FUNDAMENTAL OF FLUID FLOW

The previous chapters deals only with fluids at rest, in which the only significant property used is
the weight of the fluid. We will now be dealing with the fluids in motion which is based on the
following principles: the principle of conservation of mass, the energy principle (kinetic and
potential energies, and the principle of momentum.

Definition of Terms:
Fluid Flow – steady or unsteady with respect to time, classified as laminar or turbulent. In order
for a fluid to flow from one point to another, there must be a difference in pressure between the
two points to cause the flow. With no pressure difference, no flow will occur.
Steady Flow – occurs when the discharge passing a given cross-section area is constant with time.
If the flow at the cross section varies with time, the flow is said to be unsteady flow.
Uniform Flow – occurs if, with steady flow for a given reach or length of a stream, the average
velocity of flow is the same at every cross section. This usually occurs when an incompressible
fluid flows through a stream with uniform cross-section. In a stream where the cross-sections and
velocity changes, the flow is said to be non-uniform.
Continuous Flow – occurs when, at any given time, the discharge at every section of the stream
is the same (principle of the law of conservation of mass)

Continuity Equation
𝒎 𝒎𝟑
For Incompressible fluids: 𝑸 = 𝑨𝟏 𝒗𝟏 = 𝑨𝟐 𝒗𝟐 = 𝑨𝟑 𝒗𝟑 = 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 − 𝒎𝟐 ∗ =
𝒔 𝒔

𝒇𝒕 𝒇𝒕𝟑
For Compressible fluids: 𝑸 = 𝝆𝟏 𝑨𝟏 𝒗𝟏 = 𝝆𝟐 𝑨𝟐 𝒗𝟐 = 𝝆𝟑 𝑨𝟑 𝒗𝟑 = 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕 − 𝒇𝒕𝟐 ∗ = –
𝒔 𝒔

1𝑚 = 3.28 𝑓𝑡
𝑸 = 𝜸𝟏 𝑨𝟏 𝒗𝟏 = 𝜸𝟐 𝑨𝟐 𝒗𝟐 = 𝜸𝟑 𝑨𝟑 𝒗𝟑 = 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕

Laminar Flow – the flow is said to be laminar when the path of individual fluid particles of
interest do not cross or intersect. The flow is always laminar when the Reynold’s number is less
than approximately 2,100.
Turbulent Flow - the flow is said to be turbulent when the path of individual fluid particles of
interest continuously cross or intersect each other. The flow is always turbulent when the
Reynold’s number is greater than approximately 2,100, although the most common case it that it
exceed 4,000.

One-Dimensional Flow – occurs when the direction and magnitude of the velocity at all points
are identical in an incompressible fluid.

Two- Dimensional Flow – occurs when the fluid move in planes or parallel planes and the
streamline patterns are identical in each plane.

Streamline – these are imaginary curves drawn through a fluid to indicate the direction of
motion in various sections of the flow in the fluid system,
Stream tubes – these represents the elementary portions of a flowing fluid bounded by a group
of streamlines which confine the flow.
Flow Nets – these are drawn to indicate flow patterns in case of two-dimensional flow.
Energy and Head - the energy possessed by a flowing fluid consists of kinetic and potential
energy. Potential energy is due to position/elevation and energy due to fluid pressure. The
amount of energy per pound or Newton of fluid is called the head.
Kinetic Energy - the ability of the fluid mass to do work by virtue of its velocity.
Potential Energy
Elevation Energy – the energy possessed by the fluid by virtue of its position or elevation with
respect to datum plane
Pressure Energy – consider a closed tank filled with fluid which has a small opening at the top.
Without pressure at the top, the fluid will not actually flow.
Total Energy – the total energy or head in a fluid is the sum of the kinetic and potential energies
to the flow.

Power Efficiency – is the rate at which work is done.

