Velocity Split in T-Branch Pipe Flow?

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In summary, the Bernoulli's equation is a fundamental principle in fluid dynamics that states the total energy of a fluid remains constant as it flows through a pipe that splits. The velocity of the fluid changes depending on the cross-sectional area of the pipe, with the continuity equation stating that their product remains constant. Friction in the pipe can cause a decrease in speed, as it converts some of the fluid's kinetic energy into heat. Laminar flow, where the fluid moves in parallel layers, occurs at low velocities and large cross-sectional areas, while turbulent flow, where the fluid moves chaotically, occurs at high velocities and small cross-sectional areas. The angle of the pipe split can also affect the fluid's speed, with a sharper
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TSN79
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I have a supply pipe that splits into two using a T-branch. If the flow through the supply is x, will the flow through the two splits then have half the speed of the supply?
 
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  • #2
The flow into the T-branch is x volume per unit time. If the resistance is the same in each branch, then the flow through each branch is (x/2) volume per unit time. That's the same as x volume / 2 units of time.

- Warren
 
  • #3
Great, thanks chroot!
 
  • #4
...and if the areas are the same, the velocity will be half.
 

Related to Velocity Split in T-Branch Pipe Flow?

What is the Bernoulli's equation and how does it relate to speeds in a pipe that splits?

The Bernoulli's equation is a fundamental principle in fluid dynamics that relates the pressure, velocity, and elevation of a fluid. In the context of speeds in a pipe that splits, the Bernoulli's equation states that the total energy at any point in a pipe (sum of kinetic, potential, and pressure energies) remains constant as the fluid flows through the pipe.

How does the velocity change in a pipe that splits?

When a fluid flows through a pipe that splits, the velocity will change depending on the cross-sectional area of the pipe. According to the continuity equation, the product of the fluid's velocity and the pipe's cross-sectional area remains constant. This means that as the pipe's cross-sectional area decreases, the velocity of the fluid will increase to maintain the constant product.

What is the effect of friction on speeds in a pipe that splits?

Friction in a pipe that splits can cause a decrease in the speed of the fluid. This is because friction between the fluid and the pipe's walls creates resistance, which converts some of the fluid's kinetic energy into heat. As a result, the fluid's velocity decreases in order to maintain the conservation of energy principle.

What is the difference between laminar and turbulent flow in a pipe that splits?

Laminar flow is a smooth, orderly flow where the fluid moves in parallel layers without any mixing or crossing over. In a pipe that splits, laminar flow would occur if the fluid's velocity is low and the pipe's cross-sectional area is large. On the other hand, turbulent flow is a chaotic flow where the fluid moves in irregular patterns and mixes with other layers. In a pipe that splits, turbulent flow would occur if the fluid's velocity is high and the pipe's cross-sectional area is small.

How does the angle of the pipe split affect the fluid's speed?

The angle of the pipe split can affect the fluid's speed by changing the direction of the flow. If the angle is sharp, the fluid will experience a sudden change in direction, leading to an increase in velocity. On the other hand, if the angle is more gradual, the fluid will experience a gentler change in direction, resulting in a smaller change in velocity.

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