Bernoulli Equation for Aerodynamic Flow

In aerodynamics one deals with considerably higher speeds than in flows of interest to civil engineers. An aeroplane flies at speeds of the order of 500 kmph and more, while river flows or household pipe flows may involve 10 kmph or so. Consequently, the kinetic energy in aerodynamic flows is very large when compared to the potential energy. Accordingly, it is usual to neglect potential energy for such flows. The Bernoulli Equation as a consequence becomes,

$$p~+~{{\rho V^2 } \over 2}~=~constant$$ (3.71)

(c) Aerospace, Mechanical & Mechatronic Engg. 2005
University of Sydney