Need Help Applying Bernoulli's Equation to a Fluid Mech Problem

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The discussion focuses on applying Bernoulli's equation to a fluid mechanics problem involving flow velocity and discharge rate. Users clarify that the flow velocity at the water surface can be assumed to be zero due to the large surface area of the water source. They discuss setting up Bernoulli's equation at different points, ensuring to account for atmospheric pressure and the height of the fluid. Errors in calculating the cross-sectional area and the correct application of the equation are addressed, leading to the correct discharge rate and pressure calculations. Ultimately, the participants confirm the accuracy of their equations and values after collaborative troubleshooting.
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Homework Statement


http://i50.tinypic.com/2m2tbaq.png

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I suppose i have to apply the Bernoulli's equation here but i don't even have the slightest idea on how to apply it here. I am a dumb at fluid mechanics, any help would be appreciated.
 
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To solve for the velocity of flow you set Bernouli's equation up at the surface of the liquid and at the bottom of the opening. The pressure at both ends are atmospheric. The only point difficult to grasp is that the flow velocity at the surface is assumed to be zero, that is we assume that the container is very large and that the level is not dropping so that the water just beyond the entry point do not need to rush into the pipe due to the large source of water (this portion just outside of the top end of the pipe is still part of the streamlines).
 
Basic_Physics said:
To solve for the velocity of flow you set Bernouli's equation up at the surface of the liquid and at the bottom of the opening. The pressure at both ends are atmospheric. The only point difficult to grasp is that the flow velocity at the surface is assumed to be zero, that is we assume that the container is very large and that the level is not dropping so that the water just beyond the entry point do not need to rush into the pipe due to the large source of water (this portion just outside of the top end of the pipe is still part of the streamlines).

If i take the surface of water as the reference, i set the Bernoulli's equation as:
P_o=P_o+ρgh+\frac{1}{2}ρv^2
where v=flow velocity, ρ=density of fluid, h=3.6m and Po is the atmospheric pressure.
I don't think i will get an answer using the above equation. Please tell me where i am wrong.
 
The height should be negative because it is below the reference level. What answer do you get then? I would like to also add that the flow takes into account the whole of the system - that is the flow at the top is the water from the whole of the surface of the container. The speed of the water molecules would then be very low due to the large surface area contributing to the flow - which we take to be zero.
 
Last edited:
Basic_Physics said:
The height should be negative because it is below the reference level. What answer do you get then?
Oops, absolutely forgot that. I get my answer as 6√2 m/s as mentioned in the answer key.
I am stuck at b) part. I guess to find the discharge rate of flow, i need to use the equation Q=Av, where Q is rate of flow, A is cross-section area and v is the velocity of liquid. If i plug in the values A=64*10^(-3) m^2 and v=6√2 m/s, i don't get the answer mentioned in the answer key. Please tell me where i am wrong.

Thanks for the help.
 
All error I can see is that 1 cm is 10-2 m so it so 10-4 m2 for A. Also it is r2 so it should be divided by 2 since it is the diameter.

To get the pressure at the crest you set BE up at the crest and at the surface of the water. The speed of the water at the crest will be the same as the exit speed calculated in (a) - the water flows with the same speed throughout the pipe. In this case the height is positive (above the zero level). I think the density of water is 103 kg/m3?
 
Last edited:
Basic_Physics said:
All error I can see is that 1 cm is 10-2 m so it so 10-4 m2 for A.
I came to edit my post but you beat me. :-p

To get the pressure at the crest you set BE up at the crest and at the surface of the water. The speed of the water at the crest will be the same as the exit speed calculated in (a) - the water flows with the same speed throughout the pipe. In this case the height is positive (above the zero level). I think the density of water is 103 kg/m3?
Using the BE, i get
P_o=P_A+ρgh+\frac{1}{2}ρv^2
P_A is the pressure at A. Is this equation right?
 
Yes, and it should be /4 not 2.
 
Basic_Physics said:
Yes, and it should be /4 not 2.

If i plugin the values in my equation, i get the correct answer, thanks for the help Basic_Physics! :smile:
 

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