This physical principle describes the pressure drop of an incompressible and Newtonian fluid flowing in laminar conditions through a long cylindrical pipe of constant cross section. The law states that the flow rate is directly proportional to the pressure difference and the fourth power of the radius, and inversely proportional to the fluid viscosity and the length of the pipe. For example, if the radius of a blood vessel were to double, the blood flow rate would increase by a factor of sixteen, assuming all other factors remain constant.
Its significance lies in its ability to predict fluid flow behavior in various systems, from blood circulation in the human body to the movement of liquids in industrial pipelines. Understanding this relationship allows for the optimization of system design, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing efficiency. Historically, it has been crucial in the development of physiological models and engineering applications related to fluid dynamics.
