8.1.4 - Approximation of Pressure using Taylor Series
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Understanding Pressure in Resting Fluids
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Today, we'll discuss how pressure behaves in fluids that are at rest. When fluid is stationary, what do you think happens to shear stress?
I believe shear stress becomes zero when the fluid is at rest.
Exactly! So in a fluid at rest, the only stress acting is normal stress, which we often refer to as pressure. Can anyone tell me how we can express pressure as a function?
We can express it as P(x, y, z), depending on the coordinates.
Great! This function is crucial for us. It indicates how pressure varies with position in the fluid. Remember that pressure is not just a single value; it changes based on the location. This leads us to the first key concept: pressure field approximation.
The Role of Gravity and Body Forces
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Let's delve deeper into the forces acting on a fluid element. What body force primarily acts on fluids, especially when at rest?
Is it the force due to gravity?
That's correct! We calculate the body force as the unit weight multiplied by the volume. This means pressure distribution is also affected by gravitational forces. Now, how can we express this mathematically?
Using the formula for pressure and integrating over the volume?
Exactly! Keep in mind that the pressure difference at different depths in a fluid is a result of this gravitational influence. This is foundational in understanding hydrostatics.
Taylor Series and Pressure Approximation
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We've established the effects of gravity, now let’s talk about approximating the pressure at different points using Taylor series. Who can explain how we apply Taylor series here?
We can approximate the pressure at a point by using the known pressure and calculating the distance from that point.
"Correct! The first-order Taylor series approximation will help us express
Understanding Gauge and Vacuum Pressure
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Now let's look at the terms gauge pressure and vacuum pressure. Does anyone know what they mean?
Gauge pressure is the pressure measured above atmospheric pressure, right?
Exactly! And vacuum pressure is the pressure below atmospheric levels. Understanding these distinctions helps in practical applications, such as when using instruments like barometers.
So if we want to find the absolute pressure, we can use the equations provided in the section?
Yes! Always remember to consider the reference point, whether it’s an absolute vacuum or local atmosphere when calculating pressures.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
In the rest state of a fluid, shear stress is zero, leading to pressure only acting as normal stress. This section explains the derivation of pressure approximations through Taylor series, discusses the definitions of gauge and vacuum pressures, and explores the implications of pressure gradients in fluid mechanics.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
In this section, we explore the approximation of pressure in fluids at rest by analyzing the control volumes and utilizing Taylor series expansions. When fluids are at rest, the shear stress becomes negligible, causing only normal stresses (pressures) to act on control surfaces. We consider a simple parallelepiped control volume and evaluate the pressure at the centroid as a function of Cartesian coordinates
P(x, y, z). The section elaborates on body force due to gravity and surface forces acting on fluid masses.
We employ the first-order approximation of Taylor series to express the pressure distribution across surfaces in relation to distance. The derivation included leads to defining force components in x, y, z directions, indicating how pressures influence fluid behavior during equilibrium conditions. The section later elucidates the difference between gauge and vacuum pressure, giving definitions along with practical examples such as using a mercury barometer for pressure measurement. We conclude this segment with a summary of hydrostatic equations and how pressure behaves in static fluid environments, emphasizing that pressure is a scalar quantity acting normal to surfaces.
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Introduction to Pressure in Fluid at Rest
Chapter 1 of 7
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Chapter Content
Now if I go for the next ones that how to get the pressure field when fluid is at the rest. That means I am just looking at what could be the functions of the P, P = P(x, y, z). If it that it is now again I am considering a very simple case, let us consider a control volume like this okay. This is what my control volume. As I said it when the fluid is at rest the shear stress become zero.
Detailed Explanation
In this chunk, we understand that when analyzing pressure fields in fluids that are not moving (at rest), the focus is on how pressure varies in space. The pressure is defined as a function of position in three-dimensional space (P(x, y, z)). In a simple model, we assume a control volume, which is a defined region in space where we observe the pressures and forces acting on the fluid. At rest, the fluid does not have shear stress acting due to the absence of motion, meaning only pressure (normal stress) is relevant on the surfaces of our control volume.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a still pond with no waves or currents. The pressure at any point under the surface can be influenced solely by the weight of the water above it. This scenario parallels our analysis of pressure in a fluid at rest - only the vertically acting pressure matters.
Forces Acting on Control Volume
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So there is no shear stress component on this fluid plane. Only this normal stress which is as equivalent to the pressure will act over this control surface. Over the control surface only the pressure is going to act it because the shear stress is zero okay.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk elaborates that in a fluid at rest, only normal stresses (pressure) act on the surfaces of the control volume. Shear stresses, which occur when layers of fluid slide past each other, are absent in this condition. Consequently, when analyzing forces on the surfaces of the control volume, we consider only the effects of pressure acting perpendicular to these surfaces, simplifying our equations.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a balloon filled with water. When you press on the side of the balloon, you only feel a push back from the water inside due to the pressure from all around, and not a sliding or shearing force - similar to the forces acting on our control volume at rest.
