sziphonhatástól

The siphon effect, also known as the Bernoulli effect in some contexts, describes the phenomenon where a fluid's velocity increases as it passes through a narrower section of a pipe or tube, resulting in a decrease in pressure. Conversely, the fluid's velocity decreases in a wider section, leading to an increase in pressure. This principle is based on the conservation of energy and is a direct consequence of the continuity equation and Bernoulli's principle.

In simpler terms, when a fluid is forced through a constricted area, it must speed up to maintain the same volume flow rate. This acceleration requires energy, which is drawn from the fluid's internal pressure. As the fluid exits the constriction and enters a wider area, its velocity decreases, and the pressure recovers. This effect is observable in various natural and engineered systems.

Applications of the siphon effect include the operation of carburetors in older vehicles, where the fast-moving air over a jet draws fuel into the engine. It also plays a role in the design of airplane wings, contributing to lift by creating a faster airflow over the curved upper surface, resulting in lower pressure compared to the underside. Understanding the siphon effect is crucial in fluid dynamics for designing efficient systems and predicting fluid behavior.