Accurate explicit analytical solution for Colebrook-White equation

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents a direct closed form analytical solution for the implicit type equation of Colebrook-White for friction factor calculation. Based on the developed expression, the friction factor can be directly calculated given the fluid flow parameters namely the relative roughness and the Reynolds number. Obtained expression is explicit and it does not require any iterative calculation as it is built reposing on the analytical solution of a cubic equation of real coefficients. The used cubic equation is obtained through a 3rd order Taylor series expansion of the original Colebrook-White equation around an expansion point reasonably defined. The reliability of the proposed expression is proved through comparison with original Moody chart values as well as others results issued from previous approximations found in literature and the exact solution of Colebrook-White equation. The accuracy and the robustness of the established expression over other explicit correlations were emphasized. The presented closed form expression was proved to be simple, robust and accurate. Additionally it has the advantages of covering all the range of applicability of the original Colebrook-White equation.