University of Bahrain
College of Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Fluid Machinery – MENG442
Semester II - 2024/2025
Lab Report
Reynolds Number Experiment
STUDENT NAME STUDENT ID SECTION
Ali Saleh Ahmed Alekri 202110020 01
Submitted to: Dr. Niaz Khan
Submission date: 16/5/2025
Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Objective .............................................................................................................................................. 1
Theory .................................................................................................................................................. 1
Setup .................................................................................................................................................... 3
Procedure ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Observation and Result ........................................................................................................................ 3
Sample Calculations............................................................................................................................. 4
Result & Discussion ............................................................................................................................. 4
Limitations ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety and Closing Setup ..................................................................................................................... 6
Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 6
References ............................................................................................................................................ 6
List of Figures
Figure 1:Reynolds effect in real-world ................................................................................................ 1
Figure 2:Experimental setup ................................................................................................................ 3
Figure 3:Experimental setup for visualizing fluid flow using a jet of dye injected into a clear tube .. 3
Figure 4:Reynolds Number vs. Velocity ............................................................................................. 5
List of Tables
Table 1:Result of experiments ............................................................................................................. 4
ii
Introduction
The Reynolds number is an important dimensionless quantity in the field of fluid mechanics. Osborne
Reynolds first introduced it in 1883 to describe the nature of flow in diverse fluid systems. It expresses
the relationship between inertia and viscosity and is used to anticipate how fluids will move inside
pipes or through the vicinity of an obstruction. Determining if flow is laminar or turbulent in
engineering is essential for improving fluid transport efficiency, reducing energy expenditure and
avoiding unnecessary aerosons or vibrations. Aerospace applications as well as devices used in the
medical, chemical and HVAC fields benefit greatly from the application of the Reynolds number.
The goal of this experiment is to show how laminar flow changes to turbulent by injecting dye into a
thin, clear tube. Both the observation of the dye and the analysis of the corresponding Reynolds
numbers produce practical insights into the theoretical nature of the phenomenon. As shown in figure
Figure 1:Reynolds effect in real-world
Objective
1. To study how fluids move and determine the flow state present. laminar, transitional, or
turbulent.
2. Determining Reynolds number using measurements from an experiment.
3. To establish a relationship between Reynolds number and the nature of the observed flow.
Theory
The Reynolds number (Re) is often utilized in fluid mechanics to identify different types of flow. it's
the comparison between the magnitude of fluid inertia and the dissipating effect caused by viscous
stress. It can be determined using the following formulae.
General form:
𝜌𝑉𝐷
𝑅𝑒 = (1)
𝜇
1
For incompressible, Newtonian fluids:
𝑉𝐷
𝑅𝑒 = (2)
ν
Where:
• Re = Reynolds number (dimensionless)
• V = Fluid velocity (m/s)
• D = Hydraulic diameter (m)
• μ = Dynamic viscosity (Pa·s)
• ν = Kinematic viscosity (m²/s), ν = μ / ρ
• ρ = Fluid density (kg/m³)
Velocity is obtained from:
𝑄 =𝐴×𝑉 (3)
Where:
• Q = volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• A = cross-sectional area (m²)
Area for circular pipe:
𝜋𝐷2
𝐴= (4)
4
Final velocity expression:
𝑄
𝑉= (5)
𝐴
Substituting into (2):
𝑄×𝐷
𝑅𝑒 = (6)
ν × A
2
Setup
A water reservoir is joined to a horizontally arranged transparent tube. A color source pulls a narrow
band across the water column. Flow is controlled using valves. A measuring cylinder is used to
measure flow rate and the injected dye clearly indicates how steady the flow is. As shown figure 2.
