Rate of water flow into an immersed container

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the rate of water flow into an immersed container with a hole, exploring the influence of external water pressure and internal conditions on the flow dynamics. Participants consider theoretical and practical approaches to understanding this fluid dynamics problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the calculation may involve the force of water pushing against the container and the flow rate through the hole, potentially using the equation of continuity.
  • Another participant proposes considering the differential pressure across the hole and the effect of rising internal pressure due to air in the box, which may regulate the filling process.
  • A later reply questions how to find the differential pressure, suggesting both measurement and theoretical approaches, and expresses uncertainty about the relevant equations linking water acceleration to pressure.
  • One participant emphasizes that there is no single equation for this scenario and requests more details about the system, including the container's dimensions, orientation, and the nature of the water (fresh or saltwater).
  • It is mentioned that the pressure difference is determined by hydrostatic pressure at the hole minus the internal pressure as the box fills, and that calculating pressures may be easier than measuring them directly.
  • There is a suggestion to study computational fluid dynamics for a more comprehensive understanding of the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific method or equation to solve the problem, indicating multiple competing views and unresolved aspects of the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for more specific information about the container and conditions to provide a clearer analysis. There are unresolved questions regarding the initial state of the box, the dimensions of the hole, and the type of water involved.

SonfusedCoul
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Hi,
I am wondering how I may calculate the rate of water flow into a container(say, a empty box) with a hole in it, and with the whole box immersed in water. Does it have something to do with the force of water pushing against the container, and calculating how fast water can flow through the hole as a result of that force? Or do you assume the hole is a pipe of small width, and use the equation of continuity from there?

Thanks!
 
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Welcome to PF.
You could consider the differential pressure available across the hole and compute the acceleration of the water needed to get it through the hole. Don't forget the rising internal pressure due to air that may be inside the empty box. It is escape of that air that may regulate the filling of the box.
 
Thank you for the reply!

My physics knowledge is quite limited, so I'm still unsure as to how could I find the differential pressure. Will I need to use a measurement instrument and physically measure the difference in pressure outside and inside of the box, and/or is it possible to find theoretically? I am also unsure of the equations and relationships that link the acceleration of the water to the pressure. I've tried to find some resources on this, but I've only seen posts about leakages from a container, not into one. Are there any search terms/ that I should be using for this?
 
There is no one equation that will answer such a hypothetical situation.
We need a better description of the system you are trying to analyse. Is it a submarine or a glass bottle?
You will need to identify the initial condition, is the box really empty or does it contain air at atmospheric pressure?
What are the dimensions and orientation, of the box and the hole?
How thick is the wall of the box at the hole?
How deep is the hole in the box below the surface? Is it submerged in sea water of fresh water?

The pressure difference is the hydrostatic pressure due to water depth at the hole, less the rising pressure inside the box as it fills.
It is easier to calculate pressures than to measure.

Unless you can better describe the problem here, the only answer will be to suggest you study computational fluid dynamics.
 
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