Fluid Velocity and Pressure in a *Closed* System

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In a closed fluidic system with a pump, fluid velocity is generally constant, but pressure can drop due to viscous effects, particularly in horizontal pipes. The discussion highlights confusion regarding Bernoulli's principle, which assumes inviscid flow and does not account for viscous losses. When pressure decreases in a horizontal pipe, dynamic pressure increases, which can imply an increase in velocity, contradicting the notion of constant velocity. It is clarified that while volumetric flow rate remains constant, variations in pipe diameter can affect velocity. Understanding the modified Bernoulli equation that includes viscous losses is crucial for accurate analysis in real-world applications.
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In a closed fluidic system (with a pump), fluid velocity is constant throughout the system but what puzzles me is the pressure drop due to viscous effect. In a horizontal pipe, pressure decreases gradually (assuming low friction) down the pipe due to viscous effect. In this concepts, it's hard to comprehend constant velocity (=constant flowrate). In Bernoulli's principles, where total energy is constant along the streamline, if there is pressure drop (static) in a horizontal pipe (where potential energy is zero), dynamic pressure is increased meaning velocity has increased. Can someone pinpoint what I am missing here? Thanks.
 
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joh_eng said:
In a closed fluidic system (with a pump), fluid velocity is constant throughout the system but what puzzles me is the pressure drop due to viscous effect. In a horizontal pipe, pressure decreases gradually (assuming low friction) down the pipe due to viscous effect. In this concepts, it's hard to comprehend constant velocity (=constant flowrate). In Bernoulli's principles, where total energy is constant along the streamline, if there is pressure drop (static) in a horizontal pipe (where potential energy is zero), dynamic pressure is increased meaning velocity has increased. Can someone pinpoint what I am missing here? Thanks.
Welcome to the PF. :smile:
joh_eng said:
fluid velocity is constant throughout the system
That is incorrect. Would you like to put additional constraints on the diameter of the pipes carrying this flow to make that statement true? :smile:
 
What is it that is hard to comprehend about the volumetric throughput rate remaining constant while the pressure is decreasing. You are aware that the Bernoulli equation is for an inviscid fluid, correct? Are you familiar with the version of the Bernoulli equation that includes viscous heat loss?
 
joh_eng said:
In a closed fluidic system (with a pump), fluid velocity is constant throughout the system...
Clarification: this is true with a constant pipe size, but more generally (with a variable pipe size), it is volumetric flow rate that is constant...
... but what puzzles me is the pressure drop due to viscous effect. In a horizontal pipe, pressure decreases gradually (assuming low friction) down the pipe due to viscous effect. In this concepts, it's hard to comprehend constant velocity (=constant flowrate). In Bernoulli's principles, where total energy is constant along the streamline, if there is pressure drop (static) in a horizontal pipe (where potential energy is zero), dynamic pressure is increased meaning velocity has increased. Can someone pinpoint what I am missing here? Thanks.
Simply put, the basic versions of Bernoulli's equation don't apply. Bernoulli's equation is a conservation of flow energy statement, so it requires lossless and therefore inviscid flow.

But you can add a term to Bernoulli's equation to represent the loss and preserve the conservation of energy in a real-world situation. Welcome to my world!

http://my.me.queensu.ca/People/Sellens/LossesinPipes.html
 
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berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

That is incorrect. Would you like to put additional constraints on the diameter of the pipes carrying this flow to make that statement true? :smile:

Then, fluid velocity increases which increases dynamic pressure to decrease static pressure? Thanks
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

That is incorrect. Would you like to put additional constraints on the diameter of the pipes carrying this flow to make that statement true? :smile:

I believe this is correct if diameter is constant. Constant velocity and diameter --> constant flowrate throughout the system
 
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