Experimental Evaluation of Linear and Local Fluid Energy Losses via a Customized Hydraulic Circuit

Safa Bouguenna, Lina Aida, Abdelkahar Mohamedi, Ahmed Yacin Aissaoui

Abstract

This study evaluates the design, structural fabrication, and hydrodynamic validation of a customized, low-cost hydraulic test bench built at the University of El Oued as a functional pedagogical tool. The laboratory prototype features parallel smooth PVC pipelines (internal diameter D = 13 mm, development length L = 1 m and incorporating a 0.7 m test section to isolate linear friction losses and evaluate singular energy dissipation from a central ball valve) configured to isolate continuous linear friction losses (Line A) and evaluate local singular energy dissipation caused by a centralized ball valve obstruction (Line B). Empirical testing was conducted across a controlled transitional flow regime (2184 ≤ Re ≤ 2464) driven by volumetric flow rates ranging between 0.97 × 10⁻⁴ m³/s and 1.11 × 10⁻⁴ m³/s. The integration of vertical transparent piezometric columns open to the atmosphere facilitated a highly visual, non-intrusive capturing of differential pressure drops. Experimental results confirm that the empirical continuous friction factors (f) follow the traditional Blasius smooth-pipe trend, scaling from 0.098 to 0.254. Furthermore, the isolated singular loss coefficient for the integrated valve assembly demonstrated remarkable structural stability, converging tightly toward a design average of K ≈ 1.57 across variable flow states. Quantitative breakdown shows that local singular obstructions account for up to 60.0% of the total fluid energy loss within the system, highlighting the apparatus's sensitivity in capturing fine hydraulic changes. The high linearity (R² > 0.995) of the pressure-velocity quadratic relations rigorously validates the structural calibration of this locally fabricated platform for fluid mechanics instruction and engineering research. Consequently, this custom-built prototype functions as a high-fidelity pedagogical instrument, offering a reliable and cost-effective alternative to expensive commercial platforms.

 

Keywords

Hydraulic test bench; Continuous friction loss; Singular pressure drop; Transitional flow regime; Piezometric calibration; Ball valve dynamics.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.47238/ijeca.v11i1.316

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