Can you calculate water velocity from m=f/A

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating water velocity from fire hydrants and hoses using established hydraulic principles. The Freeman formula, Q=AV, is utilized to relate water quantity (Q), outlet area (A), and velocity (V). Bernoulli's Equation, V=\sqrt{2gh}, is employed to derive velocity from head pressure, with a conversion from head to pressure in kPa. The participants confirm that using P=F/A is not applicable for calculating water velocity in this context, as it leads back to Bernoulli's Equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Freeman formula (Q=AV)
  • Knowledge of Bernoulli's Equation (V=\sqrt{2gh})
  • Familiarity with pressure units (kPa) and conversion from head to pressure
  • Basic principles of fluid dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of Bernoulli's Equation in fluid dynamics
  • Explore the implications of pressure and flow rate in hydraulic systems
  • Investigate the relationship between force, area, and pressure in fluid mechanics
  • Learn about the Freeman formula and its applications in calculating flow rates
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, hydrologists, and anyone involved in fluid dynamics or hydraulic engineering will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focused on calculating water flow rates in practical applications.

Jim Sanderson
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Hello, I was putting together some information to calculate water flow rates from fire hydrants and hoses. I have attached a copy in case anyone would be interested to have a look and point out any issues.

We use the Freeman formula for this which makes it pretty easy. Q=AV Q is quantity of water, A is area of outlet, V is velocity. To calculate velocity we use Bernoulli's Equation V=\sqrt{2gh} g=gravity h=head or height of water source above outlet. As we normally use pressure not head we would substitute gh for P in kPA i.e. 10m of head pressure is equal to 9.91 x 10 = 98.1kPa.

I was wondering if we could calculate the velocity of the water using P=F/A F=ma?

Question: If we had a large square hose that was 1m x 1m with a cap on the end. There is a pressure gauge in the cap that reads 100kPa. Assume there is a massive dam 10m above the hose outlet, this will provide a constant water supply at 100kPa (although when water is flowing the pressure will be nil. If we were to remove the cap, what would be the velocity of the water as it leaves the hose? Can we use P=F/A F=ma?

Thanks for any assistance.
 

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No, you cannot find equivalent force on an element of water. P = F/A, where F is lift. In the large reservoir, we assume F equals gravity; however it is not, or water won't flow.

BTW, Q is quatity rate of water.
 
I suspect if you tried to derive yourself an equation starting with f=ma, you'd just end up deriving Bernoulli's equation. So just use that.
 

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