Fluid Mechanics: Bernoulli & Energy Equations Problem- Help?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a fluid mechanics problem involving Bernoulli's equation and energy equations in the context of a thermal fluids class. Participants are examining the approach to calculating the mass flow rate of water being pumped from a lake to a pool, considering system friction losses and pump power.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their approach to solving a problem involving water being pumped through a pipe, expressing uncertainty about their calculations and seeking feedback.
  • Another participant suggests that the first law of thermodynamics and Bernoulli's equation are both relevant, indicating a preference for using the Bernoulli equation modified for pump work and friction losses.
  • The second participant recommends specific points in the system to apply Bernoulli's equation, noting that the friction loss term includes gravitational acceleration, which influences the choice of method.
  • There is a request for confirmation on the correctness of the approach taken, indicating a desire for positive feedback on the participant's work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best approach to the problem, as one participant suggests using the Bernoulli equation while another has not explicitly agreed or disagreed with this method. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correctness of the calculations and the approach taken.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion, such as the lack of clarity on the assumptions made in the calculations and the dependence on the definitions used for terms in the equations. The specific details of the second question are not provided, leaving that aspect unresolved.

hdp12
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Hello there. I took a test yesterday in my thermal fluids 1 class and I was hoping somebody could confirm or critique my answer. (Don't worry, I asked the professor first if I could take the picture)

The problem is:
Water is pumped from a lake to a pool through a 0.05 m diameter pipe. System friction losses are hf = 50V2/(2g), where V is the average velocity in the pipe. If the power of the pump is 10 kW, what is the mass flow rate pumped?
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The diagram given with the problem is attached as well as the two pages of my work. I was fairly certain that I messed up on the first page so I redid it on the second page and hope that it was the correct approach. Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics are tough for me because you really have to know exactly how, when, why, and which formulas to use at precisely the correct time. If somebody could just look over my work and let me know if I was on the right track, what my errors were, and/or the correct approach, I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks,
H.
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It looks like you have been trying to use two versions of an equivalent equation:

1. The open system (control volume) version of the first law of thermodynamics (page 1)
2. The Bernoulli equation, modified to include pump work and friction energy losses (page 2)

Given that the friction loss is given with a g in the denominator, my inclination is that they meant for you to use method 2. For the Bernoulli version, I recommend using point 1 before the inlet of the pump (so p1=0 and v1 = 0) and point 2 (after the outlet in the pool (so p2=0 and v2 = 0); so,
$$h_{pump}=(z_2-z_1)+h_L$$
This is what you ended up with, and, given the rest is straightforward, it looks like you did it right.
 
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Chestermiller said:
This is what you ended up with, and, given the rest is straightforward, it looks like you did it right.

That is very good news! They take forever grading the tests and I just really wanted some positive feedback. If it's not too much to ask, would you tell me if I did the second question correctly too? There are only 2 questions so I promise this is the last one!

2hxmuiv.jpg

2djoqb5.jpg

333cy0j.jpg
 
hdp12 said:
That is very good news! They take forever grading the tests and I just really wanted some positive feedback. If it's not too much to ask, would you tell me if I did the second question correctly too? There are only 2 questions so I promise this is the last one!

2hxmuiv.jpg

2djoqb5.jpg

333cy0j.jpg
Please start a new thread for this. Also, please put it into Engineering and Computer Science homework forum, and use the homework template. Thanks.
 

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