Ratio of size of prototype and model

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the discharge in a prototype based on a geometrically similar model with a scale ratio of 10:1. Participants explore the relationship between flow rates, characteristic lengths, and time, using the equation Q = L^3 / T. There is confusion regarding the correct interpretation of the scale ratio and the variables involved, particularly whether Lp/Lm equals 10 or vice versa. Clarifications are sought on the definitions of variables and their relationships, emphasizing that the prototype (Lp) is larger than the model (Lm). Ultimately, the participants aim to establish the correct flow rate in the prototype based on the model's discharge.
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Homework Statement


a gemoetrical similar open chanel model is constructed with 10: 1 , if the model discharged 7m^3 /s , what is the corresponding discharge in prototype?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Q = (L^3) / T ,
[ (Lp^3)/ (Tp) ] / [ (Lm^3) / Tm ] = (Lr^3) / Tr
[/B]


but , i assume (Lr^3 ) = (Lp^3) / (Lm^3)

so , Qp = (5^3) x 7 = 875 m^3 /s , is it correct ?
or it should be (1/125 ) x 7 = 7/725 m^3 /s ?
 
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Please explain your reasoning... I am not following your notation.

If we say that the flow rate in the model is q = kr^3/T (here k is a constant of proportionality, r is a characteristic length, and T is time) and the flow rate in the prototype is Q=kR^3/T ... then Q/q=?? and R/r=??
 
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Simon Bridge said:
Please explain your reasoning... I am not following your notation.

If we say that the flow rate in the model is q = kr^3/T (here k is a constant of proportionality, r is a characteristic length, and T is time) and the flow rate in the prototype is Q=kR^3/T ... then Q/q=?? and R/r=??
no , i use Q= (L^3) / T , so Qr = (Lr^3) / Tr , am i right ?
where Lr= Lp / Lm , Tr = Tp/ Tm
 
Simon Bridge said:
Please explain your reasoning... I am not following your notation.

If we say that the flow rate in the model is q = kr^3/T (here k is a constant of proportionality, r is a characteristic length, and T is time) and the flow rate in the prototype is Q=kR^3/T ... then Q/q=?? and R/r=??
i am not sure Lp / Lm or Lm / Lp = 10 ... can you explain ?
 
I don't know what your variables mean: you have to tell me. If you do not answer questions I cannot help you.

Guessing: Q=L^3/T where Q is the flow rate, L is some characteristic length, and T is time.
Is this correct?

Are you using two-letter variable names (this is bad practise)?
So that Qm is the flow rate through the model?

Thus Qm = Lm^3/T and Qp=Lp^3/T for the model and the prototype respectively.
Thus: complete the following: Qp/Qm =?? and Lp/Lm=??

Consider: which is usually smaller - the scale model or the prototype?
 
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Simon Bridge said:
I don't know what your variables mean: you have to tell me. If you do not answer questions I cannot help you.

Guessing: Q=L^3/T where Q is the flow rate, L is some characteristic length, and T is time.
Is this correct?

Are you using two-letter variable names (this is bad practise)?
So that Qm is the flow rate through the model?

Thus Qm = Lm^3/T and Qp=Lp^3/T for the model and the prototype respectively.
Thus: complete the following: Qp/Qm =?? and Lp/Lm=??

Consider: which is usually smaller - the scale model or the prototype?
scale model

i want to find the Qm thru the relationship of Qp / Qm = (Lr^3) / Tr ,
where Tr = Tp / Tm , Lr = Lp / Lm

so , Qp = (5^3) x 7 = 875 m^3 /s ,
 
i want to find the Qm thru the relationship of Qp / Qm = (Lr^3) / Tr ,
where Tr = Tp / Tm , Lr = Lp / Lm
If you do not tell me what these letters mean I cannot help you.
Don't make me guess!
 
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Simon Bridge said:
If you do not tell me what these letters mean I cannot help you.
Don't make me guess!
Q = flow rate , T = time , L = length
 
Simon Bridge said:
If you do not tell me what these letters mean I cannot help you.
Don't make me guess!
Tr = ratio of time of prototype to model , Lr = ratio of length of prototype to model , Qr = ratio of flow rate of prototype to model
 
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OK: use the same time period to measure Qm and Qp, so Tr=1.
 
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  • #11
Simon Bridge said:
OK: use the same time period to measure Qm and Qp, so Tr=1.
ya , i know that . for the scale ratio 10; 1 , it means Lp / Lm = 10 ?
or Lm / Lp = 10 ? i am confused.
 
  • #12
for the scale ratio 10; 1 , it means Lp / Lm = 10 or Lm / Lp = 10 ? i am confused.
... you can work it out: you have already said that the prototype has to be bigger than the model.
This means that Lp > Lm
Lp/Lm = 10 means Lp=10*Lm
Lm/Lp = 10 means Lm=10*Lp
... so which is right? Which one means that Lp > Lm?
 
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  • #13
Simon Bridge said:
... you can work it out: you have already said that the prototype has to be bigger than the model.
This means that Lp > Lm
Lp/Lm = 10 means Lp=10*Lm
Lm/Lp = 10 means Lm=10*Lp
... so which is right? Which one means that Lp > Lm?
so , the prototype must be bigger than the model ??
 
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