Hi-Tec Hands On
Our hands-on activities are structured for inexpensive experimentations that will allow students to
visually explore concepts being taught.
Hands-on #1
Fluid Properties
Viscosity & Density
Objective: Measure the difference between fluids for resistance to flow and density.
Steps
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Fill small containers ¾ full of the listed fluids with an equal volume in each container.
Measure the weight of each fluid in its container.
Using the small motor and impeller with a source of power, spin the rotor in the fluid. It
works best if the motor is spun CCW looking from the impeller towards the motor. This
tightens the bolt into the coupling. Reverse motor polarity to change motor direction.
If using a power supply, set to 3 to 6 volts and keep this constant throughout this hands
on. Measure the current, or amps, going to the motor. Repeat for each fluid. Note: a
battery with amp meter can work.
If using a 6V battery, connect a multi-meter set to amps with the connections going
through the meter in series. Use a scale that allows 1 amp. (1000 mA)
Table for parts A & B
Fluid
Amps
Weight
Drain
Time
Notes & Thoughts
Water
Alcohol
Olive Oil
Glycerin
Part B: With the same fluids as part A, make start and finish marks on the container with a hole
in the bottom. Fill the container to the start mark, keeping the hole plugged. Release the fluid
and time how long it takes each fluid to drain to the finish mark. The finish mark should be a
small distance above the bottom of the container, such as ¾”for an 8 oz. cup size container.
(The final level of fluid takes a long time to drain.)
Hands On #1 Information
For today’s lab, a 40 dram pharmacy container was used for the motor spin and then with a
3/32” hole for the drain portion.
Motors: Supply can vary for specific models or types. The following is an example of what can
be found. This image is from ebay.
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#4 bolt, 1” long with nut and 2 washers
Motor coupling 3/8” dowel with 3/32” hole drilled for tight fit. Check newly purchased motors
for fit.
Friction disc 1 1/8” dowel with 1/8” hole to slide the #4 bolt through
Power supply: a variable supply is ideal, a lantern battery can also work.
Hands-on #2
Fluid Properties
Head to Flow
Objective: Understand effects of fluid head and velocity
Steps:
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Set up a 5 gallon bucket as shown below
With the bucket placed above the catch container, start the flow and measure height h
and distance d every 30 seconds:
o The bucket fluid level is h
o The squirt distance is d
Time
Thoughts and conclusions
Height
Distance
Hands-on #3
Fluid Properties
Bucket Races with Advantage or Disadvantages
Objective: Continue understanding of head and flow
This hands-on will be a race with other teams
Steps
1. Starting with the set up for Hands-on #2, set your water supply tank (bucket) at the
same elevation as the other teams.
2. Attach the supplied hose to the supply tank discharge nozzle, with the other end fixed to
the fill vessel. Locate the fill vessel at the given elevation.
3. Fill the bucket to the same level as the other buckets in the competition. Approx. 12”
from the bucket’s bottom.
4. Prime the hose so it is full of water.
5. Draw a number to determine your “handicap”.
6. At the signal, start the flow
7. The winner is the first team to fill the container. There will be a +/- handicap for
inexperienced racers.
Hands-on #4
Fluid Properties
Power flow experiments
Objective: Explore pump and power flow concepts and relate them to fluid laws.
There are several activities that will be explored. Perform suggested activities as well as your
own explorations.
Note: The following image is from ebay. A quick search found
Previous searches and purchases had better prices and options. A little digging through ebay or timing
may have better results than July 23rd, 2015.
https://www.buerkle.de/media/files/Downloads/Viscosity_EN.pdf
http://www.hydramotion.com/pdf/Website_Viscosity_Units_V2.pdf