Bernoulli's Principle
In a flowing fluid, an increase in speed occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure.
Also: Bernoulli's equation
Definition
Bernoulli's Principle states that for an incompressible, inviscid fluid in steady flow, an increase in the fluid's speed occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. It is derived from the conservation of energy applied to fluid flow. The principle explains how aircraft wings generate lift, how carburetors work, and how the curveball in baseball curves.
Example
“An airplane wing is shaped so that air travels faster over the curved upper surface than the flatter lower surface; according to Bernoulli's Principle, this creates lower pressure on top, generating the upward lift force that keeps the aircraft airborne.”
Synonyms
- Bernoulli's equation
- fluid pressure principle
- continuity-speed-pressure law
Images
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Related Terms
- Fluid Dynamics
- Reynolds Number
- Lift Force
- Continuity Equation