Head Loss Calculator — Calculate Fluid Flow Head Loss & Pressure Drop

Head Loss Calculator

Calculate head loss in fluid flow systems. Understand how pipe diameter, length, flow rate, and fluid properties affect pressure drop and system performance.

Step 1: Pipe System Details

Understanding Head Loss

Head loss is the reduction in fluid pressure (head) as it flows through a pipe system due to friction and turbulence. It’s measured in feet or meters of fluid column.

Step 2: Fluid Properties & Fittings

5 fittings

About Pipe Roughness

Pipe roughness affects head loss significantly. Smooth pipes like PVC have less friction than rough pipes like old cast iron. Each material has a characteristic roughness value.

Head Loss Calculation Results

Summary
Material Comparison
Analysis

Total Head Loss

12.8 ft
Pressure Drop: 5.54 psi
Flow Velocity
5.1 ft/s
Reynolds Number
8,450
Friction Factor
0.021
Head Loss per 100 ft
12.8 ft/100ft

Pipe Material Comparison

Pipe Material Roughness Head Loss Velocity Flow Type

Head Loss Analysis

Head Loss Formula

Darcy-Weisbach Equation: hf = f × (L/D) × (v²/2g)

Where: hf = head loss (ft), f = friction factor, L = pipe length (ft), D = pipe diameter (ft), v = flow velocity (ft/s), g = gravitational acceleration (32.2 ft/s²).

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