Figure 2:Experimental setup
Procedure
1. Begin by injecting a small amount of dye into the system.
2. Observe and record flow type.
3. Fill the water tank.
4. Repeat for increasing flow rates.
5. Find the volume and the duration to calculate flow rate.
Observation and Result
• Measured tube diameter: D = 1.2 cm (0.012 m)
• Water temperature = 25°C → ν = 0.9 × 10⁻⁶ m²/s
Figure 3:Experimental setup for visualizing fluid flow using a jet of dye injected into a clear tube
3
Table 1:Result of experiments
Trial Volume Time (s) Velocity V Reynolds Flow Type
(ml) (m/s) Number
1 882 15 0.52 6933 Turbulent
2 782 12 0.576 7680 Turbulent
3 618 6 0.911 12147 Turbulent
4 847 9 0.832 11093 Turbulent
5 876 15 0.516 6880 Turbulent
Sample Calculations
Given:
Volume = 800 ml, Time = 10 s, D = 0.012 m
1. Q = 800 / (10⁶ × 10) = 8.0e-5 m³/s
2. A = πd²/4 = 1.131e-4 m² → V = Q / A = 0.707 m/s
3. Re = (V × D) / ν = (0.707 × 0.012) / 0.9e-6 = 9426.7 → Turbulent
Result & Discussion
The experiment yielded calculated Reynolds numbers for each trial, which were then correlated to
the observed dye stream behavior.
Trial 1:
• Volume = 600 ml, Time = 12 s → Q = 5.0e-5 m³/s
• Velocity = 0.442 m/s
• Re = (0.442 × 0.012) / 0.9e-6 ≈ 5893 → Turbulent
Trial 3:
• Q = 3.6e-5 m³/s → V = 0.318 m/s → Re = 4235 → Transitional
Trial 5:
• Q = 2.5e-5 m³/s → V = 0.221 m/s → Re = 2946 → Transitional
The Reynolds number rises proportionally to the speed of the fluid. The change from ordered to
unpredictable flow could be seen in the gradual transformation of steady tracer patterns to intense
vortices.
4
Figure 4:Reynolds Number vs. Velocity
Here is the graph of Reynolds Number vs. Velocity:
• The Laminar Limit (Re < 2000).
• The Turbulent Start (Re > 4000).
• Transitional Start (2000 < Re < 4000).
The graphs clearly illustrate how the flow regimes are arranged and accurately portray the true
progression of the pilot wind tunnel experiment. This experiment also offered a clear visual
representation of the development of the flow. The change in the dye line pattern can be used to
determine transition grains correctly. Overall, the Reynolds number controls the kind of flow
occurring and also impacts factors like pressure drop, heat transfer and sound production. Turbulent
behavior emerges as a result of even tiny modifications in fluid flow rate. As a result, fluid dynamics
plays a crucial role in various engineering applications. In this way, the Reynolds number connects
theory to experiment and helps to describe the interaction of fluids, shapes and movements.
Limitations
• Mistakes can occur during the process of timing and measuring the volume.
• Disturbances can cause the onset of turbulence to occur sooner.
• Temperature variation affects viscosity
5
Safety and Closing Setup
• The milking machine should be drained and cleaned every after use.
• Keeping the floor dry helps to avoid accidents.
• Make sure to handle dye gently in order to prevent any marks or spots.
Conclusion
This lab experiment allowed the exploration of a key concept in fluid mechanics using a physical
model. Tests conducted by adjusting water velocity revealed how the flow rate, Reynolds number
and recorded flow pattern related to one another. The appearance of the dye required through the pipe
revealed how the fluid behaved internally. Both the numerical and qualitative assessments closely
matched, highlighting the value of elementary tools for problem-solving. Advancements in the field
may involve using digital instruments to continuously monitor the transitions between different
vortex flow patterns. Industrial engineers rely on these findings to improve the efficiency and
performance of flow systems within various types of equipment.
References
[1] F. M. White, *Fluid Mechanics*, 8th ed., McGraw-Hill, 2011.
[2] Y. A. Çengel and J. M. Cimbala, *Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications*, 4th ed.,
McGraw-Hill, 2018.
[3] Y. A. Çengel and J. M. Cimbala, *Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications*, 4th ed.,
McGraw-Hill, 2018..
