Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For Hobbyists & Makers · Pipe Flow & Head Loss

Pipe Flow & Head Loss for a steel beam

Built for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker. Simulate a steel beam live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Pipe Flow & Head LossLive

Darcy–Weisbach friction

Controls

Presets

Diameter (m)

Length (m)

Flow rate (m³/s)

Roughness ε (mm)

Friction turns pressure into heat as fluid moves through a pipe. Head loss h_f = f·(L/D)·v²/2g, where the friction factor f depends on the Reynolds number and pipe roughness. Educational tool.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Velocity1.27 m/s

Reynolds number1.27e+5

Friction factor f0.0196

Head loss0.81 m

Pressure drop7.9 kPa

Governing equation

h_{f} = f \frac{L}{D} \frac{v ^{2}}{2 g} = 0.020 \cdot \frac{50}{0.10} \cdot \frac{1.2 7 ^{2}}{2 \cdot 9.81} = 0.81 m, R e = \frac{ρ v D}{μ} = 1.3 e + 5

Reading this result: Fully turbulent in a relatively smooth pipe: friction factor depends weakly on Reynolds number, and head loss grows roughly with the square of flow rate.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

Also for:Students Researchers Educators Engineers K-12 Students First Responders General version →

More with Pipe Flow & Head Loss

Pipe Flow & Head Loss for a cantilever balcony Pipe Flow & Head Loss for a bridge girder Pipe Flow & Head Loss for a floor joist Pipe Flow & Head Loss for a roof rafter Pipe Flow & Head Loss for a timber deck Pipe Flow & Head Loss for a crane boom Pipe Flow & Head Loss for a retaining wall Pipe Flow & Head Loss for a stair stringer

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for hobbyists & makers?: Yes — this version of "Pipe Flow & Head Loss for a steel beam" is framed for hobbyists & makers exploring it for fun. Play with real physics and math, no license and no setup — just open and tinker.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.