Bernoulli’s Equation for plugging finger into dike under water

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of Bernoulli's equation in a fluid dynamics problem involving water and a hole in a dike. Participants explore the assumptions made regarding the velocity of water outside the hole and the pressure conditions at different points in the system.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the assumption that the water outside the hole is stationary, specifically discussing the implications of velocity and pressure at various points. They also explore the validity of assuming atmospheric pressure at the water surface and the effects of depth on pressure.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the reasoning behind the assumptions made in the problem. There is an exchange of ideas regarding the selection of points for applying Bernoulli's principle, and some participants express understanding of the concepts being discussed.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the specific depth of the hole and the relationship between pressure and height in the context of fluid statics. Participants are navigating the complexities of the problem setup and the implications of their assumptions.

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Homework Statement
A legendary Dutch boy saved Holland by plugging a hole
of diameter 1.20 cm in a dike with his finger. If the hole was 2.00 m below the surface of the North Sea (density 1030 kg/m^3) (b) If he pulled his finger out of the hole, during what time interval would the released water fill 1 acre of land to a depth of 1 ft? Assume the hole remained constant in size.
Relevant Equations
Bernoulli’s Equation
For this part (b) of this problem
1670119512790.png
,
The solution is,
1670119564095.png

1670119694881.png

However, why are they allowed to assume for the Bernoulli's equation for the water outside the hole, that the water is stationary (i.e v_1 = 0)?

It also appears that they assume that the pressure inside the Holland is 1 atm, which is only valid when the water level is below the hole.

Many thanks!
 
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Callumnc1 said:
, why are they allowed to assume for the Bernoulli's equation for the water outside the hole, that the water is stationary (i.e v_1 = 0)?
On the sea side, I assume you mean.
You are right that immediately in front of the hole the water will be moving some, but also the pressure will have dropped a little in consequence. As you move a bit further back into the water, both of those effects diminish.
You could also forget about that region and instead consider the water surface. That certainly gives v1=0, z1=2m, p1=atm.
 
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haruspex said:
On the sea side, I assume you mean.
You are right that immediately in front of the hole the water will be moving some, but also the pressure will have dropped a little in consequence. As you move a bit further back into the water, both of those effects diminish.
You could also forget about that region and instead consider the water surface. That certainly gives v1=0, z1=2m, p1=atm.
Thanks for your reply @haruspex ! I was assuming Holland was 2 m below the water as the problem says that. Were you assuming Holland was at sea level?

Is that why you said that I would be allowed to forget about that region and instead consider the water surface? The water surface is at 1 atm, while the region at the same height as the hole (2m below the surface) is at 1 atm + 20.2 kPa.

Many thanks!
 
Callumnc1 said:
Were you assuming Holland was at sea level?
No.
In using Bernoull's principle you pick any two points in the 'streamline'. You have the exit point on the Holland side of the hole, but on the water side you do not have to choose a point right in front of the hole. For the reasons I gave, it is not entirely clear what the velocity and pressure are there. Instead, you can choose a point somewhat further away, on the same level, or a point on the surface. The first will give a pressure patm+gρz (z=2m) and a height difference zero, the second will give a pressure patm and a height difference z=2m. Either way, it adds up to the same.
 
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haruspex said:
No.
In using Bernoull's principle you pick any two points in the 'streamline'. You have the exit point on the Holland side of the hole, but on the water side you do not have to choose a point right in front of the hole. For the reasons I gave, it is not entirely clear what the velocity and pressure are there. Instead, you can choose a point somewhat further away, on the same level, or a point on the surface. The first will give a pressure patm+gρz (z=2m) and a height difference zero, the second will give a pressure patm and a height difference z=2m. Either way, it adds up to the same.
Oooh thanks so much @haruspex , I understand now!
 

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