1.2 - Problem on Laminar Flow between Two Plates
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Introduction to Laminar Flow
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Welcome to our discussion on laminar flow! Can anyone define what we understand by laminar flow?
Isn't laminar flow where the fluid moves in parallel layers without disruption?
Exactly! In laminar flow, each layer of fluid slides past adjacent layers smoothly. Now, what do you think is an important factor that affects this type of flow?
I think viscosity plays a significant role, right?
Absolutely! Viscosity determines the internal resistance to flow. Remember this: "High viscosity equals slow flow!" Let's delve into our problem regarding water between parallel plates.
Problem Analysis
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Let’s look at the problem: We have water flowing between two plates separated by 2 millimeters. Given the average velocity as 0.4 m/s, how do we start calculating the maximum velocity?
I remember from our notes that we use the relation between average velocity and maximum velocity.
Correct! For laminar flow, the maximum velocity is 1.5 times the average velocity. What do we get when we calculate that?
That would be 0.6 meters per second!
Great! Keep that in mind. Next, we need to calculate the pressure drop per unit length. What formula should we use here?
We can use the equation for maximum velocity derived from shear stress! This will help us relate pressure drop to shear.
Calculating Shear Stress
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So far, we have determined max velocity; now let’s find shear stress at the wall. Who can recall the equation for shear stress in laminar flow?
I think we use τ = μ (du/dy), where du/dy is the velocity gradient!
Well done! After substituting the appropriate values, what does that give us?
After calculating, we should find that the shear stress is 1.2 Newton per square meter!
Correct! Excellent teamwork! Shear stress is important in understanding how fluids behave in engineering applications.
Conclusions and Applications
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In conclusion, we’ve worked through a practical example of laminar flow. Could someone summarize the key outcomes from what we solved?
We found the maximum velocity, pressure drop per unit length, and shear stress at the wall!
Yes, and we learned how these concepts can apply to hydraulic engineering!
Exactly! Understanding these principles is vital for engineers, especially in designing systems involving fluid flow. Remember, the principles of laminar flow can apply in various engineering scenarios, enhancing our designs!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The section presents a practical problem involving the flow of water between two large parallel plates, detailing how to calculate the maximum velocity, pressure drop per unit length, and shear stress at the wall. The solutions demonstrate the application of fluid dynamics principles in laminar flow scenarios.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
This section deals with the analysis of laminar flow of water between two parallel plates separated by a gap of 2 millimeters. The problem statement provides specific conditions, including an average flow velocity of 0.4 meters per second and a viscosity of 0.01 poise (converted to appropriate SI units). The approach begins by identifying the given parameters and applying appropriate equations derived from the theory of laminar flow.
Key calculations include performance metrics such as:
- Maximum Velocity (max)
- Pressure Drop (dp/dx) per unit length, and
- Shear Stress () at the wall of the plate.
- The maximum velocity formula is outlined alongside calculations indicative of how laminar flow parameters interrelate. It demonstrates that the maximum velocity can be derived from the average velocity.
- The section also explains shear stress computation at the wall.
The solution presented illustrates the relevance of theoretical principles in practical applications and reinforces vital concepts regarding fluid mechanics in engineering contexts.
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Problem Statement and Known Values
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
So, the question here is, water is flowing between 2 large parallel plates which are 2 millimeters apart. Determine the maximum velocity, the pressure drop per unit length, that is, dp dx and the sheer stress at the wall of the plate if the average velocity is 0.4 meters per second. And viscosity of water is given as 0.01 poise.
Detailed Explanation
In this problem, we are analyzing the flow of water between two parallel plates, commonly used in fluid dynamics studies. The distance between the plates is given as 2 millimeters, which is equivalent to 0.002 meters. We are asked to calculate the maximum velocity of the flow, the pressure drop over a unit length of the plates (dp/dx), and the shear stress at the wall of the plates. The average velocity of the flowing water is provided as 0.4 meters per second, and the viscosity of water is noted in poise, which is a unit of dynamic viscosity. The viscosity will need to be converted to Pascal-seconds for further calculations.
