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Ch 14: Fluids and Elasticity
Chapter 14, Problem 14

20°C water flows through a 2.0-m-long, 6.0-mm-diameter pipe. What is the maximum flow rate in L/min for which the flow is laminar?

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Identify the properties of the fluid and the pipe. Here, the fluid is water at 20°C, the length of the pipe (L) is 2.0 m, and the diameter (D) of the pipe is 6.0 mm.
Convert the diameter from millimeters to meters for consistency in units. Since 1 mm = 0.001 m, a 6.0 mm diameter equals 0.006 m.
Use the Reynolds number formula for determining the flow regime. The Reynolds number (Re) is given by Re = \( \frac{\rho v D}{\mu} \), where \( \rho \) is the density of the fluid, \( v \) is the flow velocity, \( D \) is the diameter of the pipe, and \( \mu \) is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid.
Find the values for the density and dynamic viscosity of water at 20°C. Typically, \( \rho \approx 998 \, \text{kg/m}^3 \) and \( \mu \approx 0.001 \, \text{Pa} \cdot \text{s} \) for water at this temperature.
Calculate the maximum flow velocity for laminar flow by ensuring the Reynolds number is less than 2000. Solve for \( v \) in the Reynolds number equation using the critical value of 2000, and then calculate the flow rate (Q) using the formula Q = \( v \times \text{Area} \), where Area = \( \pi \times \left(\frac{D}{2}\right)^2 \). Convert the flow rate from cubic meters per second to liters per minute for the final answer.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Laminar Flow

Laminar flow is a type of fluid motion characterized by smooth, parallel layers of fluid that do not mix. In laminar flow, the fluid moves in an orderly fashion, and the flow is typically stable and predictable. This type of flow occurs at low velocities and is defined by a Reynolds number (Re) less than 2000, which is a dimensionless quantity that helps predict flow patterns in different fluid flow situations.
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Reynolds Number

The Reynolds number is a dimensionless value that helps determine the flow regime of a fluid. It is calculated using the formula Re = (ρvD)/μ, where ρ is the fluid density, v is the flow velocity, D is the characteristic length (like pipe diameter), and μ is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid. A Reynolds number below 2000 indicates laminar flow, while values above 4000 suggest turbulent flow, with a transitional range in between.
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Flow Rate

Flow rate is the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time, commonly expressed in liters per minute (L/min). It is influenced by factors such as the fluid's velocity, the cross-sectional area of the pipe, and the fluid's viscosity. Understanding flow rate is essential for determining whether the flow remains laminar or transitions to turbulent, as it directly affects the Reynolds number and the behavior of the fluid in the system.
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