Fluid M

Mechanics foor Civil Eng

gineering Chaapter 5 – En
nergy Equation

5 E
ENERG
GY EQ
QUATION OF
F FLUID MO
OTION
N
5.1 Inntroductioon

In ordder to devvelop the equationns that deescribe a flow, it iis assumeed that
fluids are subjeect to cerrtain funddamentall laws of physics. The peertinent
laws aare:

1. Connservationn of mass;
2. Connservationn of energ
gy;
3. Connservationn of mommentum.

These principlees were in nitially ddeveloped

d for the case
c of a solid bod
dy and
the appplicationn of thesee laws to a solid body
b is reelatively straightfo
orward
o measurrable size and mass. Howevver, it is not for
since tthe body will be of
a flow
wing fluidd. Therefofore, the eequations should beb modifieed beforee it can
be appplied in a flowing fluid.
f

5.2 C
Continuityy Equation
n

The principle ofo conserrvation off mass caan be app plied to a flowingg fluid.
Considdering anny fixed reegion in tthe flow constitutin
c ng a contrrol volum
me,

Mass ofo fluid Masss of fluid In

ncrease off mass of
enteringg per = leaviing per + flu
uid in thee control
unit tim
me unit ttime vo
olume perr unit time

mmass of flu
uid masss of fluid
eentering Contr
trol Volumee leavving

For steeady floww, the maass of fluiid in the control volume

v reemains co
onstant
and thhe relationn reduces to

Masss of fluid
d enteringg = Maass of fluid leavingg
per unit timee per unit tim
me

P.5-1
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Apply this principle to steady flow in a streamtube as shown below,

2
1 Area = dA 2
Velocity = V 2
Area = dA 1 Pressure = p 2
Velocity =V 1
Pressure = p 1

If there is no flow being evacuated from the stream tube except at the
outlet section 2, then

Q = V1A1 = V2A2
 Q = V1A1 = V2A2

where V1, V2 are the mean velocities at sections 1 and 2 respectively.

The continuity equation for liquids many be generally expressed in the

form

Q = V1A1 = V2A2

where V and A are velocity of flow and the cross-sectional area normal to
the flow respectively at any section of the liquid stream.

The continuity equation can also be applied to determine the relation

between the flows into and out of a junction. For steady condition,

Total inflow to junction = total outflow from junction

P.5-2
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

A2
V2
Q2

A1
V1
Q1
A3
V3
Q3

1Q1 = 2Q2 + 3Q3

For an incompressible flow, 1 = 2 = 3, then

Q1 = Q 2 + Q3

or A1 V 1 = A2 V2 + A3 V3

In general, if we consider flow towards the junction as positive and flow

away for the junction as negative, then for steady flow at any junction the
algebraic sum of all the mass flows must be zero:

 Q =0

In differential form, the Continuity Equation becomes

   
 ( v x )  ( v y )  ( v z )  0
t x y z

For incompressible flow, i.e. density of the fluid is constant, then

v x v y v z
   0 or   V  0
x y z

P.5-3
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Worked example:

1. Water flows through a pipe AB of diameter d1 = 50 mm, which is in

series with a pipe BC of diameter d2 = 75 mm in which the mean
velocity V2 = 2 m/s. At C the pipe forks and one branch CD is of
diameter d3 such that the mean velocity V3 is 1.5 m/s. The other
branch CE is of diameter d4 = 30 mm and conditions are such that the
discharges Q2 from BC divides so that Q4 = ½ Q3. Calculate the
values of Q1, V1, Q2, Q3, d3, Q4 and V4.

