Fluid Flow

8. Dimensional Flow
(i) One dimensional flow:
Flow is one dimensional if the flow parameters (such as velocity,
pressure etc.) at a given instant in time only vary in the direction of
flow and not across the cross-section. The flow may be unsteady, in
this case the parameter vary in time but still not across the cross-
section.
(ii) Two dimensional flow:
Flow is two-dimensional if it can be assumed that the flow parameters
vary in the direction of flow and in one direction at right angles to this
direction.
 Fluid Flow
8. Dimensional Flow
(iii) Three dimensional flow:
Flow is three dimensional when pressures, velocities and other flow
properties vary in all directions. Although in general all fluids flow three-
dimensionally, with flow properties varying in all directions, in many
cases the greatest changes only occur in two directions or even only in
one. In these cases changes in the other direction can be effectively
ignored making analysis much simpler.
 Fluid Flow
9. Rotational and Irrotational flow
Rotational flow:
Flowing fluid has some angular velocity at any point.
Irrotational Flow:
Flowing fluid has no angular velocity at any point.
 Fluid Flow
10. Natural (or Unforced) versus Forced Flow
• A fluid flow is said to be natural or forced, depending on how the fluid
motion is initiated.

• In forced flow, a fluid is forced to flow over a surface or in a pipe by

external means such as a pump or a fan.

• In natural flows, any fluid motion is due to natural means such as the
buoyancy effect, which manifests itself as the rise of the warmer
(lighter) fluid and the fall of cooler (denser) fluid.
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11. Internal versus External Flow
• A fluid flow is classified as being internal or external, depending on
whether the fluid is forced to flow in a confined channel or over a
surface.

• The flow of an unbounded fluid over a surface such as a plate, a weir, or

a pipe is external flow.

• The flow in a pipe or duct is internal flow if the fluid is completely

bounded by solid surfaces.
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9. Internal versus External Flow
• Water flow in a pipe, for example, is internal flow, and airflow over an
exposed pipe during a windy day is external flow.