Friction Head Analysis (FHA) Calculator
Advanced fluid dynamics tool for determining hydraulic head loss in pipe systems.
Analysis Results
What is Friction Head Analysis (FHA)?
Friction Head Analysis (FHA) is a critical component of fluid mechanics used to calculate the energy loss (expressed as "head loss") as fluid moves through a conduit. This energy loss is primarily caused by the internal friction between the fluid layers and the resistance offered by the pipe's interior surface.
The Science Behind FHA
This calculator utilizes the Darcy-Weisbach Equation, which is widely considered the most accurate model for determining head loss in pressurized pipes. Unlike empirical formulas, the Darcy-Weisbach method accounts for the dimensionless friction factor, the physical dimensions of the pipe, and the kinetic energy of the flow.
Key Parameters in FHA Calculation:
- Pipe Length (L): The total distance the fluid travels. Head loss increases linearly with length.
- Pipe Diameter (D): The internal width of the pipe. Smaller diameters significantly increase friction.
- Flow Velocity (V): The speed of the fluid. Head loss is proportional to the square of the velocity.
- Friction Factor (f): A coefficient determined by the Reynolds number and pipe roughness.
Practical Example of FHA
Imagine a water transport system where you need to move water through a 200-meter pipe with a diameter of 0.2 meters. If the water flows at 3.0 meters per second and the pipe has a friction factor of 0.015, the calculation would be:
Head Loss = f × (L / D) × (V² / 2g)
Head Loss = 0.015 × (200 / 0.2) × (3.0² / 19.62)
Result: ~6.88 meters of head loss.