What Tank Shape Ensures Constant Height Change Rate in Fluid Mechanics?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the tank shape that maintains a constant rate of height change in fluid mechanics, specifically for a liquid draining through a small exit port. Utilizing Bernoulli's equation, the relationship between the height of the liquid and the diameter of the tank is established, concluding that the diameter (D) is proportional to the height (h) raised to the power of 1/4 (D ∝ h1/4). This relationship ensures that the drainage rate remains consistent until the tank is nearly empty.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bernoulli's equation in fluid dynamics
  • Knowledge of axisymmetric tank geometry
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically derivatives and proportional relationships
  • Basic principles of fluid flow and drainage rates
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation of Bernoulli's equation and its applications in fluid mechanics
  • Investigate the implications of tank shape on fluid dynamics and drainage efficiency
  • Learn about the mathematical modeling of fluid flow in varying geometries
  • Study the effects of different exit port sizes on drainage rates and fluid behavior
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Students and professionals in engineering, particularly those specializing in fluid mechanics, hydraulic engineering, and anyone involved in designing drainage systems or studying fluid behavior in tanks.

imaweirdo2
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Homework Statement


A liquid is to drain through a small exit port at the bottom of an axisymmetric tank that is open at the top. Find a tank shape such that the rate of change of the height of the free surface is constant (at least until the tank is almost empty). Assume that Bernoulli’s eqn. applies and that the free surface diameter is always much larger than that of the exit port.


Homework Equations


dh/dt = const.
from bernoulli's eqn: v_out = (2gh)^(1/2)


The Attempt at a Solution


My best guess at how to solve this is to relate the change in height with the change in radius of the surface of the water, but because I don't know what the volume is I don't know how to do this.

The most I can come up with is:
drainage rate = A*v_out = pi*r^2*(2gh)^(1/2)

I'm not even sure I'm going in the right direction, and I haven't been able to puzzle it out. If anyone can help me out it would be much appreciated.
 
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imaweirdo2 said:

Homework Statement


A liquid is to drain through a small exit port at the bottom of an axisymmetric tank that is open at the top. Find a tank shape such that the rate of change of the height of the free surface is constant (at least until the tank is almost empty). Assume that Bernoulli’s eqn. applies and that the free surface diameter is always much larger than that of the exit port.

Homework Equations


dh/dt = const.
from bernoulli's eqn: v_out = (2gh)^(1/2)

The Attempt at a Solution


My best guess at how to solve this is to relate the change in height with the change in radius of the surface of the water, but because I don't know what the volume is I don't know how to do this.

The most I can come up with is:
drainage rate = A*v_out = pi*r^2*(2gh)^(1/2)

I'm not even sure I'm going in the right direction, and I haven't been able to puzzle it out. If anyone can help me out it would be much appreciated.
$$\frac{\pi D^2}{4}\frac{dh}{dt}=-\pi r^2 (2gh)^{1/2}$$Since dh/dt is constant, it follows that D is proportional to ##h^{1/4}##.
 
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