Force of Water Flow: Calculating Pressure on Structure

[smprindi]

If a pipe flowing with water enters a structure where the structure wall will stop the horizontal velocity of the flow and direct it downward (i.e a pipe into a manhole with an outlet at a considerably lower elevation), how do you calculate the force exerted on the structure of that wall. I have found the equation Force = density of water * flow volume * change in velocity. Is this on the right track?

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

Hi smprindi ! Welcome to PF!

… how do you calculate the force exerted on the structure of that wall. I have found the equation Force = density of water * flow volume * change in velocity. Is this on the right track?

Yes …

from good ol' Newton's second law …

force = rate of change of momentum

= velocity times mass per time …

which is the same as your Force = density of water * flow volume * change in velocity.