Pumping fluid against a centrifugal force

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the pressure drop in an oil canal connected to a rotating axle with an oil pump. The user is trying to determine the pressure at the center of the axle, where centrifugal force is zero, given an exit pressure of 25 bar from the pump. Initial attempts to apply Bernoulli's equation for incompressible flow resulted in incorrect pressure readings. Suggestions include using a corotating frame to achieve steady flow and incorporating centrifugal force into the calculations. The conversation emphasizes the need to adjust the approach to account for the effects of rotation on fluid dynamics.
helgi2008
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Hello.

I am in need of some assistance regarding a theoratical problem I have. It goes something like this:

Imagine a vertically placed axle, rotating at a constant angular velocity (omega). From the middle of this axle extends an arm and on the edge of that arm is a unit containing (amongst other things) an oil pump. The purpose of this oil pump is to pump the oil from the unit to the centre of the rotating axle (against the centrifugal force). Say that the exit pressure of the pump is 25 bar, how do I calculate the pressure drop along the oil canal in the arm (assuming zero friction in the pipe itself)? Ultimately, I would like to know the pressure reading at the centre of the rotating axle, where the centrifugal force is equal to zero.

At first, I thought I could use Bernoulli's equation for incompressible flow, but it doesn't appear to be working for me, as I get a higher pressure reading at the centre of the axle, than at the exit of the pump.
 
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hello helgi2008! :smile:
helgi2008 said:
… At first, I thought I could use Bernoulli's equation for incompressible flow, but it doesn't appear to be working for me, as I get a higher pressure reading at the centre of the axle, than at the exit of the pump.

https://www.physicsforums.com/library.php?do=view_item&itemid=115" is essentially a conservation of energy equation, and should apply to any steady flow

to make the flow steady, i assume you're already using a corotating frame?

then there's an ρω2r centrifugal force, so instead of a ρgh https://www.physicsforums.com/library.php?do=view_item&itemid=269" term, try ρω2r2/2 :wink:
 
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