AbstractTheoretical models for computing velocity profiles and friction factors for sinusoidally pulsing laminar flow in linearly elastic tubes were derived from the Navier‐Stokes equations, a modified Fanning equation, and the pressure‐tube wall movement relationship. The theoretical results were checked experimentally forNReand λ = ωR2/vvalues up to 2000 and 57, respectively. It was found that the theoretical friction factors predicted the experimental values to within less than 13%. Also the results showed that the energy losses in elastic tubes were greater than in rigid