Total Pressure

In physics, the term total pressure may indicate two different quantities, both having the dimensions of a pressure:

  • In fluid dynamics, total pressure refers to the sum of static pressure p, dynamic pressure q, and gravitational head, as expressed by Bernoulli's principle:
where ρ is the density of the fluid, g is the local acceleration due to gravity, and z is the height above a datum.
If the variation in height above the datum is zero, or so small it can be ignored, the above equation reduces to the following simplified form:
  • In a mixture of ideal gases, total pressure refers to the sum of each gas' partial pressure.

Famous quotes containing the words total and/or pressure:

    Parents need to recognize that the negative behavior accompanying certain stages is just a small part of the total child. It should not become the main focus or be pushed into the limelight.
    Saf Lerman (20th century)

    This is a catastrophic universe, always; and subject to sudden reversals, upheavals, changes, cataclysms, with joy never anything but the song of substance under pressure forced into new forms and shapes.
    Doris Lessing (b. 1919)