Excel VBA-Based Solution to Pipe Flow Measurement Problem

Abstract

Estimation of mean flow velocity in a pipe from pressure drop measurements using Darcy-Weisbach formula involves two nested loops of iteration. The outer loop iterates through the mean flow velocity while an inner loop is enclosed for calculating friction factor at a given flow velocity. The iterations are time-consuming and are somewhat difficult for hand calculations. MS Excel can be employed to solve this type of problem for saving time. This paper intends to show how it is possible to easily solve the mean flow velocity problem in a spreadsheet environment. Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) functions to be used with spreadsheet iterations were provided. Besides, solutions to variations of the above-mentioned problem such as calculation of roughness height were described. Both students and teachers can benefit from the procedures and electronic annex provided.