How Do You Calculate Air Flow Velocity Between Two Tanks?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter supernova1387
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Flow Velocity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

To calculate air flow velocity between two tanks, one at 1 bar atmospheric pressure and the other under vacuum, it is essential to consider the internal diameter of the connecting pipe, its length, and the temperature of the air. Initially, the flow will be choked due to the pressure difference, but as the pressures equalize, the flow will transition to an un-choked state. Bernoulli's principle is not applicable in this scenario due to the unsteady nature of the flow.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Knowledge of choked flow conditions
  • Familiarity with pressure measurements in gas systems
  • Basic concepts of pipe flow, including internal diameter and length
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the calculations for choked flow in gases
  • Learn about the effects of temperature on gas flow rates
  • Study the principles of unsteady flow in fluid dynamics
  • Explore the use of flow meters for measuring air velocity
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and anyone involved in fluid mechanics, particularly those working with gas flow systems and pressure differentials.

supernova1387
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
This might be simple but I can't remember how to do it.

problem: we have 2 tanks. One filled with atmospheric air at 1 bar and the other is vacuum. The two tanks are connected by a rigid pipe which has a valve. I open the valve and air flows to the vacuum tank. How do I calculate the air velocity?

P.s: I don't think Bernoulli is valid here because the flow isn't steady I guess. Please state your assumptions clearly.

Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Flow velocity depends on the thickness and length of the pipe, and on the temperature of the air.
 
Instead of 'thickness' of the pipe, the term 'internal diameter' would be more apt.
 
Also pay attention to the pressures. The flow is going to start off choked but will eventually un-choke as the pressures equalize.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Flow rate calculation of coating application
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
Graduate Air flow through a hole in a submerged pressure tank
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
21K
Undergrad How much time to pressure balance two air chambers
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Calculating Filling Time for a Diving Tank with Changing Hydrostatic Pressure
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Confusion about potential energy in a tank filled with water
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
6K
Undergrad Drag equation - relative flow velocity
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
Graduate Flow of air through an open tube with a balloon
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Undergrad Steam flow rate in 2-chamber steam engine system
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Velocity of compressed air through pipe
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Why flow has high velocity when partially closed?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K