Gravity and Body Force Components
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Chapter Content
At that point, the gravity force is acting it which is the body force component. The gravity force what will be there? It will be, ρgV. So we can have two force components. One is the surface force component and other is body force.
Detailed Explanation
This segment introduces the concept of body forces acting on the control volume. The force of gravity acts on the fluid within the control volume and is calculated as the product of the fluid's density (ρ), gravitational acceleration (g), and the volume of the control volume (V). This body force, combined with pressure forces from the surfaces of the control volume, will help determine the overall force balance on the fluid elements.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a bag of produce at the grocery store. The weight of the produce exerts a downward force due to gravity, similar to how gravity affects the fluid in our control volume. The bag (control volume) feels both the weight (body force) and any pressure exerted by the bag's sides supporting the contents (surface forces).
Using Taylor Series for Pressure Approximations
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Then we need to define now as a pressure as a function of x, y, z is a pressure field what we are looking it which is a function of x, y, z I can use Taylor series to approximate distance of this surface which is far away from P.
Detailed Explanation
Here, the discussion turns to how we can approximate the pressure at a point using the Taylor series expansion. The Taylor series is a mathematical method to approximate complex functions by expressing them as a sum of their derivatives evaluated at a specific point. By applying the Taylor series, we can estimate pressure at a point in the fluid based on its values and relationships at nearby points.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how you might measure the temperature at a certain height in a room by taking readings from several other heights and averaging them. If the temperature changes gradually, you can infer the temperature at unknown points based on known values, similar to how we use Taylor series for pressure approximations.
Force Components due to Pressure
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Chapter Content
If this is the pressure is acting on the surface, similar way I can get it what will be pressure is acting. I know this pressure multiply the area over these simplified control volumes, I will get the force component.
Detailed Explanation
In this portion, the relationship between pressure, area, and force is established. Pressure acting on a surface creates a force that can be calculated by multiplying the pressure value by the area over which it acts. This basic relationship is crucial in fluid mechanics as it allows us to quantify how much force a fluid exerts on its surroundings based on its pressure reading.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine pushing on the side of a door with a small area versus a large area. If you exert the same pressure on both areas, the force on the door will be greater for the larger area. This simple principle applies to our control volume where pressure acts over its surfaces.
Concept of Gauge Pressure and Vacuum Pressure
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Now the point is what we are going to discuss is that gauge pressure and vacuum pressure. Components now is coming it what is your datum to measure the pressure. Whether you have to make a absolute zero pressure, that means you have a vacuum. From there you are measuring the pressure, or you consider as local atmosphere, to measure the pressure.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk explains that pressure measurements can be relative to a standard, known as the datum. Gauge pressure measures how much pressure is above atmospheric pressure, while vacuum pressure measures how much below it. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurate pressure readings in various applications, from engineering to meteorology.
Examples & Analogies
Think of tire pressure gauges. They tell you how much pressure is in your tire above atmospheric pressure (gauge pressure). If your tire is flat, it has negative gauge pressure because it's below the atmospheric pressure. Knowing whether to use gauge or vacuum pressures can help you understand the true condition of your tire.
Deriving Pressure Distribution Equations
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Chapter Content
As we derive pressure distribution equations which in vector forms and let we simplify that equations which earlier we consider the acceleration due to gravity is a vector which will have, ...
Detailed Explanation
In this final chunk, the focus shifts to deriving equations that describe how pressure varies in a fluid due to gravity. The piece mentions that these equations can often be simplified by aligning the direction of gravity with one of the axes in our coordinate system. When the gravitational force is aligned vertically, we find that pressure varies only in that direction (not horizontally). This leads to linear pressure changes in vertical fluids.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine water in a deep well. The pressure at the bottom is much more than at the top because the weight of the water above increases as you go deeper. This concept allows us to visualize and understand how pressure changes with depth due to gravity.
Key Concepts
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Normal Stress: The component of stress perpendicular to a surface; pressure acts as normal stress in fluids at rest.
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Taylor Series: A mathematical series that allows us to approximate pressure functions at different points in a fluid.
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Gauge Pressure vs. Vacuum Pressure: Important distinctions in pressure measurement affecting practical applications.
Examples & Applications
Using a mercury barometer to measure atmospheric pressure.
Computing gauge pressure in a hydraulic system based on fluid depth and density.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
In fluids at rest, pressure's the guest, normal force it does best.
Stories
Imagine a lake—peaceful and still—gravity pulls down, but pressure's the thrill, at depth it grows stronger, it can't be ignored, it pushes the water, even when it's bored.
Memory Tools
GREY: Gravity, Rest, Equal. Remember how pressure equalizes due to gravity in resting fluids.
Acronyms
PACES
Pressure
Approximation
Control volume
Effects (of gravity)
Shear stress.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Pressure
The force exerted per unit area perpendicular to the surface.
- Shear Stress
A stress that acts parallel or tangential to the surface.
- Body Force
A force acting throughout the volume of an object, such as gravitational force.
- Gauge Pressure
Pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.
- Vacuum Pressure
Pressure below atmospheric pressure.
- Taylor Series
A mathematical series used to approximate functions.
Reference links
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