Benoulli's Equaiton Pipe Pressure Problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving Bernoulli's equation applied to a pipe with varying diameters and a height difference. Participants explore how to calculate the pressure difference between the upper and lower ends of the pipe, considering the flow rate and velocities at both ends.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the problem statement and initial calculations for velocities at both ends of the pipe.
  • Another participant suggests writing Bernoulli's equation for both ends of the pipe, noting that they equal each other since they represent the same constant.
  • A participant questions how to calculate the unknown pressures, emphasizing that the pressures cannot be equal at both ends due to the relationship between speed and pressure.
  • Another participant clarifies that the task is to determine which end has the higher pressure by equating the Bernoulli equations and finding the ratio of the pressures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about how to proceed with the calculations and whether the pressures can be equal at both ends. There is no consensus on the method to find the unknown pressures, indicating a lack of agreement on the approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the mathematical steps necessary to calculate the pressure difference, and assumptions regarding the relationship between velocity and pressure remain unexamined.

mm874
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Homework Statement



Water flows down a pipe which tapers from 200 mm diameter to 125 mm diameter at the lower end. The difference in height between the two ends of the pipe is 4.0 m and the rate of flow is 1.50 m3 min-1. Calculate the pressure difference between the upper and lower ends of the pipe. Which end has the higher pressure?

Homework Equations



P+ρgh+0.5ρv^2=Constant
Volumetric Flow rate = A*v
Mass Flow Rate = ρ*Volumetric Flow rate

The Attempt at a Solution



Velocity at top = 0.025/0.0314 = 0.796m/s
Velocity at bottom = 0.025/0.0122 = 2.49m/s

Then I get lost at I put all the results into benoulli's equation but am not sure what
to do from there?
 
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Write your Bernoulli equation at the top of the pipe.
Write another Bernoulli equation for the bottom of the pipe.
The two Bernoulli equations equal the same constant, and therefore equal each other.
The only unknowns are the pressures at each end of the pipe.
 
So how do you calculate the unknowns if there is one either side. The pressure cannot be equal at both ends. As it state the faster the speed the lower the pressure.
 
You are only asked to find which end of the pipe has the higher pressure. By equating the two Bernoulli equations, you should be able to determine the ratio of the pressures, and depending on the magnitude of the ratio, which is the higher pressure.
 

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