The FM Fluid Mechanics laboratory is a comprehensive educational facility designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the principles of fluid mechanics and hydrodynamics.
Overview
The FM Fluid Mechanics laboratory offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills through the use of simulators, trainers, and interactive software. This laboratory covers essential concepts such as the conservation of mass, energy, and momentum in fluids, equipping students with the expertise needed for advanced studies and professional applications in fluid dynamics.
It is dedicated to the study of the forces and movements of liquids and gases, as well as the principles of fluids in motion. The laboratory provides a thorough exploration of fluid mechanics, ensuring that students grasp the fundamental concepts and practical applications.
Key Features and Tools
Engineering Principles (FM 100)
This module introduces students to the basic principles of fluid mechanics, laying the groundwork for more advanced studies.
Friction in Pipes – FLM 171
This equipment studies primary load losses in pipelines under laminar and turbulent flows. It includes a horizontal pipe, differential manometers, flow regulation valves, and a hydraulic bench volumetric tank, enabling students to analyze pressure loss and friction under controlled conditions.
Bernoulli’s Theorem – FLM 62
This demonstration apparatus illustrates and analyzes the Bernoulli equation and its principles. It includes a multi-tube manometer for simultaneous pressure readings along the pipe. Designed for easy connection to a hydraulic bench (not included), it features tool-free screw connections and non-leaking quick fittings for pressure gauges.
Pelton Turbine Operating Principle – FM 351
The Pelton turbine is an impulse water turbine that converts water’s pressure energy into kinetic energy in the distributor. A nozzle accelerates the water jet, directing it tangentially onto the turbine blades at an approximate angle of 180°, optimizing energy transfer.
Hydraulic Bench – PT FLM 14
The PT FLM 14 is a laboratory bench designed as a hydraulic supply system and fluid mechanics working platform. It features two volumetric tanks (40L and 100L) for measuring high and low flows, a sump tank with a cover for cleanliness, and adjustable flow meters (0–8L and 0–40L). Its interchangeable segment supports mounting various didactic devices.
Losses in Pipes – FLM 21
The FLM 21 trainer is designed for studying friction losses in pipes and hydraulic elements like valves, metering devices, and accessories. It features quick fittings for easy replacement of pipe segments with varying materials and roughness. A drip pan collects residual water, maintaining a clean workspace, while self-sealing pressure taps prevent leaks during connections. It must be paired with the PT FLM 14 hydraulic bench.
Energy Losses in Bends – FLM 182
The FLM 182 trainer examines secondary energy losses in bends and installation accessories by measuring pressure differences upstream and downstream of specific elements. It accounts for static-to-dynamic pressure transformations due to velocity changes in pipes of varying diameters. The system includes configurations with 90° elbows, abrupt widening and narrowing, and a gate valve. Losses are displayed simultaneously on a multi-column water gauge, providing clear comparisons between different bend types and flow disruptions.
Hydrostatic Pressure on submerged surfaces – FLM 101
The FLM 101 trainer studies and calculates pressure forces on submerged surfaces. It supports liquids of different densities to analyze varying forces. This stand-alone equipment allows pressure measurement on flat and curved surfaces, with an adjustable surface angle for diverse experimental setups.
In Series & Parallel Pump Systems Demonstration unit – FLM 301
The FLM 301 demonstration unit explores series and parallel pump systems. It enables hands-on practice with connection, startup, operation, and regulation of complex pump setups. A variable frequency drive allows speed adjustment for one pump, monitored via an electronic flow meter. Users can analyze pump performance individually, in groups, in series, or parallel configurations. The system includes computer-controlled operation with automatic or manual data capture, allowing parameter adjustments, test programming, and comprehensive performance monitoring.
Surface Tension – FLM 213
The FLM 213 Surface Tension trainer uses the du Noüy ring method to measure the surface tension of various liquids under different temperature conditions. A ring attached to a force sensor is dipped into the liquid, and the force required to tear the liquid film is recorded. The system automatically captures surface tension and tear-off force data. It allows users to determine the surface tension of food oils (e.g., olive, corn) and mixtures, as well as water/ethanol mixtures, based on ring diameter, temperature, and mixing ratios. This enables verification of theoretical calculations.
Viscosity Measurements – FLM 214
The FLM 214 Viscosity Measurements trainer uses a falling ball viscometer to measure the viscosity of Newtonian liquids. The apparatus applies Newton’s law of motion, balancing buoyancy, weight, and drag forces on a falling sphere, reaching terminal velocity. By observing the rate of fall of various balls in a liquid-filled tube, users can determine the liquid’s viscosity. The trainer is used to measure the viscosity of substances such as water, salt mixtures, food oils, methanol-water mixtures at constant temperature, and water or methanol as a function of temperature.
Polarization – FLM 215
The FLM 215 Polarization trainer measures the optical activity of chemical substances, such as sugars, by observing the rotation of plane-polarized light through the substance. Using a half-shade penumbra polarimeter, the experiment measures the angle of polarization caused by substances like cane sugar (sucrose) and lactose. The device includes a 589nm sodium lamp and a 100mm sample tube, with a Vernier knob to adjust and measure the angle of rotation. The trainer helps determine the specific angle of rotation for solutions of known concentration and calculates the reaction rate constant for the inversion of cane sugar into invert sugar.
Laboratory Airflow Bench – F8M 282
The F8M 282 Laboratory Air Flow Bench is a mobile, subsonic wind tunnel equipped with an electric fan and adjustable airflow control. It serves as the experimental base unit for eight different modules, each designed to demonstrate key principles and phenomena of airflow, making it ideal for studying fluid dynamics in a controlled laboratory setting.
Permeameters – FMP 3000
The FMP 3000 Permeameters are used to measure the permeability of soil, which determines the flow rate of water through its interconnecting voids. This property is crucial for understanding soil settlement, aquifer flow, groundwater pumping, de-watering foundation sites, and designing dams and reservoirs. Permeability data is essential for selecting appropriate soils for dam embankments and reservoir zones, ensuring effective water retention and soil stability.
Integration with Technology
The laboratory is equipped with simulators and trainers that interface with PC workstations, enabling interactive learning and realistic simulations. Students can adjust system parameters and observe the outcomes, enhancing their understanding of fluid mechanics through practical experimentation.
Didactic Documentation and Exercises
Supporting software is organized by subject, aligned with simulations and experimental exercises. Each module includes:
- Aims and Learning Objectives:
Clearly defined goals for each experiment, outlining the expected knowledge and skills to be acquired. - Theoretical Background:
Comprehensive explanations of relevant concepts, complemented by practical examples to bridge theory and practice. - Tests and Questions:
Assessments to evaluate student understanding and identify areas needing improvement. - Fault Testing:
Exercises designed to develop problem-solving skills by diagnosing and correcting errors in fluid systems.
Conclusion
The FM Fluid Mechanics laboratory provides an extensive and interactive learning environment, combining theoretical instruction with practical experimentation. Through its modular structure and advanced simulation tools, it equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional success in fluid dynamics and related fields. The laboratory’s continuous updates and innovative solutions ensure that it remains a leading educational resource in fluid mechanics.