A Civil Engineering Senior Design Research Effort to Ascertain Discharge Coefficients of Different Orifice Geometries

The present researched topic was conceived from a senior design course for Civil Engineering students at CSUN (California State University), Northridge. In this work, experimental trials were performed and compared to establish theoretical values of the discharge coefficient. The discharge coefficient is a dimensionless number used to characterize the flow and pressure loss behavior of nozzles and orifices in fluid systems. A group of low-income undergraduate students with diverse backgrounds designed multiple 3D printed orifices where each 3D printed orifice had a specific shape. Utilizing the methods of technical problem solving, the undergraduates found experimental discharge coefficient values for the following orifices: borda, short-tubed, and sharp-edged. Implementing ethics of engineering practice and utilizing university resources, this study is a representation of the collaborative work of minorities and females that want to expand their knowledge within their respective discipline of Civil Engineering.