ABSTRACT

The Osborne Reynold’s experiment is conducted in order to compute Reynold’s

number (R) using its formula that will result to dimensionless number and also to observe the
laminar, transitional and turbulent flow. The experiment started off with the blue dye being
injected in the glass tube for the purpose of observing each flow with the water inlet valve, V1
and outlet valve, V2 were controlled until the dye line for laminar, transitional and turbulent
flow were achieved. As for the data, it was recorded with the time taken were fixed to 15
seconds to measure the flow rate using volumetric method. The apparatus used to conduct the
experiment is called Osborne Reynold’s Demonstration SOLTEQ MODEL: FM11. In
conclusion, the objectives of the experiment were successfully achieved and thus the
experiment is successfully done.
INTRODUCTION

The Osborne Reynold experiment is conducted to determine laminar and turbulent

flows. During the experiment it is possible to observe transition flow from laminar to turbulent
flow after a limiting velocity. The function of Reynold’s number is to assess whether it is
laminar or turbulent. With the equipment Osborne Reynold demonstration in the laboratory,
the streamline occur whether it is laminar or turbulent are displayed in blue ink colour with the
aid injected contrast medium. The experiment results can be used to determine the critical
Reynold’s number and the data recorded by the observation of the flow reaction to calculate
the Reynold’s number of laminar and turbulent. The experimental unit consists of a transparent
pipe section through which water flows, with flow-optimized inlet. A valve can be used to
adjust the flow rate in the pipe section. There are three valve which are outflow, input flow and
output flow. Ink is injected into the flowing water and a layer of glass beads in the water tank
ensures an even and low-turbulence flow. The water is supplied and the flow rate measured by
Osborne equipment.
OBJECTIVES

• To compute Reynold’s number (R).

• To observe the laminar, transitional and turbulent flow.
THEORY

In both natural and manmade systems, there are many variables that affect how the
water flows. Reynolds values under 2100 will result in laminar pipe flow. The flow will be
regarded as a transitional flow for Reynolds values between 2100 and 4000. Finally the flow
will be categorised as turbulent flow for Reynolds numbers greater than 4000.

In this experiment a dye injection will be made into the pipe’s flow. A distinct and
steady line will be formed by laminar flow. When laminar and turbulent are combined to
generate the transitional flow, this is known as the transitional stage. Last but not least, a
turbulent flow is produced when water is moving at high flow rates and changing abruptly. In
fluid mechanics, the Reynolds number is often utilised. Formula for Reynolds number:

𝑈𝐿
Re = 𝜇

Where;
Re = Reynold’s number
U = Fluid velocity, m/s
L = Characteristic length or diameter, m
𝜇 = Kinematic viscosity, 𝑚2 /𝑠
Laminar flow

Laminar flow is described as a stable flow situation in which the streamlines go along
parallel channels without intermixing. The dye will be seen to persist as a solid, straight line in
the pipe under these circumstances.

Figure 1: Laminar flow

Transitional flow

Transitional flow is known as the combination of laminar and turbulent flow. The centre
of the pipe has turbulent flow, and the outside of the pipe has laminar flow. The dye will be
seen to get somewhat distributed in the water in this situation.

Figure 2: Transitional flow

Turbulent flow

Turbulent flow refers to a flow that is unstable, where the streamlines force the shear
plane to collapse and the fluid to mix and the eddies making the flow unpredictable. Due to the
high flow of water in this situation, the dye seen will scatter much more than it did in the
transitional state.

Figure 3: Turbulent flow

APPARATUS

Osborne Reynold’s Demonstration equipment

Figure 4: SOLTEQ FM11 Osborne Reynold’s Demonstration

Figure 5: SOLTEQ FM11 Osborne Reynold’s Demonstration
PROCEDURES

1. The dye injector is lowered until it is seen in the glass tube.

2. The inlet valve, V1 is opened and the water is allowed to enter the stilling tank.
3. A small overflow spillage is ensured to flow through the overflow tube to maintain a
constant level.
4. The water is allowed to settle for a few minutes.
5. The flow control valve is opened fractionally to let the water to flow through the
visualizing tube.
6. The dye control needle valve is slowly adjusted until a slow flow with dye injection is
achieved.
7. The water inlet valve, V1 and outlet valve, V2 are regulated until a straight identifiable
dye line is achieved. The flow would be laminar.
8. The flow rate is measured using volumetric method.
9. The experiment is repeated by regulating water inlet valve, V1 and outlet valve, V2 to
produce transitional and turbulent flow.
RESULTS

Kinematics viscosity = 0.89 x 10−6 m/s

Glass tube diameter (D) = 0.0156 m
Area (A) = 1.91 x 10−4 𝑚2
If Re < 2100 is laminar flow
If 2100 < Re < 4000 is transitional flow
If Re > 4000 is turbulent flow

Laminar Flow

Volume (L) Time (s) Flowrate, Q (𝒎𝟑 /𝒔) Flowrate, Q (𝒎𝟑 /𝒔) Average Reynold’s
Number
0.091 15 0.006 6.1 x 10−6
0.048 15 0.0032 3.2 x 10−6 354.843
0.035 15 0.0023 2.3 x 10−6
Table 1: Recorded data for laminar flow

