Power Law Velocity Profile - 1.4 | 22. Turbulent Pipe Flow | Hydraulic Engineering - Vol 1
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Understanding Velocity Profiles

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’re going to dive into the velocity profiles in turbulent flow, particularly focusing on how smooth and rough pipes differ. Can anyone tell me what we mean by average velocity in this context?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it the mean velocity of the water flow across the pipe?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! When we flow liquid through a pipe, the average velocity helps us understand how fast the fluid is moving overall. Now, can someone summarize how we represent it compared to frictional velocity?

Student 2
Student 2

It’s represented as the average velocity divided by the frictional velocity, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! This leads us to our important equation. Remember, the frictional velocity can significantly influence our calculations.

Student 3
Student 3

What about the impact of smooth versus rough pipes?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! Interestingly, the difference in velocity remains the same for both types of pipes. That’s a key observation!

Teacher
Teacher

Let’s summarize: Average velocity in turbulent flow equals mean flow divided by frictional velocity, and the velocity difference is consistent across pipe types. Who can remember the important equation we derived?

Finding the Power Law Velocity Profile

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Teacher
Teacher

Now let's discuss the power law velocity profile. Who can recall what it looks like?

Student 4
Student 4

Is it \( \frac{u}{u_{max}} = \left( \frac{y}{R} \right)^{\frac{1}{n}} \)?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, great job! This power law profile helps us understand how velocity varies with distance from the center of the pipe. And what do we choose for n at a Reynolds number of 7?

Student 1
Student 1

That would give us the one-seventh power law velocity profile.

Teacher
Teacher

Right again! The choice of n is crucial. Who remembers why we cannot determine wall shear stress using this profile?

Student 2
Student 2

It’s because the power law gives an infinite velocity gradient at the walls.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly—that’s an important limitation to remember!

Solution for Average Velocity

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s put our learnings to test by solving for average velocity using the velocity profile we discussed. Who remembers the first step when we need to calculate it from the profile?

Student 3
Student 3

We should integrate the given velocity profile over the entire cross-sectional area of the pipe.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! The average velocity will be the integral of the velocity profile. Can someone remind us of the equation?

Student 4
Student 4

\( V = \frac{1}{\pi R^2} \int_{0}^{R} u_{max} \left( 1 - \frac{r}{R} \right)^{\frac{1}{7}} 2\pi r dr \)?

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect! Now remember to substitute and simplify. What are we aiming to achieve?

Student 1
Student 1

To find \( \overline{V} = 0.816 \cdot u_{max} \).

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! And this shows that while the profile may vary, methodically approaching the calculation remains consistent.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section discusses the power law velocity profile in turbulent pipe flow, differentiating between smooth and rough pipes.

Standard

The section elaborates on the equations governing the velocity difference in both smooth and rough pipes and introduces the power law velocity profile for turbulent flow. It details the significance of Reynolds number and provides methods to express average velocity from given profiles.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

In this section, we explore the power law velocity profile and its application in turbulent pipe flow, specifically focusing on how the average velocity is affected by frictional velocity. The discussion begins with deriving the average velocity in relation to frictional velocity for both smooth and rough pipes, presenting the important equation:
\[ u - \overline{V} = 5.75 \log_{10}\left( \frac{y}{R} \right) + 3.75 \]\n

The relation shows that the difference in velocity between any point in the flow and the average flow remains constant regardless of whether the pipe is smooth or rough. The section moves on to defining the power law velocity profile, expressed as \( \frac{u}{u_{max}} = \left( \frac{y}{R} \right)^{\frac{1}{n}} \), where the exponent \( n \) is dependent on the Reynolds number. By substituting \( n=7 \), the specific profile is derived.

Additionally, a problem-solving approach is detailed for calculating average velocity from a given velocity profile, with worked examples explaining the integral calculus involved, leading to \( \overline{V} = 0.816 \cdot u_{max} \). This process emphasizes the consistent methodology to derive average velocities from varying profiles.

Audio Book

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Understanding Velocity in Pipe Flow

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This is the average velocity divided by the frictional velocity for the turbulent pipe flow case. Now, the difference of the velocity at any point and the average velocity for smooth pipes.

Detailed Explanation

In this section, we start by discussing the relationship between average velocity and frictional velocity in turbulent pipe flow. Specifically, we are considering how the velocity at any point in the pipe relates to the average velocity. The concept is crucial for understanding how fluid behaves as it flows through pipes, particularly in terms of friction and turbulence.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a group of runners on a track. The average speed of the group can be compared to the frictional velocity, which is influenced by how quickly each runner can go. Just like each runner might have a different speed, each point in the pipe has a different velocity compared to the average flow.

Equation for Smooth Pipes

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For smooth pipes, we have seen that the u by u star we had, we came, we derived this equation, correct. And we also just now we saw that V average by u star is going is this equation and therefore, from the above equation we can simply subtract these two equation.

