All Flashcards
Define 'pressure difference' in fluid flow.
The difference in pressure between two points in a fluid system, driving flow from high to low pressure.
What is the 'continuity equation'?
A principle stating that for incompressible fluids, the mass flow rate is constant: .
Define 'mass flow rate'.
The mass of fluid passing a point per unit time, given by .
What is 'Bernoulli's equation'?
An equation expressing conservation of energy in fluid flow: .
Define 'Torricelli's theorem'.
A theorem stating that the exit velocity of a fluid from a hole is , where is the height difference.
What is 'volume flow rate'?
The volume of fluid passing a point per unit time, given by .
How do you apply the continuity equation to solve fluid flow problems?
- Identify two points in the fluid flow. 2. Determine the cross-sectional area and velocity at each point. 3. Apply to relate the areas and velocities. 4. Solve for the unknown variable.
What are the steps to apply Bernoulli's equation?
- Identify two points along a streamline. 2. Determine pressure, height, and velocity at each point. 3. Apply . 4. Solve for the unknown variable.
How do you use Torricelli's theorem to find fluid exit velocity?
- Identify the height difference between the fluid surface and the exit point. 2. Apply . 3. Solve for the exit velocity, .
What is the difference between mass flow rate and volume flow rate?
Mass flow rate: Mass per unit time () | Volume flow rate: Volume per unit time ()
Compare and contrast gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy in fluid flow.
Gravitational potential energy: Energy due to height, decreases as fluid flows down | Kinetic energy: Energy due to motion, increases as fluid flows down (if potential energy converts to kinetic energy)