How does one calculate the velocity and strengh of a whirlpool?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the velocity and strength of whirlpools, contrasting the powerful whirlpool created by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, with smaller whirlpools like those formed in bathtubs. The key takeaway is that the strength of a whirlpool is directly related to the scale and volume of water involved. Mathematical equations can be developed to quantify these forces, taking into account factors such as water volume and current. Resources provided include three Wikipedia pages that elaborate on the physics of vortices and whirlpools.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with vortex behavior in physics
  • Basic mathematical skills for equation formulation
  • Knowledge of scale effects in physical phenomena
NEXT STEPS
  • Research fluid dynamics equations related to vortex strength
  • Study the mathematical modeling of whirlpools in physics
  • Explore the impact of water volume on whirlpool formation
  • Investigate real-world examples of whirlpools, such as maelstroms
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Students of physics, engineers in fluid dynamics, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of natural phenomena will benefit from this discussion.

Niaboc67
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For example the earthquake in Japan awhile back had the strength to capture a boat within it's pull. Yet the whirlpool created when someone pulls a plug on the bathtub is hardly any pull whatsoever. This may be a simplistic way of putting it, and i know it has to do with the amount of water and current. How would something like this be put into a mathematical equation too.

Thanks
 
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Niaboc67 said:
For example the earthquake in Japan awhile back had the strength to capture a boat within it's pull. Yet the whirlpool created when someone pulls a plug on the bathtub is hardly any pull whatsoever.
Thanks

thats purely a question of scale. The small whirlpool in a plughole in the tub will still pull in objects of a relative smaller size

Dave
 

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