Laminar flow between closely spaced parallel plates is governed by th...
For laminar flow between parallel plates, viscous and inertial forces are the most significant forces. Laminar flow can occur even when no pressure or gravitational forces play an effect, for example, the laminar flow between one fixed and one moving plate when both the plates are horizontal and exposed to the atmosphere are not affected by either pressure or gravity force. But for flow to be laminar, viscous forces must exist.
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Laminar flow between closely spaced parallel plates is governed by th...
Laminar flow between closely spaced parallel plates is governed by the consideration of viscous and inertial forces.
1. Viscous forces:
Viscous forces arise due to the internal friction between fluid layers. In the case of laminar flow between parallel plates, the fluid layers near the plates experience a strong adhesive force due to the viscosity of the fluid. This adhesive force causes the fluid layers to stick to the plates and slide past each other in an orderly manner. Viscous forces play a crucial role in determining the velocity profile across the channel and the shear stress at the walls.
2. Inertial forces:
Inertial forces are related to the mass and acceleration of the fluid. In the case of laminar flow between parallel plates, the fluid is subjected to a pressure difference across the channel which drives the flow. As the fluid flows, it accelerates and decelerates due to the changing pressure and velocity. Inertial forces are responsible for the acceleration and deceleration of the fluid and play a role in determining the pressure drop along the channel.
3. Pressure forces:
Pressure forces arise due to the difference in pressure between two points in a fluid. In the case of laminar flow between parallel plates, the pressure difference across the channel causes the fluid to flow from high pressure to low pressure. The pressure forces act perpendicular to the flow direction and contribute to the acceleration and deceleration of the fluid.
In the given options, the combination of viscous and inertial forces is the most appropriate for governing the laminar flow between closely spaced parallel plates. While pressure forces and gravity may have some influence on the flow, they are not as significant as the viscous and inertial forces in this particular scenario. The viscosity of the fluid and the relative spacing of the plates determine the dominance of these forces in laminar flow.
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