UNIVERSITI TENAGA NASIONAL

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

MESB333 - ENGINEERING MEASUREMENT LAB

EXP. TITLE

: .

AUTHOR

: .

SECTION

: .

GROUP NUMBER :..

GROUP MEMBER:
1.
2.
3.
4.
INSTRUCTOR
Performed Date

: .
Due Date*

Submitted Date

Table Of Content:
Content
Summary/Abstract

Page Number
3

Experiment 1:
Statement Of Purpose/Objective
Theory

4
4-6

Equipment

Procedure

7-8

Data and Observation

8-10

Result

11

Analysis and Discussion

12

Experiment 2:
Statement Of Purpose/Objective
Theory

12
12-13

Equipment

14

Procedure
Data and Observation
Result

14
15-17
18-19

Analysis and Discussion

19

Conclusion

20

Reference

20

Summary/Abstract:

Velocity measurement which is done using the pitot tube. We have learned the principle
and methods being used to measure the air flow velocity with pitot tube. Towards the end, we are
able to see the velocity profile and this in return helps us to understand more about the working
principle of the pitot tube. Bernoulli's equation can also be found in this experiment which is
used in deriving and calculating the velocity.
The fluid flow experience a higher shear stress at the wall, hence resulting in lower
velocity on the wall. Maximum velocity occurred in the middle position where it is the centre of
the pipe. Upstream flow of pipe has a noticeable uniform velocity and downstream flow exhibits
full developed velocity profile where the flow is turbulent.
A pitot tube is a pressure measurement instrument used to measure fluid flow velocity.
The pitot tube is used to measure the local velocity at a given point in the flow stream and not the
average velocity in the pipe or conduit. The basic pitot tube consists of a tube pointing directly
into the fluid flow. As this tube contains fluid, a pressure can be measured; the moving fluid is
brought to rest (stagnant) as there is no outlet to allow flow to continue. This pressure is the
stagnation pressure of the fluid, also known as the total pressure or (particularly in aviation) the
pitot pressure.

Experiment 1: Velocity Measurement Using Pitot Tube

Objective:
This experiment allows student to learn the method of measuring air flow velocity using
pitot tube. The student will understand the working principle of pitot tube as well as the
importance of Bernoulli equation in deriving and calculating the velocity.

Theory:
A pitot tube is used to explore the developing boundary layer in the entry length of a pipe
which has air drawn through it. With pitot tube, the velocity distribution profiles can be
determined at a number of cross-sections at different locations along a pipe. With pitot tube, air
flow velocities in the pipe can be obtained by first measuring the pressure difference of the
moving air in the pipe at two points, where one of the points is at static velocity. The Bernoulli
equation is then applied to calculate the velocity from the pressure difference.

V=

2 p

or 2 gh '

(1)

The pressure difference between the pitot tube and the wall pressure tapping
measured using manometer bank provided (gx where x is the level of fluid
used in the manometer).

The pressure difference expressed as a 'head' of the fluid being measured (air)
The air density at the atmospheric pressure and temperature of that day (kg/m3).

Gravitational acceleration constant (9.81 m/s2)

When fluid flows past a stationary solid wall, the shear stress set up close to this

boundary due to the relative motion between the fluid and the wall leads to the development of a
flow boundary layer. The boundary layer may be either laminar or turbulent in nature depending
on the flow Reynolds number.
4

The growth of this boundary layer can be revealed by studying the velocity profiles at
selected cross-sections, the core region still outside the boundary layer showing up as an area of
more or less uniform velocity.
If velocity profiles for cross-sections different distances from the pipe entrance are
compared, the rate of growth of the boundary layer along the pipe length can be determined.
Once the boundary layer has grown to the point where it fills the whole pipe cross-section this is
termed "fully developed pipe flow".

Reynolds Number
The Reynolds number is a measure of the way in which a moving fluid encounters an
obstacle. It's proportional to the fluid's density, the size of the obstacle, and the fluid's speed, and
inversely proportional to the fluid's viscosity (viscosity is the measure of a fluid's "thickness"
-for example, honey has a much larger viscosity than water does).

