10.4.2. Simple Flow Problems and Pressure Gradient Effects

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is incompressible flow?

   Hint

   Think about situations in which fluids do not change density.

2. 2.

   Define a streamline.

   Hint

   Consider how water flows in a river.

3. 3.

   What does Bernoulli's equation describe?

   • Energy conservation in fluid flow
   • Density variations in fluids
   • Viscous effects in flows

   Hint

   Consider what happens to fluid energy as it flows.

4. 4.

   True or False: Velocity potential functions are applicable in rotational flows.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the conditions under which these functions are defined.

5. 5.

   Consider a fluid flowing between two parallel plates with a constant pressure gradient. Derive the velocity profile assuming steady-state incompressible flow.

   Hint

   Don’t forget the simplifications you can make!

6. 6.

   How would the behavior of the streamlines change if the flow became rotational due to turbulence introduced?

   Hint

   Consider the implications of added energy in the system.