virtauskäyrät

Virtauskäyrät, also known as flow curves or characteristic curves, are graphical representations used to describe the performance of various fluid systems, such as pumps, fans, and pipes. They typically plot flow rate (often denoted as Q) on the horizontal axis against a relevant performance parameter, such as head (H) for pumps, pressure (P) for fans, or friction loss (ΔP) for pipes, on the vertical axis.

For pumps and fans, a typical virtauskäyrä shows how the head or pressure generated by the device decreases as the flow rate increases. This inverse relationship is fundamental to understanding how these machines operate under different load conditions. The point where the virtauskäyrä intersects with the system curve (which represents the resistance of the connected piping or ductwork) indicates the operating point of the system, determining the actual flow rate and head/pressure.

In the context of pipe flow, virtauskäyrät often illustrate the relationship between flow velocity and pressure drop. They can be used to analyze different flow regimes, such as laminar and turbulent flow, and to determine the energy losses associated with fluid transport. Engineers use virtauskäyrät to select appropriate equipment, design efficient systems, and predict system behavior under varying operational demands. Understanding these curves is crucial for optimizing energy consumption and ensuring reliable system performance.