Thermofluids, bernoullis equation head loss

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Bernoulli's equation, specifically concerning power calculations and head loss in fluid dynamics. Participants explore the relationship between head loss, power, and the units involved, as well as the implications of using gravitational acceleration in these calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the role of gravitational acceleration (g) in power calculations when the pipe is at a level elevation, noting discrepancies in examples from textbooks.
  • There is confusion regarding the units of head loss (Hloss), with some asserting it cannot be in watts, while others suggest it can be expressed in different units depending on the context.
  • One participant proposes that head loss is often used as a surrogate for pressure loss, relating it to fluid density and gravitational acceleration.
  • Participants discuss the formulation of power equations, with some asserting that omitting g may indicate a mistake or the use of Imperial units.
  • There is a debate about why head loss appears twice in Bernoulli's equation, with suggestions that it may represent different aspects of pressure loss.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of gravitational acceleration in power calculations, the appropriate units for head loss, and the interpretation of Bernoulli's equation. No consensus is reached on these points.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight that the interpretation of head loss and its units may depend on the specific context or assumptions made in different examples. There are also unresolved questions regarding the application of Bernoulli's equation and the implications of using different units.

TheRedDevil18
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Hi, I just have a few questions on bernoullis equation dealing with power and head loss

If the equation for power is p = mass flow rate * g * Hloss, Then is g only used when let's say a pipe is at an elevation ?, because in my book I have an example where g is not used to calculate the power and I assumed it was because the pipe was level. Also what exactly is Hloss and why is it sometimes measured in metres and sometimes in kilowatts ?, doesn't it have to do with friction so it should be in joules
 
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Hello,

Can you tell me which units you use in your equation?
Normally its:
P [W] = Q [m³/s] x dP [N/m²]
[W] = [Nm/s]

Hloss is cannot be in watt. Or in m or in Pa.
If its in watt it is probably recalculated from pressure or head loss to power.
 
Alex.malh said:
Hello,

Can you tell me which units you use in your equation?
Normally its:
P [W] = Q [m³/s] x dP [N/m²]
[W] = [Nm/s]

Hloss is cannot be in watt. Or in m or in Pa.
If its in watt it is probably recalculated from pressure or head loss to power.

p(W) = mass flow rate(kg/s) * g(m/s2) * Hloss(m)

How does that give you watts ?
 
Yes, that is watt.

[kg] x [m/s²] = [N] = m x a = F
you can rewrite your equation as:
1/s x (kg x m/s²) x m
=1/s x N x m
=Nm/s
=W
 
TheRedDevil18 said:
p(W) = mass flow rate(kg/s) * g(m/s2) * Hloss(m)

How does that give you watts ?
##\frac{kgm}{s^2}## = N
N x m / sec = watts
 
Last edited:
Chestermiller said:
##\frac{kgm}{s^2}## = Pa
Pa x m / sec = watts

Don't you mean N instead of Pa?
 
Alex.malh said:
Don't you mean N instead of Pa?
Yes. Sorry. I'll go back and edit it. Thanks for catching that.

Chet
 
The head loss is often used as a surrogate for the pressure loss. The head loss (in meters) is equal to the pressure loss in Pa divided by the (fluid density (kg/m^3) times g (m/s^2). So H = ΔP/(ρg). You equation for the power is equivalent to the pressure loss times the volumetric flow rate of fluid.

Chet
 
Ok, thanks. In an example from my book the equation for power was given as p = mass flow rate*Hloss, without the g but the units for Hloss was given in J/kg so multiplying that by the mass flow rate would give J/s = power. So basically these equations are just based on what units you are given ?

Also in benoullis equation which is

p1/pg + vel1^2/2g + z1 = p2/pg + vel2^2/2g + z2 + Hloss

You say that p/pg = Hloss, then why is it added again on the right hand side of the equation ?
 
Last edited:
  • #10
TheRedDevil18 said:
Ok, thanks. In an example from my book the equation for power was given as p = mass flow rate*Hloss, without the g but the units for Hloss was given in J/kg so multiplying that by the mass flow rate would give J/s = power.

If the g is omitted, then there is either a mistake or they are using Imperial units.
Also in benoullis equation which is

p1/pg + vel1^2/2g + z1 = p2/pg + vel2^2/2g + z2 + Hloss

You say that p/pg = Hloss, then why is it added again on the right hand side of the equation ?
This depends on the context, which hasn't been provided. However, in this equation, it looks like they are using Hloss to represent the pressure drop resulting from "hydrodynamic frictional drag."

Chet
 
  • #11
Chestermiller said:
If the g is omitted, then there is either a mistake or they are using Imperial units.

This depends on the context, which hasn't been provided. However, in this equation, it looks like they are using Hloss to represent the pressure drop resulting from "hydrodynamic frictional drag."

Chet

So is p/pg just a different type of Hloss ? ,because if it where the same then why would they add it twice
 
  • #12
TheRedDevil18 said:
So is p/pg just a different type of Hloss ? ,because if it where the same then why would they add it twice
The pressures p1 and p2 appearing in this equation are the measured pressures at two locations along a flow channel. The pressure change between these two locations is determined by the change in elevation, the change in kinetic energy, and the frictional pressure loss.

Chet
 

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