Measuring Water Flow From an Elevated Bottle: Physics in Action!

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on measuring the flow rate of water from an elevated plastic bottle, emphasizing the complexities involved due to turbulence and pressure changes. Key factors include the angle of the bottle, height above the ground, and the time taken to empty the bottle. The conversation highlights the challenges of modeling fluid flow through an orifice, particularly when accounting for factors like bubbling and gurgling that complicate predictions. The need for a nuanced understanding of fluid dynamics is evident, as simple models may not accurately reflect real-world behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Fluid dynamics principles
  • Understanding of orifice flow equations
  • Knowledge of pressure dynamics in fluid systems
  • Basic physics of turbulence
NEXT STEPS
  • Research fluid flow through orifices using Bernoulli's equation
  • Study the effects of turbulence on flow rates in liquids
  • Explore experimental methods for measuring flow rates in elevated containers
  • Investigate the impact of pressure changes on fluid discharge rates
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Physics students, engineers, and hobbyists interested in fluid dynamics, experimental physics, and practical applications of pressure and flow measurement techniques.

Angeltas1
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If I do an experiment where I want to work out how fast a certain amount of water will empty from an ordinary plastic bottle elevated greater than horizontal, what Physics could I apply if I measure the angle at which it is emptied, the height above the ground and how long it took to empty. I know the mass.

Thanks
 
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I'd check into fluid flow thru an orifice. That has to be modeled somewhere.

But in your case I'm pretty sure turbulance, say bubbling and gurgling, would make any such modeling or predicitive effort rather complex. And I'd guess as the water empties the pressure declines slowing the flow.

In other words, it not as simple as predicting the volme of water flow via a fixed size pipe with a fixed pressure.

Believe it or not there is a related discussion here...but beware this one gets complex:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=530322&highlight=turbine
 

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