Energy equation for fluid mechanics

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the energy equation in fluid mechanics as applied to a hydraulic turbine problem. Participants are analyzing the power lost between two sections of the system, addressing the implications of pressure measurements and their interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation for the power lost between sections of a hydraulic turbine, using the energy equation and given parameters.
  • Another participant identifies a potential sign error in the interpretation of the pressure at section (2), suggesting it may not align with the expected positive power loss.
  • Some participants question the interpretation of "25 cm Hg vacuum," discussing whether it should be considered above vacuum pressure or below atmospheric pressure.
  • There is a clarification that "25 cm Hg vacuum" translates to "51 cm absolute pressure," which some participants agree upon.
  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the terminology used in the problem statement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the interpretation of the pressure measurement at section (2), with multiple competing views on its implications for the calculations. The discussion remains unresolved as to the correct interpretation and its impact on the power loss calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential for confusion stemming from the terminology used in the problem statement, particularly regarding the distinction between absolute and vacuum pressure. There are unresolved aspects related to the sign and interpretation of pressure values in the context of the energy equation.

TimeRip496
Messages
249
Reaction score
5

Homework Statement


Water is supplied at 4.50 m3/s and 415 kPa (abs) to a hydraulic turbine through a 1.0-m inside diameter inlet pipe as indicated in the figure. The turbine discharge pipe has a 1.2-m inside diameter. The static pressure at section (2), 3 m below the turbine inlet, is 25 cm Hg vacuum. If the turbine develops 1.9 MW, determine the power lost between sections (1) and (2). (ANS:290kW)

media%2Fce6%2Fce6204de-ba80-4f3f-a281-0c233fcc6b48%2FphphfXDRs.png


Homework Equations


$${\displaystyle {{\frac {v_1^{2}}{2}}+gz_1+{\frac {p_1}{\rho }}=\frac {v_2^{2}}{2}}+gz_2+{\frac {p_2}{\rho }}+h_{shaft}+h_{lost}={\text{constant}}}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


To find the velocity,
$$v_1=4.50÷(0.5^2 \pi)=5.73 m/s $$
$$v_2=4.50÷(0.6^2 \pi)=3.98 m/s $$

Apply energy equation,
$$415(10^3) + 0.5\rho_w (5.73^2)+\rho_w g(3) = 1.9(10^6)÷4.5 +\frac{25}{76}(1.01*10^5)+0.5\rho_w (3.98^2)+P_{lost}÷4.5 $$ $$ P_{lost}=4.5(460846.45-463366.12)=-11338.515$$

However this is not possible as the power lost must be positive based on the above formulated steps. Besides the answer is not the same as the correct answer which is 290kW.
 

Attachments

  • media%2Fce6%2Fce6204de-ba80-4f3f-a281-0c233fcc6b48%2FphphfXDRs.png
    media%2Fce6%2Fce6204de-ba80-4f3f-a281-0c233fcc6b48%2FphphfXDRs.png
    4.4 KB · Views: 1,337
Physics news on Phys.org
TimeRip496 said:
...
The static pressure at section (2), 3 m below the turbine inlet, is 25 cm Hg vacuum.
...
You've got a sign error.
 
jackwhirl said:
You've got a sign error.
Shouldn't 25cm Hg vacuum means 25cm Hg above vacuum pressure which is zero? Why is 25cm Hg vacuum equivalent to 25cm Hg below atm?
 
TimeRip496 said:
Shouldn't 25cm Hg vacuum means 25cm Hg above vacuum pressure which is zero? Why is 25cm Hg vacuum equivalent to 25cm Hg below atm?
Because the first interpretation is the same as absolute pressure, in which case there's no need to differentiate. But the problem statement calls it out both ways, abs and vacuum.

That and convention, I suppose.
 
25 cm vacuum means 51 cm absolute pressure.
 
Okay thanks! Was really confused by the terms given
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
9K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K