PhysicsNEB 2082

a) Define laminar flow and turbulent flow of liquid. [2] b) Water flows steadily through a horizontal pipe of non uniform cross section. If the pressure of water is 4 10^4\ N\,m^ 2 at a point where…

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a) Define laminar flow and turbulent flow of liquid. [2]

b) Water flows steadily through a horizontal pipe of non-uniform cross section. If the pressure of water is at a point where the velocity of flow is and cross section is . Calculate the pressure at a point where cross section reduces to . (density of water = ) [3]

Answer

0.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.91246810xyPressure (P₁ = 4×10⁴ N/m²)Cross-sectional area (A₁ = 200 cm² → A₂ = 50 cm²)Velocity (v₁ = 2 m/s → v₂ = 10 m/s)
Comparison of flow parameters at two points in the pipe (P₁, A₁, v₁ vs. P₂, A₂, v₂).

a) Laminar Flow and Turbulent Flow

Laminar Flow

  • Definition: Laminar flow is a smooth, orderly, and predictable flow of a liquid in which the fluid moves in parallel layers or laminae, with no disruption between them.
  • Characteristics:
    • Fluid particles move in straight or smooth curved paths.
    • Velocity of the fluid at any point remains constant over time.
    • Low Reynolds number ().
    • Minimal energy loss due to friction.
    • Common in viscous fluids (e.g., honey, oil) or slow-moving liquids in narrow pipes.

Turbulent Flow

  • Definition: Turbulent flow is an irregular, chaotic, and unpredictable flow of a liquid in which the fluid moves in random eddies and swirls, causing mixing.
  • Characteristics:
    • Fluid particles move erratically in all directions.
    • Velocity at any point fluctuates rapidly over time.
    • High Reynolds number ().
    • Significant energy loss due to increased friction and mixing.
    • Common in fast-moving liquids (e.g., rivers, blood flow in arteries).

b) Calculation of Pressure at Reduced Cross-Section

Given Data

  • Pressure at point 1,
  • Velocity at point 1,
  • Cross-sectional area at point 1,
  • Cross-sectional area at point 2,
  • Density of water,

Assumptions

  • The pipe is horizontal (no change in height, ).
  • Flow is steady and incompressible (water density remains constant).
  • No viscosity or energy loss (ideal fluid).

Step 1: Apply the Continuity Equation

The continuity equation for incompressible flow states: Solving for :

Step 2: Apply Bernoulli’s Equation

Bernoulli’s equation for horizontal flow () is: Rearranging to solve for : Substitute the known values:

Final Answer

The pressure at the point where the cross-section reduces to is .

Discussion

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