V3= 1.5 m/s

D
A B C
Q 3=2Q 4
d 1=50 mm d 2=75 mm
V2 =2 m/s E
d4 =30 mm

Answer

Since pipes AB and BC are in series and water is incompressible, the

volume flow rate will be the same in each pipe, Q1 = Q2. But

 2
Q 2 = A2 * V2 = d 2 * V2
4
Q1 = Q2
= (/4)*(0.075)2*2
= 8.836*10-3 m3/s

Q1
V1 = Q1/A1 =
( / 4) * d1
2

8.836 *10 3
=
( / 4) * 0.052
= 4.5 m/s

Considering pipes BC, CD and DE, the discharge from BC must be equal
to the sum of the discharges through CE and CE. Therefore

Q2 = Q3 + Q4

P.5-4
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

And since
Q4 = ½ Q3
 Q2 = 1.5 Q3

Hence Q3 = Q2 / 1.5
= 8.836*10-3/1.5
= 5.891*10-3 m3/s

& Q4 = ½ Q3
= 2.945*10-3 m3/s

 2
Also, since Q3 = d 3 * V3
4
4Q3
Hence d3 =
V3
4 * 5.891*103
=
 *1.5
= 0.071 m

Q4
V4 =
( / 4) * d 4
2

2.945 *10 3
=
( / 4) * 0.032
= 4.17 m/s

P.5-5
Fluid M
Mechanics foor Civil Eng
gineering Chaapter 5 – En
nergy Equation

5.3 B
Bernoulli’s Equatio
on

Figuree below shhows a smmall streaamtube ellement off cylindriccal sectio

on with
uniforrm cross-ssectional area. Thhe fluid accelerate
a es in the direction of the
flow. Taking thhis to be a control volume at
a an instaant in the time,

ds
p''

(p+dp).A

z p.A mg


p'

Forcess acting on
o the elem
ment in thhe s direcction inclu
ude:

(i) Pressure foorces exp

pressed ass:
uppstream end
e p.A
p
p
doownstream
m end -(p
- + 
s)A
s
(ppressure may
m vary y with resspect to space,
s s and
a time, t, therefo
ore the
paartial deriivative is used).

Gravity force W.ssin wherre W = .s.A

(ii) G 

z z
(iii) siin = , then as s approaaches zerro, then siin =
s s

By appplying Newton’s
N s secondd law in the s direction,
d the folllowing
equation is reacched.

 s = M*
F *as

where M = mass off the cylinndrical eleement = .s.A


as = acceleraation in thhe s directtion

P.5-6
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Therefore, we arrive at the following equation by substituting the above

expression into the above equation.

pA  ( p  p ) A  W sin   sA * as

z
pA  sA  sA * as
s
Divide the whole equation by s.A, and taking the limit as s0, then


 ( p + z) =  .as - Euler’s equation
s

By rewriting the acceleration term in a general form as follows:

DV
as =
Dt
V V ds
= +
t s dt

V
For steady flow, =0
t
V
Then as = V
s

By substituting the above expression into Euler’s equation we obtain the

following

 V
 ( p  z ) = V
s S

Assuming the density of the fluid remains unchanged,

p z  
+ + (V 2 ) = 0
s s 2 s

By integrating the above equation with respect to s we have,


p + z + V2 = constant
2

P.5-7
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

p V2
or +z+ = constant
 2g

The subscript s is usually omitted and V is used to represent the velocity in

the direction of fluid flow.

The term p/ - pressure head

z - potential head (elevation head)
V2/2g - velocity head

The constant at the right hand side of the equation is the total head (total
energy per unit weight) of the flow field. The equation is applicable when
the flow is steady, non-viscous, and incompressible with the constant
density. Under these conditions the total head at any point along a
streamline of the flow field is the same.

Bernoulli’s equation is an expression of the principle of conservation of

energy.

In most applications, Bernoulli’s equation is applied at two points in the

flow field with z1 and z2 are referred to the same datum.

