FLOW PROJECT

Participating Professors: Professor Daniello
Student Research Assistants: Connor Cumming, Vivienne Evans, Shu Guo

An investigation of fluid flow in pipe systems with more accurate estimations of surface characteristics.

Fluid flow in pipe systems is a common part of everyday life, from waste management to blood flow. The current method for engineers to analyze this important process is an outdated and inaccurate chart called the Moody Diagram created in 1944. To ensure its accuracy, it must be updated with modern technology. The Moody diagram is commonly used in fluid engineering to predict the pressure drop and flow rate of a pipe. To do so the diagram plots Friction Factor against Reynolds Number for Relative Pipe Roughness values. The main parameter Moody used in his diagram to calculate relative pipe roughness is average roughness; an inaccurate estimation of the actual surface characteristics as it does not account for the aerodynamic of the surface itself. Because engineers are unable to properly estimate the pressure drop and mass flow rate of the fluid in the pipe, this can lead to miscalculations of a pipe system efficiency and life span.