COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

Several kinds of pipe flow calculations can be made with the Darcy-Weisbach equation and the Moody friction factor. Also, 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 that equation, along with the U.S. and S.I. units for each parameter. Example calculations and sample Excel spreadsheets for making the calculations are also presented and discussed.

This course is intended for civil, mechanical, chemical, and environmental engineers, as well as anyone who works with fluids flowing in pipes. 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

In this course, you need to review the material in the pdf file, "Pipe Flow-Friction Factor Calculations with Excel.

Upon completing your review of the course material, you need to take a multiple choice quiz consisting of fifteen (15) questions to earn 3 PDH credits. The quiz will be based on the entire document. 80% correct is required for a quiz passing grade.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the student will

• Be able to calculate the Reynolds number for pipe flow with specified flow conditions
• Be able to determine whether a 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 Moody friction factor using the Moody diagram for given Re and e/D
• Be able to calculate a value for the Moody friction factor for specified Re and e/D, using the appropriate Moody friction factor equation(s).
• 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 allowable head loss
• Be able to use the Darcy-Weisbach equation and the Moody friction factor equations to calculate the fluid flow rate of a given fluid through a pipe with known diameter, length, and roughness, with specified frictional head loss.

Course Author Profile: Harlan Bengson, Ph, PE