FLuid Flow through a Divergent Section

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the characteristics of fluid flow, specifically water, as it passes through a divergent section following a centrifugal pump. Participants explore the relationships between velocity and pressure in this context, referencing principles of fluid mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests elaboration on fluid characteristics such as velocity and pressure in a divergent section.
  • Another participant references external materials that discuss fluid flow through divergent sections, suggesting that these may provide useful insights.
  • A participant explains that due to the conservation of mass, the mass flow rate remains constant before and after the divergent section, leading to a decrease in velocity as the flow area increases.
  • This same participant notes that a decrease in velocity results in an increase in static pressure, in accordance with Bernoulli's principle.
  • Another participant suggests looking up Bernoulli's Law and mentions the assumption of an inviscid fluid to simplify analysis, while cautioning against extreme divergence that could invalidate uniform velocity assumptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple viewpoints regarding the effects of fluid dynamics in a divergent section, with no consensus reached on specific conditions or assumptions that may apply.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about fluid behavior, including the implications of uniform velocity and the effects of extreme divergence on flow characteristics.

astronautnandu
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Hi,
Can Someone Elaborate the fluid(water) Characteristics Such as Velocity n pressure When it passes through a divergent Part. Actually The Fluid is pumped Out from A 0.5HP Centrifugal Pump and then made to pass through a Divergent Part.
 
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astronautnandu, Welcome to Physics Forums!

For fluid flow through a divergent part please see question 3.4 in:
http://www.efm.leeds.ac.uk/CIVE/CIVE1400/Examples/eg3_ans.htm

Also, see page 12 of 25 (p. 123 of book), section 7.4.2: Loss with gradual change of area.
Divergent pipe or diffuser, equations (7.28) through (7.32) and Fig. 7.13
http://www.scribd.com/doc/9712922/Introduction-to-Fluid-Mechanics-Ch07

If these references don’t satisfactorily answer your question, please return here to Physics Forums and post your doubt or question. Please be as clear and exact as possible when describing your scenario.

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
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Due to conservation of mass (continuity), the mass flow rate before the divergent section = the mass flow rate after the divergent section. The mass flow rate at any section=ρUA. So if the flow area increases (as in a diverging section), the velocity has to decrease to satisfy continuity (for a fluid of constant density such as water).

If the velocity of a fluid decreases, the pressure associated with the kinetic energy of the fluid continuum, known as the dynamic pressure, decreases. Thus in accordance with Bernoulli, the static pressure increases.

It is the opposite for a converging section.
 
Look up Bernoulli's Law.

Depending on your situation, can could assume inviscid fluid to simplify things.

You also have to be careful that the divergence of the section isn't too extreme. If it is the assumption that the velocity is uniform throughout a particular cross section will not be valid.
 

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