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FM321 · Osborne-Reynolds

Experimental Apparatus for the Study of Laminar and Turbulent Flow

Learning objectives / experiments
  • Observation of the transition between laminar flow and turbulent flow
  • Calculation of the Reynolds number at the transition, and comparison with accepted values
  • Determination of the effect of water viscosity
    • Tests at several water temperatures
    • Independence of the transition Reynolds number from the viscosity
FM321
Description
The FM321 apparatus
Dye reservoir
Bell-mouth entry
Constant-head tank
Inflow calmed by a glass-bead bed (not shown)
Water inlet
Hose connection
Test tube
calibrated glass, 10 mm bore
Overflow pipe
holds the head constant
Overflow outlet
Hose connection
Stainless steel columns
Flow control valve
Base plate
The FM321 apparatus
Dye reservoir
Bell-mouth entry
Constant-head tank
Inflow calmed by a glass-bead bed (not shown)
Water inlet
Hose connection
Test tube
calibrated glass, 10 mm bore
Overflow pipe
holds the head constant
Overflow outlet
Hose connection
Stainless steel columns
Flow control valve
Base plate
fm321-flow
Technical specifications
    Apparatus dimensions W 700 × H 1500 × D 400 mm
    Apparatus weight approx. 21 kg
    Heating module separate unit with its own electrical supply, W 360 × H 450 × D 330 mm, 10 kg
    Heating module controls electrical heat input and flow rate, with earth leakage protection and over-temperature cut-out
    Power supply 230 V, 50 Hz, single phase, for the heating module
    Bench connection hose connector, to the FM500 or any laboratory bench
    Tube entry diffuser, stilling section and shaped bell-mouth, for a steady and uniform flow into the tube
    Overflow fixed overflow pipe from the tank, piped out to a laboratory drain
    Operating environment laboratory conditions
    Operating temperature +5…+40 °C
    Operating relative humidity 80 % at temperatures below 31 °C, falling linearly to 50 % at 40 °C
Main characteristics
  • constant-head tank with diffuser and stilling section for a uniform flow
  • dye injection system that shows the flow pattern
  • study of the Reynolds number at the transition
  • calibrated glass tube and light-coloured shroud for a clear view of the flow
  • shows laminar flow and turbulent flow
  • thermometer in the tank and flow control valve under the tube
  • separate heating module with its own electrical supply, for tests at different viscosities
  • adjustable feet on the base for levelling
Scope of delivery
  • 1 FM321 apparatus
  • 1 heating module, separate unit with its own electrical supply and its own controls for heat input and flow
  • 1 measuring cylinder
  • 1 stopwatch
  • 1 levelling device
  • 1 set of instructional material

All components and accessories listed under Scope of delivery are supplied, whether or not they are visible in the illustrations.