Ideal fluids, bernouilli's law

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In summary, the conversation discusses the discrepancies between two equations, one from fluid statics and one from fluid dynamics. The individual seeking answers is struggling to understand why B is not true even though it seems to be supported by one equation. The conversation then delves into the complexities of fluid mechanics and how the use of different equations can lead to conflicting conclusions. It is eventually concluded that the forces and velocities at points A and B are not equal, causing the pressure to be different at each point.
  • #1
lovelyrwwr
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Screenshot_2013-10-16-23-16-47.png


I do not understand why B is not true. There is much greater fluid molecules above point A, and given P = density x g x depth, pressure should be greater at point A...making B true. But then again if u use poiseuilles' law for nonideal fluids you see that in order to keep flow rate Q constant, if radius is larger, then pressure must be smaller at point A...making B untrue. Could you pls explain how to recincile these cinflictinf cinclusions? Thank u so much !
 
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  • #2
If you want to get mathematical, pressure can be defined as force per unit area, so

[tex]P = \frac{F}{A}[/tex]

In the case of your picture, the cross sectional area of A is larger than B, so that would mean the pressure is less at A than at B
 
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  • #3
Thank u for your reply :) but how come we can assume that force is equal at points A @nd B?
 
  • #4
Legaldose said:
If you want to get mathematical, pressure can be defined as force per unit area, so

[tex]P = \frac{F}{A}[/tex]

In the case of your picture, the cross sectional area of A is larger than B, so that would mean the pressure is less at A than at B

The explanation is misleading. One should not analyze the situation from this perspective because doing so will cause you to hold F constant, which doesn't make sense.
 
  • #5
lovelyrwwr said:
View attachment 63024

There is much greater fluid molecules above point A, and given P = density x g x depth, pressure should be greater at point A...making B true.

You are using an equation from fluid statics to analyze a dynamic situation.

In dynamic fluid, pressure is never simply density x g x depth. You can study bernoulli's equation and realize that there are static pressure, dynamic pressure and pressure caused by gravity.
 
  • #6
Okay I guess it's a little more complicated than that, let's see:

You have your continuity equation for fluids

[tex]\rho_{1}A_{1}v_{1}=\rho_{2}A_{2}v_{2}[/tex]

The problem says that this is an ideal fluid, so the fluid isn't compressible, so

[tex]\rho_{1}=\rho_{2}[/tex]

and

[tex]A_{1}v_{1}=A_{2}v_{2}[/tex]

And since A = F/P

[tex]\frac{F_{1}}{P_{1}}v_{1}=\frac{F_{2}}{P_{2}}v_{2}[/tex]

From a simple thought experiment we can conclude that the velocities are different, think about putting your thumb over a running water hose. And we have already seen that the pressures are the same. This leaves us with

[tex]F_{1}v_{1}=F_{2}v_{2}[/tex]

Since the velocities are different, we can conclude that in fact, the forces must be different if both sides of the equation are to be equal.
 
  • #7
Legaldose said:
[tex]\frac{F_{1}}{P_{1}}v_{1}=\frac{F_{2}}{P_{2}}v_{2}[/tex]

From a simple thought experiment we can conclude that the velocities are different, think about putting your thumb over a running water hose. And we have already seen that the pressures are the same. This leaves us with

[tex]F_{1}v_{1}=F_{2}v_{2}[/tex]

##P_{1} = P_{2}## ? How is it possible?
 
  • #8
Oh wow I just realized I wrote that, allow me to slowly walk away, as I clearly don't know fluid mechanics :sly: I'll go ahead and blame the time of night
 
  • #9
Thank you both the disvussion was very helpful!
 

1. What is an ideal fluid?

An ideal fluid is a hypothetical fluid that is considered to have no viscosity, meaning it has no internal friction or resistance to flow. Additionally, it is assumed to be incompressible and have a constant density. These assumptions allow for simplified calculations using fluid mechanics principles.

2. What is Bernoulli's law?

Bernoulli's law, also known as the Bernoulli's principle, is a fundamental law of fluid mechanics that states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. This relationship is often applied to the flow of fluids through pipes or over surfaces.

3. How can Bernoulli's law be applied to real-world situations?

Bernoulli's law can be applied to various real-world situations, such as the lift force acting on an airplane wing, the flow of blood through arteries, and the flow of water through a pipe. It can also be used to explain the phenomenon of lift in airfoils, as well as the behavior of fluids in a Venturi tube.

4. What are the limitations of ideal fluids and Bernoulli's law?

One of the main limitations of ideal fluids and Bernoulli's law is that they only apply to steady, incompressible, and inviscid flow situations. In reality, most fluids do have some level of viscosity and compressibility, and flow situations are rarely perfectly steady. Other factors, such as turbulence and surface roughness, can also affect the accuracy of the calculations based on these principles.

5. How do ideal fluids and Bernoulli's law relate to other principles in fluid mechanics?

Ideal fluids and Bernoulli's law are closely related to other principles in fluid mechanics, such as the continuity equation and the conservation of energy. The continuity equation states that the mass flow rate of a fluid remains constant, while the conservation of energy principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. These principles, along with Bernoulli's law, can be used together to solve complex fluid mechanics problems.

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