Fluid Mechanics - Piezometric Head

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of piezometric head in fluid mechanics, defined as the sum of pressure head and elevation head. It establishes that fluid flows from a point of higher piezometric head to a point of lower piezometric head, as indicated by the energy balance equation. The analysis confirms that in a system without pumps or turbines and with constant diameter, the relationship between piezometric heads at two points can be expressed as h1 - h2 = hL, where hL represents head loss. The conclusion drawn is that higher piezometric head correlates directly with the direction of fluid flow.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with energy balance equations in fluid systems
  • Knowledge of piezometric head and its components
  • Basic skills in algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Bernoulli equation and its applications in fluid dynamics
  • Learn about head loss calculations in various fluid systems
  • Explore the concept of flow rate and its relationship with cross-sectional area
  • Investigate the effects of friction and turbulence on fluid flow
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Students and professionals in engineering, particularly those specializing in fluid mechanics, hydraulic engineering, and anyone involved in analyzing fluid flow systems.

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The Attempt at a Solution



Piezometric head is defined as the pressure head plus the elevation head, correct? But how does having a high piezometric head tell you about the fluid flow?

Since the diameters are equal, the area's are equal, hence velocities are equal. But how do I show the direction of flow without putting in any numerical values?
 
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First, let's assume point 1 is upstream from point 2. It makes sense that way, as the head gain from the pump (hp) appears in the LHS of the equation, and the head losses from the turbine and due to friction appear in the RHS. They can be thought of as inputs and outputs in an energy balance, well, that is exactly what the equation is. There are no pumps or turbines in the system and the diameter is constant, so
h_p = 0
h_t = 0
V_1 = V_2
Now, the energy equation is reduced to
\left( \frac{p_1}{\gamma} + z_1 \right) - \left( \frac{p_2}{\gamma} + z_2 \right) = h_L
Piezometric head is defined as
h = \frac{p}{\gamma} + z
So we have
h_1 - h_2 = h_L
Now, head loss is always a positive number, therefore
h_1 > h_2
So the fluid flows from the point with higher piezometric head to the point with lower piezometric head.
 

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