Fluid flow,acceleration and bernoulli's theorem

In summary: This is what happens in a venturi. The pressure drops and the velocity increases in the narrow part of the venturi. Bernoulli's equation is a mathematical result that applies to flows in which the velocities of the individual particles are constant.
  • #1
meghana1704
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Even though the velocity of each particle is constatnt in staedy flow,all the fluid particles are accelerating.If velocity of every particle in the steady state fluid flow is constant how does the fluid accelerate?In that case,why is there a bernoulli theorem for unsteady flow?
 
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  • #2
I assume you mean the average velocity of the molecules of a fluid. What can happen is as the fluid accelerates, the movement of the molecules becomes less random, and the net component of velocity in the direction of flow increases.
 
  • #3
Not understanding the question. The velocity in a steady flow is not necessarily constant. It may be constant at a particular point, but may vary at different locations in the stream. For example, bernoulli's principle is usually applied to a venturi. The pressure drops and the velocity increases in the narrow part of the venturi. This is a result of the conservation of mass and the conservation of energy.
 
  • #4
meghana1704 said:
Even though the velocity of each particle is constatnt in staedy flow,all the fluid particles are accelerating.If velocity of every particle in the steady state fluid flow is constant how does the fluid accelerate?In that case,why is there a bernoulli theorem for unsteady flow?
In a steady flow, the velocity of the particles passing through each specific spatial location does not change with time. But if you follow the motion of an individual particle along its streamline, its velocity will change with time. At a given spatial location, each new particle replaces the one that previously occupied that spatial location before it, and when the new particle arrives at that spatial location, its velocity will be the same as that of the particle that had just departed.
 
  • #5
meghana1704 said:
If velocity of every particle in the steady state fluid flow is constant ...
It's not clear if you're referring to the average velocity of the molecules of a fluid, including random direction components, or if you mean the net velocity of the molecules. The net velocity is not constant.
 
  • #6
rcgldr said:
It's not clear if you're referring to the average velocity of the molecules of a fluid, including random direction components, or if you mean the net velocity of the molecules. The net velocity is not constant.

The OP is talking about the situation when you treat the fluid as a continuum. The OP is not referring to the molecules. Bernoulli's equation does not refer to the velocities of the individual molecules. When the fluid is treated as a continuum, and the flow is at steady state, the velocity at each fixed location in the flow field does not change with time.
 

1. What is fluid flow?

Fluid flow is the movement of liquids or gases through a medium. This can occur in a variety of situations, such as through pipes, channels, or around objects.

2. How is acceleration related to fluid flow?

Acceleration is a measure of how quickly velocity changes. In fluid flow, acceleration is often caused by changes in pressure or direction. For example, when a fluid flows through a narrow opening, it may experience an increase in acceleration due to a decrease in pressure.

3. What is Bernoulli's theorem?

Bernoulli's theorem states that in an ideal fluid, the total energy of the fluid remains constant along a streamline. This means that as the fluid's speed increases, its pressure decreases, and vice versa.

4. How is Bernoulli's theorem used in real-world applications?

Bernoulli's theorem has many practical applications, such as in aerodynamics, where it is used to explain the lift on an airplane wing. It is also used in the design of ventilation systems, water pumps, and other engineering systems.

5. What factors can affect fluid flow and Bernoulli's theorem?

Several factors can affect fluid flow and Bernoulli's theorem, such as the viscosity of the fluid, the shape of the object it is flowing around, and the presence of external forces, such as gravity or friction. Changes in these factors can alter the fluid's velocity and pressure, resulting in variations in the application of Bernoulli's theorem.

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