2 2
p1 V p V
+ z1 + 1 = 2 + z2 + 2
γ 2g γ 2g

P.5-8
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Worked examples:

2. Determine the velocity of the water flowing at point 1 and 2 of the

pipe shown below, with the following data. Neglect all losses in
heads.
p1 = 120 kPa, p2 = 200 kPa, d1 = 0.4 m and d2 = 0.6 m

1 2

Answer

Apply Continuity equation to point 1 and 2

V1A1 = V2A2
(0.4) 2 2 (0.6) 2 2
Since A1 = m, A2 = m
4 4
(0.6) 2
 V1 = V2 *
(0.4) 2
= 2.25 V2

Apply Bernoulli’s equation along the central streamline to points 1

and 2
2 2
p1 V p V
+ 1 + z1= 2 + 2 + z 2
γ 2g γ 2g

p1 = 120 kPa, p2 = 200 kPa

V1 = 2.25 V2
& z1 = z2 (same level)

2
120 ( 2.25V2 ) 2 200 V2
Hence   
9.81 2 * 9.81 9.81 2 * 9.81
 V2 = 6.3 m/s

and V1 = 2.25 v2
= 14.2 m/s

P.5-9
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

3. For a 50 mm diameter siphon drawing oil (S.G. = 0.82) from the oil
reservoir as shown below, the head loss from point 1 to point 2 is 1.5
m and from point 2 to point 3 is 2.40 m. Find the discharge of oil
from the siphon and the oil pressure at point 2.

2m dia = 50 mm
1

oil
5m
3

Answer

Apply Bernoulli’s equation to points 1 & 3.

2 2
p1V p V
+ 1 + z1 = 3 + 3 + z 3  loss1-3
 2g  2g

p1 = p3 = 0 (patm = 0)
V1 = 0
(Assume the oil vessel is very large, the rate of the oil level drop is
negligible)
z3 = 0, z1 = 5 m
loss1-3 = loss1-2 + loss2-3
= 1.5 + 2.4 m
= 3.9 m

 0 + 0 + 5 = 0 + V32/(2*9.81) + 0 + 3.9
V3 = 4.646 m/s

Q = A3 * V3
= [(0.05)2/4]*4.646
= 0.00912 m3/s

P.5-10
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Again, apply Bernoulli’s equation to points 1 & 2

2 2
p1 V1 p 2 V2
+ + z1 = + + z 2 + loss1-2
 2g  2g

z2 = 7 m
V2 = V3 (same pipe diameter)
= 4.646 m
loss1-2 = 1.5 m

 0 + 0 + 5 = p2/ + (4.646)2/(2*9.81) + 7 + 1.5

p2/ = - 4.6 m
p2 = - 4.6 * 9.81 * 0.82 kPa
= - 36.9 kPa

P.5-11
Fluid M
Mechanics foor Civil Eng
gineering Chaapter 5 – En
nergy Equation

5.4 Flow Measurementt

The tthree parrameters most offten invo olved in flow meeasuremeent are
pressuure, veloccity and discharge
d of flow. The relaationshipss betweenn these
param
meters haave alreaady beenn defined d througgh the C Continuitty and
Bernoulli’s equuation. In I this seection, th
he principples and applicatiions of
commmon flow measurem
m ment devicces are diiscussed.

5. 4. 1 Stagnation Tube and Pitot Tube

When an L shaaped tube is placedd in a flow

w field, itt can be uused to measure
m
the velocity of flow.

z flow
vAA,pA vB,pB
A B

(a) (b)
(

Since the flow is broug ght to a sstandstill at the fro

ont end oof the tub
be, this
simplee device is called a stagnaation tube (fig. a)). The vvelocity of o flow
measuured by thhe stagnattion tube iis expresssed as

V = 2 gh - Torrricelli’s formula
f

where V = velocity
y of flow
h = the level of fluid in the tub
be above the free ssurface.

This eexpressionn can bee derived by apply ying Berrnoulli’s eequation to the
stagnaation poinnt and anyy other pooint upstrream of itt. For sim
mplicity, choose
c
a poinnt (point A)
A at the same levvel as the stagnatio on point (ppoint B, i.e. the
velocity of fluidd flow at this poinnt is zero).

P.5-12
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

From Bernoulli’s equation,

2 2
pA V p V
+ A + zA = B + B + zB
 2g  2g

Since zA = zB, and VB = 0 (stagnation point), therefore

2
VA p p
= B- A
2g  

which can be applied to flow in closed or open conduits.

Since also pA = z and pB = (z + h), then

VA = 2 gh ,

where VA = the velocity of flow which is measured by the stagnation

tube

Since the application of the stagnation tube is limited by the pressure of the
flow, pitot tubes are often used in pressure pipes.

