Transport Phenomenon: Drag Coefficient & Friction Factor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concepts of drag coefficient and friction factor within the context of transport phenomena, particularly focusing on their definitions, applications, and the relationship between momentum flux and dimensionless momentum flux. Participants explore theoretical implications and practical definitions, as well as the educational challenges faced in understanding these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the drag coefficient is defined as a non-dimensional momentum flux for flow around objects, while the friction factor serves the same purpose for flow through tubes.
  • Another participant discusses the analogy between pressure, stress, and momentum transfer, expressing skepticism about interpreting drag coefficient and friction factor as dimensionless momentum flux.
  • Questions arise regarding when to use momentum flux versus dimensionless momentum flux in problem-solving, with some participants seeking clarification on their differences.
  • Concerns are expressed about the quality of teaching and its impact on understanding these concepts, with one participant sharing frustrations about their instructor's effectiveness.
  • There is a query about the implications of defining fields as continuously varying functions of position, specifically regarding velocity, momentum, and temperature fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of drag coefficient and friction factor, with some agreeing on their definitions while others contest the analogy to momentum flux. The discussion on teaching effectiveness also reveals a lack of consensus on educational quality and its influence on learning.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the application of momentum flux and dimensionless momentum flux in problem-solving, indicating a need for further clarification on definitions and contexts. Additionally, the discussion includes unresolved questions about the implications of fields in transport phenomena.

Rahulx084
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My book states that when a flow around object is considered,

Non dimensional momentum flux is defined as the drag coefficient

In case of flow through tubes it states

The non dimensional momentum flux is defined as the friction factor

What do these statements mean? What do they practically define?
 
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Many books on transport processes, in order to emphasize the analogy between heat transfer, mass transfer, and momentum transfer, typically regard pressure and stress mechanistically as being equivalent to momentum transfer. (There is certainly valid molecular basis for treating pressure and stress in this way).

For flow past an object, the relationship between the drag force F and the dynamic pressure ##\frac{1}{2}\rho v^2## is expressed as $$\frac{F}{A}=C_D\left(\frac{1}{2}\rho v^2\right)$$where A is the projected area of the object. Since dynamic pressure has units of momentum flux (and, mechanistically, can be regarded as a momentum flux), and since F/A also has units of momentum flux, ##C_D## is thereby sometimes regarded as a dimensionless momentum flux. I personally don't like this interpretation, and it does nothing for me.

In the case of fluid flow in a tube, the relationship between the shear stress at the wall ##\tau## and the dynamic pressure ##\frac{1}{2}\rho v^2## is expressed as $$\tau=f\left(\frac{1}{2}\rho v^2\right)$$where f is the Fanning friction factor. Since dynamic pressure has units of momentum flux (and, mechanistically, can be regarded as a momentum flux), and since the wall shear stress ##\tau## also is interpreted as momentum flux, f is thereby sometimes regarded as a dimensionless momentum flux. I personally don't like this interpretation, and it too does nothing for me.
 
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Sir , when do we use momentum flux and when do we use dimension less momentum flux?? In a problem if we are required to find momentum flux, which one of both is needed to find? And what will be going to be the difference in both lf them?
 
Rahulx084 said:
Sir , when do we use momentum flux and when do we use dimension less momentum flux?? In a problem if we are required to find momentum flux, which one of both is needed to find? And what will be going to be the difference in both lf them?
Don't worry about that now. You'll get the idea once they teach you how to approach problems. Your time is too valuable to worry about this for now.
 
My teacher,she doesn't give a dang about what she teaches . Our university have appointed her just because of her approaches to dean . Thats why I was asking you sir .
 
Rahulx084 said:
My teacher,she doesn't give a **** about what she teaches . Our university have appointed her just because of her approaches to dean . Thats why I was asking you sir .
Sorry to hear that. You can count on us at Physics Forums to help you in any way we can.
 
I was reading about fields in transport phenomenon and it states that fields are defined as continuously varying functions of position . What does this statement implies to the velocity,momentum and temperature fields?
 
Rahulx084 said:
I was reading about fields in transport phenomenon and it states that fields are defined as continuously varying functions of position . What does this statement implies to the velocity,momentum and temperature fields?
When you begin a new topic, please start a new thread.
 
Chestermiller said:
When you begin a new topic, please start a new thread.
Actually the question is from the same topic the thread I started few days ago , so I thought maybe its okay to ask here
 
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Rahulx084 said:
Actually the question is from the same topic the thread I started few days ago , so I thought maybe its okay to ask here
In my judgment as a Physics Forums moderator, it's not, so please start a new thread.
 

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