What happens to water during friction head loss?

During friction head loss, water loses energy as it moves through pipes or other conveyance systems. This phenomenon occurs due to the resistance that water encounters from the surfaces of the pipes and any fittings or valves it encounters along the way. The friction between the water molecules and the pipe wall results in a loss of pressure, which is expressed as head loss.

As the water flows, the kinetic energy that drives it forward is reduced because some of this energy is converted into heat due to friction. This reduction in energy manifests as a decrease in both pressure and flow rate. Consequently, understanding friction head loss is crucial for effective water system design and operation, as it directly impacts the efficiency and performance of water distribution systems.