Engineering Calculator
Professional engineering calculations for pressure, torque, stress, force, and more. Precision tools for engineers and technical professionals.
Pressure drop (ΞP) is the reduction in fluid pressure along a pipe or duct caused by friction and fittings. Correct ΞP calculation is essential for pump/fan sizing.
Darcy-Weisbach: ΞP = f Γ (L/D) Γ (ΟvΒ²/2). f from Moody chart (depends on Re and roughness Ξ΅/D). Minor losses: ΞP_minor = K Γ (ΟvΒ²/2). Total system head = friction + minor + static.
The Reynolds number β determining whether flow is laminar or turbulent β was derived by Osborne Reynolds in 1883 using dye injected into glass pipes. His original experimental apparatus is still on display at the University of Manchester.
Neglecting minor losses in complex pipe networks. In a system with many fittings, valves, and bends, minor losses can exceed pipe friction losses β in short runs of 1β5 m, minor losses may dominate by 2β5Γ.