Follow-up Question to: The Concept of Pressure in Bernoulli’

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of static and dynamic pressure in the context of Bernoulli's equation. Participants explore the differences between these types of pressure and their implications in fluid dynamics, seeking clarity on how they interact within a flowing fluid system.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the nature of dynamic pressure, suggesting it only pushes in the direction of its velocity, contrasting it with static pressure which acts in all directions.
  • Another participant challenges this view, referencing Newton's Third Law and implying that the initial claim may not be accurate.
  • A different participant expresses uncertainty about the relationship between static and dynamic pressures, using Bernoulli's equation to argue that total pressure should be equal across different sections of a pipe, leading to questions about water levels in a diagram.
  • One participant defines dynamic pressure as "kinetic energy per unit volume" and states it is not real pressure but a potential increase in pressure if fluid motion were halted, emphasizing that it does not have direction.
  • A later reply acknowledges this explanation, suggesting it clarifies why dynamic pressure does not contribute to raising the water column above it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature and implications of dynamic pressure, with no consensus reached on its directional properties or its role in fluid dynamics.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of static and dynamic pressure, as well as the implications of Bernoulli's equation in practical scenarios. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of these concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in fluid dynamics, particularly those seeking to understand the nuances of pressure concepts in the context of Bernoulli's principle.

rdgn
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I have been looking all over the net for answers for the unintuitive relationship between pressure and velocity in Bernoulli's equation and this thread (https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/the-concept-of-pressure-in-bernoullis-principle.585231/) answered most of my questions.

I have one last question lingering in my mind though. What exactly is the difference between static and dynamic pressure?

bernoullis-principle-3-638.jpg
The examples here: http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/dynamic-pressure-d_1037.html
Hint that there is nothing magical about dynamic pressure. Same units, same effect.

Except that (from what I think) in contrast to static pressure that pushes in all directions, dynamic pressure only pushes in the direction of its velocity.
It's as if the pressure that was supposed to be pushing in all directions, some of that pressure is being converted into pressure that acts in only one direction by virtue of the shape of the tube?
Is this correct? Or am I wrong?

Thanks
 
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rdgn said:
dynamic pressure only pushes in the direction of its velocity.
Why would you say that? Have you read that explicit statement anywhere? Think Newton's Third Law.
 
No, it's just something I've thought of since if dynamic pressure also behaves the same way as static pressure, then in the diagram of my first post, all three water levels should be equal right?

I'm not really sure about this to be honest, and you're hinting that it's probably wrong.
The way I came up with this explanation is, by Bernoulli's equation, the total pressure in any cross-section is equal throughout a pipe.
If the total pressure throughout the pipe is the same, then it doesn't make sense that the water levels due to pressure would be unequal.

For example:
PS1, PV1 = Static, velocity pressure for wider part
PS2, PV2 = Static, velocity pressure for wider part
PS1 + PV1 = PS2 + PV2

PS1 > PS2
PV2 > PV1

Their total pressures are the same but the amount of water pushed upwards is different.
The amount of water pushed in '1' is greater than '2'. The only quantity that's greater in 1 is PS1, so I assume it's the quantity responsible for pushing the column of water upwards.

What would be a better way of thinking about static vs velocity pressure?
 
Last edited:
Dynamic pressure is the same as the "kinetic energy per unit volume" of a fluid. It is not real pressure...yet. It is equal to the increase in pressure that could potentially be achieved if the fluid motion were stopped. Since it is a measure of kinetic energy, it does not have direction.
 
I see. That makes more sense, thanks!

I guess that's the reason it doesn't contribute to making the column of water above it go up right?
 

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