Torques in a Pump: Understand Opposite Signs

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Mikealvarado100
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pump Torques
Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 1K views
Mikealvarado100
Messages
52
Reaction score
0
Hi
In a pump (which operates in normal condition: steady state), pump torque is positive and fluid torque is of equal magnitude and of opposite direction so that the sum of both is zero. ''P. 66 of 'Water Hammer: An Analysis of Plumbing Systems, Intrusion, and Pump Operation' by: Dr. Loganathan and ...
I need so explanation about opposite sign of pump torque and fluid torque? Both rotate in a same direction, then why one of positive and the other is negative?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Remember that torque isn't itself a rotation, it is a force. Specifically a force that tends to cause rotational motion. See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torque

The force from the water on the pump is equal to the force from the pump on the water, but in the opposite direction. Because it is in the opposite direction, the direction of torque is also opposite, hence the negative sign.