Re =

vd

: fluid density

v : fluid velocity
d : obstacle size
: coefficient of fluid dynamic viscosity

A small Reynolds number refers to a flow in which the fluid has a low density so that it
responds easily to forces, encounters a small obstacle, moves slowly, or has a large viscosity to
keep it organized. In such a situation, the fluid is able to get around the obstacle smoothly in
what is known as "laminar flow." You can describe such laminar flow as dominated by the fluid's
viscosity--it's tendency to move smoothly together as a cohesive material.
A large Reynolds number refers to a flow in which the fluid has a large density so that it
doesn't respond easily to forces, encounters a large obstacle, moves rapidly, or has too small
viscosity to keep it organised. In such a situation, the fluid can't get around the obstacle without
breaking up into turbulent swirls and eddies. You can describe such turbulent flow as dominated
5

by the fluid's inertia--the tendency of each portion of fluid to follow a path determined by its own
momentum.
The transition from laminar to turbulent flow, critical flow, occurs at a particular range of
Reynolds number (usually around 2500). Below this range, the flow is normally laminar; above
it, the flow is normally turbulent.

Calculation of air flow velocity

The transition from laminar to turbulent flow, critical flow, occurs at a particular range of
Reynolds number (usually around 2500). Below this range, the flow is normally laminar; above
it, the flow is normally turbulent.
p = gh

(2)

Pressure term is used since this reading is in mm of manometer fluid and not the pressure of
unit Pa. Therefore the equivalent vertical separation of liquid levels in manometer tubes,
h = (x1 - x2)cos

(3)

If k is the density of the kerosene in the manometer, the equivalent pressure difference p is:
p = k gh = k g(x1 - x2) cos

(4)

The value for kerosene is k = 787 kg/m3 and g = 9.81 m/s2. If x1 and x2 are read in mm, then:
p = 7.72(x1 - x2)cos [N/m2]

(5)

The p obtained is then used in second equation (1) to obtain the velocity.
To use the first equation (1), convert this into a 'head' of air, h. Assuming a value of 1.2 kg/m3
for this gives:

h=

k
( x 1x 2)
.
. cos
air
1000

(6)

Equipment:

Procedure:
1. Five mounting positions are provided for the pitot tube assembly. These are: 54 mm, 294mm,
774 mm, 1574 mm and 2534 mm from the pipe inlet.
2. Ensure that the standard inlet nozzle is fitted for this experiment and that the orifice plate is
removed from the pipe break line.
3. The manometer is set such that the inclined position is at 0 degrees.
4. The pitot tube assembly is mounted at position 1 (at 54mm, nearest to the pipe inlet). Note
that the connecting tube, the pressure tapping at the outer end of the assembly, is connected
to a convenient manometer tube. Make sure that the tip, the L-shape metal tube of the pitot
tube is facing the incoming flow.
5. Note that there is a pipe wall static pressure tapping near to the position where the pitot tube
assembly is placed. The static pressure tapping is connected to a manometer tube.
7

6. Position the pitot tube with the traverse position of 0mm. Start the fan with the outlet throttle
opened.
7. Started with the traverse position at 0mm, where the tip is touching the bottom of the pipe,
read and record both manometer tube levels of the wall static and the pitot tube until the
traverse position touching the top of the pipe.
8. The velocity traverse for the same air flow value is repeated at the next position with the pitot
tube assembly. Make sure that the blanking plugs is placed at the holes that are not in use.

Data and Observation:

Transverse

Pitot Tube at 54 mm (Static pressure:118 mm)

Position (mm)
Stagnation
Pressure
Reading (mm)

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80

x (mm)

p (N/m2)

101
17
131.24
98
20
154.40
98
20
154.40
96
22
169.84
96
22
169.84
96
22
169.84
97
21
162.12
99
19
146.68
100
18
138.96
Table 1: Data for Pitot tube at 54mm

Transverse

Velocity (m/s)

14.790
16.042
16.042
16.825
16.825
16.825
16.438
15.636
15.219

Pitot Tube at 294 mm (Static pressure:120 mm)

Position (mm)

0
10
20
30
40

Stagnation
Pressure
Reading (mm)

x (mm)

p (N/m2)

Velocity (m/s)

