Bernoulli equation and negative pressure

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Bernoulli's equation in a fluid dynamics context, specifically examining the relationship between pressure and cross-sectional area in a pipeline as the area decreases. The original poster is exploring the implications of a diminishing area on pressure, particularly questioning the behavior of pressure as the area approaches zero.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the pressure at a smaller cross-sectional area using Bernoulli's equation and continuity equation, raising a question about the physical meaning of negative pressure as area approaches zero.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging with the original poster's question, with some noting the limitations of Bernoulli's equation in certain scenarios, such as cavitation. Others provide alternative formulations of the continuity equation and discuss the implications of negative pressure in relation to the area changes.

Contextual Notes

There is an underlying concern regarding the physical validity of the results when the area approaches zero, and the discussion hints at the breakdown of Bernoulli's equation under extreme conditions.

sinasahand
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Homework Statement
bernoulli equation
Relevant Equations
bernoulli equation and negetive pressure
In one pipeline with pressure P1 area A1 decrease to A2 we want to find P2 in area A2
we have bernoulli equation
p1+1/2 ρv^2=p2+1/2ρv^2
with low of conservation of mass A1V1=A2V2 that we can write V2=A1/A2 V1
if we keep in bernouli equation we have
P2=P1+1/2V2(1-(A1/A2)^2)
my quation is this if A2 goes to zero what will happen P2 will be negetive and -∞? How this will be correct
 
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It's not clear if you are asking about a homework question. But, Bernoulli's equation can break down in certain situations. For example, the phenomenon of "cavitation" can occur if the pressure of the moving fluid is reduced too much. See for example

 
The form of the continuity equation that I prefer is ##Av=\beta## where ##\beta## is the constant flow rate ##\frac{dV}{dt}##. Then Bernoulli's equation can be written as$$p_2-p_1=\Delta P=\frac{1}{2}\rho \beta^2\left(\frac{1}{A_1^2}-\frac{1}{A_2^2}\right).$$ Note that everything on the right hand side is constant and independent of the speed. When ##A_2<A_1##, ##\Delta P## is negative which means that the pressure in pipe 1 is greater than in pipe 2. The opposite is true when ##A_2>A_1.## That's all.
 
kuruman said:
$$p_2-p_1=\Delta P=\frac{1}{2}\rho \beta^2\left(\frac{1}{A_1^2}-\frac{1}{A_2^2}\right).$$ Note that everything on the right hand side is constant and independent of the speed. When ##A_2<A_1##, ##\Delta P## is negative which means that the pressure in pipe 1 is greater than in pipe 2. The opposite is true when ##A_2>A_1.## That's all.
Yes. But if ##A_2## is small enough compared to ##A_1##, then the equation predicts that ##p_2## will be negative. I think this is what the OP was concerned about.
 

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