What is the relationship between pressure and flow rate in a pipe?

In summary, pressure in a pipe is a combination of static pressure, which is the force exerted by the fluid on the walls of the pipe, and dynamic pressure, which is the force exerted by the moving fluid on itself and on the walls of the pipe. This can be calculated using Bernoulli's Equation, which takes into account flow rates and fluid velocity. The pressure can be used to determine the minimum thickness of the pipe walls in order to withstand the force exerted by the fluid.
  • #1
lluke9
27
0
What IS Pressure-- in a pipe?

Whaddup, guys! Sorry to bug you with another question.

So, I learned that Pressure = Force / Area. Pretty easy stuff. Water will exert a certain amount of force per area depending on how deep the object is submerged.

But... what about in a pipe?
There's Bernoulli's Equation, P + .5ρv2 + ρgh = P + .5ρv2 + ρgh, which can be used to find pressure changes in a pipe with different flow rates (the typical hourglass-shaped pipe comes to mind).

So, question:
But what is this "pressure" in this pipe? If pressure is force over area, where does the water exert this force? Like, exactly where? Does it exert it outwards against the pipe walls, or does it exert it... upon itself? What?

That my instructor managed to skip over this thing bugs me a bit. Is it not important?
 
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  • #2


Exerts it everywhere, more or less with the same magnitude depending on the amount of turbulence. It pushes on the pipe wall as well as on the adjacent fluid which is what makes the flow dynamic.
 
  • #3


Seeing your ecuation from a different point of view we had

[itex]\frac{P_{1}}{\rho g} + \frac{v_{1}^{2}}{2g}+z_{1}=\frac{P_{2}}{\rho g}+\frac{v_2^{2}}{2g}+z_{2}[/itex]

The therms like [itex]\frac{P}{\rho g}[/itex] is related with the static pressure and this relationship with the pressure that the fluid exerts on the walls of the pipe. like when you have a hosepipe and you open the key and the hosepipe blow up.

The therms like [itex]\frac{v^2}{2g}[/itex] calls the dynamic pressure and its related with the movement of the infinite elements of fluids that make up the flow and impulse the fluid outside the hosepipe. The above ecuation neglect the losses of friction and when you want to use the formula [itex]P=\frac{F}{A}[/itex] you can use the static pressure in the walls for determinate with some relations of solids mechanics, for example the minimun thickness of the walls of the pipe or some like that.
 

1. What is pressure in a pipe?

Pressure in a pipe is the force per unit area that is exerted by a fluid inside the pipe. It is typically measured in units of pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).

2. How is pressure created in a pipe?

Pressure in a pipe is created by the movement or flow of a fluid. When a fluid moves through a pipe, it exerts a force on the walls of the pipe, creating pressure. This pressure is distributed evenly throughout the fluid and the pipe.

3. What factors affect pressure in a pipe?

The pressure in a pipe is affected by the density and velocity of the fluid, as well as the diameter and length of the pipe. Other factors such as the temperature and viscosity of the fluid can also impact pressure in a pipe.

4. How is pressure measured in a pipe?

Pressure in a pipe can be measured using a pressure gauge or a manometer, which are both devices that measure the force exerted by a fluid. The pressure can also be calculated using the fluid's density, velocity, and other relevant factors.

5. Why is pressure important in a pipe?

Pressure in a pipe is important because it helps to determine the flow rate of a fluid through the pipe. It also plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of many systems, such as plumbing, heating and cooling, and hydraulic systems.

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