In a diffuser, the inlet velocity refers to the velocity of the fluid at the entrance or inlet of the diffuser. The diffuser is a device designed to slow down the fluid and increase its pressure by gradually expanding the flow area. When fluid enters a diffuser, it typically has a certain initial velocity (V1) at the inlet. As the fluid flows through the diverging section of the diffuser, its velocity decreases, and its pressure increases. The gradual expansion of the flow area causes this change in velocity and pressure.
- V1 is the inlet velocity of the fluid into the diffuser (measured in m/s).
- p1 is the static pressure at the inlet of the diffuser (measured in N/m^2).
- p2 is the static pressure at the outlet of the diffuser (measured in N/m^2).
- Pressure difference (p1 – p2) in N/m^2
- ρ is the density of the fluid (measured in kg/m³).
- A1 is the cross-sectional area of the diffuser at the inlet (measured in m²).
- A2 is the cross-sectional area of the diffuser at the outlet (measured in m²).
- Change in cross-sectional area (A1/A2) of the diffuser in m^2.