Momentum equation and open channel flow

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying the momentum principle to open channel flow, specifically determining the values of y2 and v2 under the assumption that the widths at two points are the same. Participants are examining the momentum equation and its application in fluid dynamics, particularly in relation to pressure and force calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the application of the momentum equation and the treatment of pressure as force in the context of fluid dynamics. There is discussion about the need to integrate pressure over an area versus using a simplified force calculation. Some participants are exploring the implications of hydrostatic pressure variation and its effect on the calculations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the differences between integrating pressure over an area and using a simplified pressure times area approach. Some participants have expressed confusion regarding their professor's notes and the definitions of pressure and force. The discussion is productive, with participants providing insights and clarifications on the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the professor's notes may contain errors, particularly regarding the definitions of pressure and force. There is also mention of varying assumptions about the nature of the channel flow, such as the presence of a free surface and the implications for pressure calculations.

fayan77
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Homework Statement


Determine y2 (ft)and v2 (ft/s) using the momentum principle assume widths are the same at 1 and 2
Screen Shot 2018-09-08 at 2.52.08 PM.png

Homework Equations


from what i remember in my past fluids class, the momentum equation is:
Force = Qvout - Qvin assuming same density and direction

However in my lecture the professor provided another equation

Screen Shot 2018-09-08 at 2.58.06 PM.png

but when i work out the units in this equation left side yields Force and right side is pressure (force/area)

did my professor forget to multiply each pressure with its respective Area? P1A1?


The Attempt at a Solution


using ##\rho####\beta##QV2 - ##\rho####\beta##QV1 = P1A1-P2A2
assume both ##\beta##'s = 1
assume width = 1
using continuity equation Q = V1A1 = V2A2 = (4.55)(1)(8.55)=y2(1)V2

##\rho##(4.55)(1)(8.55)(V2 - V1)= P1(4.55)(1)-P2y2(1)

##\rho##38.9(V2 - 8.55)= P14.55-P2y2

I am stuck
 

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fayan77 said:

Homework Statement


Determine y2 (ft)and v2 (ft/s) using the momentum principle assume widths are the same at 1 and 2
View attachment 230419

Homework Equations


from what i remember in my past fluids class, the momentum equation is:
Force = Qvout - Qvin assuming same density and direction

However in my lecture the professor provided another equation

View attachment 230421
but when i work out the units in this equation left side yields Force and right side is pressure (force/area)

did my professor forget to multiply each pressure with its respective Area? P1A1?


The Attempt at a Solution


using ##\rho####\beta##QV2 - ##\rho####\beta##QV1 = P1A1-P2A2
assume both ##\beta##'s = 1
assume width = 1
using continuity equation Q = V1A1 = V2A2 = (4.55)(1)(8.55)=y2(1)V2

##\rho##(4.55)(1)(8.55)(V2 - V1)= P1(4.55)(1)-P2y2(1)

##\rho##38.9(V2 - 8.55)= P14.55-P2y2

I am stuck
You are correct about needing to get the pressures times the areas, but the pressure is varying with depth, so you need to integrate the pressure (which is hydrostatic in the y direction) over the area. Also note that, from the continuity equation, y2 is a function of v2.

What are you doing about the friction term?
 
Solved it, my professor's notes are filled with errors as he calls P1,P2 a pressure when really it is a Force, also he has some typos on the equations. Where I was confused was, I thought (from my fluid dynamics class) when we look at a controlled volume we immediately add forces on the cut which where (Pressure) X (Cross sectional Area) where as here we take the integral of ##\rho##gydA from 0 to h where dA = (width)dy

What is the difference?
 
fayan77 said:
Solved it, my professor's notes are filled with errors as he calls P1,P2 a pressure when really it is a Force, also he has some typos on the equations. Where I was confused was, I thought (from my fluid dynamics class) when we look at a controlled volume we immediately add forces on the cut which where (Pressure) X (Cross sectional Area) where as here we take the integral of ##\rho##gydA from 0 to h where dA = (width)dy

What is the difference?
What is what difference?
 
last semester, in a different course when we analyzed a controlled volume the pressure force was simply P X (Cross sectional Area).

Now we integrate with respect to depth geometry

Was it for simplicity's sake that we did P X A?
 
In the cases you looked at, the channel was closed, and there was no free surface, and the average pressure was much higher than the hydrostatic difference in pressure between the top of the channel and the bottom of the channel. Here, the pressure is zero at the top, and twice the average at the bottom.
 
True, thank you for your help, you a real one.
 

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