Bernoulli’s Energy Theorem

The Bernoulli’s energy Theorem results from the application of the law of conservation of mass.
This equation can be summarized as follows.
1. Assume the conduit shown in the figure 1 has (inside) diameter of 12 in. And 18 in at sections
1 and 2, respectively. If water is flowing in the conduit at a velocity of 16.6 ft/s at section 2,
find the;
A. Velocity at section 1
B. Volume flow rate at section 1
C. Volume flow rate at section 2
D. Weight flow rate
e. Mass flow rate.

Solution;
A. Velocity at section 1
𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝐴2 𝑉2

1𝑓𝑡 2 1𝑓𝑡 2
(𝜋) (12 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ ∗ ) (𝜋) (18𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ ∗ ) 𝑓𝑡
12 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ 12 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ
(𝑉1 ) = (16.6 )
4 4 𝑠
[ ] [ ]
Type equation here.

𝑓𝑡
𝑉1 = 37.3
𝑠
B. Volume flow rate at section 1

𝑄1 = 𝐴1 𝑉1

12 2
(𝜋) ( ) 𝑖𝑛2 𝑓𝑡
12 ] (37.3)
=[
4 𝑠
 𝑓𝑡 3
𝑄1 = 29.3
𝑠

C. Volume flow rate at section 2

𝑄2 = 𝐴2 𝑉2

18 2
(𝜋 ) ( )
12 ] (16.6)
=[
4

𝑓𝑡 3
𝑄2 = 29.3
𝑠
*since the flow in incompressible, the flow rate is the same at section 1 and 2
D. Weight flow rate

𝑊 = 𝛾𝐴1 𝑉1

12 2
(𝜋 ) ( )
12 ] (37.3)
= 62.4 [
4

𝑙𝑏
𝑊 = 1828
𝑠
E. Mass flow rate.
𝑀 = 𝜌𝐴1 𝑉1

12 2
(𝜋 ) ( )
12 ] (37.7)
= 1.94 [
4

𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔𝑠
𝑀 = 56.8
𝑠

2. A gas flows through a square conduit. At one point along the conduit, the conduit sides are
0.100 m, the velocity is 7.55 m/s, and the gas’s mass density is (for particular pressure and
temperature) 1.09 kg/m^3 at a second point, the conduit sides are 0.250m, and the velocity is
2.02 m/s. Find the mass flow rate of the gas and its mass density at the second point.

𝑀 = 𝜌1 𝐴1 𝑉1 𝑘𝑔
𝑀 = 0.0823
𝑠
= 1.09 [(0.100)(0.100)](7.55)
 𝜌1 𝐴1 𝑉1 = 𝜌2 𝐴2 𝑉2 𝑘𝑔
𝜌2 = 0.652
𝑚3
1.09[(0.100)(0.100)](7.55)
= 𝜌2 [(0.250)(0.250)](2.02)

3. The flow rate of air moving through a square 0.50 m by 0.50 m duct is 160 m^3/min. What is
the mean velocity of the air?

𝑸 = 𝑨𝒗
𝑄
𝑣=
𝐴
𝑚3
160 𝑚𝑖𝑛
=
(0.50)(0.50)𝑚2
𝑚 3.28𝑓𝑡 1𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑡
𝑣 = 640 ∗ ∗ = 34.99
𝑚𝑖𝑛 1𝑚 60𝑠 𝑠

4. The velocity of a liquid (s.g. = 1.26) in a 6 inches pipeline is 1.6 ft/s. Calculate the flow in:
a. Ft^3/s, b. slug/s

𝑀 = 𝜌𝐴𝑣
𝑄 = 𝐴𝑣 6 2
(𝜋 ) ( )
12 ] (1.6)
6 2 = [(1.26)(1.94)] [
(𝜋 ) ( 4
=[ 12) ] (1.6)
4
𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔
= 0.768
𝑠
𝑓𝑡 3
= 0.314
𝑠
5. Oxygen flows in a 3 x 3 inches duct at a pressure of 42 psi and a temperature of 105 ̊F. If
atmospheric pressure is 13.4 psia and the velocity of flow is 18 fps, calculate the weight flow
rate.
𝑝 𝑊 = 𝛾𝐴𝑣
𝛾=
𝑅𝑇
3 3
(42 + 13.4)(144) = (0.2929) [( ) ( ) ] (18)
= 12 12
[(48.2)(460 + 105)]
𝑙𝑏
𝑊 = 0.330
𝑙𝑏 𝑠
𝛾 = 0.2929
𝑓𝑡 3
6. Air at 42 ̊c and at 3 bar absolute pressure flow in a 200 mm diameter conduit at a mean
velocity of 12 m/s. Find the mass flow rate.

