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Darcy-Weisbach Equation

Theory

Henry Dancy and Julius Weisbach invented the modern equation regarding the loss of pressure of a liquid along a pipe hence the name Darcy-Weisbach equation. The dual argued that the movement of a fluid through the pipe involves resistance. The viscosity of the fluid and the instability created by the liquid and the roughness of the pipe contribute resistance. The resistance is called the pipe friction. It is measured in feet. It is also measured using the liquid’s metre head hence it is also known as the head loss. The subject of fluid dynamics has received contributions from various people. However, Darcy was instrumental in introducing the idea of relative roughness. Darcy’s concept maintains that the roughness of a pipe and its diameter internally affect the friction rates. Consequently, the two factors affect the flow of a liquid inside the pipe. Darcy further proposed that the relative smoothness of the pipe cause less turbulence thus a small friction factor is desirable.

Conclusion and recommendations

The experiments carried in the course of this lab have shown remarkable findings regarding fluid dynamics. First, we have learnt that pressure loss significantly increases when the flow rates are significant. Moreover, the rate of pressure loss increases with an increase in the flow rates of the liquid. Secondly, we have learnt that pipes with bends and valves cause the flow of the fluids. Furthermore, the bends and valves increase pressure drops when compared to straight pipes. Thirdly, the thickness of the liquid passing through a pipe affects the head loss. Fourth, size pipe changes the pressure loss. Fifth, the roughness of the pipes interior causes significant changes in the pressure loss. Through laboratory experiments, the theoretical background behind the Darcy-Weisbach equation was confirmed.