Fluid mechanics - convective acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating convective acceleration in a 3m converging duct with a circular cross-section, where the inlet and outlet diameters are 0.46m and 0.15m, respectively, and the constant volume flow rate (Q) is 0.3m³/s. The key formula for convective acceleration is identified as v(dv/ds), with velocity calculations derived from the area and flow rate using u1 = Q/A1 and u2 = Q/A2. Participants emphasize the importance of determining the velocity at the midpoint of the duct and suggest using the relationship between area and velocity to find the derivative of velocity with respect to position (dv/dx).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid mechanics principles, specifically convective acceleration.
  • Familiarity with the continuity equation in fluid dynamics.
  • Knowledge of calculating flow rates and velocities in ducts.
  • Ability to differentiate functions in the context of fluid flow.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the continuity equation and its application in fluid mechanics.
  • Learn about calculating velocity profiles in converging ducts.
  • Explore the concept of convective acceleration in more complex flow scenarios.
  • Investigate the effects of cross-sectional area changes on fluid velocity and acceleration.
USEFUL FOR

Fluid mechanics students, engineers working with duct flow systems, and professionals involved in the design and analysis of fluid transport systems will benefit from this discussion.

stuey777
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Hey guys,

I've been at this question for a while so I thought someone might be able to help me.

A 3m converging duct converges linearly, the inlet and outlet diameter's are 0.46m and 0.15m respectively. Also the volume flow rate (Q) is constant at all points in the duct and its value is 0.3m^3/s. Steady flow.
The question is to find the convective acceleration halfway along the duct.

It would be great if someone could get me on the right track. This should be an easy question.

Thanks, Stuart
 
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I know convective acceleration is v(dv/ds):

Q=u1*A1=u2*A2

Therefore u1=Q/A1 and u2=Q/A2, however I'm not sure if that's the correct way to find out velcities considering they both use Q.
In other texts for example u2=u1(A1/A2), but as for as i can see this is useless because not enough knowns are known.

Also I assume A1 should be in regards to 0.46m diamater and A2 should be halfway along the converging duct.

Therefore convective acceleration: v(dv/ds) = u2((u2-u1)/s2-s1)). But I compute this values and don't seem to get the correct answer at all.
 
hi Stuey, is this duct having circular cross section or a rectangular cross section? the breath of the duct seems important. Then you should be able to find (v*dv/dx)@mid by finding dv/dx@mid, since v@mid is known.

\frac{dQ}{dx}=A\frac{dv}{dx}+v\frac{dA}{dx}=0

where A stand for the area. try to solve for the value of dv/dx at mid point.
hope this help. :smile:
 
Yes it's a circular cross section
 

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