What is a significant cause of pressure loss in hoses or pipes?

Friction loss is a significant cause of pressure loss in hoses or pipes due to the resistance encountered by the water flowing through the inside of the hose. As water travels through the hose or pipe, it comes into contact with the walls, which creates friction. This friction resistance slows down the flow of water, thereby reducing the pressure. The amount of friction loss is influenced by various factors, including the length and diameter of the hose, the type of materials it is made from, and the flow rate. Longer hoses or smaller diameters will result in greater friction loss due to increased surface area relative to the volume of water flowing through them.

Understanding the impact of friction loss is essential for fire apparatus engineers when calculating the necessary water pressure needed to deliver an adequate flow of water during firefighting operations. This ensures proper planning and efficient water delivery to achieve effective suppression efforts.