FLOW IN PIPES & OPEN CHANNELS

Typical Open Channel Shapes

 Weight Flow Rate
It is defined as the weight of any Fluid passing through any
section per unit time. It is denoted by G.

G=W/t
G=spec. weight*Q
 CONTINUITY EQUATION
This equation is based on the law of conservation of mass. It states
that “ For an ideal fluid flowing in a pipe, the mass flow rate at
each section of the pipe always remains constant”
Q
P v1
v2

A1 A2
 Mass Flux

• Tube of flow: bundle of streamlines

Q
P
v1
v2

A1 A2
 m1
 m1  1 A1v1 t  mass flux  1 A1v1
 t1
 Conservation of Mass (Continuity Equation)

• IF: no sources and no sinks/drains

1 A1v1  2 A2v2  constant
A1v1  A2v2  constant, for incompressible fluid

– Narrower tube == larger speed, fast

– Wider tube == smaller speed, slow
 Everyday Life Example
• Open a Tap, the
stream of water gets
narrower as it falls.

• Velocity increases due to

gravity as water flow down,
thus, the area must get
narrower.