Difference in pressure question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the pressure difference in the Alaskan pipeline when the radius changes from 60 cm to 35 cm. The initial pressure is given as 160 kPa, and the density of oil is 800 kg/m³. The user attempts to find the pressure at the narrower section using Bernoulli's equation but encounters an incorrect result. Participants suggest that the user may have miscalculated the velocity due to confusion between flow rate and speed. Clarifications on dynamic versus static pressure are also raised, indicating a need for better understanding of the problem's requirements.
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Homework Statement



The alaskan pipeline has a capacity of 2.37*105m3/day of oil per day. Along most of the pipeline the radius is 60 cm. Find the pressure at a point where the pipe has a 35 cm radius. Take the pressure in the section with radius 60 cm to be 160 kPa and the density of oil to be 800kg/m3. Answer in units of kPA


Homework Equations



.5 * rho * v12+ rho * g * y + p1 = .5 * rho * v22 + rho * g* y + p2

since y = 0, we end up with:


.5 * rho * v12+ p1 = .5 * rho * v22 + p2

v2 = v1 ( A1 / A2)



The Attempt at a Solution




v1 = 2.37x10^5 m^3/day = 2.743055556 m^3/sec
A1 = 60^2*pi = 11309.73355 cm^2
A2 = 35^2 * pi = 3848.451001 cm^2

v2 = v1 * (A1/A2)

p1-p2 (difference in pressure) = (.5)(rho)(v2^2) - (.5)(rho)(v1^2)

substitute:

= (.5)(rho) ((v1*A1/A2)^2) - (.5)(rho)(v1^2)

= (.5)(rho)(v1^2) [(a1/a2)^2 - 1]

plugging in:

= (0.5)(800)(2.743055556)^2 (7.636401493) = 22983.59459 Pa = p1-p2

since we're given p1 = 160 kPa, converting the difference in pressure to kPa and subtracting yields

22.98359459 = 160 - p2
p2 = 137.0164054 kPa

However, this is an in correct answer. Does anyone see where I'm making my mistake?
 
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Hm.

Is the question asking for dynamic, static, or stagnation pressure?
 
The problem doesn't seem to specify. how would I tell, and how would that affect my answer?
 
Your error is in determining the speed. You seem to be mixing up flow with speed.

Since Flow = dV/dt = d/dt(Ax) = vA =&gt; v = Flow/A[/tex]<br /> <br /> For the 60 cm section, v = Flow/\pi r^2 = 2.74/3.14*.36 = 2.42 m/secAM
 
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Thanks!
 
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