Flow Rate Experiment

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Abstract The objective of this experiment is to measure and compare the flow rate results obtained using a Venturi tube with the flow rate results obtained from a velocity profile measured by a Pitot tube. Air flows through the Venturi and Pitot tube, the pressure differences are measured using an inclined manometer attached to the Venturi and a pressure transducer attached to the Pitot. Bernoulli’s principle is derived and applied to the pressure difference results, which enables the mass flow rate to be calculated. The results show that the flow rate in the Pitot is less than in the Venturi. Introduction Aim The objective of this experiment is to measure and compare the flow rate results obtained using a Venturi tube with the flow rate results obtained from a velocity profile measured by a Pitot tube. Air flows through the Venturi and Pitot tube. Both tubes have a manometer attached, which measures the pressure, from which then the flow rate can be calculated using Bernoulli’s principle. The flow rate is varied using a variable speed pump. Once the results have been collected and presented, the results from the Venturi and Pitot tube are compared and a conclusion can be drawn as to why there might be differences between the two. Bernoulli equation In order to calculate the flow rate, the Bernoulli equation must be applied. P_1/ρ+(u_1^2)/2+gz_1=P_2/ρ+(u_2^2)/2+gz_2 P=pressure, ρ=density, u=velocity, z=height, g=gravity. (Munson, 2010) In 1738 Daniel Bernoulli published his Hydrodynamics in which this famous equation first appeared. The Bernoulli principle states that a decrease in pressure is proportional to an increase in speed. Bernoulli’s principle, however, assumes that Viscous effects are negligible Flow is steady Flow is incompressible (Munson, 2010) Conservation of Mass The principle of conservation of mass or equation of
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