Interactive Self-Study Module: Bernoulli's Equation
Overview:
This module uses screencasts to derive Bernoulli’s equation and demonstrate its importance in fluid dynamics. Relationships between height, velocity, and pressure are explained. Example problems allow the user to test themselves. Your retention of material in this module will increase if you write down reasons for your answers to ConcepTests, questions in screencasts, and questions to answer before using interactive simulations, and you try to solve the example problems before watching the screencast solutions. We suggest using the learning resources in the following order:
- Attempt to answer the multiple-choice ConcepTest and solve the example problem before watching the screencasts or working with the simulations.
- Watch the screencasts that describe how Bernoulli’s equation is derived and demonstrate simple physical situations where it can be applied, and answer the questions within the screencasts.
- Review important equations for this topic.
- Use the interactive simulations to further understand Bernoulli’s equation.
- Try to solve the example problems before watching the solutions in the screencasts.
- Answer the ConcepTests.
- Look at the list of key points, but only after you try to list the key points yourself.
Motivation:
- Bernoulli’s equation is the fundamental energy equation for steady-state, incompressible, inviscid flow.
- This module is intended for fluid mechanics courses.
Before studying this module, you should:
- Understand differential balances.
- Know the continuity equation.
- Be able to convert units.
After studying this module, you should be able to:
- Know where to apply Bernoulli’s Equation in a system.
- Make assumptions based on the physical nature of the problem.
- Use Bernoulli’s equation to find velocity, pressure, and/or height at any point in the system.
- Use the continuity equation in conjunction with Bernoulli’s equation to relate two velocities.