𝑀 = 𝜌𝐴𝑣
𝑝 (𝜋)(0.200)2
𝜌= = 3.318 [ ]
𝑅𝑇 4
3𝑥105
= 𝑘𝑔
[(287)(273 + 42)] 𝑀 = 1.25
𝑠
𝑘𝑔
𝜌 = 3.318
𝑚3

7. A 120 mm diameter pipe enlarges to a 180 mm diameter pipe. At section 1 of the smaller pipe,
the density of a gas in steady flow is 200 kg/m^3 and the velocity is 20 m/s; at section 2 of the
larger pipe the velocity i 14 m/s. Find the density of the gas at section 2.

𝜌1 𝐴1 𝑣1 = 𝜌2 𝐴2 𝑣2
(𝜋)(0.120)2 (𝜋)(0.180)2
200 [ ] (20) = (𝜌2 ) [ ] (14)
4 4
𝑘𝑔
𝜌2 = 127
𝑚3
8. A pipeline carries oil (s.g. = 0.86) at v= 2 m/s through a 20 cm id pipe. At another section the
diameter is 8 cm. Find the velocity at this section and mass flow rate.

𝑄 = 𝐴1 𝑣1 0.06283
=
(𝜋)(0.08)2
(𝜋)(0.20)2 [ ]
=[ ] (2) 4
4
𝑚
𝑣 2 = 12.5
𝑚3 𝑠
𝑄 = 0.06283
𝑠 𝑀 = 𝜌𝐴𝑣
𝑄
𝑣2 = (𝜋)(0.20)2
𝐴2 = [(0.86)(1000)] [ ] (2)
4
𝑘𝑔
𝑀 = 54
𝑠
9. Hydrogen is flowing in a 3 inch diameter pipe at the steady rate of 0.3 lb/s. Calculate the
average velocity over a section where the pressure is 30 psia and the temperature is 80 ̊F.

𝑀 = 𝜌𝐴𝑣 𝑝
𝜌=
𝑅𝑇
3 2
(𝜋 ) ( ) (30)(144)
12 ] (𝑣 )
0.03 = (0.01045) [ =
4 [(765.5)(460 + 80)]
𝑙𝑏𝑚
𝑓𝑡 𝜌 = 0.01045
𝑣 = 58.5 𝑓𝑡 3
𝑠

10. Water flows through a 3 inches diameter pipe at a velocity of 10 ft/s. find the (a) volume
flow rate in cfs and gpm (b) weight flow rate and (c) mass flow rate.

𝑄 = 𝐴𝑣

3 2
(𝜋 ) ( )
12 ] (10)
=[
4

𝑄 = 0.4909 𝑐𝑓𝑠
0.4909
= 220 𝑔𝑝𝑚
0.002228

𝑊 = 𝛾𝐴𝑣

3 2
(𝜋 ) ( )
= 62.4 [ 12 ] (10)
4

𝑙𝑏
𝑊 = 30.6
𝑠

𝑀 = 𝜌𝐴𝑣

3 2
(𝜋 ) ( )
12 ] ( )
= 1.94 [ 10
4
 𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔
𝑀 = 0.952
𝑠

11. Oil (s.g = 0.84) is flowing in a pipe under the conditions shown in the figure below. If the
total head loss (ℎ𝐿 )from point 1 to 2 is 3 ft, find the pressure at point 2.

