Question

The kinetic energy correction factor for velocity distribution of fully developed laminar flow is

• A. \(0.5\)
• B. \(1.66\)
• C. \(1\)
• D. \(2\)

Hint:

For laminar pipe flow, kinetic energy correction factor \(\alpha=2\); for turbulent flow, it is close to \(1\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In fluid mechanics, the kinetic energy correction factor is used because velocity is not always uniform over the pipe cross-section. It is usually represented by: \[ \alpha. \] For uniform velocity distribution: \[ \alpha=1. \] In fully developed laminar flow through a circular pipe, the velocity profile is parabolic. Because the velocity is maximum at the center and zero at the wall, the kinetic energy calculated using average velocity must be corrected. For fully developed laminar flow in a circular pipe: \[ \alpha=2. \] Therefore, the kinetic energy correction factor is: \[ 2. \]