Calculating Water Flow Duration in Cylinder Reservoir

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the time it takes to empty a vertical cylinder-shaped reservoir filled with water, given specific dimensions and a hole at the bottom. The subject area relates to fluid dynamics, particularly Bernoulli's principle and its application to flow rates and volume change in a tank.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Bernoulli's principle to determine the speed of water exiting the orifice and the resulting flow rate. There is mention of constructing a differential equation to model the volume of water in the tank over time. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the problem and seeks guidance on the necessary steps.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the application of Bernoulli's principle and the formulation of a differential equation. There is acknowledgment of a specific equation that may be relevant to the problem, but no consensus has been reached on the complete approach or solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a lack of familiarity with the physics involved, suggesting that they are seeking foundational understanding rather than a direct solution. There may be constraints related to the level of detail expected in the homework assignment.

Pzi
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Hello.

Homework Statement


There is a vertical cylinder-shaped reservoir full of water:
Height h = 18 meters
Radius R = 2 meters
If suddenly a hole appeared on the bottom (radius r = 0.25 meters) how long would it take to empty the reservoir?


Homework Equations


Probably related to Bernoulli's principle somehow someway.


The Attempt at a Solution


To be honest with you I just reposted this problem from elsewhere. Some girl tried to solve it and since I am a pure mathematician I pretty much do not have a clue about those things. Tried to google it, but without proper knowledge did not succeed.
Some kind of powerful formula and basic steps would be appreciated.

Thanks.
 
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Bernoulli is the key. His principle gives you the speed of the water exiting the orifice, hence the flow rate and rate of change of velocity in the tank. [EDIT: I meant change of VOLUME, not change of velocity!].

Essentially, for a depth of water h above the opening, the velocity of the water will be given by [itex]\sqrt{2 g h}[/itex] .

With the flow rate and opening size you can construct the differential equation for the volume of water in the tank.
 
Last edited:
gneill said:
Bernoulli is the key. His principle gives you the speed of the water exiting the orifice, hence the flow rate and rate of change of velocity in the tank.

Essentially, for a depth of water h above the opening, the velocity of the water will be given by [itex]\sqrt{2 g h}[/itex] .

With the flow rate and opening size you can construct the differential equation for the volume of water in the tank.

So it seems that I am supposed to solve this
[PLAIN]http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/6712/eqn9284.png

Can you confirm?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Yes, that is one differential equation that fits the bill!
 

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