VIS U AL P HYS ICS

S ch ool of P h ysi cs
U n i v er si t y of S yd n ey Au st r a l i a

FLUID FLOW
IDEAL FLUID
BERNOULLI'S PRINCIPLE

How can a plane fly?

? How does a perfume spray work?
What is the venturi effect?
Why does a cricket ball swing or a baseball curve?

IDEAL FLUID

Fluid motion is usually very complicated. However, by making a set

of assumptions about the fluid, one can still develop useful models of
fluid behaviour. An ideal fluid is
Incompressible the density is constant
Irrotational the flow is smooth (streamline or laminar), no
turbulence
Nonviscous fluid has no internal friction ( = 0)
Steady flow the velocity of the fluid at each point is constant
in time.

BERNOULLI'S EQUATION (conservation of ENERGY)

An interesting effect is that, for a fluid (e.g. air) flowing through a pipe
with a constriction in it, the fluid pressure is lowest at the constriction.
In terms of the equation of continuity the fluid pressure falls as the
flow speed increases.

The reason is easy to understand. The fluid has different speeds

and hence different kinetic energies at different parts of the tube.
The changes in energy must result from work being done on the fluid
and the only forces in the tube that might do work on the fluid are the
driving forces associated with changes in pressure from place to
place.

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 Conservation of energy
A pressurized fluid must contain energy by the virtue that work
must be done to establish the pressure.
A fluid that undergoes a pressure change undergoes an energy
change.

A1 A1
A2

v2 v1
v1
Low speed high speed Low speed
Low KE high KE Low KE
High pressure low pressure High pressure

Derivation of Bernoulli's equation

Y x2 p2

m A2
v2
X

time 2

p1 x1
y2
A1 m
v1

y1 time 1

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 2
 Mass element m moves from (1) to (2)

m = A1 x1 = A2 x2 = V where V = A1 x1 = A2 x2

Equation of continuity A V = constant

A1 v1 = A2 v2 A1 > A2 v1 < v2

Since v1 < v2 the mass element has been accelerated by the net
force

F1 F2 = p1 A1 p2 A2

Mass element has an increase in KE

K = m v22 - m v12 = V v22 - V v12

Mass element has an increase in GPE

U = m g y2 m g y1 = V g y2 = V g y1

The increase in KE and GPE comes from the net work done on the
mass element by the forces F1 and F2 (the sample of mass m, in
moving from a region of higher pressure to a region of lower
pressure, has positive work done on it by he surrounding fluid)

Wnet = F1 x1 F2 x2 = p1 A1 x1 p2 A2 x2
Wnet = p1 V p2 V = K + U

p1 V p2 V =
V v22 - V v12 + V g y2 - V g y1

Rearranging

p1 + v12 + g y1 = p2 + v22 + g y2
! This is Bernoulli's equation.

We can also write, for any point along a flow tube or streamline

p + v 2 + g y = constant

This is Bernoulli's theorem.

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 3
! Bernoulli's theorem only applies to an ideal fluid. Can not use
Bernoulli's Principle when the viscosity is significant. Can be applied
to gases provided there are only small changes in pressure.

Dimensions

p [Pa] = [N.m-2] = [N.m.m-3] = [J.m-3]

v 2 [kg.m-3.m2.s-2] = [kg.m.s-2.m.m-3] = [N.m.m-3] = [J.m-3]

gh [kg.m-3 m.s-2. m] = [kg.m.s-2.m.m-3] = [N.m.m-3] = [J.m-3]

Each term has the dimensions of energy / volume or energy density.

v2 KE of bulk motion of fluid

gh GPE for location of fluid

p pressure energy density arising from internal forces within

moving fluid (similar to energy stored in a spring)

Consequences of Bernoulli's Theorem

A portion of a fluid made to move rapidly sustains a lower

pressure than does the portion of fluid moving slowly. Using
Galilean principle of relatively it is easier to consider the
objects to be stationary and the fluid moving

What happens when two ships or trucks pass alongside each other?

? Have you noticed this effect in driving across the Sydney Harbour
Bridge?

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 4
 force

high speed
low pressure

force

p large p large

p small

v small v large v small

!
Venturi Effect
A fast jet of air emerging from a small nozzle will have a lower
pressure than the surrounding atmospheric pressure. The Venturi
effect is used in many types of drainage systems. When you are in
the dentist's chair, the dentist uses a device based on the Venturi
effect to remove saliva out of your mouth. The device is connected
to a tap. Water flows fast past the constriction, causing the pressure
to drop inside the long tube. When the other end of this tube is
immersed in a pool of saliva, the higher pressure outside forces the

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 5
 saliva up the tube, and away. In a cotton picker, air flows instead of
water to pick up cotton!

high velocity flow

high low pressure velocity increased

pressure decreased
pressure
(patm)

The chimney effect Just the venturi effect being used to pick
material up. In most automobiles, petrol is pushed into the
carburettor in this way.

