Question

A tube of length l and radius R carries a steady flow of fluid whose density is ρ and viscosity η. The fluid flow velocity depends on the distance r from the axis of the tube as v = v_o (1-r²/R²). Find:

(a) the volume of the fluid flowing across the section of the tube per unit time;

(b) the kinetic energy of the fluid within the tube's volume;

(c) the friction force exerted on the tube by the fluid;

(d) the pressure difference at the ends of the tube.

Answer 1

(a) Let dV be the volume flowing per second through the cylindrical shell of thickness dr then, 

(b) Let, dE be the kinetic energy, within the above cylindrical shell. Then

(c) Here frictional force is the shearing force on the tube, exerted by the fluid, which equals -ηSdv/dt

(d) Taking a cylindrical shell of thickness dr and radius r viscous force,