Fluid Inside an Ideal Sphere: What Happens?

In summary, the conversation discusses the effects of rotating a sphere filled with fluid. It is mentioned that if the fluid is perfectly incompressible and the rotation is very fast, the shape and size of the sphere will not change. However, if the fluid is slightly compressible and the rotation is fast enough, a vacuum may form along the rotation axis.
  • #1
Flor
11
0
Hi all!

Imagine you have an ideal sphere (made of steel or plastics). Then fill it completely with some fluid, e.g. water. Then rotate it very fast. What happens to a fluid inside? I suppose that it will try to change its shape (from spherical to flat). But there is no space for any size changes (the sphere is completely filled). Thank you very much!

With kind regards,
Jan
 
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  • #2
If the sphere maintains the shape and size exactly, and if the fluid is perfectly incompressible, then the shape does not change. If the fluid is a real, slightly compressible, fluid, and the rotation is really fast, you can get a vacuum* along the rotation axis.

*more precise: very thin vapor of the liquid
 

Related to Fluid Inside an Ideal Sphere: What Happens?

1. What is an ideal sphere?

An ideal sphere is a theoretical concept in physics that assumes a perfectly round shape with no imperfections or irregularities. It is often used as a simplified model for studying the behavior of fluids and gases.

2. What happens when a fluid is placed inside an ideal sphere?

When a fluid is placed inside an ideal sphere, it will evenly distribute itself across the surface of the sphere, creating a uniform pressure on all sides. This is known as hydrostatic equilibrium.

3. How does the depth of the fluid inside the sphere affect the pressure?

The depth of the fluid inside the sphere directly affects the pressure. The deeper the fluid, the greater the pressure at that point. This is due to the weight of the fluid above pushing down and creating a greater force.

4. Does the type of fluid or gas inside the sphere affect its behavior?

Yes, the type of fluid or gas inside the sphere can greatly affect its behavior. Different fluids have different densities and viscosities, which can impact the pressure and flow patterns inside the sphere. For example, a denser fluid will create a higher pressure at the bottom of the sphere compared to a less dense fluid.

5. What factors influence the movement of the fluid inside the ideal sphere?

The movement of the fluid inside an ideal sphere is influenced by several factors, including the density and viscosity of the fluid, the shape and size of the sphere, and the external forces acting on the sphere (such as gravity or external pressure). These factors can affect the flow patterns and pressure distribution inside the sphere.

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