P.5-13
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Worked examples:

4. Water flows through the pipe contraction shown in figure below. For
the given 0.2 m difference in manometer level, determine the flow rate
when the diameter of the small pipe, D is 0.05m.

0.2 m
h1
h2
water
0.1 m D
(1) Q (2)

Answer

Again, apply Bernoulli’s equation to points 1 & 2

2 2
p1 V1 p2 V2
+ + z1= + + z2
γ 2g γ 2g

V1 = 0 (stagnation point)
z1 = z2 = 0 (same level)
2
p1 p2 V2
 +0+0= + 0
  2g
( p  p2 )
V2 = 2 g 1


but p1 = h1 and p2 = h2

 p1 – p2 = (h1 – h2)
= 0.2 

0.2
Thus V2 = 2g * = 2g * 0.2 m/s

= 1.98 m/s

Q = A2 * V2
= [(0.05)2/4]*1.98
= 3.888*10-3 m3/s
= 3.888 L/s

P.5-14
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

5. Water is siphoned from a tank as shown below. Determine the flow

rate and the pressure at point A, a stagnation point.

0.04 m diameter

1
3m
2
A
water

Answer

Apply Bernoulli’s equation to points 1 & 2

2 2
p1 V p V
+ 1 + z1= 2 + 2 + z 2
γ 2g γ 2g

p1 = p2 = 0 (patm)
V1 = 0
z1 = 3m, z2 = 0

 0 + 0 + 3 = 0 + V22/(2*9.81) + 0
V2 = 2 * 9.81 * 3 m/s
= 7.67 m/s

Hence Q = A 2 * V2
= [(0.04)2/4]*7.67 m3/s
= 9.64 * 10-3 m3/s

Again, apply Bernoulli’s equation to points 1 & A

2 2
p1 V p V
+ 1 + z1= A + A + z A
γ 2g γ 2g

VA = 0 & zA = 0

0 + 0 + 3 = pA/ + 0 + 0
or pA = * 3
= 9.81 * 3 kPa
= 29.43 kPa

P.5-15
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

5.4.2 Small Orifice

An orifice is a geometric opening in the side of a wall and tank, through

which fluid can flow. A circular sharp edged orifice at the side of a water
tank is shown. It is assumed that the size of orifice area, A is small
compared with the depth of water, H.

vA H

B
vB

Orifice area, A

The volume rate of flow discharged through an orifice will depend upon
the head of the fluid above the level of the orifice and it can therefore be
used as a means of flow measurement.

Applying Bernoulli’s equation to A and B, assuming that there is no loss of

energy,
2 2
pA V p V
+ A + z A = B + B + zB
γ 2g γ 2g

Putting zA - zB = H, VA = 0, VB = V and pA = pB,

velocity of jet, V = 2 gH

Theoretically, if A is the cross-sectional area of the orifice,

Discharge, Q = Area * Velocity

= A 2 gH

In practice, the actual discharge is considerably less than the theoretical

discharge and is modified by introducing a coefficient of discharge, Cd, so
that

Actual discharge, Qactual = Cd * Qtheoretical

= CdA 2 gH

P.5-16
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

There are two reasons for this phenomenon. First, the velocity of the jet is
less than that the theoretical velocity because there is a loss of energy
between A and B:

Actual velocity at B = Cv * V
= Cv 2 gH

where Cv = coefficient of velocity

 0.97

Second, the paths of the particles of the fluid converge on the orifice and
the area of the issuing jet at B is less than the area of the orifice A at C. In
the plane of the orifice, the particles have a component of velocity towards
the centre and the pressure at C is greater than atmospheric pressure. The
streamlines will converge at a short distance downstream of the orifice and
the minimum flow area is called the vena contracta. This is smaller than
the cross-sectional area of the orifice.

vena contracta

C v B vB

Contraction of issuing jet

The ratio of the cross-sectional area of the vena contracta to that of the
orifice is called the coefficient of contraction, Cc.

