Industrial Flow Simulation and Control Lab

Lab Objectives

• Study head losses and friction in fluids o Analyse head losses in straight pipes and at fittings or accessories. o Determine the differences between distributed and local head losses. o Experiment with how flow rate, diameter and pipe roughness affect energy losses.
• Apply the fundamental principles of fluid dynamics o Apply the Darcy-Weisbach equation and the concepts of static, dynamic and total pressure. o Understand how flow conditions (laminar and turbulent) affect losses. o Link experimental measurements to the theoretical equations of fluid motion.
• Acquire practical and data analysis skills o Use water manometers and electronic sensors to measure pressure and head. o Acquire data with digital recording systems and interpret it with dedicated software. o Compare manually and automatically collected data to assess accuracy and reliability.

Educational Aims

• Consolidate theory through practice: turning hydraulics formulas into concrete observations through real experiments.
• Build experimental skills in the use of manometers, pressure sensors, flow meters and data acquisition software.
• Develop critical analysis skills: identifying measurement errors and interpreting discrepancies between theoretical and experimental data.
• Promote teamwork and the organisation of tests, improving collaboration skills in technical and scientific contexts.
• Prepare students for professional and academic settings: providing skills useful for civil, environmental and industrial engineering and for managing fluid-dynamic systems.

Conclusion

By the end of the lab activities, students will have: 1. Gained an in-depth understanding of friction and head loss phenomena in hydraulic systems, both distributed and local. 2. Developed practical and digital skills for collecting, processing and analysing experimental data. 3. Built the ability to interpret and connect theory and practice, recognising the importance of experimentation in the design and testing of hydraulic systems. 4. Acquired a scientific and methodical approach to technical testing, preparing them for professional and university applications. This lab is a bridge between theory and practice, offering students a complete experience of measuring, analysing and critically evaluating fluid-dynamic phenomena. This solution includes technology systems that help foster inclusion and equal opportunities through the use of innovative teaching methods. Designed to promote active and collaborative learning.