Calculating Frictional Force in a Water Eroded Tube: A Case Study

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the frictional force between a rock and the wall of a water-eroded tube in a limestone bed. The tube, with a diameter of 4.05 cm, is located 5.6 m below the surface of a 15.7 m deep freshwater pond. The participants utilize the formula F = PA, where P is the total pressure (P = Patm + Dgh), to determine the forces acting on the rock, including friction, air pressure, and water pressure. The calculations emphasize the importance of understanding fluid dynamics and pressure differentials in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Knowledge of pressure calculations in fluids
  • Familiarity with the concept of frictional force
  • Basic skills in force diagram analysis
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  • Study the principles of hydrostatic pressure in fluids
  • Learn about the calculation of frictional forces in confined spaces
  • Explore the application of Pascal's Law in fluid mechanics
  • Investigate the effects of tube diameter on flow dynamics
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This discussion is beneficial for civil engineers, fluid mechanics students, and anyone involved in geological studies related to erosion and fluid flow in confined environments.

Meis_113
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This one is a doozy . . .

A fresh water pond that is 15.7 m deep is contained on one side by a cliff. The water has eroded a nearly horizontal "tube" through a bed of limestone, which allows the water to emerge on the other side of the cliff. If the "tube" has a diameter of 4.05 cm, and is located 5.6 m below the surface of the pond, what is the frictional force between the "tube" wall and a rock that is blocking the exit?

I've spent a bit too long on this one, and I am getting nowhere . . . any assistane would be greatly appreciated. The sooner the better as well lol. Thanks for your help in advance.
 
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actually I had the same question as well.

I'm wondering if I am missing a Force in my force diagram.

I used F = PA
And then the equal and opposite reaction to the force of the water pushing on the rock would be the friction between the rock and the wall going in a direction opposite to the direction of motion.
and where P = Patm + Dgh, where D= density of the fluid and Patm is the atmospheric pressure pushing down on the water.
Is that what you did?
 
Use the summation of forces Fnet = 0.

Your rock is acted on by
1. friction
2. air pressure - side 1
3. water pressure - side 2

Since, the hole is relatively small, we can make the calculations simple with not statics of bodies involved. The pressure of the water on side 2 of the rock is equal to:

[tex]p_w = \rho g h + p_{atm}[/tex]

Using F = pA, the answer shouldn't be far off.
 

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