Is There a Y-Component of Velocity in Fully Developed Pipe Flow?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the presence of a y-component of velocity in fully developed pipe flow, specifically in a horizontal, steady, incompressible, two-dimensional flow scenario. Participants explore the implications of the continuity equation and the characteristics of laminar flow within the context of viscous effects and velocity profiles.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that in fully developed flow, there is an x-component (u) of velocity but questions the existence of a y-component (v), suggesting that their intuition leans towards the absence of v.
  • Another participant challenges the notion of a y-component, arguing that if it existed, it would disrupt the fully developed nature of the flow, as indicated by a control volume analysis.
  • A third participant applies the continuity equation to argue that if the flow is fully developed, then the change in u with respect to x is zero, leading to the conclusion that v must also be zero throughout the flow.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the implications of the continuity equation, suggesting that while v must satisfy the equation, it contradicts the visualization of laminar flow where particles move horizontally without a y-component.
  • Another participant explains that the slowing of fluid near the wall necessitates an increase in velocity near the center, which could imply a rotational aspect to the flow, yet maintains that fluid elements translate horizontally while rotating.
  • A later reply indicates that the initial confusion has been resolved, suggesting a better understanding of the topic among some participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of a y-component of velocity in fully developed pipe flow. While some argue that it must be zero based on the continuity equation, others suggest that there may be complexities involved that warrant further exploration. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitive presence or absence of the y-component.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in understanding arise from assumptions about flow behavior, the implications of the continuity equation, and the nature of laminar flow. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations and visualizations that may not align with established definitions.

billybob70
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Let's say we have a horizontal pipe with steady, incompressible, two dimensional flow. There is friction at the top and bottom of the pipe which causes viscous effects.
The flow is fully developed. The velocity profile is parabolic.

Obviously there is an x-component (u) of velocity.

Is there also a y-component of velocity (v), in this fully developed region?

My intuition says no, but from reading my book it implies that there is, although it is not very well explained.

Thanks!
 
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If there was a 'y' component, where would it go?

EDIT: To expand on that...

Draw a control volume inside the pipe. You have no velocity crossing the boundary on either the top or the bottom. If you have any sort of 'y' velocity inside the volume, it will cause a curl in the flow field, and you've already stated that the flow is fully developed.

Which book are you using, and how does it imply that there is?
 
Last edited:
Apart of the integral explanation of enigma...

Take continuity equation:

[tex]\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}+\frac{\partial v}{\partial y}=0[/tex]

If the flow is fully developed: [tex]\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}=0[/tex]

Therefore [tex]\frac{\partial v}{\partial y}=0[/tex]

and integrating it from 0 to y:

[tex]v(y)=v(0)[/tex]. Taking into account there is no suction-inflow through walls [tex]v(y)=v(0)=0[/tex]

As an advice, try to work out a steady solution when there is flow suction through walls [tex]v(0) \neq 0[/tex] and see what happens. It is very easy.
 
thanks for your replies.

i understand the part of the continuity equation that says
change in u / change in x =0 when fully developed. This makes sense because the velocity is now constant.
And i understand why u is slowing down initially (because of friction).
So according to the continuity equation, if u is slowing down, v has to be speeding up. and since v initially reaches zero, it must be a negative number to start with. correct?

the part i don't understand is that its supposed to be LAMINAR flow. so if i took any particle in the stream and followed it through the pipe, it would always be running horizontally (and not have any v component).
So i understand why there is a v-component to satisfy the continuity equation, but not if i try to picture what is going on in the pipe.
 
The continuity equation is actually

What is going on in the pipe is that the wall slows the fluid down and the fluid near the center needs to speed up to "make up" for the tardines of the fluid near the wall. Note that viscosity and a velocity gradients also generates vorticity. however the assumtion is that the fuid elements translate horizontally while rotating, just like a bunch of ball bearings on top of each other
 
Thanks guys (or gals), i understand it now.
 

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