Atomizer This same effect makes atomizers, perfume sprayers,

insect sprayers, nebulizers and spray guns work. It is most
important that the free surface of the liquid should be open to the
atmosphere, else the high pressure outside the container and the low
pressure inside will result in the container being crushed (the
enclosure must be vented). Fly sprays always have a small air hole.
Remember the fluid is caused to move from a container by a
pressure difference the fluid is pushed not sucked

How can you drink from a straw?

?
Model for a knee in fluid flow (river going around a bend)
Where does the flow speed up and slow down?

? How does the pressure change as the liquid goes round the corner?
It can be observed that the streamlines hug the sharp corner. But far
enough before the corner, and far enough after it, they are parallel
and equally spaced. Consider the liquid flowing between lines 1 and
2. Its cross-sectional area decreases near the corner, so the liquid

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 6
 speeds up there. The fluid between lines 3 and 4 has its area
increased near the corner, so it slows down.

Remembering that pressure can also be thought of as force per unit

area, we see that the fluid must be exerting an extra large force on
the tube at the outside corner. Bernoulli's principle slower speed
higher pressure, the higher pressure is on the outside corner of the
bend.

5 slow flow
(streamlines
further apart)
high pressure
1

Same speed
and pressure
across river

faster flow
(streamlines
closer together)
low pressure

Arteriosclerosis and vascular flutter

Arteriosclerosis arises when plaque builds up on the inner walls of
arteries, restricting blood flow. Any such obstruction results in a
Venturi pressure drop.

In an advanced stage of the disease, pressure differences across

artery causes it to collapse. Backed up blood will produce extra
pressure which will force it open, only to collapse again. This gives
vascular flutter which can be heard with a stethoscope.

A similar effect occurs in snoring.

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 7
 artery

Flow speeds up at External forces causes

constriction artery to collapse
Pressure is lower
Internal force acting on
artery wall is reduced

head
arm arm

lung
lung
heart
trunk
leg
leg

Why does smoke go up a chimney?

? Partly hot air rises (air less dense)
Partly Bernoulli's principle (wind blows across top of chimney
reducing pressure at the top)

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 8
 In a serve storm how does a house loose its roof?
? Air flow is disturbed by the house. The "streamlines" crowd around
the top of the roof faster flow above house reduced pressure
above roof than inside the house room lifted off because of
pressure difference.

? How can a table tennis ball float in a moving air stream?

The flow of moving air around the ball can be asymmetrical so that
there is a higher pressure on one side of the ball than the other. If the
ball begins to leave the jet stream of air, the higher pressure outside
the jet of air pushed the ball back into the flow.

Why do rabbits not suffocate in the burrows?

? Air must circulate. The burrows must have two entrances. Air flows
across the two holes is usually slightly different slight pressure
difference forces flow of air through burrow.
One hole is usually higher than the other and the a small mound is
built around the holes to increase the pressure difference.

Why do racing cars wear skirts?

? Racing cars are designed so that the air beneath the car moves
faster than above it large downward force on the car
increased normal force increased frictional force better grip
and propulsion of the car.

? How can we describe the flow of a liquid from a tank (many

applications)

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 (1) Point on surface of liquid

y1

v2 = ? m.s-1

y2
(2) Point just outside hole

Assume liquid behaves as an ideal fluid and that Bernoulli's equation

can be applied

p1 + v12 + g y1 = p2 + v22 + g y2
A small hole is at level (2) and the water level at (1) drops slowly
v1 = 0

p1 = patm p2 = patm

g y1 = v22 + g y2

v22 = 2 g (y1 y2) = 2 g h h = (y1 - y2)

v2 = (2 g h) Torricelli formula (1608 1647)

This is the same velocity as a particle falling freely through a height h

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 10
 How do you measure the speed of flow for a fluid?
?
One method is to use a manometer type venturi meter.

(1)

(2)

v1 = ? F

Assume liquid behaves as an ideal fluid and that Bernoulli's equation

can be applied for the flow along a streamline

p1 + v12 + g y1 = p2 + v22 + g y2

y1 = y 2

p1 p2 = F (v22 - v12)

p1 - p2 = m g h

A1 v1 = A2 v2 v2 = v1 (A1 / A2)

m g h = F {v12 (A1 / A2)2- v12} = F v12 {(A1 / A2)2 - 1}

2 g h m
v1 =
A 2
F 1
1
A2

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 11
 How does a siphon work?
? How fast does the liquid come out?
C

A yC

B yA

yB
D

Assume that the liquid behaves as an ideal fluid and that both the
equation of continuity and Bernoulli's equation can be used.

