What induces flow in piping and open channels?

Flow in piping and open channels is primarily induced by gravitational force and the slope of the drain. Gravity is a natural force that pulls water downward, and when the drain is sloped, it creates a path for the water to follow. This slope effectively harnesses gravity to move fluids from higher elevations to lower elevations.

In the case of open channels, the steepness of the slope significantly influences the flow rate. The greater the slope, the faster the water will move, as gravity exerts a stronger force on the fluid. This principle is particularly important in designing drainage systems, where ensuring proper slope is vital for effective water management.

While other factors such as pressure differences or mechanical pumps can also induce flow in certain contexts, the foundational principle of gravitational force combined with the physical slope of a drain is central to understanding how flow is created and maintained in plumbing design and hydrodynamics.

Capillary action, while a real phenomenon, primarily influences the movement of fluids in small spaces or porous materials rather than the bulk flow in piping systems or open channels.