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

In summary, the volume flow rate (Q) is calculated by taking the pressure difference (P2-P1) and dividing it by the total resistance (R) of the system. This resistance (R) is directly proportional to the length and inversely proportional to the surface area and the inherent resistance (viscosity) of the fluid. However, the equation for R is R = nL/r^4, not r^2, which suggests that there is another factor influencing resistance that is dependent on radius^2. This is because when the radius (r) increases, the velocity and shear rate decrease by a factor of r^2, while the force and surface area increase by a factor of r. This explains the inverse relationship between
  • #1
Hereformore
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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.
 

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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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.
 

1. Why is resistance in fluid flow inversely related to r^4 instead of just r^2?

The resistance in fluid flow is inversely related to r^4 because of the relationship between surface area and volume in a fluid. As the radius of a pipe or channel decreases, the surface area to volume ratio increases, resulting in a higher resistance to flow. This is known as the Hagen-Poiseuille equation, which takes into account the viscosity of the fluid and the dimensions of the channel to determine the resistance.

2. How does the radius of a pipe affect fluid flow resistance?

The radius of a pipe has a significant impact on fluid flow resistance. As the radius decreases, the surface area to volume ratio increases, resulting in a higher resistance to flow. This is because the smaller radius creates more friction with the fluid, making it more difficult for the fluid to flow through the pipe.

3. Why does the resistance in fluid flow increase exponentially as the radius decreases?

The resistance in fluid flow increases exponentially as the radius decreases due to the relationship between surface area and volume in a fluid. As the radius decreases, the surface area to volume ratio increases, resulting in a higher resistance to flow. This means that even small changes in radius can have a significant impact on the resistance to fluid flow.

4. Is there a limit to how small the radius of a pipe can be before the resistance becomes too high?

Yes, there is a limit to how small the radius of a pipe can be before the resistance becomes too high. This is known as the critical radius, and it is determined by the viscosity of the fluid and the dimensions of the pipe. If the radius is smaller than the critical radius, the resistance to flow becomes too high, and the fluid may not be able to flow through the pipe at all.

5. How does the shape of a pipe affect the resistance in fluid flow?

The shape of a pipe can also impact the resistance in fluid flow. While the radius of a pipe is a significant factor, the shape of the pipe can also affect the surface area to volume ratio. For example, a rectangular pipe will have a higher resistance to flow than a circular pipe with the same cross-sectional area, as the corners of the rectangular pipe create more friction with the fluid. The Hagen-Poiseuille equation takes into account the shape of the pipe in addition to the radius to determine the resistance to fluid flow.

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