THE PRACTICE STUDIO
Go slowly. Ask why. Make it yours.
PRACTICE / Viscosity
A flow controller pays a pressure cost
A pump holds a Newtonian liquid’s volume flow fixed through a long circular tube. Initially the measuring segment loses 150 Pa. Its radius is halved while length and viscosity remain fixed. Assume both states retain fully developed laminar no-slip flow.
What pressure drop is now required across the segment?
Organize the givens & assumptions
- Initial pressure drop = 150 Pa
- Final radius = half the initial radius
- Fixed volume flow, length and viscosity
Steady or explicitly quasi-steady incompressible Newtonian flow; constant viscosity; long straight rigid circular tubes, stationary no-slip walls and fully developed laminar profiles. Neglect entrance, exit and connector losses unless stated. Verify the stated fixed-flow or fixed-pressure condition.
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- B
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- D
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