Calculate the Flux through the Pipe

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    Flux Pipe
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the flux of water flowing through a rectangular pipe, specifically determining the rate at which water accumulates in a bucket. The context is rooted in fluid dynamics, focusing on the application of surface integrals to compute flux.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the integral definition of flux and express confusion about applying the divergence theorem. Some question whether the problem is straightforward or if it contains hidden complexities. There is an attempt to evaluate the surface integral and relate it to the dimensions of the pipe.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants offering guidance on the relationship between flux and area when velocity is uniform. There is a mix of confidence and uncertainty among participants regarding the correct approach to the integral, and they explore different interpretations of the problem setup.

Contextual Notes

Participants express concern about their understanding of surface integrals and the implications of non-uniform velocities in subsequent parts of the problem. There is a mention of a specific textbook reference that may influence the problem's complexity.

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Homework Statement



Water flows with a speed v down a rectangular pipe of dimensions s and l as shown. What is the rate [itex]\Phi=volume\, per\, unit\, time[/itex]
at which water accumulates in the bucket?

Photo2.jpg



Homework Equations


[itex]\Phi=\int_S\mathbf{v}\cdot d\mathbf{a}[/itex]


The Attempt at a Solution



I am confused as to how to compute this integral. I do not see how could use the divergence theorem to simplify it since I only have the dimensions of the 2-dim surface of the rectangular pipe.

I am not sure how to evaluate the surface integral based solely on its definition. Can someone help to get me started?

Do I just use the definition [itex]\Phi=\int_S\mathbf{v}\cdot d\mathbf{a}[/itex] for this?
 
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Any suggestions would be appreciated. :smile:
 
Sure, flux is integral v.dA. If the velocity is uniform that's just v*A. Isn't it? Why do you want to use the divergence theorem? This problem sure looks simple to me. Is this some kind of a trick?
 
Dick said:
Sure, flux is integral v.dA. If the velocity is uniform that's just v*A. Isn't it? Why do you want to use the divergence theorem? This problem sure looks simple to me. Is this some kind of a trick?

I just don't know anymore :sad: I think I am getting stupider and stupider.

I don't know what he is looking for (Griffith's Intro to Electrodynamics problem 1.32 2nd ed.).

I don't want to just memorize formulas. I want to compute the integrals. But I get all effed up when I get a surface integral no matter how simple. If I have to use the definition, I get all flustered.

How do I compute the integral?

I get,

[itex]\phi=\int_S v \cdot da[/itex]
[itex]=\int_S v*da\cos\theta[/itex]
[itex]=\int_S v*da[/itex]
[itex]=\int_s\int_l v*(dsdl)=v*s*l[/itex]

is that right?

The reason I want to do this right is that the next three parts of the problem have angles and $hit that I'll and non-uniform velocities that I will have to deal with.
 
Yes, that's right. It's v*A=v*s*l. cos(theta)=1.
 

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