Fluid Mechanics and Bernoulli's principle

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around fluid mechanics, specifically applying Bernoulli's principle to determine the maximum speed of water flowing through a pump's intake pipe located beneath a reservoir. The original poster presents an equation based on Bernoulli's principle and seeks clarification on their calculation, which differs from an expected answer.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of Bernoulli's equation, questioning the assumptions made regarding pressure and velocity at different points. There is a discussion on the implications of setting pressure at the pump inlet to zero and how that affects the calculation of maximum velocity.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on re-evaluating the original poster's approach, suggesting the inclusion of static pressure in the calculations. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being explored, particularly regarding pressure conditions and fluid velocity assumptions.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of specific values for pressure and depth, as well as the assumption of non-viscous flow. The original poster's calculations are noted to be incorrect, prompting further inquiry into the reasoning behind the expected answer.

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A pump and its horizontal intake pipe are located 12 m beneath the surface of a reservoir. The speed of te water in the intake pipe causes the pressure there to decrease, in accord with Bernoulli's principle. Assuming nonviscous flow, what is the maximum speed with which water can flow through the intake pipe?

I tried solving the problem like this:

density*g*12 = (density*v^2)/2

v^2 = 24*9.8

v = 15.336 m/s

It's not the right answer. The answer is 21m/s. Why is this? please help thanks...
 
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Bernoulli's principle implies:

[itex]\frac{1}{2}\rho_1 v_1^2\,+\,\rho_1 gz_1\,+\,P_1\,=\,\frac{1}{2}\rho_2 v_2^2\,+\,\rho_2 gz_2\,+\,P_2 = constant[/itex]

Now take [itex]z_1 = 0[/itex] as the reference, and z2= 12 m, the depth of the reservoir.

Let us assume that the density is the same at both elevations, i.e. [itex]\rho_1=\rho_2 = \rho[/itex]

Also, the velocity of the fluid at the mouth of the intake pipe is approximately zero - the water in the reservoir is more or less at rest, so [itex]v_2 = 0[/itex].

Now, the maximum velocity would be achieved if there were zero pressure at the pump inlet, i.e. the pump puts a suction such the pressure [itex]P_1 = 0[/itex].

Then the above equation becomes:

[itex]\frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2\,=\,\rho\,gz_2\,+\,P_2[/itex]

Let P2 = 0.101325 MPa or 1 atm, and using the values you used before, so basically add the static pressure to the hydraulic pressure.
 
Astronuc said:
Bernoulli's principle implies:

[itex]\frac{1}{2}\rho_1 v_1^2\,+\,\rho_1 gz_1\,+\,P_1\,=\,\frac{1}{2}\rho_2 v_2^2\,+\,\rho_2 gz_2\,+\,P_2 = constant[/itex]

Now take [itex]z_1 = 0[/itex] as the reference, and z2= 12 m, the depth of the reservoir.

Let us assume that the density is the same at both elevations, i.e. [itex]\rho_1=\rho_2 = \rho[/itex]

Also, the velocity of the fluid at the mouth of the intake pipe is approximately zero - the water in the reservoir is more or less at rest, so [itex]v_2 = 0[/itex].

Now, the maximum velocity would be achieved if there were zero pressure at the pump inlet, i.e. the pump puts a suction such the pressure [itex]P_1 = 0[/itex].

Then the above equation becomes:

[itex]\frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2\,=\,\rho\,gz_2\,+\,P_2[/itex]

Let P2 = 0.101325 MPa or 1 atm, and using the values you used before, so basically add the static pressure to the hydraulic pressure.

so

density * g * 12 + 1.01*10^5 Pa = 1/2 * density * v^2
root of (24 * 9.8 + 2*1.01*10^2) = v

v = 21m/s

thanks...
 
Last edited:
diffusion through a membrane

hey,
can u suggest some simple methods of measuring fluid flow rates of a few ml per hour when a lighter/low viscous fluid is allowed to pass through a membrane a certain pressure?
 

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