Axial velocity for fully developed flow in a pipe refers to the speed at which the fluid is moving parallel to the axis of the pipe. It is a measure of the flow rate and is constant once the flow has reached a fully developed state.
Axial velocity can be calculated by dividing the volumetric flow rate by the cross-sectional area of the pipe. It can also be calculated using the equation v = (Q/A), where v is the axial velocity, Q is the volumetric flow rate, and A is the cross-sectional area of the pipe.
The axial velocity in a pipe is affected by the diameter of the pipe, the viscosity of the fluid, and the pressure drop along the length of the pipe. Additionally, the presence of obstructions or bends in the pipe can also affect the axial velocity.
Axial velocity is an important parameter in fluid mechanics because it helps to determine the flow rate of a fluid through a pipe. It is also used to calculate other important variables such as Reynolds number and shear stress, which are crucial in understanding the behavior of fluids in pipes.
In turbulent flow, the axial velocity is generally higher compared to laminar flow. This is because turbulent flow involves chaotic movement of fluid particles, which results in higher velocities. In laminar flow, the fluid particles move in a more orderly manner, resulting in lower axial velocities.