaces of the model can be measured if the
model includes pressure taps. This can be useful for pressuredominated phenomena, but this only accounts for normal forces
on the body.
Force and moment measurements:
With the model mounted on a force balance, one can measure lift,
drag, lateral forces, yaw, roll, and pitching moments over a range
of angle of attack. This allows one to produce common curves
such as lift coefficient versus angle of attack.

Note that the force balance itself creates drag and potential
turbulence that will affect the model and introduce errors into the
measurements. The supporting structures are therefore typically
smoothly shaped to minimize turbulence.

Purpose and Application:

1. It is used to study the air effects on the speed of specimen.
2. It is widely used in transportation industries in order to
increase the power and speed of vehicle.
3. Wind tunnels are used to predict the amount of force
generated by solid objects.
4. This helps aerodynamicists choose the proper size for things
such as wings, spoilers, and parachutes.
5. Information obtained in wind tunnels is used to improve the
design of anything affected by wind.

Advantages:
1. It uses real air, so we can expect the airflow to behave more
or less in the same fashion as it would on the real thing.
2. There is viscosity and a boundary layer also which helps a
lot.
3. When calibrated the results, it is good enough to make
reasonable predictions on the performance of a full sized
aircraft.
4. Certain models have a number of tubes running in to
measure pressure and certain points.

Disadvantages:
1. Large wind tunnels are expensive to build and maintain.
2. They consume an awful lot of power in both propelling the
air and in some circumstances cooling it down.
3. Another major concern with wind tunnel testing is the scaling
of the model. This is known as dynamic similarity, and
involves a unitless quantity called the Reynolds number.