INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOW Meaning and
Definition
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Incompressible flow refers to a type of fluid motion in which the density of the fluid remains constant throughout the flow. In simple terms, it means that the fluid being studied does not change its density significantly as it moves or flows.
Incompressible flow is a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics, which is the study of how fluids behave under various conditions. When a fluid is considered incompressible, it implies that its volume remains constant, even when subjected to external pressures or forces. This property is typically observed in liquids, such as water or oil, at relatively low speeds and pressures.
One of the key characteristics of incompressible flow is that it obeys the continuity equation, which states that the mass flow rate into a control volume must equal the mass flow rate out of that volume. This principle implies that the fluid cannot be compressed or stretched within this volume. Consequently, incompressible flow is often assumed when analyzing fluid phenomena like flow through pipes, flow in rivers, and aerodynamics at low speeds.
It is important to note that although no fluid is truly incompressible, under certain conditions and within certain limits, the compression effects may be negligible, allowing for the approximation of incompressible flow. This assumption simplifies the mathematical modeling and analysis of fluid flow problems, resulting in more manageable calculations and practical solutions.
Etymology of INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOW
The word "incompressible flow" has its etymology rooted in Latin and English. The term "incompressible" consists of two parts: "in-" and "compressible".
The prefix "in-" derives from Latin and means "not" or "without". It is used to indicate negation or absence.
The word "compressible" comes from the Latin verb "compressus", which means "pressed together" or "squeezed". In English, "compressible" refers to something that can be compressed, or made smaller in size by applying pressure.
Therefore, "incompressible flow" signifies a flow that cannot be compressed or made smaller in size. In the context of fluid dynamics, it specifically refers to a flow where the density of the fluid remains constant regardless of changes in pressure.
