A tube of length ℓ and radius R carries a steady flow of fluid whose density is ρ and viscosity η. The fluid flow velocity depends on the distance r from the axis of the tube as ν = ν0 (1 – r2/R2). Find the friction force exerted on the tube by the fluid.
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The friction force is due to viscous shear stress at the tube wall. The shear stress is given by τ = η(du/dr). First, find the velocity gradient at r=R.
The velocity profile is:
Differentiate with respect to
At
Shear stress at wall:
Force is stress times area. The area of the tube wall is the circumference (2πR) times length (ℓ).
Friction force:
Final Answer: 4πηℓV0