Fluid mechanics - convective acceleration

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The discussion centers on calculating the convective acceleration in a 3m converging duct with a constant volume flow rate of 0.3m^3/s. The inlet and outlet diameters are 0.46m and 0.15m, respectively, and the user is trying to determine the velocity at the midpoint of the duct. The relationship between flow rate and cross-sectional area is highlighted, with the user noting confusion about the correct method to find velocities. A suggestion is made to calculate the change in velocity (dv/dx) at the midpoint using the area and flow rate equations. The duct's circular cross-section is confirmed as a critical factor in the calculations.
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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