Fluid Mechanics

Head Loss

Energy lost per unit weight of fluid, usually to pipe friction and fittings.

Head loss is the reason the Bernoulli equation cannot be applied to a long pipe run. Bernoulli assumes frictionless flow; real pipes dissipate energy through wall friction and through fittings such as bends and valves.

When a problem mentions pipe length, roughness, a pump, or fittings, the energy equation with a head-loss term replaces Bernoulli.

How much of the FE Civil exam is Fluid Mechanics?