106
101
98
98
97

14
19
22
22
23

108.08
146.68
169.84
169.84
177.56

13.422
15.636
16.825
16.825
17.203
8

50
60
70
80

Transverse

97
23
177.56
98
22
169.84
104
16
123.52
106
14
108.08
Table 2: Data for Pitot tube at 294mm

17.203
16.825
14.348
13.422

Pitot Tube at 774 mm (Static pressure:122 mm)

Position (mm)
Stagnation
Pressure
Reading (mm)

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80

Transverse

x (mm)

p (N/m2)

110
12
92.64
98
24
185.28
96
26
200.72
96
26
200.72
96
26
200.72
96
26
200.72
100
22
169.84
102
20
154.40
106
16
123.52
Table 3: Data for Pitot tube at 774mm

Velocity (m/s)

12.426
17.573
18.291
18.291
18.291
18.291
16.825
16.042
14.348

Pitot Tube at 1574 mm (Static pressure:126 mm)

Position (mm)
Stagnation
Pressure
Reading (mm)

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80

x (mm)

p (N/m2)

116
10
77.20
104
22
169.84
102
24
185.28
102
24
185.28
100
26
200.72
102
24
185.28
104
22
169.84
108
18
138.96
112
14
108.08
Table 4: Data for Pitot tube at 1574mm

Velocity (m/s)

11.343
16.825
17.573
17.573
18.291
17.573
16.825
15.219
13.422

Transverse

Pitot Tube at 2534 mm (Static pressure:131 mm)

Position (mm)
Stagnation
Pressure
Reading (mm)

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80

x (mm)

p (N/m2)

Velocity (m/s)

122
9
69.48
110
21
162.12
108
23
177.56
106
25
193.00
106
25
193.00
108
23
177.56
110
21
162.12
112
19
146.68
120
11
84.92
Table 5: Data for Pitot tube at 2534mm

10.761
16.438
17.203
17.936
17.936
17.203
16.438
15.636
11.897

Results:

Graph Of Velocity Against Transverse Position

20
15

54mm
294mm

Velocity (m/s)

10

774mm
1574mm

2534mm

0
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Transverse Position (mm)

Graph 1: Velocity against Traverse Position

Sample Calculation:
For pitot tube at 54mm, static pressure measured is 118 mm
10

At traverse position, 0mm - Stagnation Pressure: 101 mm

x = static pressure stagnation pressure
=118mm 101mm
=17 mm
p = 7.72* x*cos
=7.72(17)cos0
=131.24 N/m2
Velocity =

2 p

2(131.24)
1.2

=14.790m/s
Analysis and Discussion:
Based on graph 1, the velocity increases from 0mm to 30mm, 40mm where it reaches
maximum velocity and decreases as the traverse position increases to 80mm.The fluid flow
experience higher shear stress at the wall, hence resulting in lower velocity at 0mm and 80mm
traverse position. Maximum velocity occurred at 40mm position where it is the centre of the
pipe. Upstream flow of pipe has a noticeable uniform velocity (refer to 54mm, Graph 1) which
downstream flow exhibits full developed velocity profile (refer to 2534mm, Graph 1) where the
flow is turbulent.
During the experiment, we found out that there are difficulties when taking the reading in
the manometer. The level of the fluids in the manometer is not stable sometimes. Therefore by
taking the most accurate readings, we take the average between the largest and the smallest
readings as well as conduct it several times.

Experiment 2:Determination of Discharge Coefficient

Objective:
11

This experiment will ask student to determine the discharge coefficients, CD for orifice plate and
the small nozzle.

Theory:
The orifice plate meter forms a jet, which expands to fill the whole pipe, some diameter distance
downstream. The pressure difference between the two sides of the plate is related to the jet
velocity, and therefore the discharge, by the energy equation:
Q Ajvj AoCcvj AoCcCv

2 gh

(1)

Where
Q = discharge (volume/time)
Aj = jet cross-section area at minimum contraction (vena contracta)
Ao = orifice cross-section area (pd2/4: d = orifice size)
vj = jet velocity at minimum contraction (vena contracta)
Cc = coefficient of contraction of jet
Cv = coefficient of velocity of jet
g = gravitational acceleration (9.81 ms -2)
h = pressure difference 'head' of air across orifice (refer to equation (6) of Exp. I)
These two coefficients are normally combined to give a single coefficient of discharge: CD =
Cc.Cv. Equation (1) now becomes
Q = CD Ao

