Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines Lab

Overview

The Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines Lab gives learners practical experience of fluid behaviour and of the machines that convert hydraulic energy. They verify basic principles such as Bernoulli's theorem, measure flow and head losses in pipes, and study laminar and turbulent regimes.

Turbine and pump test rigs then show how these principles are applied: learners measure forces on vanes, run Pelton, Francis and Kaplan turbines and a centrifugal pump, and calculate their efficiencies. ASFAN designs, supplies, installs and commissions the complete Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic Machines Lab, with operating manuals, experiment sheets and instructor training.

Key Equipment

• Bernoulli's theorem apparatus – energy conservation in flowing fluid
• Orifice meter and venturi meter – flow measurement and discharge coefficients
• Pipe friction apparatus – major and minor head losses
• Impact of jet apparatus – force of a jet on flat and curved vanes
• Pelton wheel turbine – impulse turbine performance
• Francis and Kaplan turbines – reaction turbine performance
• Centrifugal pump test rig – pump characteristics and efficiency
• Metacentric height apparatus – stability of floating bodies
• Reynolds apparatus – laminar, transitional and turbulent flow
• Darcy's law apparatus – flow through porous media

Learning Objectives

By the end of the training, learners will be able to:

• Determine the stability of floating bodies experimentally.
• Verify Bernoulli's theorem and apply it to flow-measuring devices.
• Classify flow regimes and estimate friction and minor losses in pipes.
• Analyse forces on vanes, describe hydraulic turbines and pumps and calculate their efficiencies.

Career Relevance

The lab builds a foundation for careers in hydraulic engineering, pumping systems, water resources and energy.