Examples & Analogies
Think of this scenario as water flowing between two flat surfaces, similar to how toothpaste flows out of a tube when squeezed from both sides. The distance between the tube walls and how fast the toothpaste can flow out can be equated to the dynamics of water between these plates.
Calculation of Maximum Velocity
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
Also u max is equal to 1.5 V average. This implies that u max is equal to 1.5 and this is 0.4 from here and that comes out to be 0.6 meters per second.
Detailed Explanation
The maximum velocity (u max) in a laminar flow between two plates can be calculated using the relationship u max = 1.5 * V average. Given the average velocity (V average) is 0.4 meters per second, we multiply this value by 1.5 to find u max, which results in a maximum velocity of 0.6 meters per second.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a crowded hallway where the average speed of people walking through is 4 meters per minute. Now, in some parts of that hallway, people can move faster, perhaps reaching a speed of 6 meters per minute. This maximum speed corresponds to the concept of u max in our fluid flow scenario.
Finding Pressure Drop per Unit Length
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
Substituting the value of u max, that is, 0.8 is equal to minus 1 / 8 into 0.001 and dp dx is what we need to determine and t is 2 millimeters. So, 2 into 10 to the power minus 3 whole square and this way we can obtain dp dx is equal to minus 1200 Newton per meter squared per meter.
Detailed Explanation
To find the pressure drop per unit length (dp/dx), we utilize the equation linking maximum velocity to the pressure gradient. Given that u max equals to 0.6 and using the known values for viscosity and the distance between the plates, we can rearrange the equation to calculate dp/dx, which results in a value of -1200 Newton per square meter per meter (negative indicating a drop in pressure).
Examples & Analogies
This can be visualized as water flowing through a faucet with a filter. The greater the pressure difference created by the faucet, the harder it pushes the water through the filter, much like the calculated pressure drop affects the water flow between two plates.
Calculating Shear Stress at the Wall
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
So, tau not is equal to mu du dy at y is equal to 0. So, tau not is mu du, we know u, so, we can differentiate that and obtain minus 1 / 2 mu dp dx into t.
Detailed Explanation
Shear stress (tau) at the wall of the plates can be calculated using the formula tau = mu * (du/dy). Here, we need to differentiate the velocity profile and evaluate it at the point y=0 (the wall). After substituting the values into the equation alongside the pressure gradient we previously found, this results in a shear stress of 1.2 Newton per square meter at the wall of the plates.
Examples & Analogies
Consider how rubbing your hand against a rough surface creates friction. Similarly, shear stress represents the frictional force between the fluid (water) and the walls of the plates, affecting how smoothly the water flows.
Key Concepts
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Pressure Drop: The decrease in pressure as fluid passes through a system, significantly affecting flow performance.
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Shear Stress: A critical factor that influences the behavior of fluids near surfaces and impacts system design.
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Maximum Velocity: The highest velocity attained by a fluid in laminar flow, typically occurring at the centerline between two surfaces.
Examples & Applications
An example of laminar flow can be observed in slow-moving honey, where layers flow smoothly.
Water moving calmly between two parallel glass plates represents classic laminar flow.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
When flow is steady, smooth its way, laminar's how the layers play.
Stories
Imagine a quiet river flowing between two banks. The water glides smoothly without a ripple, illustrating laminar flow.
Memory Tools
Use 'Vapor Flows Smoothly' (VFS) to remember Viscosity, Flow, and Smooth behavior of laminar flow.
Acronyms
LAMINAR - Layers And Motion In Natural And Regular flow.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Laminar Flow
A type of fluid flow where layers of fluid slide past each other with little to no disruption.
- Viscosity
A measure of a fluid's internal resistance to flow, affecting how easily it moves.
- Shear Stress
The amount of force per unit area exerted parallel to the surface of an object by a fluid.
- Maximum Velocity
The speed of the fluid at the centerline between two parallel plates in laminar flow conditions.
- Pressure Drop
The decrease in fluid pressure as it flows through a system, often expressed as a change in pressure per unit length.
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