2gh

(2)

If Q can be determined independently, then the discharge coefficient can be determined as

follows:
Q
CD =
(3)
A o 2 g h
Values of Qi can be determined if the standard nozzle is fitted at the pipe inlet.
Q i = A i CD 2 g h i
(4)

12

If hi = the drop in pressure head across the inlet, the discharge = (k/air )* (xbefore nozzle xafter nozzle):
in which Ai = standard nozzle cross-section area (= d2 /4) and Cd assumed to be 0.97. Values
of hi are obtained from the manometer tube levels connected to the pipe inlet pressure tapping
and open to the atmosphere.

Calculating Cd of the orifice plate

From equation (4), with the Qi obtained from standard nozzle where CD of standard nozzle is
assumed to be 0.97, we can calculate the CD of orifice plate. Assuming that Qi across standard
nozzle and Qo across orifice plate is the same, apply equation (3)

CD =

Q
A o 2 g h

Equipment:

13

Precedure:
1. The orifice plate is inserted in position (taking care to observe the instructions as to) in which
the surface should face the approaching airflow.
2. All the static pressure tapping points are connected to the manometer tubes ensuring that one
manometer tube remains unconnected to record room air pressure and that one is attached to
the first tapping point adjacent to the standard inlet nozzle which should be fitted.
3. Fan is turned on with low airflow (damper plate closed) and read all manometer tubes,
including any open to the air (reading should be taken after the fan is on).
4. The air flow is increased gradually by increasing the damper opening to 100%, and take read
at all opening.

Data and Observation:

Table 5.1: Static Prssure Reading when using Standard Nozzle (80mm)
0%
Points
Room

98

Pressure
After nozzle
54mm
294mm
774mm
Before Orifice
After Orifice
1574mm
2534mm

101
101
101
101
101
114
111
107

Damper Openings (% Openings)

25%
50%
mm of kerosene
96
96
104
104
105
106
107
183
165
150

104
105
106
107
108
204
182
164

75%

100%

94

93

104
105
106
108
109
212
188
168

105
105
106
108
109
214
190
170

75%

100%

92

92

142
144

144
146

Table 5.2: Static Prssure Reading when using Small Nozzle (50mm)
0%
Points
Room

98

Pressure
After nozzle
54mm

108
108

Damper Openings (% Openings)

25%
50%
mm of kerosene
94
92
134
136

140
142

14

294mm
774mm
Before Orifice
After Orifice
1574mm
2534mm

105
105
105
119
116
112

120
120
121
184
170
158

122
122
124
198
182
166

124
126
126
204
186
170

126
126
128
206
188
172

75%

100%

94

93

Analysis and Results:

0%
Points
Room
Pressure
After nozzle
hi
Qi
Before Orifice
After Orifice
ho
CD
Re

98

101
104
104
104
1.9675
5.247
5.247
6.558
0.03
0.050
0.050
0.055
101
107
108
109
114
183
204
212
8.526
49.843
62.960
67.551
1.181
0.814
0.725
0.769
81487
135812
135812
149393
Table 5.3: Calculated Data for Nozzle (80mm)

0%
Points
Room
Pressure
After nozzle
hi
Qo
Before Orifice
After Orifice
ho
CD
Re

Damper Openings (% Openings)

25%
50%
mm of kerosene
96
96

98

Damper Openings (% Openings)

25%
50%
mm of kerosene
94
92

105
7.870
0.061
109
214
68.863
0.845
165691

75%

100%

92

92

108
134
140
142
6.5583
26.2333
31.4800
32.7917
0.031
0.0455
0.0439
0.0478
105
121
124
126
119
184
198
204
9.1817
41.3175
48.5317
51.1550
1.176
0.8139
0.7246
0.7684
52627
77243
74527
81148
Table 5.4: Calculated Data for Nozzle (50mm)

144
34.1033
0.0526
128
206
51.1550
0.8456
89297

Sample Calculation:
Refer Table 5.3, (25% opening damper) to calculate Cd of orifice

