Fluid Mechanics: Pipe Flow and Open Channel Flow

What is the primary reason why circular pipes are commonly used?

What is the purpose of Reynolds' Number?

What is the characteristic of Pipe Flow?

What is the term for the velocity at which the transition from laminar to turbulent flow starts?

What is the definition of wetted perimeter?

What is the characteristic of the most efficient sections in an open channel?

What is the primary advantage of a circular pipe cross-section?

What type of flow occurs when the Reynolds' Number is less than 2100?

What is the primary force exerted by a liquid in an open channel?

What is the term for the depth at which the discharge is maximum for a given total head?

What is the characteristic of a pipe flow?

What is the condition for the transition from laminar to turbulent flow?

What is the primary characteristic of the most efficient sections in an open channel?

What are the three conditions of flow in an open channel?

Pipe Flow and Open Channel Flow

Circular pipe is the most commonly used cross-section of pipes due to its structural strength and simplicity.
Reynolds' Number is the criterion to determine the type of flow.

Flow Types

Turbulent Flow: Reynolds' Number (Re) > 3000
Laminar Flow: Reynolds' Number (Re) < 2100

Pipe Flow Characteristics

Pipe Flow is a flow in a confined or closed conduit carrying fluids under pressure.
Circular pipes have the least resistance to surface friction, resulting in smaller head losses.
The transition from laminar to turbulent flow starts when a certain velocity, known as critical velocity, is attained and exceeded.

Open Channel Flow

The wetted perimeter of any conduit is the line of intersection of its wetted surface with a cross-sectional plane.
There are three conditions of flow in an open channel: Steady Flow, Uniform Flow, and Continuous Flow.
Critical depth is the depth at which, for a given total head, the discharge is maximum or conversely, the depth at which a given flow occurs with minimum content of energy.
Most Efficient sections in an open channel are sections which, for a given slope, channel cross-sectional area, and roughness, the rate of discharge is maximum while the wetted perimeter is minimum.

Hydraulic Jump and Head Loss

Hydraulic jump is an abrupt rise in water surface which results from retarding water flowing at a lower stage.
Major Head Loss: friction
Minor Head Loss: contraction, bends or curves, obstructions, enlargement
The basic formula for friction head loss is the Chezy Formula.
The hydraulic radius is the area of cross-section of the stream divided by the wetted perimeter.

This quiz covers the basics of pipe flow and open channel flow, including the types of flow and pipe flow characteristics. Learn about the Reynolds' Number and its role in determining flow types.