Calculate Average Blood Speed with Volume Flow Rate | Physics Problem Help

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the average blood speed in an artery using the volume flow rate of 3.5E-6 m3/s. For part (a), the average blood speed is determined to be 0.0382 m/s using the equation Q = AV, where A is the cross-sectional area calculated from the radius of 5.4E-3 m. In part (b), the average blood speed at a constriction is incorrectly calculated as 0.0520 m/s due to a misunderstanding of the radius reduction, which should be 1/7 of the original radius, leading to a correct radius of 7.71E-4 m for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles, specifically the equation Q = AV.
  • Knowledge of cross-sectional area calculations for circular pipes.
  • Familiarity with unit conversions in physics.
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Review fluid dynamics concepts, focusing on the continuity equation.
  • Learn how to calculate cross-sectional areas for different shapes.
  • Explore the implications of constricted flow in arteries and its physiological effects.
  • Study advanced topics in hemodynamics and blood flow modeling.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focused on fluid dynamics, medical professionals interested in hemodynamics, and anyone involved in biomedical engineering or cardiovascular research.

diamond_dust
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Volume Flow Rate, Help?

1. The problem statement, all variable and given/known data

The volume flow rate in an artery supplying the brain is 3.5E-6 m^3/s.

(a.) If the radius of the artery is 5.4E-3 m, determine the average blood speed.
(b.) Find the average blood speed at a constriction in the artery if the constriction reduces the radius by a factor of 7. Assume that the volume flow rate is the same as in part (a.)

Homework Equations



Q = Volume flow rate = AV

The Attempt at a Solution



I got (a.) but I need help with (b.). I think my radius for part (b.) is wrong, but I don't know how else to get it.

For part (a.) I got 0.0382 m/s by using

Q = Volume flow rate = AV = pi x r^2 x v = 3.5E-6 m^3/s

and using the given radius in part (a.) I solved for v.

For part (b.) I divided the given radius by 7, and subtracted that from the original radius to get a radius of 4.63E-3, and I put it into the equation the same way as part (a.) and I got 0.0520 m/s, but it's wrong. Help?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org


They mean that the constricted radius is 1/7 of the original radius, not 6/7 of it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K