Yes, as long at you have single phase steady flow of liquid at the inlet and outlet of the pipe.Kqwert said:Homework Statement
If you have a pipe where an incompressible fluid flows. What happens if we get cavitation - can we still say that the volumetric flow rate is "conserved" in the pipe?
Cavitation is the formation and collapse of vapor bubbles in a liquid due to rapid changes in pressure. This can occur when a liquid is forced through a small opening or over a surface, causing the pressure to drop and vapor bubbles to form. When these bubbles collapse, they can cause damage to nearby surfaces or lead to noise and vibration.
Cavitation can significantly reduce volume flow in a system by obstructing the flow of liquid and introducing air pockets. This can result in reduced efficiency and increased wear and tear on equipment.
Cavitation can be caused by a variety of factors, including high flow velocities, sharp bends or obstructions in the flow path, and changes in elevation. It can also be caused by the design and operation of equipment, such as pumps, propellers, and valves.
Cavitation can be prevented by designing systems with proper flow paths and avoiding sharp bends or obstructions. Proper maintenance and operation of equipment, such as ensuring proper fluid levels and avoiding high flow velocities, can also help prevent cavitation.
Volume flow can contribute to the occurrence of cavitation by affecting the pressure and flow rate of a system. High volume flow rates can lead to low pressure areas and increased likelihood of cavitation, while low flow rates may not provide enough pressure to prevent vapor bubble formation.