Max possible air flow through a tube

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SUMMARY

The maximum possible airflow through a tube with a pressure difference of 1 atmosphere on one side and a vacuum on the other can be calculated using orifice plate flow principles. The flow rate is influenced by the pressure difference, air density, and thermodynamic properties of air. For a round tube, the flow constant is k=0.82, which is applicable when the tube length significantly exceeds its diameter. The diameter of the tube, whether 10mm or 1000mm, will affect the flow rate, but the fundamental calculation remains based on the aforementioned parameters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Knowledge of orifice plate flow calculations
  • Familiarity with thermodynamic properties of gases
  • Basic mathematics for flow rate calculations
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  • Research orifice plate flow equations and applications
  • Learn about the impact of tube diameter on airflow rates
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Students and professionals in physics, engineering, and fluid dynamics who are interested in understanding airflow mechanics and calculations related to pressure differentials.

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Homework Statement



I had a discussion with some of my friends about this matter, but my physics basics related to fluid flow dynamics aren't well enough to draw a conclusion, so here it is:

On the left side of the diagram is a space with infinite amount of air (breathable Earth air) at pressure of 1 atmosphere, on the right side is infinite vacuum

Problem - determine maximum possible flow through the restriction (shape is a round tube for the ease) in a given time period - 1 minute and will decrease/increase of the size (D=10mm compared to D=1000mm) be of any significance

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7366/diagram1.gif

the discussion wasn't about increasing the flow by adjusting the shape of the restriction or any other variables, just to determine how much of the air from the left side can travel to the right side in one minute
 
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You are looking for a calculation called an oriface plate flow.
It only depends on the pressure difference, density, and for a compressible substance (like air) some thermodynamic properties.
And a constant which depends on the shape of the opening, for a round hole that is much longer than it's diameter this is k=0.82
 

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