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Fax: 337-475-5286
Box 91735
Lake Charles, LA 70609
engineering@mcneese.edu http://mcneese.edu/ceet/eng

Engineering - ENGR 312

Fluid Mechanics Laboratory

• Define accuracy, precision, and error
• Define the two classes of experimental error:  (1) random errors and (2) systematic errors
• Compute the uncertainty in a dependent variable due to uncertainty in one or more independent variables (i.e., propagation of uncertainty through data reduction equations)
• Measure viscosity with a rotating viscometer and a falling sphere viscometer
• Evaluate the validity of Bernoulli’s theorem for flow through a venturi meter
• Calibrate an orifice and venturi meter to measure volumetric flow rate
• Calibrate a theoretical model to predict the time required to drain a circular tank through an orifice
• Experimentally determine the resultant force acting on a sluice gate due to hydrostatic pressure and compare it to theoretical predictions based on conservation of momentum
• Develop characteristic curves (i.e., total pump head, motor input power, impeller speed, and overall pump efficiency plotted against volumetric flow rate) for a centrifugal pump
• Demonstrate the phenomenon of cavitation and how it influences centrifugal pump performance
• Compare performance characteristics of centrifugal and axial fans.
• Evaluate the performance of a centrifugal compressor and apply similarity laws to scale up model results
• Evaluate the effects of pipe diameter, pipe length, fluid velocity, and surface roughness on head loss due to friction over a wide range of Reynolds’ numbers
• Determine the head loss due to various minor components (elbows, tees, valves, etc.) in a piping system
• Measure and plot the energy grade line (EGL) and hydraulic grade line (HGL) for piping systems
• Examine the characteristics of a hydraulic jump formed in a rectangular open channel and evaluate the predictive ability of a theoretical model based on conservation of momentum.
• Measure velocity profiles within the boundary layer formed on a flat plate placed in a uniform stream
• Experimentally determine the drag and lift on blunt bodies placed in a uniform stream
• Determine the effects of surface roughness on the drag experienced by a sphere placed in a uniform stream