Transition Flow

Volume (L) Time (s) Flowrate, Q (𝒎𝟑 /𝒔) Flowrate, Q (𝒎𝟑 /𝒔) Average Reynold’s
Number
0.51 15 0.034 3.4 x 10−5
0.47 15 0.031 3.1 x 10−5 2916.267
0.45 15 0.03 3.0 x 10−5
Table 2: Recorded data for transition flow
Turbulent Flow

Volume (L) Time (s) Flowrate, Q (𝒎𝟑 /𝒔) Flowrate, Q (𝒎𝟑 /𝒔) Average Reynold’s
Number
1.076 15 0.072 7.2 x 10−5
1.051 15 0.07 7.0 x 10−5 6315.827
0.97 15 0.065 6.5 x 10−5
Table 3: Recorded data for turbulent flow
CALCULATIONS

Laminar Flow

91 𝑚𝑙 1𝑙 1 𝑚3 1
Fluid velocity, u = x 1000 𝑚𝑙 x 1000 𝑙 x 1.91 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 = 0.0318 m/s
15 𝑠

0.0318 (0.0156)
Re = = 556.74
0.89 x 10−6

48 𝑚𝑙 1𝑙 1 𝑚3 1
Fluid velocity, u = x 1000 𝑚𝑙 x 1000 𝑙 x 1.91 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 = 0.0168 m/s
15 𝑠

0.0168 (0.0156)
Re = = 293.66
0.89 x 10−6

35 𝑚𝑙 1𝑙 1 𝑚3 1
Fluid velocity, u = x 1000 𝑚𝑙 x 1000 𝑙 x 1.91 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 = 0.0122 m/s
15 𝑠

0.0122 (0.0156)
Re = = 214.13
0.89 x 10−6
Transition Flow

510 𝑚𝑙 1𝑙 1 𝑚3 1
Fluid velocity, u = x 1000 𝑚𝑙 x 1000 𝑙 x 1.91 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 = 0.1780 m/s
15 𝑠

0.1780 (0.0156)
Re = = 3120.2
0.89 x 10−6

470 𝑚𝑙 1𝑙 1 𝑚3 1
Fluid velocity, u = x 1000 𝑚𝑙 x 1000 𝑙 x 1.91 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 = 0.1640 m/s
15 𝑠

0.1640 (0.0156)
Re = = 2875.5
0.89 x 10−6

450 𝑚𝑙 1𝑙 1 𝑚3 1
Fluid velocity, u = x 1000 𝑚𝑙 x 1000 𝑙 x 1.91 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 = 0.1571 m/s
15 𝑠

0.1571 (0.0156)
Re = = 2753.1
0.89 x 10−6
Turbulent Flow

1076 𝑚𝑙 1𝑙 1 𝑚3 1
Fluid velocity, u = x 1000 𝑚𝑙 x 1000 𝑙 x 1.91 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 = 0.3756 m/s
15 𝑠

0.3756 (0.0156)
Re = = 6582.98
0.89 x 10−6

1051 𝑚𝑙 1𝑙 1 𝑚3 1
Fluid velocity, u = x 1000 𝑚𝑙 x 1000 𝑙 x 1.91 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 = 0.3668 m/s
15 𝑠

0.3668 (0.0156)
Re = = 6430.03
0.89 x 10−6

970 𝑚𝑙 1𝑙 1 𝑚3 1
Fluid velocity, u = x 1000 𝑚𝑙 x 1000 𝑙 x 1.91 𝑥 10−4 𝑚2 = 0.3386 m/s
15 𝑠

0.3386 (0.0156)
Re = = 5934.47
0.89 x 10−6
DISCUSSION

In this experiment of Osborne Reynold number are to demonstrate the characteristic of

the flow of the fluid in the pipeline. There are three flow can be occur which are laminar flow,
transitional flow and turbulent flow. The flows were observed along the pipeline to know which
type of flow. Laminar flow shows that the flow is parallel to the pipeline at a uniform velocity.
This happened because the flow velocity profile is parabolic and the maximum velocity is at
the centre of the pipeline. Due to the pipeline of equipment had a small diameter it easily to
observe the laminar flow because it generally occur in a small diameter. Where the average of
the Reynold’s number of laminar from three sample is 354.84.

Therefore it is true laminar flow is Re<2100. Next, transitional flow is a mixture of

laminar and turbulent flow in and the wavers mixes slightly. From the experiment the average
Reynold’s number from three sample taken is 2916.27 which also true from theory that
transitional 2100< Re< 4000 is transitional flow. Lastly is turbulent flow which fluid layer
cross each other and do not move parallel.

