Minor loss due to sudden expansion

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SUMMARY

The minor loss due to sudden expansion in fluid dynamics is quantified by the formula [(v_c - v_2)²]/2g, where v_c represents the maximum velocity at the vena contracta and v_2 is the velocity after expansion. The discussion emphasizes that the head loss between cross-section 1 and the vena contracta (v_c) is negligible compared to the significant loss occurring between v_c and cross-section 2. This conclusion is supported by the continuity equation and the principles outlined in the Borda–Carnot equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with the Borda–Carnot equation
  • Knowledge of the continuity equation in fluid flow
  • Basic grasp of head loss calculations in fluid systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Borda–Carnot equation in detail
  • Learn about head loss calculations in various fluid flow scenarios
  • Explore the continuity equation and its applications in fluid dynamics
  • Investigate the effects of sudden expansions and contractions on fluid flow
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Fluid mechanics students, engineers specializing in hydraulics, and professionals involved in designing piping systems will benefit from this discussion.

foo9008
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Homework Statement


why the minor loss due to sudden expansion is given by formula of [( v_c - v_2) ^2 ]/ 2g ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


can it be [( v_2 - v_1) ^2 ]/ 2g ?
 

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foo9008 said:

Homework Statement


why the minor loss due to sudden expansion is given by formula of [( v_c - v_2) ^2 ]/ 2g ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


can it be [( v_2 - v_1) ^2 ]/ 2g ?
The graphic talks about head loss due to a sudden contraction.

The velocity vc is important because it represents the greatest velocity to which the fluid is accelerated as it passes thru the sudden contraction, and consequently, in the zone between station c and station 2 is where the greater amount of head loss occurs. Very little loss occurs in the zone between station 1 and station c.

For more information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borda–Carnot_equation
 
SteamKing said:
The graphic talks about head loss due to a sudden contraction.

The velocity vc is important because it represents the greatest velocity to which the fluid is accelerated as it passes thru the sudden contraction, and consequently, in the zone between station c and station 2 is where the greater amount of head loss occurs. Very little loss occurs in the zone between station 1 and station c.

For more information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borda–Carnot_equation
from the link , i can undertstand the gretest amount of energy lost at region c , can the formula be [( v_c - v_1) ^2 ]/ 2g ? how do u know that the energy loss between c and 2 is greater than the energy loss at (1 and c) ?
 
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foo9008 said:
from the link , i can undertstand the gretest amount of energy lost at region c , can the formula be [( v_c - v_1) ^2 ]/ 2g ? how do u know that the energy loss between c and 2 is greater than the energy loss at (1 and c) ?
From the velocities. V1 < Vc and Vc > V2, based on the continuity equation. Plus, that's what the wiki article says. :smile::wink:
 
SteamKing said:
From the velocities. V1 < Vc and Vc > V2, based on the continuity equation. Plus, that's what the wiki article says. :smile::wink:
Can you explain further??
 
foo9008 said:
Can you explain further??
What's not clear about "That's what the wiki article says"?
 
SteamKing said:
What's not clear about "That's what the wiki article says"
It didn't explain why the calculation can't involve vc and v1??
 
Sure it did. You just don't want to accept it, for some reason.

To recap:
"There is not much head loss between cross section 1, before the contraction, and cross section 3, the vena contracta at which the main flow is contracted most. But there are substantial losses in the flow expansion from cross section 3 to 2."

In other words, the loss between v1 and vc is negligible compared to the loss between vc and v2. Since head loss is proportional to velocity squared, the loss caused by the difference in vc and v2 must be based on those two velocities, not on v1 and vc.
 
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SteamKing said:
Sure it did. You just don't want to accept it, for some reason.

To recap:
"There is not much head loss between cross section 1, before the contraction, and cross section 3, the vena contracta at which the main flow is contracted most. But there are substantial losses in the flow expansion from cross section 3 to 2."

In other words, the loss between v1 and vc is negligible compared to the loss between vc and v2. Since head loss is proportional to velocity squared, the loss caused by the difference in vc and v2 must be based on those two velocities, not on v1 and vc.
 

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