Why Does Bernoulli's Equation Apply to Wind Tunnels?

In summary, the conversation discusses the application of Bernoulli's equation in wind tunnels and pitot-static probes. While the textbook describes it as applying only to streamlines, it actually holds in steady, incompressible, inviscid flow in general. As long as each streamline originates with the same total pressure, they can all be compared, making it applicable in the mentioned cases.
  • #1
oshep
4
0
I hope this question doesn't have too obvious of an answer.

Basically, I still cannot grasp why Bernoulli's equation applies for wind tunnels and pitot-static probes. According to my textbook ("Introduction to Flight" by Anderson), Bernoulli's equation holds only when comparing two points along a streamline. So, why does the equation apply to wind tunnels as a whole? Aren't wind tunnels made up of many streamlines?

In addition, why can Bernoulli's equation be applied to pitot-static probes? Aren't the total pressure and static pressure being measured on two different streamlines? And if that is true, why does Bernoulli's equation hold?

Please help, the text describes Bernoulli's equation as applying only to streamlines, but does not specify why it then applies to wind tunnels and pitot-static probes.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
It's not just along a streamline. It holds in a steady, incompressible, inviscid flow in general. As long as each streamline originates with the same total pressure, they can all be compared. This is generally the case in the instances you cite.
 
  • #3
Makes perfect sense! Thanks so much!
 

Related to Why Does Bernoulli's Equation Apply to Wind Tunnels?

1. What is Bernoulli's equation and how does it relate to wind tunnels?

Bernoulli's equation is a fundamental principle in fluid dynamics that states that as the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. This is known as the principle of conservation of energy and is often used to explain the lift of an airplane wing. In wind tunnels, Bernoulli's equation is used to analyze the flow of air over a model and predict its behavior in real-world conditions.

2. Why is Bernoulli's equation specifically applicable to wind tunnels?

Bernoulli's equation applies to wind tunnels because the air flow within a wind tunnel is typically streamlined, similar to the conditions of flow in which Bernoulli's equation was derived. Additionally, wind tunnels are designed to control and measure the air flow, making it easier to apply Bernoulli's equation and analyze the results.

3. Can Bernoulli's equation be used to accurately predict the behavior of real-world air flow?

While Bernoulli's equation is a useful tool for understanding and predicting air flow, it is not a perfect representation of real-world conditions. Air flow in the real world is often more complex and turbulent, and there are other factors, such as viscosity, that can affect the behavior of air. However, Bernoulli's equation is a good starting point for analyzing air flow and can provide valuable insights.

4. How do the variables in Bernoulli's equation relate to wind tunnels?

Bernoulli's equation includes variables such as fluid speed, pressure, and density, which all have direct applications in wind tunnel testing. For example, the velocity of the air in a wind tunnel can be adjusted to simulate different real-world conditions, and the pressure measurements can be used to calculate lift and drag forces on a model.

5. Are there any limitations to using Bernoulli's equation in wind tunnel experiments?

As mentioned earlier, Bernoulli's equation is not a perfect representation of real-world conditions and there are other factors that can affect air flow. Additionally, wind tunnels have their own limitations, such as the size and shape of the model being tested and the accuracy of the measurements being taken. Therefore, while Bernoulli's equation is a useful tool, it should be used in conjunction with other methods to get a more comprehensive understanding of air flow in wind tunnels.

Similar threads

I Help Regarding Application of Bernoulli in a Boundary Layer
    • Classical Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Applying Bernoulli's equation to problems involving a perfect gas
    • Classical Physics
Replies
8
Views
687
Bernoulli Principle For Pitot Tubes
    • Mechanics
Replies
14
Views
3K
Sticky card Application of Bernoulli / Pressure incorrect?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
791
Bernoulli equation and parallel pipe branch
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
31
Views
2K
Bernoulli's equation, different streamlines, and wings
    • Mechanics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Fluid Mechanics: Momentum Equation- When to include p_atm in equation?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
Pressure and flow speed relationship in wind tunnel
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
3K
Does Bernoulli's equation apply to a fountain?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
I Work - Energy Principle Application to Fluid Flow
    • Classical Physics
2
Replies
35
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top