Does the discharge coefficient of an injector depend on the fluid?

In summary, the discharge coefficient is a ratio that can be experimentally measured and is dependent on the shape of the orifice and the fluid's Reynolds number. While an orifice with a rounded inlet will have a coefficient close to 1.0, an orifice with a square edge inlet will have a coefficient around 0.61 at high Reynolds numbers. The discharge coefficient is unique to each fluid and is affected by the fluid's density.
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If one were to experimentally measure the discharge coefficient using water, would this value be constant for all incompressible fluids?
The discharge coefficient is the ratio of the actual discharge to the ideal discharge and can be measured experimentally. If one were to experimentally measure the discharge coefficient using water, would this value be constant for all incompressible fluids?

What does the discharge coefficient depend on, and is it unique to every fluid?
 
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The discharge coefficient is a function of the shape of the orifice and the fluid Reynolds number. An orifice with rounded inlet will have a discharge coefficient approaching 1.0, an orifice with a perfect square edge inlet will have the coefficient approximately 0.61 at high Reynolds numbers. Good search terms to learn more are orifice discharge coefficient and reynolds number. The image below shows the relationship between the discharge coefficient of a square edge orifice with the Reynolds number:
Discharge coefficient.jpg

The discharge coefficient of a specific orifice is unique to the exact shape of the orifice and the Reynolds number.
 
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FAQ: Does the discharge coefficient of an injector depend on the fluid?

Does the discharge coefficient of an injector depend on the fluid's properties?

Yes, the discharge coefficient of an injector can depend on the fluid's properties, such as viscosity, density, and surface tension. These properties can influence the flow characteristics and energy losses within the injector, thereby affecting the discharge coefficient.

How does fluid viscosity affect the discharge coefficient of an injector?

Fluid viscosity affects the discharge coefficient by influencing the frictional losses within the injector. Higher viscosity fluids tend to have greater frictional losses, which can reduce the discharge coefficient. Conversely, lower viscosity fluids typically experience less frictional resistance, potentially resulting in a higher discharge coefficient.

Is the discharge coefficient the same for liquids and gases?

No, the discharge coefficient is generally not the same for liquids and gases. This is because liquids and gases have different densities and compressibility characteristics, which can lead to different flow behaviors and energy losses within the injector, thereby affecting the discharge coefficient differently.

Can temperature changes in the fluid affect the discharge coefficient of an injector?

Yes, temperature changes in the fluid can affect the discharge coefficient of an injector. Temperature variations can alter the fluid's viscosity and density, which in turn can impact the flow characteristics and energy losses within the injector, thus affecting the discharge coefficient.

How do surface tension properties of a fluid influence the discharge coefficient of an injector?

Surface tension properties of a fluid can influence the discharge coefficient by affecting the flow separation and cavitation within the injector. High surface tension can lead to more cohesive fluid behavior, potentially reducing flow separation and cavitation, which can increase the discharge coefficient. Conversely, low surface tension can promote flow separation and cavitation, potentially decreasing the discharge coefficient.

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