virtaushäviöt

Virtaushäviöt, also known as flow losses or frictional losses, refer to the energy dissipated within a fluid (liquid or gas) as it moves through a system, such as pipes, channels, or around objects. These losses are primarily caused by the viscosity of the fluid and the friction between the fluid and the boundaries of the flow path, as well as internal friction within the fluid itself.

There are two main types of flow losses: major losses and minor losses. Major losses are associated with the friction along the length of straight pipes or channels and are directly proportional to the length of the flow path. They are typically calculated using the Darcy-Weisbach equation or the Hazen-Williams equation, which take into account factors like fluid velocity, pipe diameter, fluid properties (density and viscosity), and a friction factor that depends on the flow regime (laminar or turbulent).

Minor losses, on the other hand, are due to localized disturbances in the flow. These include losses from pipe fittings such as elbows, tees, valves, sudden expansions or contractions in pipe size, and entrances or exits of pipes. Minor losses are generally less significant than major losses in long pipelines but can become important in systems with many fittings or short pipe lengths. They are often expressed as a dimensionless loss coefficient multiplied by the dynamic pressure of the fluid. Understanding and quantifying virtaushäviöt is crucial in the design and operation of fluid systems to ensure efficient energy transfer and to minimize power consumption.