Actual area of the jet at B = CcA

 Actual Discharge = Actual area at B * Actual velocity at B

= CcA * Cv 2 gH
= Cc * Cv A 2 gH

Hence C d = Cc * Cv

P.5-17
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Evaluation of the actual velocity from the displacement of the jet

vena
contracta
centre line
of jet

For horizontal motion,

S = x, u = V, and a=0

Hence x =V*t

where V = actual velocity at vena contracta

For vertical motion,

u = 0, a=g
1
y = g * t2
2

By eliminating t,

V = gx 2
2y

P.5-18
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Worked examples:

6. Oil of specific gravity 0.82 discharges from an open tank through an

orifice of diameter 14 mm. The coefficient of velocity is 0.88 and the
coefficient of contraction is 0.62. The centre of the orifice is at a depth
of 0.9m from the surface of the oil. Determine the diameter of the vena
contracta and the discharge of oil through the orifice.

Answer

0.9m orifice hole

dia = 14mm

A =  * (14/1000)2/4 = 1.54 * 10-4 m2

Since Cc = Ac/A
0.62 = Ac / 1.54 * 10-4
hence Ac = 0.955 * 10-4 m2
or dc = 0.01102 m = 11.02 mm

Theoretical velocity, V = 2 gh
= 2 * 9.81 * 0.9 = 4.0202 m/s

Theoretical discharge, Q = V*A

= 4.02 * 1.54 * 10-4 = 6.47 * 10-4 m3/s

Coefficient of discharge, Cd = Cv * Cc
= 0.88 * 0.62 = 0.546

Actual discharge = Cd * Theoretical discharge

= 0.546 * 6.47 * 10-4
= 3.53 * 10-4 m3/s
= 0.353 L/s

P.5-19
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

7. If viscous effects are neglected and the tank is large, determine the flow
rate from the tank as shown below. (Neglect all losses)

1
orifice dia oil
2m
= 50 mm 2 S.G.=0.81
0.7m
water
3

Answer

Apply Bernoulli’s equation between to 2 & 3

2 2
p2 V p V
+ 2 + z 2  3 + 3 + z3
γ 2g γ 2g

p2 = p1 + oilh = 2oil (p1 = patm = 0)

p3 = 0 (patm)
V2 =0
z2 = 0.7 m & z3 =0

 oil h
2
V
Thus + 0 + 0.7 = 0 + 3 + 0
w 2g
2 oil
V3 = 2 g * (  0.7) m/s
w
 oil
Since S.G.oil = = 0.81
w
 V3 = 2 g * ( 2 * 0.81  0.7) m/s
= 6.747 m/s

Q = A3 * V3
= [(0.05)2/4]*6.747 m3/s
= 0.0132 m3/s

P.5-20
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

5.4.3 Venturi Meter

The venturi meter is the most commonly used device for flow
measurement and is designed with a streamlined throat which can,

1. reduce the overall head loss, and

2. reduce the normal mechanical wear of the device. The discharge
equation for a venturi meter is the same as for an orifice meter, except
that the flow coefficient value of a venturi meter is generally higher
than that of an orifice meter and a flow nozzle. This follows since the
coefficient of contraction of a venturi meter is unity.

converging throat
cone
entry diverging section

1 2

Consider the pressure difference between point 1 & 2 as measured by the

U-tube manometer.

P1  P2  ( m   )h

By continuity equation, V1A1 = V2A2

A1
or V2  V1
A2

Applying Bernoulli’s equation between point 1 & 2,

2 2
p1 V p V
+ 1 + z1= 2 + 2 + z 2
γ 2g γ 2g
z1 = z2

(γ m  γ)h
2 2
V A V
hence + 1 = ( 1 )2 1
γ 2g A2 2g

P.5-21
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

m
2 gh(  1)

V1 =
A1 2
( ) 1
A2

Hence discharge Q = A1V1

A1 
= 2 gh( m  1)
A 
( 1 )2  1
A2

Actual discharge = CdQ

Cd A1 
= 2 gh( m  1)
A 
( 1 )2  1
A2

P.5-22
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Worked examples:

8. The flow of kerosene is measure using a venturi meter. The diameter

of the pipe and the throat are 50 mm and 25 mm respectively. A
differential manometer shows a deflection, h’ of 55 mm of mercury.
The coefficient of discharge is 0.96. Determine the flow rate of
kerosene. Take the S.G. of kerosene as 0.82.