𝑝1 𝑣12 𝑝2 𝑣22
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2 + ℎ𝐿
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔
𝑄 𝑄
𝑉1 = 𝑉2 =
𝐴1 𝐴2

6 2 9 2
(𝜋 ) ( (𝜋 ) ( )
12) ] 12 ]
= 2.08/ [ 2.08/ [
4 4

𝑉1 = 10.59 𝑓𝑡/𝑠 𝑉2 = 4.71 𝑓𝑡/𝑠

(65)(144) 10.592 𝑝2 4.712

+ + 10.70 = + +4+3
[(0.84)(62.4)] [(2)(32.2)] 𝛾 [(2)(32.2)]
𝑝2
= 183.67 𝑓𝑡
𝛾

𝑝2 = [(0.84)(62.4)](183.67)
𝑙𝑏
𝑝2 = 9627
𝑓𝑡 2
12. An 8 inches diameter horizontal pipe is attached to a reservoir, as shown in the figure below.
If the total head loss between the water surface in the reservoir and the water jet at the end of
the pipe is 6 ft, what are the velocity and the flow rate of the water being discharged from the
pipe?

𝑝1 𝑣12 𝑝2 𝑣22
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2 + ℎ𝐿
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔

𝑣22
0 + 0 + 15 = 0 + +0+6
[(2)(32.2)]

𝑣2 = 24.1 𝑓𝑡/𝑠

𝑄 = 𝐴2 𝑣2

8 2
(𝜋 ) ( )
12 ] (24.1)
=[
4

𝑓𝑡 3
𝑄 = 8.41
𝑠
13. A 50 mm diameter siphon is drawing oil (s.g. =0.82) from an oil reservoir, as shown in the
figure below. If the head loss from point 1 to point 2 is 1.50 m and from point 2 to point 3 is
2.40 m, find the discharge of oil from the siphon and the oil pressure at point 2.
 𝑝1 𝑣12 𝑝3 𝑣32
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧3 + ℎ𝐿
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔

𝑣32
0+0+5 = 0+ + 0 + 3.90
[(2)(9.807)]

𝑣3 = 4.645 𝑚/𝑠

𝑄 = 𝐴3 𝑉3

50 2
(𝜋 ) (
1000) ] (
[ 4.645)
4

𝑚3
𝑣3 = 0.00912
𝑠

𝑝1 𝑣12 𝑝2 𝑣22
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2 + ℎ𝐿
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔

𝑝2 4.6452
0+0+5 = + + 7 + 1.5
𝛾 [(2)(9.807)]
𝑝2
= −4.60 𝑚
𝛾
𝑝2 = [(0.82)(9.79)](−4.60)
 𝑘𝑁
𝑝2 = −36.9
𝑚2

14. Water is to be delivered from a reservoir through a pipe to a lower level and discharged into
the air, as shown in the figure below. If head loss in the entire system is 11.58 m, determine
the vertical distance between the point of water discharge and the water surface in the
reservoir.

𝑄
𝑣2 =
𝐴2
0.00631
=
50 2
(𝜋 ) ( )
[ 1000 ]
4

𝑉2 = 3.214 𝑚/𝑠

𝑝1 𝑣12 𝑝2 𝑣22
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2 + ℎ𝐿
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔

3.2142
0 + 0 + 𝑧1 = 0 + + 0 + 11.58
[(2)(9.807)]

𝑧1 = 12.11 𝑚
15. A large tank contains compressed air, gasoline at specific gravity 0.68, light oil at specific
gravity o.80, and water, as shown in the figure below. The pressure p of the air is 120 kPa
gage. If we neglect friction, what is the mass flow of oil from a 20 mm diameter jet?
 𝑝1 = 120 + [(0.68)(9.79)](2)
𝑘𝑁
𝑝1 = 133.3
𝑚2
𝑝1 𝑣12 𝑝2 𝑣22
+ + 𝑧1 = + + 𝑧2 + ℎ𝐿
𝛾 2𝑔 𝛾 2𝑔

133.3 𝑣22
+0+0=0+ +4+0
[(0.80)(9.79)] [(2)(9.807)]
𝑚
𝑣2 = 15.98
𝑠
𝑀 = 𝜌𝐴𝑣

20 2
(𝜋 ) ( )
= [(0.80)(1000)] [ 1000 ] (15.98)
4

𝑀 = 4.02 𝑘𝑔/𝑠