Bernoulli's Equation Explained
In our research, we used a simple system of pipes to test Bernoulli's principle. Bernoulli's principle is derived from his equation, and the Bernoulli Principle states: If the velocity of a fluid particle increases as it travels along a horizontal streamline, the pressure of the fluid must decrease, and conversely. This principle can be applied to any fluid, including air, and is used in calculating the mechanics of flight. To test Bernoulli's Principle, we constructed a simple system of pipes, in which water flowed through two different diameter pipes. As the water flowed through these pipes, we collected pressure data and velocity data. The pressures were collected using two LabPro pressure sensors, and the velocity of water through the pipes was measured by calculating the flow rate of the system divided by the area of the pipes. We collected flow rates and pressures as water flowed through the system at two different rates. We used the flow rates to calculate the velocities. We inputted the velocities and pressures we collected into Bernoulli's equation, along with the height between the two pipes, the density of the fluid, and the gravitational force, which all remained constant in our experiment. After calculating both sides of Bernoulli's equation, we found the result of both sides of the equation were within reasonable variation. The data collected for both flow rates was very accurate and precise, and both sets of data supported Bernoulli's equation.
Research Done By:
Mark Borden
Cousino High School
Thomas Carter
Cousino High School
Warren Consolidated Schools