What you will learn
Use continuity and pressure-head relationships; apply Bernoulli’s equation within its limits; identify friction and local losses; read pump and system curves; recognise cavitation risk.
Course syllabus
- 1. Pressure and continuity
From static pressure to mass and volume flow
- 2. Energy and losses
Bernoulli’s equation, friction and the limits of ideal models
- 3. Pumps and cavitation
Operating point, system curve and suction margin
Free lesson · 35m
From static pressure to mass and volume flow
Pressure is normal force per area. In a stationary liquid it changes with elevation according to density and gravity. Pressure head expresses pressure as an equivalent fluid-column height, which is useful for pumps but depends on density. Gauge, absolute and differential pressure must not be mixed.
Conservation of mass gives continuity. For steady incompressible flow, volume flow equals area multiplied by average velocity, so velocity rises when the same flow passes through a smaller area. Compressible gas systems require density change to be included.
A flow reading is credible only when units, fluid state, compensation and meter installation are known. Straight-run limitations, impulse-line condition and incorrect density assumptions can bias the result.
Distinguish gauge, absolute and differential pressure; pressure head depends on density; continuity conserves mass; verify meter installation and compensation.