Fluid Pressure & Flow Visual Simulator

What this simulator does

Use one page to compare continuity, Bernoulli energy conversion, hydrostatic pressure, differential-pressure measurement, circulation, Pascal force multiplication and Archimedes buoyancy. Each mode pairs the equation with a live engineering diagram so the physical cause-and-effect remains visible.

CONTINUITYBERNOULLIHYDROSTATICSMANOMETERSCIRCULATIONPASCALBUOYANCYPITOT-STATIC

Select demonstration10 fluid-mechanics models

Venturi tube — pressure turns into velocity

A constriction raises flow speed. For an ideal horizontal stream, that kinetic-energy increase is accompanied by lower static pressure.

Continuity + Bernoulli

LIVE EQUATION

Four ideas connecting these examples

The same physical principles reappear in pipes, aircraft, pressure instruments, hydraulic machinery, floating bodies and water systems.

01 / MASS CONSERVATIONFor incompressible steady flow, a smaller flow area means a higher average velocity: A₁v₁ = A₂v₂.

02 / ENERGY CONVERSIONBernoulli relates static pressure, kinetic energy and elevation along a streamline when losses and machinery are treated consistently.

03 / PRESSURE MEASUREMENTHydrostatic head in a manometer turns pressure difference into visible height difference: Δp = ρgΔh.

04 / PRESSURE FORCESIntegrated pressure produces buoyancy, aerodynamic lift and hydraulic forces; circulation can reshape that field.

Model assumptions & limits

These models intentionally use transparent first-order physics. They are useful for learning and early estimates, not substitutes for CFD, pipe-network analysis or certified design.

Bernoulli assumptions

Steady incompressible flow with negligible shaft work and friction between displayed points unless a discharge coefficient is included.

Airfoil caution

The wing panel does not use the incorrect equal-transit-time explanation. Real lift comes from the complete pressure field and circulation around the airfoil.

Siphon assumptions

The tube is assumed primed. Crest pressure excludes distributed-loss allocation, so a real crest can be lower; vapor or admitted air can break the column.

Magnus-effect assumptions

The cylinder uses prescribed circulation with an adjustable factor and Kutta–Joukowski lift. Real balls/cylinders depend on Reynolds number, roughness, separation and 3-D effects.

Buoyancy assumptions

Uniform-density object and fluid; no stability, wave, trapped-air, compressibility or dynamic added-mass effects.

Background & FAQ

Why can pressure fall when velocity rises?

In ideal horizontal flow, static pressure plus kinetic energy per unit volume remains constant. Acceleration therefore corresponds to lower static pressure; real flow also loses total pressure to friction and turbulence.

Does Bernoulli explain airplane lift by itself?

No. Bernoulli is a valid relationship within the airflow, but geometry, angle of attack, circulation, viscosity and boundary-layer behavior create the velocity and pressure field.

Why does a water tower create pressure without a running pump?

Elevation stores gravitational potential energy. Available hydrostatic pressure at a lower point is approximately ρgh before line losses.

How can a siphon move water above the source level?

Once primed, the lower outlet gives the full liquid column a net gravitational energy drop. Crest pressure falls below atmospheric while remaining above the vapor/cavitation limit for stable operation.

What does a U-tube manometer measure?

Pressure difference. The liquid level moves until ρgΔh balances the applied differential pressure.

Why does spin curve a ball or lift a cylinder?

Spin alters near-surface flow and circulation, producing an asymmetric pressure field and transverse Magnus force. Real magnitudes are usually empirical.

Why does a floating object displace its own weight?

Integrating the depth-dependent pressure field yields an upward buoyant force equal to the weight of displaced fluid. A floating object settles until buoyancy equals its weight.

Can I use these outputs for final design?

Use them for education, intuition and preliminary checks. Final designs require applicable codes, verified fluid properties, loss coefficients, safety factors and validated engineering methods.