Water Flow Discharge: Is My Thinking Correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of water flow discharge between two tubes of equal diameter but differing lengths and configurations—one being straight and the other spiraled. Participants explore the relationship between tube shape, height, and pressure in the context of fluid statics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant posits that the straight tube, being shorter and vertical, would have more pressure due to a higher fall compared to the spiraled tube.
  • Another participant agrees, stating that static pressure at the bottom of the tube depends on the height of the fluid, along with other factors like diameter and shape.
  • A question is raised about the specific type of pressure being discussed, including whether both tubes are filled to the same level and if their tops and bottoms are at the same height.
  • A participant suggests that "force" might be a more appropriate term than "pressure," noting that the spiraled tube has more water due to its length.
  • Another participant reaffirms that pressure is indeed the correct term, emphasizing that pressure head is dependent solely on the height of the water, not the volume.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement on the definition of pressure in relation to fluid height, but there is also contention regarding the interpretation of pressure versus force and the implications of tube length on water discharge. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully clarified assumptions regarding the heights of the tube openings or the specific conditions of fluid levels, which may affect the discussion.

pragmaticindulgence
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I've got two tubes filled with liquid, their both of equal diameters, the first one is straight up and down about 20 feet long, the other is 100 feet long but is spiraled like on a spool, since the straight tube has a higher fall than the spiral, I would assume that the straight tube would have more pressure.
Is my thinking correct?
 
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Hi Pragmatic. Yes, your answer is correct. If there is no flow in the tubes (the fluid is static) then the only thing pressure at the bottom of the tube is dependent on is "head" or the height of the fluid. It is also dependent of the diameter, length and shape of the tube. Pressure at the bottom is simply the density times gravity times height plus whatever pressure there is at the top of the fluid, it's that simple.
 
What pressure are you referring to? The static pressure at the bottom of the tube? Are the tops and bottoms of the tubes at the same heights? Are both tubes filled with the same liquid to the same level?
 
Perhaps pressure is not the right discription, I should of probably said force?
The spiral is lower, but both are even at the bottom.
Both have water, but the spiral since it is 100 foot long it would have that much more water.
 
No. Pressure is the correct term. After what you have mentioned, Q's reply is the appropriate one. As he mentioned, the pressure head is going to be only dependent on the height of the water, not the amount.
 
thanks, may have another question on
this later.
 

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