Fluid dynamics
Fluid dynamics is the study of fluids in motion.
The MCAT presents a relatively simplified version of fluid dynamics, making important assumptions such as _____ and _____.
rigid-walled containers and uniform density of fluids
Viscosity (with symbol)
The resistance of a fluid to flow is called viscosity (η).
Viscous drag
A nonconservative force that is analogous to air resistance.
Increased viscosity of a fluid _____ its viscous drag.
increases
All fluids (except _____, which are not tested on the MCAT) are viscous to one degree or another.
superfluids
Fluids with lower viscosities are said to behave more like ideal fluids, which have _____ and are described as _____.
no viscosity
inviscid
More viscous fluids will _____ while flowing.
“lose” more energy
Unless otherwise indicated, viscosity should be assumed to be _____ on Test Day,
negligible
SI unit of viscosity
pascal-second
Assume conservation of energy in ...
... low-viscosity fluids with laminar flow.
Laminar flow
Laminar flow is smooth and orderly, and is often modeled as layers of fluid that flow parallel to each other, as shown in Figure 4.3.
(Note: The layers will not necessarily have the same linear speed.)
With laminar flow through a pipe or confined space, it is possible to calculate the rate of flow using _____.
Poiseuille’s law
Poiseuille’s law equation
Q is the flow rate (volume flowing per time)
r is the radius of the tube
ΔP is the pressure gradient
η (eta) is the viscosity of the fluid
L is the length of the pipe
The relationship between the radius and pressure gradient is _____. Thus, increasing the radius of a pipe is expected to _____ the pressure of the fluid, and vice versa.
inverse exponential to the fourth power
greatly decrease
Turbulent flow
Turbulent flow is rough and disorderly, and causes the formation of eddies.
Eddies
Swirls of fluid of varying sizes occurring typically on the downstream side of an obstacle.
Critical speed
Critical velocity is the speed and direction at which the flow of a liquid through a tube changes from smooth to turbulent.
Boundary layer
The thin layer of fluid adjacent to the wall where lamina flow occurs during turbulent flow.
The flow speed immediately at the wall is _____ and _____throughout the boundary layer.
zero
increases uniformly
Calculations of energy conservation _____ be applied to turbulent flow systems.
cannot
Critical speed formula
vc is the critical speed
NR is a dimensionless constant called the Reynolds number
η is the viscosity of the fluid
ρ is the density of the fluid
Reynolds number
A dimensionless constant that depends on factors such as the size, shape, and surface roughness of any objects within the fluid.
Streamlines
Streamlines indicate the pathways followed by tiny fluid elements (sometimes called fluid particles) as they move.
The velocity vector of a fluid particle will always be _____ to the streamline at any point.
tangential
The rate at which a given volume (or mass) of incompressible fluid passes by one point must be _____ in a closed system.
the same for all other points
Flow rate
volume per unit time
The flow rate is _____ for a closed system and is independent of _____.
constant
changes in cross-sectional area
Linear speed
Linear speed is a measure of the linear displacement of fluid particles in a given amount of time.
Continuity equation
Q = v1A1 = v2A2
Q is the flow rate
v1 and v2 are the linear speeds of the fluid at points 1 and 2
A1 and A2 are the cross-sectional areas at points 1 and 2
Linear speed of a fluid will _____ with decreasing cross-sectional area.
increase
The continuity equation arises from the _____ of fluids.
conservation of mass
Fluids that have low viscosity and demonstrate laminar flow can also be approximated to be _____.
conservative systems
Bernoulli’s equation
P is the absolute pressure of the fluid
ρ is the density of the fluid
v is the linear speed
g is acceleration due to gravity
h is the height of the fluid above some datum
Dynamic pressure component of Bernoulli's equation
Dynamic pressure
The pressure associated with the movement of a fluid
Dynamic pressure is essentially the ...
... kinetic energy of the fluid divided by volume.
The term ρgh in Bernoulli's equation is essentially ...
... the pressure associated with the mass of fluid sitting above some position.
Energy density
A ratio of energy per unit volume
Pressure can be thought of as _____. Why?
energy density
Multiply units of pressure (N/m^2) * (m/m) to get J/m^3
Static pressure component of Bernoulli's equation
P + ρgh
Static pressure
The pressure associated with a fluid at rest (can be thought of as absolute pressure)
Bernoulli’s equation states, then, that the _____ will be constant. (assumptions?)
sum of the static pressure and dynamic pressure
Assume that the fluid is incompressible and has no viscous drag, and that the container is closed.
More energy dedicated toward fluid movement means _____ energy dedicated toward static fluid pressure.
less
Pitot tubes
Specialized measurement devices that determine the speed of fluid flow by determining the difference between the static and dynamic pressure of the fluid at given points along a tube
Venturi flow meter key points
1. The average height of the tubes remains constant (see: points 1 and 2); Thus, ρgh remains constant at points 1 and 2.
2. When a decrease in absolute pressure is experienced at the wall adjacent to point two due to increased linear speed of the fluid, the column of water will get shorter.
Venturi effect
The reduction in fluid pressure that results when a fluid flows through a constricted section (or choke) of a pipe.
The Venturi effect is the combination of _____ and _____.
Bernoulli's equation
the continuity equation