FLUID FLOW

PROF. A.I.ESHIET
 Fluid Flow

Definition:
Fluid- This is a form of matter which could be liquid
or gas.
Flow- This is the movement of a mass of a
substance(Fluid) per unit time(L/sec.).
 Fluid Flow

Introduction:
Pressure gradient is required for flow to occur
Fluid shape is continuously subjected to shearing
force.
The configuration of the tube affects the pattern of
flow.
The pattern of flow influences the efficiency of the
fluid movement.
 Introduction

Fluid flow is affected by physical characteristics-

viscosity and density.

Physical laws and principles govern fluid flow.

 Fluid Flow

Viscosity : This is the resistance of fluid to solid

particles passing through it.

Unit of viscosity is Pascal per second(Pa.s)

Density: This is the mass of a substance occupying a

a unit volume( mass per unit volume).
 The unit of density is Kg . m -3
 Fluid Flow

Types of Flow:

Laminar

Transitional

Turbulent
Laminar flow
 Fluid Flow

Laminar Flow:
Pressure gradient is a pre-requisite
Streamline in a smooth tube
Depends on viscosity.
Reynolds number is < 2000
Velocity of flow is low
Flow velocity; maximum in the centre of the tube.
The flow has a parabolic profile.
Fresh gas flow gets to the patient well ahead of the
whole content.
 Fluid Flow

Laminar Flow:
This is governed by Hagen-Poiseulle’s equation: Q=
Q = Flow
P= Pressure
r = radius
ɳ = Viscosity
π = Constant
Decrease in radius results in an increase in resistance
to the power of four.
Turbulent flow
 Fluid Flow

Turbulent Flow:
The particles are in random motion.
Occurs during high velocity
Flow through irregularly shaped tube
Occurs when resistance to fluid flow is high
It is affected by the density of the fluid.
Has a square front- fresh gas gets to the patient
when it is equal to the volume of the tube.
Reynolds number is > 4000.
 Fluid Flow

Reynolds Number:
A dimensionless index
Predicts flow pattern; transition from laminar to
turbulent flow.
Directly proportional to fluid velocity, density and
diameter.
Inversely proportional to viscosity.
 Fluid Flow

Reynolds Number:
Re = vpd/ɳ
v= linear velocity
p= density
d= diameter
ɳ= viscosity
 Fluid Flow

Graph of Pressure –Flow Relationship for Laminar

Flow:
 Fluid Flow

Laminar Flow requires low pressure.

Work of breathing is lower

 Fluid Flow

Graph of Pressure-Flow Relationship for Turbulent

Flow:
 Fluid Flow

Turbulence decreases flow at any given pressure.

 The use of low density helium improves flow.
 Effect of Fluid Flow
Bernoulli’s Principle:
When fluid passing through a tube encounters
a constriction, the pressure(potential energy)
decreases while the velocity (kinetic energy)
increases at that point.
As the fluid passes beyond the point of
constriction, the pressure rises again. A side
arm introduced at the point of lower pressure
entrains a second fluid.
Effect of Fluid Flow
 Effect of Fluid Flow

Venturi Principle:
The entrainment of fluid through a side arm
due to a fall in pressure at a point of
constriction is referred to as the Venturi
effect.
 Effect of Fluid Flow

Application of Venturi Principle:

 Venturi principle is applied in devices that employ
air entrainment.
-fixed performance O2 therapy devices.
-suction machine
-ejector flow meters
-scavenging system
 Effect of Fluid Flow

Factors Affecting Venturi Principle

-position of the side arm
-shape of the constriction
-diameter of the limb distal to the point
of constriction.
VENTURI ILLUSTRATION
 Effect of Fluid Flow

Coanda Effect
This is the tendency of a jet of fluid, emerging
from an orifice, to flow along an adjacent flat
or convex surface and entrain air from the
surrounding with the development of a low pressure
area.
This is applied in the use of ventilators.
COANDA ILLUSTRATION
COANDA ILLUSTRATION