Engineering Project: Flood Resistant Terminal w/ Water Driven Propellor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of designing a flood-resistant terminal that incorporates a water-driven propeller to minimize the forces exerted on its pontoon during flood events. Participants explore the mechanics of water flow and the potential for using thrust to alleviate stress on structural components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Harry proposes the idea of a propeller that creates thrust to reduce the force exerted on the pontoon by floodwaters.
  • One participant seeks clarification on whether the forces in question are horizontal forces due to waves or the flow of the water body itself.
  • Harry explains that the river's velocity during floods reaches 2.5-3.5 m/s, indicating that the concern is primarily about the flow of water rather than wave action.
  • Another participant suggests that to avoid forces from the water, the pontoon should flow with the current, implying that a free-standing structure might be necessary to redirect water flow.
  • Harry clarifies that the goal is to use a motorized propeller to counteract the force on the pilings caused by floodwaters, akin to how a fan operates when pushed by air.
  • One participant argues that any additional drag from the propeller would contribute to the overall drag on the system, suggesting that a breakwater might be a more effective solution to redirect water forces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and effectiveness of using a water-driven propeller to mitigate forces on the pontoon. There is no consensus on the best approach to address the challenges posed by floodwaters.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about water flow dynamics and structural responses to flood conditions, which may not be fully explored or agreed upon by all participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in engineering design, flood mitigation strategies, and the mechanics of water flow in relation to structural integrity may find this discussion relevant.

hwall95
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Hey everyone,
For my engineering project I am designing a Flood Resistant Terminal and just wondering if you guys reckon it would be possible to create a propellor that creates thrust to minimise the force exerted on the pontoon by the water. The only way I could think to be able to create it would be channel the water to create a rotational force which is more likely to cause more trouble then it's worth. However if anyone has and thoughts on the matter it'd be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Harry
 
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hwall95 said:
minimise the force exerted on the pontoon by the water.
What do you mean? Horizontal forces due to waves?
 
Well during a flood event the river in which the pontoon is being designed for, reches velocities between 2.5-3.5 m/s, so if horizontal is parallel to the riverbank then yes but not really waves, more the water body itself traveling down the river
 
Forces: equal and opposite.

If you don't want the water to exert a force on your pontoon, then you've got to let it flow with the current. Unless you meant that you would build a free standing struction apart from the pontoon which would help deflect or redirect or whatever some of the water...
 
Okay sorry I didn't explain the no force part well, when the pontoon is getting pushed by the floodwaters, tremendous pressure is forced against its pilings which stop any horizontal motion, however if you were to put a motor on the back it could counter some of that force to release stress fractures that may occur over time. Therefore my question was about the feasibility of design a propellor that is rotated by the water to create a thrust that lessens the force acting upon the pilings. The same way if you back of a small fan in will start turning...
 

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