Pressure gradient
Pressure gradient
Pressure gradient (pronunciation: /ˈprɛʃər ˈɡreɪdiənt/) is a physical concept that describes the direction and rate at which pressure changes in space.
Etymology
The term "pressure gradient" is derived from the Latin words 'pressura' meaning 'pressure' and 'gradient' from the Latin 'gradus' meaning 'step'.
Definition
In fluid dynamics, a pressure gradient is a physical quantity that describes the direction and rate at which pressure changes in space. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both a direction and a magnitude. The pressure gradient is a crucial factor in the Navier-Stokes equations, which describe the motion of viscous fluid substances.
Calculation
The pressure gradient is calculated by taking the derivative of the pressure with respect to distance. This can be represented mathematically as ∇P, where ∇ is the del operator and P is pressure.
Related Terms
- Fluid dynamics: The study of the movement of fluids, including their forces and energy levels.
- Navier-Stokes equations: A set of equations that describe the motion of fluid substances.
- Del operator: A vector differential operator that operates on a scalar function to produce a vector.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pressure gradient
- Wikipedia's article - Pressure gradient
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