How to calculate head loss hL: page 2/4

L V2 Q
1) for flow in pipes: hL = f V = A d2
d 2g A 4
L = pipe length; d = pipe diameter; f = Darcy friction factor

64 V d
(a) for laminar flow (all pipes): f = R
R

(b) for turbulent flow,

( f ) is obtained from Moody chart, which is a logarithmic plot with

Reynolds Number, (R) along the x-axis and ( f ) along the the y-
axis. Value of ( f ) depends on the e/d-ratio, where e is the pipe
material roughness.

pipe material e (ft) e (mm)

riveted steel 0..003 0.03 0.9 9.0

concrete 0.001 0.01 0.3 3.0
cast iron 0.00085 0.25
galvanized iron 0.0005 0.15
commercial steel 0.00015 0.046
wrought iron 0.00015 0.046
drawn tubing 0.000005 0.0015
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for turbulent flow in smooth pipes, f = 0.316 / R1/4 (valid for R < 105)

n2L 1 Q
2) for flow in channels: hL = 2 4/3
V2 = So L V =
k Rh A
hL
L = channel length; So = channel bed slope =
L
n = Mannings coefficient
k = unit system constant [ k = 1.49 ( for U.S.); k = 1.0 ( for SI )]
Rh = A / P
where A is the flow area; P is the wetted perimeter of the flow area

Channel wall surface Mannings n

glass 0.011
cement / concrete 0.012
riveted steel 0.015
cast iron 0.013
asphalt 0.016
planed wood 0.012
brickwork 0.015
corrugated metal 0.022
rubble masonry 0.025
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