Fundamentals of hydraulics: laboratory practice

The course can be taken as a single course

Experimental investigation of fundamental hydraulic and fluid-mechanics principles using a hydraulic bench and interchangeable experimental modules.

The course provides practical laboratory training in fundamental hydraulics and fluid mechanics using the HM 250: Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics hydraulic bench and associated experimental modules. The course links theoretical principles of fluid mechanics with hands-on measurements, visualization, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

The course is organized around the HM 250 hydraulic bench and experimental modules covering three main thematic areas.

Module A: Flow in Pipes

• A1. Visualization of Pipe Flow
• A2. Measurement of Flow Profile
• A3. Visualization of Streamlines

Module B: Laws of Hydrodynamics

• B1. Continuity Equation
• B2. Measurement of Jet Forces
• B3. Free Discharge
• B4. Bernoulli’s Principle

Module C: Friction Losses

• C1. Losses in Pipe Elements
• C2. Fundamentals of Pipe Friction
• C3. Pressure Curve Along the Inlet Section

After completing the course, students should have achieved the following learning outcomes.:

Knowledge:

The students will have knowledge of:

• Understand and operate hydraulic laboratory equipment, including the hydraulic bench and modular experimental setups used to demonstrate fundamental fluid-mechanics principles.
• Analyze pipe-flow behavior, including laminar, transitional, and turbulent regimes, using flow visualization, streamlines, and velocity-profile measurements.
• Apply key hydrodynamic laws, such as the continuity equation, Bernoulli’s principle, and momentum equation, to steady incompressible flow, jet forces, and free discharge.
• Evaluate hydraulic losses in pipe systems, including pipe friction, Reynolds number effects, roughness, diameter, velocity, and local losses from bends, valves, contractions, and expansions.
• Interpret experimental results critically, including pressure variation, measurement uncertainty, repeatability, and sources of experimental error.

Skills:

The students will be able to:

• Conduct hydraulic experiments systematically, measuring discharge, pressure, head, velocity distribution, and fluid forces.
• Visualize and interpret flow behavior, including flow patterns, streamlines, and velocity profiles.
• Apply hydraulic theory to experimental data, using the continuity equation, Bernoulli equation, momentum equation, friction losses, and local loss coefficients.
• Analyze, evaluate, and communicate results, by comparing theory with measurements, identifying errors and limitations, presenting data clearly, preparing technical reports, and working effectively in groups.

General competence:

The students will be able to:

• Integrate theory with practice by connecting fluid-mechanics concepts to laboratory observations and real engineering applications such as water supply, drainage, energy, process, and environmental hydraulics.
• Conduct laboratory work professionally by planning, performing, documenting, and communicating hydraulic experiments using appropriate engineering terminology.
• Demonstrate responsible teamwork and critical thinking by working safely in groups, evaluating measured data, identifying deviations from theory, and reflecting on experimental results.

Recommended prerequisites

BYG-3801 Fluid Mechanics

The course combines short theoretical introductions with practical laboratory work and data analysis.

Teaching and learning activities include:

• Introductory lectures before each laboratory session
• Demonstration of HM 250 hydraulic bench operation
• Group-based laboratory experiments
• Flow visualization exercises
• Measurement of discharge, pressure, head, force, and velocity
• Data logging and manual data recording
• Calculation exercises linked to experiments
• Technical report writing
• Oral discussion or presentation of selected experiments

A typical laboratory session includes:

• Safety briefing and introduction to the experiment
• Review of relevant theory
• Equipment setup and calibration
• Experimental measurements
• Data processing
• Comparison with theory
• Submission of laboratory report

Language of instruction and examination

Schedule

More info about the coursework requirements

• Participation in all required laboratory sessions
• Submission of laboratory reports
• Participation in discussions or oral check

More info about the assignment

Re-sit examination