How Does Fluid Velocity Change in a Draining Conical Funnel?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the fluid dynamics of water draining from a conical funnel, specifically analyzing the relationship between fluid velocity and water depth. The equation derived is U² = (A / (π tan(α))) * (2g / h³)³, where U is the velocity of the fluid, A is the cross-sectional area of the hole, and α is the semi-angle of the cone. The user, Chet, encounters a discrepancy in notation, using 'u²' instead of 'U²', indicating a misunderstanding in the representation of fluid velocity. The conversation emphasizes the application of Bernoulli's principle and geometric relationships in conical shapes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles, particularly Bernoulli's equation.
  • Familiarity with geometric properties of cones, including relationships between radius, height, and angles.
  • Knowledge of calculus for deriving flow rates and velocity equations.
  • Basic physics concepts related to gravity and fluid motion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Bernoulli's equation in fluid mechanics.
  • Explore the geometric relationships in conical shapes, focusing on cross-sectional areas.
  • Investigate volumetric flow rate calculations in fluid systems.
  • Learn about the implications of fluid velocity in various drainage scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers specializing in fluid mechanics, and anyone involved in designing drainage systems or studying fluid behavior in conical geometries.

Raptor11122
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1. The problem
A funnel is in the form of a cone of semi-angle alpha and is placed with its vertex downwards. It is filled with water to a depth H and then the water is allowed to flow out of the funnel through a small hole at the vertex. If the stream of water has a cross-section of area A, and the velocity of the fuid in the stream when the depth of the water in the funnel is h and the rate at which the water level is decreasing is equal to U. Show further that:

## U^2 = \frac{A}{ \pi \tan(\alpha)} (\frac{2g}{h^3})^3 ## (Equation 1)2. The attempt at a solution
## A = \pi r^2 = \pi h^2 tan(\alpha)^2 ##

as

## tan(\alpha) =\frac{r}{h}## for a cone

##uA \delta = UA , u = ##velocity of fluid coming out and ##\delta << 1##

using Bernoulli means that

## u= \sqrt{2gh} ##

from this you can show that

## u^2 = \frac{A}{ \pi \tan(\alpha)} (\frac{2g}{h^3})^3 ##

The problem is I have a ##u^2 ## instead of ##U^2## as asked for in the question. What am I doing wrong?
 
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In this problem, A is supposed to be the cross sectional area of the hole at the bottom of the funnel. In terms of h and tanα, what is the cross sectional area at the upper surface of the liquid in the funnel? In terms of A, what is the volumetric flow rate out the bottom of the funnel?

Chet
 
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