Is Bernoulli principle the cause of suction truck?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether the Bernoulli principle is responsible for the suction effect observed with trucks moving at high speeds, particularly in relation to how objects like leaves are dragged behind them. Participants explore various aerodynamic effects and the role of air viscosity in this phenomenon.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the Bernoulli principle is the main reason for the suction effect, attributing it to the decrease in pressure caused by high-speed air.
  • Another participant points out that there are multiple aerodynamic effects at play around the truck, emphasizing the volume of air that needs to fill the space left by the moving truck.
  • A later reply questions the relevance of the Bernoulli principle, suggesting it may not be directly applicable to the suction phenomenon observed with trucks.
  • Another participant acknowledges that while Bernoulli's principle describes low pressure regions caused by flowing fluids, it may still apply in some contexts, such as when a car window is slightly open.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of the Bernoulli principle to the suction effect, with some questioning its relevance while others suggest it may play a role in certain scenarios. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the primary cause of the suction effect.

Contextual Notes

Participants note various aerodynamic effects and the complexity of airflow around the truck, indicating that the discussion may depend on specific conditions and definitions related to fluid dynamics.

hamilton333
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Is Bernoulli principle the cause of suction truck??

Hello! I’d like to know this question:
When a truck walks to a high speed we see how the road tree leaves are dragged behind it.
I would like to know the real cause of this problem.
I think the air viscosity makes the truck drag a thin layer of air ahead. This make the quiet air moves to fill the space left by air moving.
But he main reason is Bernoulli principle, isn’t it? The high speed of the air makes the pressure decrease, so the objects are dragged behind the truck.
What do you think about it? Do you agree with me?

Regards from Spain.
 
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There a few different aerodynamic effects at different points around the truck.
But the simplest one at the back is just that with a 2.5m wide, 3m high truck moving at 100kph - then every second the truck moves forward leaving a 20*2.5*3 = 150m^3 hole that has to be filled by air moving in from the sides.
 


Thanks for your quick answer. Then, Bernoulli principle doesn't have anything to do with this phenomenon, does it?

Regards
 


I wouldn't have said so, Bernoulli principle describes a low pressure region caused by another flowing fluid.
Of course there are lots of different effects at different points around a moving truck so Bernoulli principle probably applies somewhere. It does explain why air is sucked out of a car when the window is open a small amount.
 
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