How Tube Size & Openings Impact Water Flow

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the factors affecting water flow rate through a tube, including the size of the tube and the size of the opening where water enters. Participants explore theoretical aspects and practical implications of these factors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the size of the tube significantly affects the flow rate, proposing that increasing the tube size could lead to a higher flow rate.
  • One participant questions whether increasing the size of just the first part of the tube could enhance flow rate, considering the role of pressure in water movement through smaller tubes.
  • Another participant notes that pressure, derived from the height difference of water surfaces, influences flow, and that a larger tube allows more water to flow for a given height difference.
  • Concerns are raised about the relationship between tube size and pressure, particularly in scenarios where a smaller tube is connected to a larger one.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the impact of tube size and pressure on flow rate, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about pressure dynamics and flow characteristics are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the complexities of how different tube sizes interact.

Tylercc
Messages
27
Reaction score
2
What affects how fast the water come out of the tube?(size of tube, size of opening where the water enters, etc) thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Tylercc said:
What affects how fast the water come out of the tube?(size of tube, size of opening where the water enters, etc) thanks in advance.
Welcome to the PF.

What are your throughts? What do you think are the main things that affect the flow rate?

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--CZn8Ula2--/18dy62lbycc0gjpg.jpg
18dy62lbycc0gjpg.jpg
 
Well my first thought is that the size of the tube is what would affect the flow rate. So if I wanted to increase the flow rate I would have to increase size of the hose, but what I am not to sure about is could I make it flow faster just by increasing the size of the first part of the tube? I would have to imagine that to some degree if you had a big enough tube and connected to a smaller tube it would flow faster. Maybe not fast enough to be similar to what would come out of a hose bid, but I am thinking it should be faster because there would be more water "behind" the smaller tube. But then again I know for water to faster through a smaller tube there has to be enough pressure to behind the smaller tube to actually push the water and not just siphon water(basics of a pressure washer). So is it possible to increase the flow rate by just increasing part of the tube?
 
Tylercc said:
Well my first thought is that the size of the tube is what would affect the flow rate. So if I wanted to increase the flow rate I would have to increase size of the hose, but what I am not to sure about is could I make it flow faster just by increasing the size of the first part of the tube? I would have to imagine that to some degree if you had a big enough tube and connected to a smaller tube it would flow faster. Maybe not fast enough to be similar to what would come out of a hose bid, but I am thinking it should be faster because there would be more water "behind" the smaller tube. But then again I know for water to faster through a smaller tube there has to be enough pressure to behind the smaller tube to actually push the water and not just siphon water(basics of a pressure washer). So is it possible to increase the flow rate by just increasing part of the tube?
The pressure comes from the "head" or difference in heights of the two water surfaces. Using a bigger tube allows more water to flow for a given height difference. If the tube necks down, you still have the same pressure pushing the water, but less area to let the water flow through.

https://myelms.umd.edu/courses/969642/files/27532357?module_item_id=6128404
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Jcirish
Well that sucks. Thanks for your help.
 
Tylercc said:
Well that sucks.
Funny double-meaning! :smile:
Tylercc said:
Thanks for your help.
you're welcome.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 160 ·
6
Replies
160
Views
11K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K