Abstract

In this lab report the validity of the Bernoulli’s equation is investigated in application to flow in
convergent- divergent passage. During the experiment the total and static pressures were
measured along the convergent-divergent duct for comparison with the Bernoulli’s equation
predicted values. The report presents the experimental techniques involved, the results obtained,
discussion of the results, and conclusions based on the obtained results.

Introduction
The main objective of this experiment was to validate the application of the Bernoulli’s theorem
to fluid flowing through convergent-divergent duct. A pitot-static tube is used in carrying out the
investigation on the application of the theorem to the convergent-divergent passage in this
experiment.
Below is an arrangement of the apparatus used in this experiment.

Description of apparatus

Experimental techniques
The experiment entailed fitting a rectangular duct on the exit leading from the airbox and
placing liners along the duct wall in the inside producing a passage that on contracting forms a
parallel throat and on expansions goes back to the original size. The convergent section of the
passage was shorter than the divergent section. Air was blown through the passage and the
distribution of the total and the static pressures measured with the aid of a traverse pitot-static
probe along the center line. Pressure tappings from the pitot-static probe and the airbox were
connected to a multitube manometer.
Results

x P0 P P 𝐵𝑡 𝑃−𝑝
√
(mm) (N/m2) (N/m2) (N/m2) 𝐵 𝑃𝑡 − 𝑝𝑡

4 164 164 148 0.593 0.686

16.5 166 164 144 0.643 0.767
29 166 166 140 0.701 0.875
41.5 166 166 136 0.772 0.939
54 166 166 134 0.857 0.970
66.5 166 166 133 0.965 0.985
79 166 166 132 1.000 1.000
91.5 166 166 132 1.000 1.000
104 166 166 132 1.000 1.000
129 166 166 136 0.946 0.939
154 166 166 138 0.867 0.907
179 165 165 141 0.801 0.840
204 165 165 144 0.744 0.786
229 165 165 146 0.694 0.748
254 164 164 146 0.651 0.728
279 164 164 148 0.613 0.686
304 164 164 149 0.440 0.664

Sample Calculation
At X=54 mm (Converging Section)
54
B=76-(76-44)× =51.314
70
Bt 44
= =0.857
B 51.314

P-p 166-134
= =0.970
Pt -p t 166-132
At X=229 mm (Diverging Section)
75
B=76-(76-44)× =63.368
190
Bt 44
= =0.694
B 63.368

P-p 165-146
= =0.748
Pt -p t 166-132
Discussion

Graph of pressure against distance

180
160
140
Pressure(Pa)

120
100
80
60
40
20
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Distance X from start of contraction(mm)

P0 in airbox P total pressure p static pressure

Graph of velocity ratio against distance

1.2

0.8
u/ut

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Distance X from start of contraction (mm)

calculated from Bt/B measured by P-S tube

There is no great variation between the total pressure and the airbox pressure as seen from the
graph. However, the static pressure fluctuates considerably through the entire duct length with
the lowest static pressure at the throat. This verifies the Bernoulli’s equation streamline flow
within duct center accompanied by velocity changes.
There is no great variation in the velocity ratio between the values calculated using the duct
dimensions and the measured values of pressure by the P-S tube. The velocity ratio is relatively
higher at the throat as compared to the convergent and divergent sections of the duct.

1. From the graph is evident that the boundary layer thickness will increase in the direction
of flow. However, the thickness of the boundary layer will be higher in the high pressure
regions in the flow than in the low pressure regions.
2. Calculating Mach number at the throat of the duct
acoustic velocity
a= γRT
 Where
γ is the specific heat ratio=1.4 for air
R is the gas constant=287.2J/kg K
T is the absolute temperature in Kelvin
p 1.028×105
ρ= = =1.213kg/m3
RT 287.2×295
Pt -p t =166-132=34N/m 2

1
×1.213×u 2t =34
2
u t =7.487m/s

a t = 1.4×287.2×295=344m/s
u t 7.487
Ma t = =  0.0218
at 344
3. Reversing the direction of flow will not affect the trend of the obtained results. Even
though there may be slight variation in the obtained values, the Bernoulli’s equation will
still hold in the reverse since the duct will still be convergent-divergent in nature.
4. This experiment can be improved by collecting more data within closer intervals along
the direction of flow. This will generate a smoother set of data which will give more
clarity on the experimental objectives.
5. Yes, it would be necessary to traverse along more than one axis because the pressure at
different regions vary and it is the variation in this pressure that lead to creation of the
boundary layer.

Conclusion
The results of this experiment clearly validates the fact that Bernoulli’s theorem governs the
flow characteristics in a convergent-divergent passage. It is also evident that the shape of the
duct causes variation in velocity and pressure distribution in the flow and hence the boundary
layer thickness.

Bibliography
1. Douglas, J.F.,Gasiorek, J.M. and Swaffield, J.A., Fluid Mechanics, 3rd ed. Longmans
Singapore Publisher, 1995.
2. Bernoulli’s theorem. (2011). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved
from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/62615/Bernoullis-theorem