Fluid Dynamics & Flow Analysis Flashcards
7 cards from real SPED practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fluid Dynamics & Flow Analysis flashcards as text
In a pump-pipeline system, the operating point is defined by the intersection of the:
Answer: Pump head-flow curve (H-Q curve) and the system resistance curve
The operating point is where the pump H-Q curve intersects the system resistance curve, satisfying both the pump performance and system requirements simultaneously.
For compressible gas flow in a long pipeline, which term in the general flow equation can often be neglected compared to friction losses?
Answer: The kinetic energy (velocity head) term
In long gas pipelines, friction dominates and the kinetic energy change (velocity head) term is typically less than 1% of friction losses and is routinely neglected.
The Reynolds number criterion for fully developed turbulent flow in a smooth pipe is generally:
Answer: Re > 10,000
Fully developed turbulent flow is generally established above Re ≈ 10,000, with the transition zone between laminar and turbulent existing roughly between Re = 2,300 and 10,000.
The erosional velocity limit in multiphase piping design (API RP 14E) is used to prevent:
Answer: Mechanical erosion of pipe walls by high-velocity fluid and solids
The API RP 14E erosional velocity Ve = C/√ρm sets an upper velocity limit to prevent wall erosion from high-velocity gas, liquid, and entrained particle impingement.
When two centrifugal pumps are operated in parallel, compared to a single pump at the same total flow:
Answer: Each pump handles approximately half the total flow at the same head
In parallel operation, pumps share the flow at a common discharge head; each pump handles roughly half the system flow while producing the same head as if operated alone.
The Fanning friction factor (f_F) relates to the Darcy-Weisbach friction factor (f_D) by:
Answer: f_D = 4·f_F
The Darcy-Weisbach (Moody) friction factor is exactly four times the Fanning friction factor: f_D = 4·f_F; using the wrong factor causes a fourfold error in pressure drop.
In steam condensate return lines, the occurrence of steam flashing to condensate creates which two-phase flow regime most associated with pipe vibration and water hammer?
Answer: Slug flow
Slug flow, characterized by alternating plugs of liquid and gas, creates intermittent momentum forces and is the primary cause of pipe vibration and water hammer in condensate return systems.