Heights: yD = 0 yB yA yC

Pressures: pA = patm = pD

Consider a point A on the surface of the liquid in the container and

the outlet point D.
Apply Bernoulli's principle to these points

pA + vA2 + g yA = pD + vD2 + g yD

vD2 = 2 (pA pD) / + vA2 + 2 g (yA - yD)

pA pD = 0 yD = 0 assume vA2 << vD2

vD = (2 g yA )

Now consider the points C and D and apply Bernoulli's principle to

these points

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 pC + vC2 + g yC = pD + vD2 + g yD

From equation of continuity vC = vD

pC = pD + g (yD - yC) = patm + g (yD - yC)

The pressure at point C can not be negative

patm + g (yD - yC) 0

pC 0 and yD = 0

pC = patm - g yC 0

yC patm / ( g)

For a water siphon

patm ~ 105 Pa g ~ 10 m.s-1 ~ 103 kg.m-3

yC 105 / {(10)(103)} m

yC 10 m

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 13
 For streamline steady flow what is the difference between a
? nonviscous and viscous fluid flowing through a pipe?

Ideal fluid

Real fluid

For the viscous fluid there is a gradual decrease in pressure along

the pipe.

Viscosity frictional forces energy lost by heating fluid

increase in internal energy of fluid increase in temperature of
fluid.

? Where does the energy come from?

Equation of continuity still applies energy can not come from KE

of fluid energy must be provided from the energy of the fluid
pressure drop along tube.

Home activity

Shake a can of soft drink vigorously when outside. Then carefully

open the can. Becareful not to wet yourself or someone else.
What happens and why?
Where did the energy come from and go?

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 14
 Get a table tennis ball. Blow a steam of air from your mouth vertically
and balance the ball in the air stream.

Hold a piece of paper and blow across it the paper will rise.

Hold a piece of paper in each hand let the papers hang vertically
blow a stream of air between the pages they should come together.

Floating ball

Daniel Bernoulli (1700 1782)

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 15
? A large artery in a dog has an inner radius of 4.0010-3 m. Blood
flows through the artery at the rate of 1.0010-6 m3.s-1. The blood has
a viscosity of 2.08410-3 Pa.s and a density of 1.06103 kg.m-3.

Calculate:
(i) The average blood velocity in the artery.
(ii) The pressure drop in a 0.100 m segment of the artery.
(iii) The Reynolds number for the blood flow.

Briefly discuss each of the following:

(iv) The velocity profile across the artery (diagram may be

helpful).
(v) The pressure drop along the segment of the artery.
(vi) The significance of the value of the Reynolds number
calculated in part (iii).
Semester 1, 2004 Exam question
Solution
radius R = 4.0010-3 m
volume flow rate Q = 1.0010-6 m3.s-1
viscosity of blood = 2.08410-3 Pa.s
density of blood = 1.06010-3 kg.m-3

(i) Equation of continuity: Q = A v

A = R2 = (4.0010-3)2 = 5.0310-5 m2
v = Q / A = 1.0010-6 / 5.0310-5 m.s-1 = 1.9910-2 m.s-1
(ii) Poiseuilles Equation
Q = P R4 / (8 L) L = 0.100 m
P = 8 L Q / ( R 4 )
P = (8)(2.08410-3)(0.1)(1.0010-6) / {()(4.0010-3)4} Pa
P = 2.07 Pa
(iii) Reynolds Number
Re = v L / where L = 2 R (diameter of artery)
Re = (1.060103)(1.9910-2)(2)(4.0010-3 ) / (2.08410-3)
Re = 81
use diameter not length

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 16
 (iv) Parabolic velocity profile: velocity of blood zero at sides of artery

Flow of a viscous newtonain fluid through a pipe

Velocity Profile

Cohesive forces
between molecules
layers of fluid slide past
each other generating
frictional forces
energy dissipated (like Parabolic velocity
rubbing hands together) profile

Adhesive forces between fluid and surface fluid

stationary at surface

(v) Viscosity internal friction energy dissipated as thermal energy

pressure drop along artery

(vi) Re very small laminar flow (Re < 2000)

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 17
 A pitot tube can be used to determine the speed of an
aeroplane relative to the surrounding air. The device consists
of a U shaped tube containing a fluid with a density . One
? end of the tube A opens to the air at the side of the plane,
the other end B is open to the air in the direction the plane is
flying so that the air stagnant at this location (zero speed).
Show that the speed of the plane can be expressed in terms
of the difference in the height h of the fluid in the manometer
tube as

v = 2gh
air
where air is the density of the air.

v
A

B h

Solution
Apply Bernoullis Principle to the points at the front (B) and side (A) of
the plane. For air the elevations yA and yB are essentially the same and
the speed vB = 0 m.s-1.

a03/p1/fluids/flow3.doc 18
 p A + 1 2 air vA 2 + air gy A = pB + 1 2 vB 2 + air gyB

p = p B p A = 1
2 air v A2
For the liquid of density in the manometer

p = gh
Equating the two expressions for p

p = gh = 1
2 air v A2

v = v A = 2 gh
air

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