Why is Resistance in Fluid Flow inversely related to r^4 rather than just r^2?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that the resistance (R) in fluid flow is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the radius (r^4) due to the relationship between volume flow rate (Q), pressure difference (P2-P1), and resistance. The equation R = nL/r^4 highlights that resistance is affected not only by surface area but also by the velocity of the fluid, which changes with radius. A unit analysis confirms that r^4 is necessary for dimensional consistency, as r^2 does not yield the correct units. Thus, the factors influencing resistance include shear rate, force, and surface area, all of which depend on the radius.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with the concepts of volume flow rate (Q) and pressure difference (P2-P1)
  • Knowledge of viscosity and its impact on fluid resistance
  • Basic mathematical skills for unit analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Navier-Stokes equations for a deeper understanding of fluid motion
  • Learn about the impact of pipe diameter on flow rate and resistance
  • Explore the relationship between shear rate and viscosity in non-Newtonian fluids
  • Investigate dimensional analysis techniques in fluid mechanics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for fluid mechanics students, engineers working with fluid systems, and researchers focusing on hydraulic resistance and flow dynamics.

Hereformore
Messages
61
Reaction score
0
So Volume Flow Rate (Q) = (P2-P1)/R where R is the total resistance of the system.

R is directly proportional to Length and inversely proportional to surface area, and the inherent resistance (viscosity) of the fluid. But R =nL/r^4. r^4 rather than r^2.

So there has to be another factor other than just surface area, that is dependent on radius^2, affecting resistance right? What am I missing?
________________________

In terms of Volume Flow Rate Q, i can understand, since Q = Av and if you change r, you change not only the surface area but also the velocity since the pipe is larger so there is less resistance. A = pi*r^2 AND v is related to radius by a squared factor.
 

Attachments

  • upload_2014-10-28_16-45-18.png
    upload_2014-10-28_16-45-18.png
    64.1 KB · Views: 554
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
The second part of your post answers the question of the first part.
The pressure difference is not related to r here, so every r-dependence of Q will appear in R as well (just taken as inverse), for exactly the same reasons.
 
A simple units analysis shows that r^2 doesn't have the correct units and r^4 does.

As r increases, the velocity for a given flow decreases by a factor of r^2. As r increases, the shear rate for a given velocity decreases by a factor of r. As r increases, the force for a given pressure gradient increases by a factor of r^2. Finally, as r increases the surface area (proportional to viscous drag) increases by a factor of r.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
31
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K