Anyone recognize this equation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an equation related to the average velocity of a fluid in a pipe, specifically in the context of pressure loss, pipe radius, and local velocity. Participants explore its derivation, validity, and references, touching on concepts from fluid dynamics such as the Darcy equation and Navier-Stokes equations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests the equation may be related to the Darcy equation for laminar flow, questioning its derivation.
  • Another participant asserts that the equation is incorrect, stating that it should represent axial velocity as a function of radius rather than average axial velocity.
  • A different participant emphasizes the need to integrate local velocity over the cross-section to find average velocity, suggesting a derivation from the cylindrical Navier-Stokes equations.
  • Concerns are raised about the ambiguity of the notation used for average velocity, with participants noting that it can refer to either maximum or mean velocity.
  • One participant points out that further assumptions are necessary to relate the pressure gradient to the pressure difference.
  • References to external sources, such as Hyperphysics and the textbook "Transport Phenomena," are mentioned, with participants expressing differing views on their relevance to the discussion.
  • A link to a paper by Einstein is mistakenly posted, indicating a potential mix-up with another topic, which is later corrected.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the correctness of the equation and its interpretation. There is no consensus on its validity or derivation, and multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and assumptions involved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the ambiguity in notation for velocity, the need for further assumptions to connect pressure gradients, and unresolved mathematical steps in deriving the equation from fundamental principles.

physea
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I found this equation that supposedly shows the average velocity of a fluid in pipe in respect to the pressure loss, the radius R of the pipe and any smaller radius r.
upload_2018-2-5_9-42-40.png

However I have no idea how they came up with this, is it Darcy equation for laminar flow where f=64/Re?
Can anyone enlighten please?
 

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The reason you don't recognize it is that it is incorrect. The left hand side should be the axial velocity as a function of r, not the average axial velocity. Please cite a reference for this equation.
 
I don't know what source you are reading, but that equation is wrong. That is local velocity as a function of ##r## in a pipe of radius ##R##. If you want average velocity, you need to integrate that over the cross section and divide by area.

You can derive it from the cylindrical Navier-Stokes equations. I'd actually suggest you do that as a useful exercise.
 
Last edited:
OK, even if the left hand side is V(r), I still cannot find that equation anywhere.

Hyperphysics gives
upload_2018-2-5_14-46-55.png
which is very different!
Any hint?
 

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Well your two equations use different variables. What is ##v_m## expressed in terms of pressure?
 
Actually ##v(r) = 2v_m \left[ 1-\frac {r^2} {R^2} \right]##. And ##v_m = \frac {R^2ΔP} {8uL}## (which is the average velocity across the pipe section). Put them together. If you want to know how to find those formulas

boneh3ad said:
You can derive it from the cylindrical Navier-Stokes equations. I'd actually suggest you do that as a useful exercise.
 
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physea said:
OK, even if the left hand side is V(r), I still cannot find that equation anywhere.

Hyperphysics gives View attachment 219748 which is very different!
Any hint?
Get yourself a copy of Transport Phenomena by Bird, Stewart, and Lightfoot
 
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First of all, ##v_m## is ambiguous notation, and, in fact, both @physea and @dRic2 have correct equations depending on whether ##v_m## is meant to be maximum velocity or mean velocity.

Second, you need further assumptions to replace the gradient with ##\Delta p##.

Third, you don't need a textbook to derive Poiseuille flow.
 

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