Fluid mechanics - convective acceleration

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the convective acceleration in a converging duct with a constant volume flow rate. Participants are exploring the relationships between flow velocity, cross-sectional area, and the resulting acceleration at a specific point in the duct.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Stuart presents a problem involving a converging duct and seeks assistance in calculating convective acceleration halfway along the duct.
  • One participant suggests using the relationship Q = u1*A1 = u2*A2 to find velocities, but expresses uncertainty about the application of this relationship.
  • Another participant questions the cross-sectional shape of the duct, indicating that it is circular, and suggests a method to find the derivative of velocity with respect to position (dv/dx) at the midpoint.
  • The formula for convective acceleration is mentioned as v(dv/ds), but there is confusion regarding the correct application of this formula given the known variables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to calculate convective acceleration and the use of flow rate and area relationships, but there is uncertainty regarding the correct approach to find velocities and the derivative of velocity.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the known variables and assumptions about the duct's geometry that affect the calculations. The discussion does not resolve the mathematical steps needed to find the correct values.

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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