How to Calculate and Solve for Friction Factor | Transport Phenomena
Last Updated on October 2, 2021
The image above represents friction factor.
To compute for friction factor, five essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Diameter of Pipe (D), Change in Pressure (ΔP), Length of Pipe (L), Density of Fluid (ρ) and Velocity of Fluid (v’).
The formula for calculating friction factor:
f = DΔP / 2Lρv’²
Where:
f = Friction Factor
D = Diameter of Pipe
ΔP = Change in Pressure
L = Length of Pipe
ρ = Density of Fluid
v’ = Velocity of Fluid
Let’s solve an example;
Find the friction factor when the diameter of pipe is 4, the change in pressure is 8, the length of pipe is 2, the density of fluid is 5 and the velocity of fluid is 3.
This implies that;
D = Diameter of Pipe = 4
ΔP = Change in Pressure = 8
L = Length of Pipe = 2
ρ = Density of Fluid = 5
v’ = Velocity of Fluid = 3
f = DΔP / 2Lρv’²
f = (4)(8) / 2(2)(5)(3)²
f = 32 / 2(2)(5)(9)
f = 32 / 180
f = 0.177
Therefore, the friction factor is 0.177.
Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the friction factor.
To get the answer and workings of the friction factor using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.
You can get this app via any of these means:
Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus
To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator
Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Materials and Metallurgical under Engineering.
Now, Click on Transport Phenomena under Materials and Metallurgical
Now, Click on Friction Factor under Transport Phenomena
The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the friction factor according to the respective parameter which is the Diameter of Pipe (D), Change in Pressure (ΔP), Length of Pipe (L), Density of Fluid (ρ) and Velocity of Fluid (v’).
Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Diameter of Pipe (D) is 4, Change in Pressure (ΔP) is 8, Length of Pipe (L) is 2, Density of Fluid (ρ) is 5 and Velocity of Fluid (v’) is 3.
Finally, Click on Calculate
As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the friction factor and presents the formula, workings and steps too.
