Question:medium

Compute the head loss due to friction in a pipe 7.5 cm in diameter and 120 m long when the water is flowing at a velocity of 1.8 m/s. The value of f may be assumed to be 0.005:

Show Hint

Note whether the given value \(f\) represents the "friction factor" or the "coefficient of friction".
The standard coefficient of friction requires the factor of 4 in the numerator (\(4f\)), while the friction factor (\(f'\)) is \(4f\).
Here, using \(4f\) yields the exact target option of 5.28 m.
  • 4 m
  • 4.32 m
  • 5.28 m
  • 6 m
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Compute the velocity head of the flow on its own.
\[ \frac{V^2}{2g} = \frac{(1.8)^2}{2 \times 9.81} = \frac{3.24}{19.62} = 0.1651 \text{ m} \]
Step 2: Compute the dimensionless friction loss factor separately.
The friction loss factor for the pipe is \( \frac{4fL}{D} \), using the convention where the factor of 4 relates the given friction coefficient f to the Darcy form of the equation: \[ \frac{4fL}{D} = \frac{4 \times 0.005 \times 120}{0.075} = \frac{2.4}{0.075} = 32 \]
Step 3: Multiply the two independent pieces together to get the head loss.
\[ h_f = \frac{4fL}{D} \times \frac{V^2}{2g} = 32 \times 0.1651 = 5.28 \text{ m} \]
Step 4: Sanity check the size of the answer.
A 120 m long, narrow 7.5 cm pipe carrying water at a brisk 1.8 m/s is expected to show a noticeable friction loss over that length, a few metres of head is reasonable, and it matches one of the given choices exactly.
\[ \boxed{5.28 \text{ m}} \]
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