15

hi = (k/air )* (xafter nozzle xbefore nozzle)

787
=(
104-96) = 5.247
1200
Q i = A i CD

2 g h i

= (0.04)2(0.97)

2 9.81 5.247 = 0.050

ho = (k/air )* (xafter orifice xbefore orifice)

787
=(
183-107) = 49.843
1200

CD =

Re =

Q
A o 2 g h

vd

1.2

0.025 2 2 ( 9.81 ) ( 49.843)

0.05

0.05
0.08
3
1.963 1 0
5
1.8 1 0

= 0.814

= 135812

Refer Table 5.4, (25% opening damper) to calculate Cd of small nozzle

Q o = A o CD

2 g h o = (0.025)2(0.814)( 2 ( 9.81 ) ( 41.3175)

= 0.0455
2

0.025 2 ( 9.81 ) (41.3175)

CD =
0.0455

Re =

vd

1.2

= 0.8139

0.0455
0.05
3
1.963 1 0
5
1.8 1 0

= 77243

16

Results:

Graph of Longitudinal Pressure against

Manometer Reading (80mm)
200
180
160

0%

140

25%

120
mm of kerosene

50%

100

75%

80

100%

60
40
20
0
0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

Tapping Posi0on (mm)

Graph 2: Longitudinal Pressure against Manometer Reading (80mm)

Graph of Longitudinal Pressure against Manometer Reading (50mm)

200
180
160
140

0%

120

mm of kerosene

25%

100

50%

80

75%

60

100%

40
20
0
0

500

1000 1500 2000 2500 3000

Tapping Posi0on (mm

Graph 3: Longitudinal Pressure against Manometer Reading (50mm)

17

Graph of Cd Against Re
1.4
1.2
1
0.8

50mm

Cd 0.6

80mm

0.4
0.2
0
40000

60000

80000 100000 120000 140000 160000 180000

Re
Graph 4: Cd against Re

Analysis and Discussion:

Manometer reading as the air flow pass the orifice is seen to have a large drop in the
graph. Theres a large pressure drop disregarding the damper opening at the orifice plate.
Resistance by the orifice for flow of the air causes loses through the meter. Resistance by using
different nozzle (80mm & 50mm) shows effect toward reading at tapping position. For nozzle
(80mm) has a lower kerosene position compares to nozzle (50mm). Smaller nozzle area resulted
in higher air velocity, hence lower air pressure recorded.
Referring to Table 5.3, 50% of damper openings, Cd of 0.97 is used for standard nozzle
to find the Cd of orifice. Cd of the orifice using the standard nozzle is found to be 0.725. Cd
found for orifice for standard nozzle is used to find the flow rate of small nozzle. Cd found for
the small nozzle is then calculated and found to be 0.7246. As the damper opening increases, Cd
tends to increase, smaller discharge coefficient shows that the actual flow is smaller compared to
ideal/theoretical value.
As the damper openings increase, the manometer reading increases as well. The orifice
plate forms a jet of flow which then expands to fill the whole pipe. Turbulent formed behind the
orifice cause by sudden expansion result in pressure increase.

18

From graph 4, (0%-25%) of damper openings, we can summarize that as the discharge
coefficient, Cd decreases, the value of Reynolds number increases. From (50%-100%), the
increases of Cd values will also increased the value of Reynolds number. We found out that there
is experimental error due to the error of equipments. Theoretically, the graph should be a slope
which increasing proportionally for Cd against Re.

Conclusion:
The objective of experiment 1 for the method of measuring air flow velocity using pitot
tube was learned and analyzed. The working principle of pitot tube and importance of Bernoulli
equation in flow velocity. The fluids flow experience higher shear stress at the wall, hence
resulting in lower velocity at 0mm and 80mm traverse position. Maximum velocity occurred at
40mm position where it is the centre of the pipe.
In experiment 2, the discharge coefficient Cd for orifice plate and the small nozzle are
determined. It was found that when 50% of damper openings, Cd for orifice plate is 0.725, while
the Cd for small nozzle is found to be 0.7246.

Reference:
Lab Manual: MESB 333 Engineering Measurement Lab (Universiti Tenaga Nasional)

19