Minor loss due to sudden expansion

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the minor loss due to sudden expansion in fluid dynamics, specifically questioning the formula used to calculate this loss. Participants are examining the relationship between different velocities in the context of head loss during fluid flow transitions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the validity of different formulas for calculating head loss, particularly questioning whether the formula should involve the velocities at different points in the flow. There is a focus on the significance of the velocity at the vena contracta and its relationship to other velocities in the system.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights based on external sources, such as a Wikipedia article. Some participants are seeking further clarification on the reasoning behind the formulas and the assumptions made regarding head loss between different sections of the flow.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the continuity equation and its implications for the velocities involved, as well as references to external resources that participants are using to support their arguments. The discussion reflects a variety of interpretations regarding the calculation of head loss and the factors influencing it.

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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