Understanding Static Pressure in Variable Cross-Section Tubes

In summary: A. According to Bernoulli's theorem, the static pressure increases when the air speeds up passing through a narrow part of the tube.B. In the case that liquid flows instead of air, the thermal motion is decreased more, and the pressure gradients generates acceleration.C. It is not explicitly stated, but it seems that the pressure gradients generates acceleration.D. Pressure gradients generates acceleration.
  • #1
leonpalios
4
0
When air flows through a variable cross - section tube, as the cross - section area increases, the average flow speed of air decreases (due to continuity equation) and according to Bernoulli’s theorem the static pressure increases. Regardless of the mathematical proof of Bernoulli’s theorem, what physical process causes the static pressure increase?
What physical process causes the static presssure decrease when the air speeds up passing through a narrow part of the tube?
 
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  • #2
Static pressure is caused by random motion of the particles in all direction.

Static pressure drops when you take away some of the random motion by 'converting' it into a directed motion.
 
  • #3
Explanation with more details (by me):

As the air speeds up passing through a narrow part of a tube, a portion of internal energy due to thermal motion of molecules converted in ordered kinetic energy (and thus the dynamic pressure increase).

The result of this is the decrease of radom kinetic energy of molecules in all directions other than the direction of flow. So the components of velocities in these directions is reduced too, and therefore the static pressure drops.

Is it a correct explanation?
 
  • #4
Yep. AFAIK, that's it.
 
  • #5
To sum up:
As the air reaches at a region of the tube with a smaller cross-section area, the collisions among the molecules organize the velocities of the molecules in order for them to pass through the narrower part. This fact has the results below:
i) First of all the air is accelerated.
ii) Because the internal energy of the air due the thermal motion remains constant, the dynamic pressure increace and the static pressure drops.

A. If all the above are correct, does anybody know any reliable textbooks (graduate level) or articles that deal with them analytically and with accuracy, so to be sure that all of them are really correct?
B. Do the same things exists in the case that inside the tube liquid flows instead of air, when the thermal motion is decreased more?
C. As we say the accelaration of an amount of air causes static pressure drop. Contrarily, many textbooks/articles it is referred that the pressure gradients generates acceleration. But which pressure, static, dynamic or total?
What is finally correct? Pressure gradients generates acceleration or accelaration generates pressure gradients?
D. In which textbooks may I find the formula that associates the static pressure at a point and the flow speed in the same point? (I’m not referring to Bernoulli’s equation that associates the static pressure and the air speed at a point with the static pressure and the air speed at another point). I suppose that this formula arises by applying the laws of kinetic theory or statistical mechanics or thermodynamics.
 
  • #6
The pressure drops because the average angle at which air molecules strike the side of the tube gets less with increasing flow rate.
 
  • #7
leonpalios said:
Explanation with more details (by me):

As the air speeds up passing through a narrow part of a tube, a portion of internal energy due to thermal motion of molecules converted in ordered kinetic energy (and thus the dynamic pressure increase).

The result of this is the decrease of radom kinetic energy of molecules in all directions other than the direction of flow. So the components of velocities in these directions is reduced too, and therefore the static pressure drops.

Is it a correct explanation?


And also if the molecular random kinetic energy decreases, the temperature where the static presure is lowest must also decrease, by definition.
 

What is static pressure?

Static pressure is the amount of pressure exerted by a fluid that is at rest in a closed system. It is measured in units of force per unit area, such as pounds per square inch (psi) or pascals (Pa).

How does static pressure change in variable cross-section tubes?

In variable cross-section tubes, the area through which the fluid flows changes as it moves through the tube. This results in a change in the velocity of the fluid and therefore a change in static pressure. The Bernoulli's principle states that as the velocity of a fluid increases, its static pressure decreases.

What is the significance of understanding static pressure in variable cross-section tubes?

Understanding static pressure in variable cross-section tubes is important in many fields, including engineering, aerodynamics, and fluid mechanics. It allows for the accurate calculation and prediction of fluid flow and pressure changes, which is crucial in designing and optimizing systems such as pipes, ducts, and airfoils.

How is static pressure measured in variable cross-section tubes?

Static pressure in variable cross-section tubes can be measured using a manometer or pressure gauge. These devices measure the difference in pressure between two points in the tube, allowing for the calculation of static pressure.

What are some practical applications of understanding static pressure in variable cross-section tubes?

Some practical applications include designing efficient HVAC systems, optimizing airflow in ventilation systems, and designing more aerodynamic cars and planes. It is also essential in industries such as oil and gas, where accurate measurement and control of fluid flow is crucial.

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