A math or a simple fluid problem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a mathematical model for the height of a tank over time, influenced by a constant inflow and a periodic fluctuation. Participants explore the formulation of the problem, the assumptions made regarding inflow and outflow, and the approach to solving the resulting ordinary differential equation (ODE).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a differential equation derived from the inflow and outflow dynamics of a tank, stating that the inflow is a constant plus a sinusoidal term and the outflow is proportional to the square root of the height.
  • Another participant questions whether the equation was provided or derived by the original poster, seeking clarification on the source of the formulation.
  • The original poster reiterates their derivation of the equation and seeks validation of their assumptions regarding inflow and outflow.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the assumption that outflow is proportional to the square root of height, suggesting a revision of that assumption.
  • Another participant argues that the problem is fundamentally a mathematical one rather than a fluid dynamics issue, suggesting that the relationship between height and volume should be considered to simplify the equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the problem, with some considering it a mathematical challenge while others emphasize the fluid dynamics aspect. There is no consensus on the assumptions regarding outflow or the best approach to solving the ODE.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached an agreement on the validity of the assumptions made regarding the outflow dynamics, and there are unresolved questions about the relationship between height and volume in the context of the tank's geometry.

hanson
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Hi all!
I am solving for the height of a tank as a function of time.
The tank has a constant inflow of a and is subjected to small fluctuation of bsin(wt).
So the inflow is simply a+bsin(wt).
The outflow should be proportional to the square root of the height, H.
So outflow = c*sqrt(H)
Therefore the below differential equation is obtained with k=the area of the tank:
[tex]\frac{a+bsinwt-c\sqrt{H}}{k}=\frac{dH}{dt}[/tex]


but the problem is that I don't know how to solve this ODE...
Can anyone solve the problem?
 
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Have you been given this equation or have you set it up by yourself?
 
I set it up myself. And I have show my deduction:
The tank has a constant inflow of a and is subjected to small fluctuation of bsin(wt).
So the inflow is simply a+bsin(wt).
The outflow should be proportional to the square root of the height, H.
So outflow = c*sqrt(H)
Therefore the above differential appears.
Am i correct?
 
hanson said:
I set it up myself. And I have show my deduction:
The tank has a constant inflow of a and is subjected to small fluctuation of bsin(wt).
So the inflow is simply a+bsin(wt).
The outflow should be proportional to the square root of the height, H.
So outflow = c*sqrt(H)
Therefore the above differential appears.
Am i correct?

I am not sure about your assumption of the outflow. I would revise that.
 
this problem really has nothing to do with fluids..its just a math problem..

inflow is a+bsin(wt) correct.
outflow you said is proportional to square root of the height, h..
is then right too.. c*sqrt(h)...

now if you divide volume by cross sectional area you get height.. I am thinking you need to find the radius in terms of height also by rearranged the volume equation... that way your equation will be composed only of H terms.
 

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