$$
\rho_0 H = \rho_0 \frac{u^2}{2} + p + \rho_0 gz = \text{const.}
$$
\[
H
=
\underbrace{\frac{u^2}{2}}_{\text{kinetic energy per unit mass}}
+
\underbrace{\frac{p}{\rho_0}}_{\text{pressure potential energy per unit mass}}
+
\underbrace{gz}_{\text{gravitational potential energy per unit mass}}
= \text{const.}
\]
These three forms of energy together make up the mechanical energy of the fluid, hence the Bernoulli equation is the equation expressing the conservation of mechanical energy in a fluid
From the derivation process, we can see that the conditions for applying the Bernoulli equation include along a streamline, steady, inviscid, and incompressible flow. The first three are conditions required by the Euler equation, and the last one is a condition introduced during integration.
- The Bernoulli equation can only be applied along a streamline. Because in steady flow, the mechanical energy of a fluid element is conserved along the same streamline during the flow, but the mechanical energy on different streamlines can be different, since the mechanical energy of different fluid elements can be different.
- The Bernoulli equation can only be used for steady flow. When the flow is unsteady, the mechanical energy of a fluid element along the same streamline is also not conserved. Because when the flow is unsteady, external forces can do work on the fluid element over time, increasing its energy. Therefore, if the flow is unsteady, the mechanical energy of the fluid element is not conserved.
- The Bernoulli equation can only be used for inviscid flow. This is relatively easy to understand, because when there is viscosity, fluid elements must do internal friction work, and in motion with friction, mechanical energy is not conserved; mechanical energy continuously converts into internal energy.
- The Bernoulli equation can only be applied to incompressible flows. When a gas is compressed, not only do its pressure and density increase, but its temperature also rises. Even in inviscid adiabatic compression, part of the mechanical energy is converted into internal energy, so the mechanical energy of the gas is not conserved.
Unlike the effect of viscosity, this conversion of mechanical energy to internal energy due to compression is reversible, and the internal energy can be converted back into mechanical energy through expansion.