Abstract

The hydraulic systems that distribute water to users have an important role in their quality of life. For this reason, the precise determination of the friction factor in pipes is of great importance in the design of water distribution networks because it directly influences the calculation of pressure drop (head losses) in hydraulic systems. The objective of the present work was to evaluate in an experimental manner different correlations that describe, in an explicit form, the friction factor in a pipe under turbulent flow and the implicit Colebrook-White correlation. This was done by comparing the numerical values predicted by the correlations in regard to the experimental value, finding that the Colebrook-White correlation predicts the friction factor with the lowest error percentage among the 27 correlations studied. For the solution of the Colebrook-White equation the Newton-Raphson method was used, given that it presents a recurrent structure that can be taken to algorithms and quickly solved by computer programs. In this work, a tool was developed in the C ++ programming language to solve the Colebrook-White equation.

Abstract

An example of hydraulic design project for teaching purpose is presented. Students’ task is to develop a looped distribution network for water (i.e. to determinate node consumptions, disposal of pipes, and finally to calculate flow rates in the network’s pipes and their optimal diameters). This can be accomplished by using the original Hardy Cross method, the improved Hardy Cross method, the node-loop method, etc. For the improved Hardy Cross method and the node-loop method, use of matrix calculation is mandatory. Because the analysis of water distribution networks is an essential component of civil engineering water resources curricula, the adequate technique better than the hand-oriented one is desired in order to increase students’ understanding of this kind of engineering systems and of relevant design issues in more concise and effective way. The described use of spreadsheet solvers is more than suitable for the purpose, especially knowing that spreadsheet solvers are much more matrix friendly compared with the hand-orientated calculation. Although matrix calculation is not mandatory for the original Hardy Cross method, even in that case it is preferred for better understanding of the problem. The application of commonly available spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel) including two real classroom tasks is presented.