Detailed Explanation

We refer to previously derived equations that relate average velocity to frictional velocity. For smooth pipes, we can derive a specific equation regarding how the velocity at a point differs from the average velocity. By subtracting the equations, we simplify our analysis, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the flow dynamics.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a car traveling on a smooth highway. The car's speed can be compared to the velocity of fluid at a point in the pipe, while the average speed of all cars on that highway represents the average velocity of the fluid. The difference in how fast each car is going versus the average speed can be likened to our calculations.

Rough Pipe Dynamics

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Now, we did it for smooth pipes. Now, for rough pipes, we have an equation and we also obtained V average by u star. We do the same procedure, we subtract this equation.

Detailed Explanation

Next, we apply the same analytical process to rough pipes as we did to smooth pipes. Reference to another equation specific to rough pipes allows us to derive similar expressions for their velocity profiles. The goal remains the same: to understand how velocity at specific points relates to the average effectively, regardless of the pipe's texture.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine now traversing a bumpy dirt road. The speed of your car, analogous to fluid velocity, changes more drastically as your tires hit the rough patches. Just as we calculate the average speed of the vehicle over both smooth and rough terrains, we find similar comparisons in fluid dynamics.

Power Law Velocity Profile Introduction

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Now, about the power law velocity profile, a little bit on that. So, the power law velocity profile for smooth pipes can be expressed as, u by u max can be written as y by R to the power 1 by n.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk introduces the power law velocity profile, particularly for smooth pipes. The profile describes how velocity varies radial from the center of the pipe. It is defined mathematically where the ratio of the velocity at a point to the maximum velocity follows a specific power relationship with the radial position in the pipe.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a fountain where water jets up at varying heights depending on how far from the center you measure. The closer you are to the jet, the more powerfully it shoots up, similar to the velocity profile in a pipe where the relationship varies based on how far you are from the center.

Increasing Reynolds Number Effects

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The value of n will increase with increasing Reynolds number. Power law velocity profiles cannot give 0 slope at the pipe center.

Detailed Explanation

As the Reynolds number, which indicates flow regime, increases, the value of 'n' in the power law profile also increases. This influences the velocity profile and its characteristics significantly. Additionally, it's important to note that the power law velocity profile cannot produce a zero slope at the center of the pipe, which has implications for how we interpret wall shear stress.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a roller coaster speeding up as it climbs higher hills. As it gains speed (akin to an increasing Reynolds number), the dynamics change in ways that affect how you experience the ride. Similarly, our formula changes as fluid flows become turbulent.

Practical Problem Solving

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Now, we are going to solve one of the problems. So, the velocity profile for incompressible turbulent fluid in a pipe of radius R is given by u of r as u max into 1 minus r by R to the power 1 by 7.

Detailed Explanation

Finally, we move towards practical applications by solving a problem that utilizes the power law velocity profile for a turbulent fluid. A specific velocity profile equation is given, and we'll go through the derivation to find the average velocity in the pipe, emphasizing the steps and calculations involved.

Examples & Analogies

Picture measuring the amount of syrup flowing through different sections of a pipe. By knowing the profile of syrup flow, we can calculate how much syrup we will have on average flowing through the entire pipe, much like how we derive average velocity in our example.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Average Velocity: The mean speed of fluid particles in a pipe.

  • Frictional Velocity: Influences the dynamics of flow and can be represented as u*.

  • Power Law Profile: A formula for velocity distribution that varies according to the specific conditions of the flow.

  • Reynolds Number: Indicates the flow regime, helping to classify between laminar and turbulent flows.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • The velocity profile for a turbulent fluid in a pipe can be expressed in various forms depending on its nature; for example, using \( n=7 \) yields a standard approach.

  • In a practical application, if you determine the average flow velocity in a smooth pipe, it can inform design choices for efficient piping systems.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In pipes of width and size, average flow helps us realize, that smooth could be wavy and rough could glide, yet their velocity difference does abide.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine two rivers, one smooth and calm, and the other wild with waves. They look different, but if you measure their flow averages, you find they share the same difference from their average speeds!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • FRAP: For Reynolds, Average, Power law guides— know these and you'll glide through fluid flows with ease!

🎯 Super Acronyms

RAP

  • Reynolds
  • Average
  • Power law—key players in fluid flow analysis.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Turbulent Flow

    Definition:

    A flow regime characterized by chaotic and irregular fluid motion.

  • Term: Frictional Velocity

    Definition:

    A measure of the velocity scale related to the friction in the flow, often denoted as u*.

  • Term: Reynolds Number

    Definition:

    A dimensionless number used to predict flow patterns in different fluid flow situations.

  • Term: Power Law Velocity Profile

    Definition:

    A mathematical representation describing how velocity changes across a pipe with different values of n.

  • Term: Shear Stress

    Definition:

    The stress that occurs due to the force applied parallel to the surface of an object.