What is the physics behind liquids in tubing?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter PhyzBoy4567
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Liquids
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the complex physics of liquids in tubing, particularly in funnels. Key factors include the force of gravity, pressure at the tubing's lower end, and the effects of viscosity, turbulence, and Coriolis forces. The problem is characterized as a non-linear one that requires numerical solutions to differential equations, as analytic solutions are rarely available. Participants advise starting with simpler concepts before tackling this intricate topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with differential equations
  • Knowledge of numerical methods for solving complex equations
  • Basic concepts of viscosity and turbulence
NEXT STEPS
  • Research fluid dynamics simulations using software like ANSYS Fluent
  • Study numerical methods for solving differential equations, such as the Finite Element Method
  • Explore the effects of viscosity in fluid flow through resources on laminar and turbulent flow
  • Learn about Coriolis forces and their impact on fluid motion in rotating systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineering students, and anyone interested in fluid dynamics and the complexities of liquid behavior in confined spaces.

PhyzBoy4567
I am a student from UIC that has begun working on a side project.
With a few of my friends we have tried to figure out the physics behind funnels with a tube coming down with liquids in them.

Something like this:
\_/
||
||

We have not gotten far but believe an integral to find the force of gravity would be important. As would be the pressure on the lower part of the tubing, before the liquid is released.

Where do we start?
^0^
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I hope you are aware that this is a complex non-linear problem. It takes pretty eloborately written programs to figure out the dynamics of a fluid in a funnel. Besides gravity, there are forces due to viscosity, coriolis type forces, turbulence effects, etc. The differential equations that describe this system nearly well almost never have analytic solutions and must be solved numerically. There are problems of convergence involved in the writing of a code to solve this.

In short, this is a really hard problem. I would suggest you pick something that you know a little more about.
 

Similar threads

Study of harmonic motion of a liquid in a V shaped tube
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad What is the driving force behind siphon behavior?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Pressure due to two liquids in a U-tube
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Undergrad What happens in the molecular structure of a liquid (imcompressible)?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Low Viscosity Oil, Tanks, Pressure Relief Valves and Check Valves
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Lever balancing physics (video game design)
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Graduate The Capillary Action of Gasoline: Debunking the Gravity-based Siphon Theory
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
7K
Physics concepts behind pneumatic tube systems?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad What is the meaning of the free surface in fluid mechanics?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad What will happen in this case -- 2 chambers connected by a tube....
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K