Siphon pressure and velocity problem

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The discussion revolves around a fluid mechanics problem involving the Bernoulli equation and continuity equation to determine fluid velocities and pressures at various points in a siphon system. The calculated velocities and pressures are questioned due to their negative values and large magnitudes, leading to confusion about the correctness of the calculations. Participants clarify that the negative pressures are not inherently problematic, but the values are excessively high, suggesting a potential miscalculation. The importance of selecting appropriate reference points for applying Bernoulli's equation is emphasized, with a recommendation to use point D for simplicity. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for careful application of fluid dynamics principles to avoid errors in pressure calculations.
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Homework Statement


ut.jpg


Homework Equations


Bernoulli equation.
Continuity equation

The Attempt at a Solution



Area of pipe is constant, so v_a = v_b = v_c = v_d.[/B]

Using point on water surface and point D.
Point on water surface: z = 8, v = 0, P = 0 (P_atm)
Point D: z = -2, P = 0 (P_atm) v = ?

Using Bernoulli, v_d = \sqrt {2*10*g} = 25.4 ft/s

P_a = -4018.56 psi
P_b = -20092.8 psi
P_c = -24111.36 psi

All are gauge pressures. Since they are all negative, I am not sure if I am doing something wrong?
 

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angelala said:

Homework Statement


View attachment 237644

Homework Equations


Bernoulli equation.
Continuity equation

The Attempt at a Solution



Area of pipe is constant, so v_a = v_b = v_c = v_d.[/B]

Using point on water surface and point D.
Point on water surface: z = 8, v = 0, P = 0 (P_atm)
Point D: z = -2, P = 0 (P_atm) v = ?

Using Bernoulli, v_d = \sqrt {2*10*g} = 25.4 ft/s

P_a = -4018.56 psi
P_b = -20092.8 psi
P_c = -24111.36 psi

All are gauge pressures. Since they are all negative, I am not sure if I am doing something wrong?
These pressures are all incorrect. Please show your work.
 
Chestermiller said:
These pressures are all incorrect. Please show your work.

Bernoulli
P/rho*g + v^2/2g + z = P/rho*g + v^2/2g + z

For point of water surface O and D,

P_atm/rho*g + 0/2g + 8 = P_atm/rho*g + v^2/2g + -2
8 = v^2/2g -2
v = sqrt ( (8+2) *2g ) = 25.4 ft/sFor point O and A
P/rho*g + v^2/2g + z = P/rho*g + v^2/2g + z
P_atm/rho*g + 0 + 8 = P/rho*g + 25.4^2/2g + 0
0 + 0 + 8 = P/rho*g + 25.4^2/2g
P/rho*g = -2
P = -4018.56

For point O and B
P/rho*g + v^2/2g + z = P/rho*g + v^2/2g + z
P_atm/rho*g + 0 + 8 = P/rho*g + 25.4^2/2g + 8
0 = P/rho*g + 25.4^2/2g
-10 = P/rho*g
P = -20092.8
 
angelala said:
P/rho*g = -2
P = -4018.56
The problem is not that the numbers are negative but that they are so huge.
I do not understand the details of that calculation. This should be (minus) the pressure resulting from a 2ft head of water, i.e. more like -1psi.
 
haruspex said:
The problem is not that the numbers are negative but that they are so huge.
I do not understand the details of that calculation. This should be (minus) the pressure resulting from a 2ft head of water, i.e. more like -1psi.

P/rho*g = -2

rho is 62.4 lbm/ft^3
g = 32.2 ft / s^2
g_c = 32.2

P = -2 * (62.4/32.2) *32.2 = -4 psf.
 
angelala said:
P/rho*g = -2

rho is 62.4 lbm/ft^3
g = 32.2 ft / s^2
g_c = 32.2

P = -2 * (62.4/32.2) *32.2 = -4 psf.
I do not know where you got the /32.2 from.

psi is pounds weight per square inch, psf is pounds weight per square ft.
If ρ is 62.4 lbm/ft^3 then ρg is 62.4 pounds weight per cubic foot.
P = (-2 ft)(62.4 lbw/ft3) = -124.8 psf = -124.8/144 psi.
 
So rho*g is gamma = 62.4 lbf / ft^3 right?
I was just converting from lbm to lbf using the gravitational constant g_c
 
angelala said:
So rho*g is gamma = 62.4 lbf / ft^3 right?
Yes, if that's what gamma means in this context.
angelala said:
I was just converting from lbm to lbf using the gravitational constant g_c
Ok, I see.. I should have written, I don't know how you got 4 from that.
 
Last edited:
angelala said:
P/rho*g = -2

rho is 62.4 lbm/ft^3
g = 32.2 ft / s^2
g_c = 32.2

P = -2 * (62.4/32.2) *32.2 = -4 psf.
This should be -124.8 psf = -0.87 psi
 
  • #10
In all you calculations using Bernoulli to get the pressures at A, B, and C, you should have used point D as the other point. Then the kinetic energy terms would have canceled out.
 
  • #11
Chestermiller said:
In all you calculations using Bernoulli to get the pressures at A, B, and C, you should have used point D as the other point. Then the kinetic energy terms would have canceled out.

okay, but does point O work as well?
 
  • #12
angelala said:
okay, but does point O work as well?
Sure. It’s just easier using point D.
 
  • #13
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