The 'kinetic energy correction factor' α (Coriolis coefficient) in pipe flow is unity for:
Choose the correct answer
For laminar flow (α = 2.0 not 1.0)
For uniform velocity distribution (plug flow or approximated in turbulent flow where α ≈ 1.0)
For compressible gas flow only
α is always 2.0 regardless of flow type
Correct Answer
B. For uniform velocity distribution (plug flow or approximated in turbulent flow where α ≈ 1.0)
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α = ∫V²dA / (V_avg²A) where V = actual velocity across section. For uniform velocity (plug flow): α = 1.0. For laminar pipe flow (parabolic): α = 2.0. For turbulent pipe flow: α = 1.04–1.11 (nearly uniform velocity). In most hydraulics problems: α ≈ 1.0 assumed. Energy equation: p/γ + V²/2g + z = const uses V_avg²/2g corrected by α for actual non-uniform velocity.
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