Pipe Flow-Friction Factor Calculation

The Pipe Flow-Friction Factor Calculation online PDH course is a part of the Civil Engineering category of courses.

Several kinds of pipe flow calculations can be made with the Darcy-Weisbach equation and the Moody friction factor.  These calculations can be conveniently carried out with an Excel spreadsheet.  Many of the calculations require an iterative solution, so they are especially suitable for an Excel spreadsheet solution.  This course includes discussion of the Darcy-Weisbach equation and the parameters in the equation along with the U.S. and S.I. units to be used.  Example calculations and sample Excel spreadsheet screenshots for making the calculations are also presented and discussed.

This course is intended primarily for civil engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, and environmental engineers.  After completing this course you will be able to make calculations with the Darcy Weisbach equation and the Moody friction factor equations to calculate several different unknown parameters when sufficient input data is provided.  You will also be prepared to use Excel spreadsheets to efficiently make the calculations.

 Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, you will:

• Be able to calculate the Reynolds number for pipe flow with specified flow conditions
• Be able to determine whether a specified pipe flow is laminar or turbulent flow for specified flow conditions
• Be able to calculate the entrance length for pipe flow with specified flow conditions
• Be able to obtain a value for the friction factor using the Moody diagram for given Re and /D.
• Be able to calculate a value for the friction factor for specified Re and /D, using the Moody friction factor equations.
• Be able to use the Darcy Weisbach equation and the Moody friction factor equations to calculate the frictional head loss and frictional pressure drop for a given flow rate of a specified fluid through a pipe with known diameter, length and roughness.
• Be able to use the Darcy Weisbach equation and the Moody friction factor equations to calculate the required diameter for a given flow rate of a specified fluid through a pipe with known length and roughness, with specified allowable head loss.
• Be able to use the Darcy Weisbach equation and the Moody friction factor equations to calculate the fluid flow rate through a pipe with known diameter, length and roughness, with specified frictional head loss.
• Be able to include the effects of pipe fittings, entrances and exits (minor losses) in the Darcy Weisbach/Moody friction factor calculations.