Due to the very high velocity through the pipeline the fluid became turbulent. The
velocity profile is almost flat across the centre section of the pipe and drops rapidly extremely
close to the wall. Therefore the average Reynold’s number is true to the theory which is
6315.83 meanwhile the theory is Re > 4000 is turbulent flow. All of the Reynold’s number was
calculated by the formula shown below to prove the theory is true same to the laboratory
experiment. The fixed time taken to measure volume of water is 15 seconds. Hence the volume
of water responding to find velocity which is volume flowrate.

Formula defined :
𝑈𝐿
Re = 𝜇
Where;
Re = Reynold’s number
U = Fluid velocity, m/s
L = Characteristic length or diameter, m
𝜇 = Kinematic viscosity, 𝑚2 /𝑠
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, The laminar flow will only move at a constant speed and slowly in the
Osbourne Reynolds experiment, but the turbulent flow would move quickly and violently. The
transitional flow in a pipe changes from laminar to turbulent flow in between the two flows.
When the water flow rate is raised and the blue dye moves at a constant speed in a straight line,
the data obtained using the Reynold’s number formula is laminar flow since it is below 2100.

It is a transitional flow where the Reynold number is between 2100 and 4000, and the
blue dye moves at a constant speed before accelerating quickly. Last but not least, when the
flow rate rises, the blue dye moves quickly and erratically. Applying the Reynold’s number
will get a value above 4000, which denotes turbulent flow. The fact that there are no remaining
units after the computation shows that the Reynold’s number equation is dimensionless.
RECOMMENDATIONS

There are several approaches to enhance this experiment to ensure the greatest outcome
at the conclusion of the experiment. First, mistakes will be made as a result of erratic reflexes
when filling the beaker with water. Laminar, transitional and turbulent flows each have a 15-
second timer. The experimenter in charge should be more attentive and concentrated at the
conclusion of each time per set to obtain a more precise result.

In addition, the experiment needs to be run a minimum of three more times to obtain
average readings, which will allow us to obtain a more precise result at the conclusion of the
test. Due to the position of the experimenter’s eyes when measuring the water volume at the
end of each set, there are also parallax errors that can occur. To prevent parallax error, which
could skew the results of the experiment, the eye level should be perpendicular to the readings
on the measuring cylinder.

To obtain a clearer image of the laminar flow line, the experiment should be carried out
in an appropriate, stable location. The flow of blue dye must be controlled by a valve that is
slow and steady. Since it requires a high stream flow of water, the valve needs to be carefully
managed to prevent water overflow during turbulent flow.

Last but not least, before performing the experiment, students should carefully read the
instructions so that everything goes according to plan and that mistakes would not cause time
to drag and squander. For a better outcome at the conclusion of the experiment, students should
develop their abilities and knowledge so they can execute the experiment easily and effectively.
APPENDICES

Figure 6: Approved recorded data

Figure 7: Laminar flow
Figure 8: Turbulent flow
Figure 9: Transition flow
REFERENCES

1. Admin. (2022, April 26). Reynolds number - definitions, formulas and examples -
Byju’s. BYJUS. https://byjus.com/physics/reynolds-
number/#:~:text=Reynolds%20number%20is%20a%20dimensionless,to%20that%20
of%20viscous%20forces.

2. Czubai, A., Sopko, N., Patel, A., Ahmari, H., & Kabir, S. M. I. (2019, August 14).
Experiment #7: Osborne Reynolds’ demonstration. Applied Fluid Mechanics Lab
Manual. https://uta.pressbooks.pub/appliedfluidmechanics/chapter/experiment-7/

3. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Turbulent flow. Encyclopædia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/science/turbulent-flow

4. Products. G.U.N.T. Hamburg. (n.d.). https://www.gunt.de/en/products/fluid-

mechanics/physical-principles/principles-of-hydrodynamics/osborne-reynolds-
experiment/070.15018/hm150-18/glct-1:pa-148:ca-778:pr-565

5. Singh, B. (2023, February 14). Reynolds Experiment theory and Reynolds number.
Chemicals Learning. https://www.chemicalslearning.com/2022/12/reynolds-
experiment-theory-and-reynolds.html

6. Scribd. (n.d.). Osbourne Reynolds Apparatus Experiment. Scribd.

https://www.scribd.com/doc/39165338/Osbourne-Reynolds-Apparatus-Experiment#
FACULTY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONS) OIL AND GAS
CGE536 THERMOFLUIDS LAB

NAME ALLEISTER JUGAH ANAK UNJAH (2022771703)

MUHAMMAD HAZIQ HAIKAL BIN MOHAMMED NAZIR (2022949487)

NURIN DAMIA BINTI ABU BAKAR (2022908309)

EXPERIMENT OSBOURNE REYNOLDS

DATE PERFORMED 5TH APRIL 2023

SEMESTER 3

PROGRAMME/CODE CEEH243

GROUP 3A

NO TITLE ALLOCATED MARKS % MARKS

1 Abstract/Summary

2 Introduction

3 Aims/Objectives

4 Theory

5 Apparatus

6 Procedures

7 Result

8 Calculations

9 Discussions

10 Conclusions

11 Recommendations

12 References

13 Appendices

TOTAL

Remarks:

Checked by: MADAM SURIATIE BINTI MAT YUSUF