CLASS 11 PHYSICS

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FLUID

BERNOULLI’S PRINCIPLE

Bernoulli’s Principle

Bernoulli’s principle states that

The total mechanical energy of the moving fluid comprising the gravitational potential
energy of elevation, the energy associated with the fluid pressure and the kinetic energy of
the fluid motion, remains constant.

Bernoulli’s principle can be derived from the principle of conservation of energy.

Bernoulli’s Principle Formula

Bernoulli’s equation formula is a relation between pressure, kinetic energy, and gravitational
potential energy of a fluid in a container.

The formula for Bernoulli’s principle is given as follows:

1
p + ρv 2 + ρgh = constant
2

Where p is the pressure exerted by the fluid, v is the velocity of the fluid, ρ is the density of
the fluid and h is the height of the container.

Bernoulli’s equation gives great insight into the balance between pressure, velocity and
elevation.

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Bernoulli’s Equation Derivation

Consider a pipe with varying diameter and height through which an incompressible fluid is
flowing. The relationship between the areas of cross-sections A, the flow speed v, height from
the ground y, and pressure p at two different points 1 and 2 are given in the figure below.

Assumptions:

The density of the incompressible fluid remains constant at both points.

The energy of the fluid is conserved as there are no viscous forces in the fluid.

Therefore, the work done on the fluid is given as:

dW = F1dx1 – F2dx2

dW = p1A1dx1 – p2A2dx2

dW = p1dv – p2dv = (p1 – p2)dv

We know that the work done on the fluid was due to the conservation of change in
gravitational potential energy and change in kinetic energy. The change in kinetic energy of
the fluid is given as:

1 1 1
dK = m2 v22 − m1 v12 = ρdv(v22 − v12 )
2 2 2

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The change in potential energy is given as:

dU = m2gy2 – m1gy1 = ρdvg(y2 – y1)

Therefore, the energy equation is given as:

dW = dK + dU

1
(p1 − p2 )dv = ρdv(v22 − v12 ) + ρdvg(y2 − y1 )
2

1
p1 − p2 ) = ρ(v22 − v12 ) + ρg(y2 − y1 )
2

Rearranging the above equation, we get

1 1
p1 + ρv12 + ρgy1 = p2 + ρv22 + ρgy2
2 2

This is Bernoulli’s equation.

Principle of Continuity

According to the principle of continuity

If the fluid is in streamline flow and is in-compressible then we can say that mass of fluid
passing through different cross sections are equal.

From the above situation, we can say the mass of liquid inside the container remains the
same.

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The rate of mass entering = Rate of mass leaving

The rate of mass entering = ρA1V1Δt—– (1)

The rate of mass entering = ρA2V2Δt—– (2)

Using the above equations,

ρA1V1=ρA2V2

This equation is known as the Principle of Continuity.

Suppose we need to calculate the speed of efflux for the following setup.

Using Bernoulli’s equation at point 1 and point 2,

1 1
p + ρv12 + ρgh = p0 + ρv22
2 2

v22 = v12 + 2pρ − 2p0 ρ + 2gh

Generally, A2 is much smaller than A1; in this case, v12 is very much smaller than v22 and can
be neglected. We then find,

p − p0
v22 = 2 + 2gh
ρ

Assuming A2<<A1,

We get,

v2 = √2gh

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Hence, the velocity of efflux is

√2gh

Bernoulli’s Principal Use

Bernoulli’s principle is used for studying the unsteady potential flow which is used in the
theory of ocean surface waves and acoustics. It is also used for approximation of parameters
like pressure and speed of the fluid.

The other applications of Bernoulli’s principle are:

Venturi meter:

It is a device that is based on Bernoulli’s theorem and is used for measuring the rate of flow
of liquid through the pipes. Using Bernoulli’s theorem, Venturi meter formula is given as:

2hg
V = A1 A2 √
A21 − A22

Working of an aeroplane: The shape of the wings is such that the air passes at a higher speed
over the upper surface than the lower surface. The difference in airspeed is calculated using
Bernoulli’s principle to create a pressure difference.

When we are standing at a railway station and a train comes we tend to fall towards the train.
This can be explained using Bernoulli’s principle as the train goes past, the velocity of air
between the train and us increases. Hence, from the equation, we can say that the pressure
decreases. So the pressure from behind pushes us towards the train. This is based on
Bernoulli’s effect.

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Relation between Conservation of Energy and Bernoulli’s Equation

Conservation of energy is applied to the fluid flow to produce Bernoulli’s equation. The net
work done results from a change in a fluid’s kinetic energy and gravitational potential
energy. Bernoulli’s equation can be modified depending on the form of energy involved.
Other forms of energy include the dissipation of thermal energy due to fluid viscosity.

Bernoulli’s Equation at Constant Depth

When the fluid moves at a constant depth that is when h1 = h2, then Bernoulli’s equation is
given as:

1 1
P1 + 2 ρv12 = P2 + 2 ρv22

Bernoulli’s Equation for Static Fluids

When the fluid is static, then v1 = v2 = 0, then Bernoulli’s equation is given as:

When v1 = v2 = 0 P1 + ρgh1 = P2 + ρgh2

When h2 = 0 P2 = P1 + ρgh1