Fluid Mechanics problem: Oil pressure calculations in pipe flow

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a fluid mechanics problem involving oil flow through an inclined pipe. Participants explore the relevant equations and concepts necessary to analyze the pressure difference between the lower and upper ends of the pipe, particularly focusing on the application of Bernoulli's equation and the steady flow energy equation. The conversation includes attempts to clarify the problem and the implications of various parameters such as viscosity and incline angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks basic explanations and relevant equations to approach the problem.
  • Another participant questions the pressure at the upper end of the pipe if the fluid were not flowing, suggesting it would remain at 250 kPa due to altitude effects.
  • Some participants challenge the correctness of this understanding and ask for calculations to support claims.
  • There is a discussion about using Bernoulli's equation for calculations when the fluid is not flowing, with some participants asserting that the steady flow energy equation can also be applied.
  • Participants discuss the implications of viscosity and the incline angle on the calculations, questioning whether viscosity is necessary when considering a no-flow scenario.
  • Clarifications are made regarding the relationship between the incline angle and the elevation terms in the equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the application of Bernoulli's equation versus the steady flow energy equation, particularly in the context of a no-flow condition. There is no consensus on the necessity of viscosity in this specific scenario, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the correct application of equations or the role of viscosity in the calculations. The discussion includes various assumptions and interpretations of the problem parameters.

Motorbiker
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Homework Statement
An oil with density 900 kg/m3 and viscosity 0.18 Ns/m2 flows through a circular pipe which inclines upwards
at 40° to the horizontal. The length of the pipe is 10 m and the diameter is 6 cm. The fluid pressure at the
lower end of the pipe is 350 kPa and the pressure at the upper end is 250 kPa. (i) Confirm that flow is upward
through the pipe
Relevant Equations
I think Steady flow equation
Problem Statement: An oil with density 900 kg/m3 and viscosity 0.18 Ns/m2 flows through a circular pipe which inclines upwards
at 40° to the horizontal. The length of the pipe is 10 m and the diameter is 6 cm. The fluid pressure at the
lower end of the pipe is 350 kPa and the pressure at the upper end is 250 kPa. (i) Confirm that flow is upward
through the pipe
Relevant Equations: I think Steady flow equation

I have been trying really hard to start this question, but I don't know what equations are relevant or how to start. I would be very grateful if someone could kindly explain the problem to me in basic terms. This way I will hopefully be able to attempt the question and post my attempt here if I need further help.

Thank you.
 
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If the fluid were not flowing, what would the pressure at the top end be if the pressure at the lower end were 350 kPa?
 
Chestermiller said:
If the fluid were not flowing, what would the pressure at the top end be if the pressure at the lower end were 350 kPa?

The pressure would still be 250kPa at the top end because pressure decreases with altitude.
 
Oh yeah? OK, let's see your calculation to prove it.
 
Chestermiller said:
Oh yeah? OK, let's see your calculation to prove it.

Am I correct in my understanding?

For the calculation, I will need to use the bernoulli's equation, is that right?
 
Motorbiker said:
Am I correct in my understanding?

For the calculation, I will need to use the bernoulli's equation, is that right?
Your understanding was incorrect (quantitatively).

For the calculation without fluid flowing, the Bernoulli equation can be used.
 
Chestermiller said:
Your understanding was incorrect (quantitatively).

For the calculation without fluid flowing, the Bernoulli equation can be used.

Thank you, can the sfee can be used instead?
 
Motorbiker said:
Thank you, can the sfee can be used instead?
What is sfee?
 
Chestermiller said:
What is sfee?
Ah sorry, I meant steady flow energy equation.
 
  • #10
Motorbiker said:
Ah sorry, I meant steady flow energy equation.
What does the steady flow energy equation reduce to if the flow is zero?
 
  • #11
Chestermiller said:
What does the steady flow energy equation reduce to if the flow is zero?
It reduces to zero?
 
  • #12
Motorbiker said:
It reduces to zero?
Let's stick with the Bernoulli equation (at least for now). So let's see your Bernoulli equation calculation.
 
  • #13
Chestermiller said:
Let's stick with the Bernoulli equation (at least for now). So let's see your Bernoulli equation calculation.
Sorry, I think misunderstood you. The steady flow energy equation should reduce to:

p1/pg + z1=p2/pg +z2+hf

I think this is correct for cases where the flow is zero.
 
  • #14
Motorbiker said:
Sorry, I think misunderstood you. The steady flow energy equation should reduce to:

p1/pg + z1=p2/pg +z2+hf

I think this is correct for cases where the flow is zero.
Well, hf is zero if there is no flow. Otherwise, OK.
 
  • #15
Chestermiller said:
Well, hf is zero if there is no flow. Otherwise, OK.

Okay great, I note that we have been given the viscosity in this problem, are we supposed to use it in this section?

Am I correct in thinking that the incline at 40 degrees is somehow related to z1 and z2?
 
Last edited:
  • #16
Motorbiker said:
Okay great, I note that we have been given the viscosity in this problem, are we supposed to use it in this section?9
if we are first doing the calculation for a case with no flow, why would we need the viscosity?
Am I correct in thinking that the incline at 40 degrees is somehow related to z1 and z2?
Correct.
 

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