What is Bernoulli's principle?

Bernoulli's principle states that in a fluid flow, as the speed of the fluid increases, the pressure within the fluid decreases. This phenomenon is a direct consequence of the conservation of energy. When a fluid flows through a varying cross-section, the fluid must speed up in narrow sections and slow down in wider sections to conserve mass.

As the fluid’s velocity increases, its dynamic pressure (associated with its speed) rises, which leads to a corresponding decrease in static pressure. This relationship is essential in various applications, such as airfoil design in aviation, where faster airflow over the wing results in lower pressure above the wing, generating lift.

Understanding Bernoulli's principle is crucial for grasping fundamental concepts in fluid dynamics and aerodynamics, impacting everything from aircraft performance to the functioning of various mechanical systems.