Fluid Mechanics - Piezometric Head

In summary, piezometric head is the sum of pressure head and elevation head. By having a higher piezometric head, it indicates a higher fluid flow. The direction of flow can be determined by comparing the piezometric heads at different points. In an energy balance equation, inputs and outputs can be thought of as head gains and losses. When the diameter is constant and there are no pumps or turbines, the energy equation is reduced to a simple equation comparing piezometric heads. The fluid flows from the point with higher piezometric head to the point with lower piezometric head.
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Homework Statement



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Homework Equations



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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
[tex]h_p = 0[/tex]
[tex]h_t = 0[/tex]
[tex]V_1 = V_2[/tex]
Now, the energy equation is reduced to
[tex]\left( \frac{p_1}{\gamma} + z_1 \right) - \left( \frac{p_2}{\gamma} + z_2 \right) = h_L[/tex]
Piezometric head is defined as
[tex]h = \frac{p}{\gamma} + z[/tex]
So we have
[tex]h_1 - h_2 = h_L[/tex]
Now, head loss is always a positive number, therefore
[tex]h_1 > h_2[/tex]
So the fluid flows from the point with higher piezometric head to the point with lower piezometric head.
 

1. What is piezometric head?

Piezometric head is a measure of the pressure exerted by a fluid at a specific point in a system. It is also known as hydraulic head or total head.

2. How is piezometric head calculated?

Piezometric head is calculated by adding the pressure head (the vertical distance between the point and a reference plane) and the elevation head (the vertical distance between the point and a reference datum).

3. What is the significance of piezometric head in fluid mechanics?

Piezometric head is an important concept in fluid mechanics as it helps engineers determine the flow rate and direction of fluids in a system. It also allows for the calculation of pressure differences and the identification of potential problems, such as cavitation.

4. How does piezometric head relate to Bernoulli's principle?

According to Bernoulli's principle, there is an inverse relationship between the velocity of a fluid and its pressure. This means that as the piezometric head increases, the pressure of the fluid decreases, and vice versa.

5. Can piezometric head be negative?

Yes, piezometric head can be negative. This occurs when the pressure head is below the reference plane or when the elevation head is below the reference datum. In this case, the fluid is under suction rather than under pressure.

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