Question involving a stream of fluids

Thread starter Terilien
Start date Mar 1, 2007
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Fluids Stream

In summary, laminar flow is smooth and orderly while turbulent flow is chaotic and irregular. The viscosity of a fluid affects its flow rate, with more viscous fluids having a lower flow rate. The velocity of a fluid can change as it flows through a pipe due to the principle of continuity. According to Bernoulli's principle, as the velocity of a fluid increases, the pressure decreases. The flow of a fluid can be affected by factors such as viscosity, density, temperature, pressure, and container or pipe shape and size, as well as external factors like obstacles, gravity, and surface tension.

Mar 1, 2007

Terilien

When a stream falls from a fosset it thins out near the bottom. Why is that? This eems to apply to any falling fluid.

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Mar 1, 2007

russ_watters

Mentor

Velocity. It accelerates as it falls but the mass-flow rate stays the same, therefore the cross-sectional area must decrease.

Mar 1, 2007

Terilien

Ah I see. It seems so obvious now. so I guess if the mass flow rate changed the mass would not be conserved?

1. What is the difference between laminar and turbulent flow?

Laminar flow refers to a smooth, orderly movement of fluid particles in a straight line, while turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic, irregular motion of fluid particles.

2. How does the viscosity of a fluid affect its flow rate?

The viscosity of a fluid, or its resistance to flow, can greatly impact its flow rate. A more viscous fluid will have a lower flow rate, as it requires more energy to overcome its internal friction and move through a system.

3. Can the velocity of a fluid change as it flows through a pipe?

Yes, the velocity of a fluid can change as it flows through a pipe. This is due to the principle of continuity, which states that the volume of fluid entering a pipe must equal the volume of fluid exiting the pipe. Therefore, as the cross-sectional area of a pipe changes, the velocity of the fluid must also change to maintain this balance.

4. How does Bernoulli's principle explain the relationship between fluid velocity and pressure?

Bernoulli's principle states that as the velocity of a fluid increases, the pressure decreases. This is because as a fluid moves faster, it exerts less force on its surroundings, resulting in a decrease in pressure.

5. What factors can affect the flow of a fluid?

The flow of a fluid can be affected by a variety of factors, including viscosity, density, temperature, pressure, and the shape and size of the container or pipe it is flowing through. Other external factors such as obstacles, gravity, and surface tension can also impact fluid flow.