Question on Fluid Pressure in Pipes

[!Live_4Ever!]

Hi, I was doing my fluid mechanics howework, and there was a question that I couln't quite answer.

Assuming that the integral of the axial momentum remains constant along the pipe cross section, the pressure drops uniformly along the pipe length. (Contrary to the Bernulli equation where the pressure is supposed to stay constant)

I was wondering if anyone had a non-mathematical way of explaing why a pressure drop exists in a pipe with uniform diameter..

Thanks, as always.

 

[rock.freak667]

In all pipes there is a relative roughness which is associated with a friction factor. This friction can cause pressure drops.

 

[tomcue]

Hello,

That is a great question. The reason for a pressure drop in a pipe with a uniform diameter is due to the friction between the fluid and the walls of the pipe. As the fluid flows through the pipe, it experiences resistance from the walls, causing a decrease in its energy. This decrease in energy results in a decrease in pressure along the pipe length. This phenomenon is known as pressure drop or pressure loss.

Another way to think about it is through the conservation of energy. In a closed system like a pipe, the total energy must remain constant. As the fluid moves through the pipe, some of its energy is converted into heat due to friction, resulting in a decrease in pressure.

I hope this helps to explain why a pressure drop occurs in a pipe with uniform diameter. Keep up the good work in your fluid mechanics homework!