1 2

y
 h'
A B

m

Answer

Area of cross-section of the pipe, A1 =  * 0.052/4 = 0.00196 m2

Area of cross-section of the throat, A2 =  * 0.0252/4 = 0.00049 m2

A1 0.00196
By continuity equation, V2 = ( )*V1 =( )*V1 = 4 V1
A2 0.00049
By Bernoulli’s equation, z1 = z2
p1 = p2 + h’*(m - k)
S.G.m
(p1 - p2)/ k = h’*( - 1)
S.G.k
13.6
= 0.055*( -1) m = 0.857 m
0.82
2 2
p1 V p V
+ 1 + z1= 2 + 2 + z 2
γ 2g γ 2g
2 2
V (4V1 )
0.857 + 1 =
2g 2g
V1 = 1.059 m/s
or V2 = 4*1.059 = 4.235 m/s

Qactual = 0.96 * 4.235 * 0.00049 = 0.00199 m3/s = 1.99 L/s

P.5-23
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

9. The water supply to a gas water heater contracts from 10 mm in

diameter at 1 to 7 mm in diameter at 2 (figure below). If the pipe is
horizontal, calculate the difference in pressure between 1 and 2 when
the velocity of the water at 1 is 4.5 m/s. The pressure difference
operates the gas control through connections which are taken to
horizontal cylinder in which a piston of 20 mm diameter moves.
Ignoring friction and the area of the piston connecting rod, what is the
force on the piston?

1 2

Answer

For Continuity of flow,

V1A1 = V2A2
π(0.01) 2 π(0.007) 2
Since A1 = m2, A2 = m2
4 4
V1 = 4.5 m/s
(0.01) 2
 V2 = 4.5 * m/s
(0.007) 2
= 9.18 m/s

Apply Bernoulli’s equation to points 1 & 2

2 2
p1 V p V
+ 1 + z1= 2 + 2 + z 2
γ 2g γ 2g

z1 = z2 (same level)
V1 = 4.5 m/s
V2 = 9.18 m/s

p1 4.5 2 p2 9.18 2
hence + 0= + 0
 2 * 9.81  2 * 9.81

P.5-24
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

p1  p 2 9.182  4.52
=
 2 * 9.81
= 3.267 m of water

p1 – p2 = 3.267 * 9.81 kPa

= 32.045 kPa

(0.02) 2 2
Area of piston, Ap = m
4
= 0.000314 m2

Force on piston = (p1 – p2)*Ap

= 32.045 * 0.000314 kN
= 0.01 kN

P.5-25
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

10. Air flows through the device shown below. If the flow rate is large
enough, the pressure within the construction will be low enough to
draw the water up into the tube. Determine the flow rate, Q and the
pressure needed at section 1 to draw the water into section 2. Neglect
compressibility and viscous effects.

dia = 25 mm
1 air 3
2

dia = 50 mm 0.3m dia = 50 mm

free jet
water

Answer

For Continuity of flow,

V2A2 = V3A3
(d 3 ) 2
 V2 = V3 *
(d 2 ) 2
(50) 2
= V3 *
(25) 2
= 4V3

Apply Bernoulli’s equation between to 2 & 3

2 2
p2 V p V
+ 2 + z 2  3 + 3 + z3
γ 2g γ 2g

p3 =0
z2 = z3 (same level)
p2 = -wh
p2 
=- w h
 air  air
9.81 *1000
=- * 0.3 m
12
= - 245.25 m

P.5-26
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Thus - 245.25 + (4V3)2/(2g) + 0 = 0 + V32/(2g) + 0

