Flow From a Tank through a Pipe

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on modeling water flow from a tank through a pipe, emphasizing the importance of accurately calculating pressure and velocity. The user initially assumed atmospheric pressure in the pipe, which is incorrect. The correct approach involves understanding the pressure gradient along the pipe and how it varies due to factors like surface roughness. The velocity can be calculated using the formula SQRT(2*g*height difference), but adjustments must be made to account for the resistance caused by pipe roughness.

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  • Fluid dynamics principles, specifically Bernoulli's equation
  • Understanding of pressure gradients in fluid systems
  • Knowledge of surface roughness effects on flow resistance
  • Basic programming skills for modeling simulations
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  • Learn about the Darcy-Weisbach equation for calculating pressure loss due to friction
  • Investigate methods for measuring and modeling surface roughness in pipes
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Engineers, fluid dynamics researchers, and programmers interested in simulating hydraulic systems and optimizing water flow in piping networks.

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Im looking to create a program which models a tabletop water tunnel. One part of the system involves flow out of a tank through a pipe. So far I have used the assumption that the pressure in the pipe is the same as atmospheric but I feel this is wrong, and therefore my use of SQRT(2*g*height difference) is incorrect to calculate the velocity out of the pipe. How would I go about finding the pressure in the pipe? And how would I take into account surface roughness effects along the length of pipe?
 
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The pressure varies through the pipe. In fact, the pressure gradient is what makes the water flow.

At the tank end, yes the pressure is dependent on "head" meaning the pressure dependent on height of the tank.

At the far end, yes pressure is pretty close to atmospheric.

Yes roughness matters, but in proportion to flow. The rougher the surface the more resistance to flow. If your tank has fixed height, the the resistance of the pipe determines how fast the water flows out.
 

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