Bernoulli's equation and velocity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Bernoulli's equation in scenarios involving multiple holes in a vessel containing liquid, particularly when the liquid level is changing. Participants explore the implications of steady versus unsteady flow and how this affects the velocities at different holes.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the velocities at different holes in a vessel when the liquid level is changing, referencing Bernoulli's equation and its application.
  • Another participant suggests that Bernoulli's equation can be applied separately for each hole, assuming energy conservation throughout the liquid.
  • A later reply questions whether the velocity of the liquid at the top should be considered when applying Bernoulli's equation, proposing a relationship between the velocities at the holes and the top liquid.
  • Some participants argue that if the liquid level is changing significantly, the flow is unsteady, and thus the standard form of Bernoulli's equation may not apply.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of time-varying pressure when the liquid level drops, with some participants expressing confusion about the applicability of Bernoulli's equation under these conditions.
  • One participant attempts to relate the changing liquid level to Bernoulli's equation by substituting variables, prompting further discussion on the assumptions underlying the equation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of Bernoulli's equation in unsteady flow situations, with some asserting that it cannot be used while others explore ways to adapt it. No consensus is reached regarding the conditions under which Bernoulli's equation can be applied.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations related to the assumptions of steady flow and the implications of time-varying pressure, indicating that the discussion involves complex dynamics that are not fully resolved.

AdityaDev
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What happens when you have more than one hole in a vessel containing liquid?
Can you help me finding the velocities at different holes if they are at some height from level of liquid at a particular instant?
I know what happens when you put a small hole in a tank containing liquid at a height h from the top level of liquid(which decreases).
P0+ 0.5pv^2 + pgh = P0+ 0.5pV^2
Assuming v (small v) the velocity of liquid on top is very small,
##V=root(2gh)##
Should I take Bernoulli equation separately?
 
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Yes you can apply the Bernoulli equation separately. (Bernoulli equation essentially says that the energy-per-volume is the same throughout the liquid, so the energy per volume at the top of the liquid will be the same as at each hole.)

If the speed of the liquid on top is not negligible, then you would have to consider that adding an extra hole would increase the speed of the top of the liquid.
 
Nathanael said:
If the speed of the liquid on top is not negligible, then you would have to consider that adding an extra hole would increase the speed of the top of the liquid.
Thank you for the reply. When I consider that velocity of liquid on top is not negligible should I first find the relation between velocity of liquid in each hole and the velocity of top liquid and then apply BE? Like in a time dt if the level of liquid decrease by dy,
then the volume that has decreased is Ady. Then from each hole a total volume of dV=Ady has to expelled in dt time. If area of cross section is given then can I apply principle of continuity equation for liquid at to and each hole like this:
##Ady/dt = a1dv1/dt##
 
If the level of liquid in your container is changing appreciably, then the flow is no longer steady and Bernoulli's equation no longer strictly applies and you would need to use the unsteady form of the Bernoulli equation, which is not as easy to work with:
\rho\dfrac{\partial \phi}{\partial t} + \dfrac{1}{2}\rho\left( \vec{\nabla \phi}\cdot\vec{\nabla\phi} \right)^2 + p + \rho g z = f(t).
 
boneh3ad said:
If the level of liquid in your container is changing appreciably, then the flow is no longer steady and Bernoulli's equation no longer strictly applies and you would need to use the unsteady form of the Bernoulli equation, which is not as easy to work with:
\rho\dfrac{\partial \phi}{\partial t} + \dfrac{1}{2}\rho\left( \vec{\nabla \phi}\cdot\vec{\nabla\phi} \right)^2 + p + \rho g z = f(t).
Why can't it be steady?
 
If your liquid level is dropping then your pressure is time-varying.
 
boneh3ad said:
If your liquid level is dropping then your pressure is time-varying.
For a particular time I can write v=dy/dt. I will then put this in the simple BE and I will replace pgh with pgy(t). Why can't I do that?
 
Bernoulli's equation is derived under the assumption that the flow is steady. It comes from the fact that at some point you reach the point where you have
\dfrac{d}{dt}\left( \dfrac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + p + \rho g z \right) = 0
so that when you integrate this, the result is
\dfrac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + p + \rho g z = \textrm{constant}.
If the flow is not steady, then you can't set the time derivative to zero and you now have to deal with the fact that
\dfrac{1}{2}\rho v^2 + p + \rho g z \neq \textrm{constant},
meaning that even if you add in variables that are a function of time, Bernoulli's equation as it is typically written does not apply.
 
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