(42 – 1) V32 = 245.25 * 2 * 9.81
V3 = 17.91 m/s

Q = A3*V3
= (0.05)2/4*17.91 m3/s
= 0.0351 m3/s

Also apply Bernoulli’s equation between to 1 & 3

2 2
p1 V1 p 3 V3
+ + z1  + + z3
 2g  2g

V1 = V3 (same diameter)
z1 = z3 (same level)

therefore p1 = p3
=0 (Patm)

P.5-27
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Class Exercise 5.1:

Water flows down the ramp in the channel as shown below. The channel
width decreases from 4.5 m at section 1 to 2.5 m at section 2. For the
conditions shown, determine the flow rate.
1

Q 2
2m

0.5m 1m
width = 4.5 m
width = 2.5 m

(14.12 m3/s)

P.5-28
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Class Exercise 5.2:

The water in a tank is 1.8 m deep and over the surface is air at pressure 70
kPa (gauge). Find the flow rate from an orifice of 50 mm in the bottom of
the tank if the Cd = 0.6
pressure
70 kPa
1
water
1.8 m

orifice dia = 50 mm 2
(0.0156 m3/s)

P.5-29
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Class Exercise 5.3:

A horizontal venturi tube, 280 mm diameter at the entrance and 140 mm

diameter at the throat, has a discharge coefficient of 0.97. A U-tube
manometer filled with mercury is connected between the entrance and the
throat to measure the water flow between them. Calculate the flowrate
when the difference in the mercury level is 50 mm.
(0.0542 m3/s)

P.5-30
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

Tutorial: Energy Equation

1. Water flows from the faucet on the first floor of the building shown below
with a maximum velocity of 6.5 m/s. For steady inviscid flow, determine the
maximum water velocity from the basement faucet and from the faucet on the
second floor. Assume only two taps will be opened at each time and each
floor is 4 m tall.

1.5m

2.5m
v=6.5m/s 1.5m
1.0m
inlet
4m 1.5m

2. For the water shooting out of the pipe and nozzle under the conditions shown
in figure below, find the height, h about the nozzle to which the water jet will
shoot. Assume negligible head loss.

h
nozzle
dia=0.1m

1.1m
A point A
dia=0.2m
PA=55kPa
water

3. Oil (S.G = 0.86) flows through the system as shown in figure below. A
manometer is used to measure the flowrate of the oil. By neglecting any
losses, determine the flowrate of the oil.
A=0.012m2

oil

1.5m

0.25m

A=0.030m2
Q
SG=2.5

P.5-31
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

4. An oil of specific gravity 0.8 is flowing upwards through a vertical pipe line,
which tapers from 400 mm to 200 mm diameter. A mercury manometer is
connected to the pipe line to measure the flow as shown in the figure below.
The distance between the manometer is 1 m and the reading is 250 mm. By
neglecting the losses between the tappings, determine

(i) the pressure between the two taped points, and

(ii) the flow rate of the pipeline.

d=0.2m

1m

250mm
D=0 .4m

5. Water flows through a venturi meter which contracts from D = 300 mm to d

= 150 mm at the rate of 0.0037 m3/s and the differential gauge has a
deflection, h of 1 m, as shown in the figure below. Specific gravity of the
gauge liquid is 1.25. Determine the coefficient of discharge of the meter.

SG= 1.25

1 2
water
dia=d
dia=D
venturi meter

6. The actual velocity in the contracted section of a jet of liquid flowing from a
50 mm orifice is 8.5 m/s under a head of 4.5 m. Determine

(i) the coefficient of velocity; and

(ii) the coefficients of contraction and discharge if the actual discharge is
11 L/s.

P.5-32
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineering Chapter 5 – Energy Equation

7. Oil flows through a standard 25 mm diameter orifice under 5.5 m head at a

measured rate of 3 L/s. The jet strikes a wall 1.5 m away and 0.12 m
vertically below the centreline of the contracted section of the jet. Determine
all the coefficients of the orifice.

8. A pitot tube is used to measure the air flow rate of a pipe as shown in the
figure below. Determine the velocity and hence the flow rate of the oil in the
tube. The S.G. of the manometer liquid is 0.827 and density of air is 1.2
kg/m3.

END

P.5-33