Question:

Assumptions made in Darcy's law are
A. Kinetic energy of water is negligible
B. Mass density of water is constant
C. Viscosity of water is constant
D. Flow is turbuelnt
E. Viscosity of water is not constant
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Darcy's Law applies to laminar flow in saturated porous media where inertial forces (kinetic energy) are negligible compared to viscous resistive forces.
  • A, B and D only
  • E only
  • A, C and D only
  • A, B and C only
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Darcy's Law describes the flow of fluid through a porous medium.
It is expressed as:
\[ q = -K \frac{dh}{dl} \] where \( q \) is the flux, \( K \) is the hydraulic conductivity, and \( \frac{dh}{dl} \) is the hydraulic gradient.
As an empirical law, it is based on several simplifying physical assumptions.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the assumptions of Darcy's Law:
- A. Kinetic energy of water is negligible: Because flow velocities in porous media (like soils) are extremely low, the velocity head (\( \frac{v^2}{2g} \)) is negligible compared to the pressure and elevation heads. This assumption is correct.
- B. Mass density of water is constant: The fluid is assumed to be incompressible, meaning its density does not change during transport. This assumption is correct.
- C. Viscosity of water is constant: The fluid is assumed to be homogeneous and isothermal, meaning its dynamic viscosity remains constant throughout the flow path. This assumption is correct, which also makes statement E incorrect.
- D. Flow is turbulent: Darcy's Law is only valid for laminar flow (Reynolds number \( Re < 1\text{ to }10 \)). In turbulent flow, the relationship between hydraulic gradient and velocity becomes non-linear, rendering Darcy's Law invalid. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
Therefore, the valid assumptions are A, B, and C.

Step 2: Final Answer:

The correct combination of assumptions is A, B and C only, corresponding to Option (D).
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