A Mathematical Model for the Laminar Entrance Region of a Newtonian Fluid in a Cylindrical Pipe

Abstract

This paper develops equations for velocity, pressure drop, and wall shear stress in the entrance or development region of a cylindrical pipe. The model quantifies the velocity and wall shear stress contributions to the entrance region pressure drop and illustrates how data are used to determine the numerical values of parameters needed to complete the model. It assumes a Newtonian fluid, laminar flow, steady-state, and a constant mass density fluid. The fluid axial velocity profile at the entrance region inlet is modeled by an equation that is close to a flat axial velocity and drops off to zero as the radius approaches the wall. The fluid velocity at the entrance region exit is modeled as the axial, fully developed, laminar flow parabolic velocity profile. The inlet velocity profile is multiplied by a decaying function F(x) that is unity at the entrance region inlet and decreases to zero at the entrance region exit. The exit velocity profile is multiplied by a growing function G(x) that is zero at the entrance region inlet and increases to unity at the entrance region exit. The pressure drop through the entrance region is expressed in terms of the wall viscous friction and the change in axial momentum of the fluid. Two mathematical models for F(x) and G(x) are presented. One is more advantageous when pressure drop data and a few centerline velocity data points are available, and the second is more advantageous when only velocity data are available.