# Fluid Mechanics; Lift Force on a Roof; Bernoulli's Equation

1. Sep 24, 2011

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

I need to find the net force acting on a flat squared roof with area A while the wind is blowing outside at some velocity, $$v_1$$.

2. Relevant equations

Bernoulli's Equation:
$$P_1+\frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2+\rho gy_1= P_2+\frac{1}{2}\rho v_2^2+\rho gy_2$$

3. The attempt at a solution

The roof is flat, so the air pushing up from the inside is at the same depth as the air pushing down on the outside, so $$y_1=y_2$$. I'm also assuming that the velocity of the air inside the house is zero, $$v_2=0$$. So I can rearrange Bernoulli's equation:

$$P_2-P_1=\frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2$$

I think that the net force should be:

$$\Sigma F=(P_2-P_1)A-Mg=\frac{1}{2}\rho v_1^2A-Mg$$

M is the mass of the roof. The problem is that I cannot find the mass, nor is it given. I"m told the that the roof is has an area of 225m and the wind is 100 mph. I convert the airspeed to meters-per-second, which is about 44.70 m/s. I can plug these numbers in, along with the known density of air, but it doesn't do any good if I don't know M.

Last edited: Sep 24, 2011
2. Sep 24, 2011

### ehild

That roof does not float in the air, but is supported by the walls. I am sure the problem means the net force from air.

ehild

3. Sep 24, 2011