Rate of flow from a leak in a storage tank

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving fluid dynamics, specifically the rate of flow from a leak in a storage tank. The original poster presents a scenario where water flows from a hole in a tank and seeks to determine the speed of the water exiting the hole and the diameter of the hole itself.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply principles of fluid dynamics to derive the speed of water flow using energy conservation equations. They express uncertainty regarding how to calculate the diameter of the hole based on the flow rate. Other participants provide insights about the relationship between flow rate and area, questioning the shape of the hole and clarifying the formula for area.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some have provided clarifications regarding the equations involved, while others are questioning the assumptions about the hole's shape. There is no explicit consensus on the shape of the hole, but guidance has been offered on the relevant equations.

Contextual Notes

The problem does not specify the shape of the hole, leading to questions about whether this affects the calculations. The original poster has provided a specific flow rate, which is a key piece of information for the discussion.

mirandasatterley
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"A large storage tank, open at the top and filled with water, develops a small hole in its side at a point 16.0m below the water level. If the rate of flow from the leak is 2.50x10^-3 m^3/min, determine; A) The speed at which the water leaves the hole and (B) The diameter of the hole.

So I used the equation;
P(air) + 1/2 d(density)v1^2 + pgh(total height of water) = P(air) + 1/2dv2^2 + pgh(from the bottom of the container to the leak)

The equation then simplifies to:
gh(total height) = 1/2V2^2 + gh(from bottom to leak)
V2^2 = 2g(h(total) - h(form bottom to leak))
V2^2 = 2g(h(from leak to top of water))

Since this h is known, I can solve for v.

I Just can't figure out the diameter part.

Any help is appreciated.
 
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You're given the volume flow rate (discharge or flux), Q.
 
Last edited:
okay so the equation is;
flow rate = A(flow area)V1

And I can find the area, but how do i find just the diameter.

A= 4/3 pi r^2 (if it were a circular hole)

I'm unsure because it doesn't tell us what shape the hole is. Does the shape even matter?
 
Why 4/3? and yes simply use A = \frac{\pi d^2}{4}
 
Okay, Thanks
 

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