Fire Hydrants, pressure and velocity

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving fire hydrants, water flow, and the application of fluid dynamics principles, specifically focusing on the relationship between pressure, velocity, and cross-sectional area in a system with multiple hoses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the application of Bernoulli's equation and the principle of conservation of volume flow rate. Questions arise regarding the correct interpretation of the problem, particularly how to account for multiple hoses and the implications of pressure in the system.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided hints and suggested equations to consider, including the flow rate equation and Bernoulli's equation. There is an ongoing exploration of how to approach the problem, with some expressing confusion about the implications of the multiple hoses and the resulting calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential complications in applying Bernoulli's equation and emphasize the need to ensure that the volume of water entering the hydrant equals the volume exiting through the hoses. There is mention of the density of water and the importance of cross-sectional areas in the calculations.

vaxop
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Three fire hoses are connected to a fire hydrant. Each hose has a radius of 0.020 m. Water enters the hydrant through an underground pipe of radius 0.080 m. In this pipe the water has a speed of 3.0 m/s. (a) How many kilograms of water are poured onto a fire in one hour? (b) Find the water speed in each hose.

Anyone know how to do this ?

I get a strange answer and I am pretty sure its wrong.. probably because I don't know how to factor in the >3< hoses :(
 
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vaxop said:
Three fire hoses are connected to a fire hydrant. Each hose has a radius of 0.020 m. Water enters the hydrant through an underground pipe of radius 0.080 m. In this pipe the water has a speed of 3.0 m/s. (a) How many kilograms of water are poured onto a fire in one hour? (b) Find the water speed in each hose.

Anyone know how to do this ?
Hint: you know that the volume of water coming into the hydrant has to be the volume of water leaving the hydrant.

Try Bernouilli's equation:

[tex]P_{hydrant} + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_{hydrant}^2 = P_{hose} + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_{hose}^2[/tex]

and see what you get.

AM
 
Last edited:
?bernouilli's equation?

the rate of water flow = [itex]\rho v A[/itex]
use this equation for your part a and b...

ANDREW MASON said:
Try Bernouilli's equation:
and see what you get.

PS. if you try bernouilli's equation, you will get a mess.
 
Last edited:
As vincentchan implied, pressure is irrelevant. The volume of water exiting the hose, in one second, must be equal to the volume of water entering the hydrant, in one second. The weight of that water is just the volume times the density of water. The volume entering or exiting in one second is just the speed (in m/s) times the cross section area of the hose (in m2).
 
vincentchan said:
?bernouilli's equation?

the rate of water flow = [itex]\rho v A[/itex]
use this equation for your part a and b...



PS. if you try bernouilli's equation, you will get a mess.
You get the hydrant pressure after you work out the velocity (which you get after taking my hint) - assuming it exits horizontally.

AM
 

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