# Homework Help: Small pipe break for an ideal gas

1. Jun 3, 2016

### eXorikos

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
A large tube filled with an ideal gas at pressure p1 and temperature T1 has a small break in it towards an envirronement at p2, with p1 much larger than p2. What is the flow rate through the hole to the outside of the tube.

2. Relevant equations
pv=rT
Δh+Δc2/2=δq-δl
h1 + c12 = h2 + c22/2

3. The attempt at a solution
The proces is adiabatic and isentropic so Δh+Δc2/2=0
Since it is a large tube it can be presumed that c1=0. Since p2 is much lower than p1 we can presume h2 = 0.

Am I on the right track here?

2. Jun 3, 2016

### Staff: Mentor

Is this the exact wording of the problem statement?

3. Jun 3, 2016

### eXorikos

Yes. Do you need size of the break?

4. Jun 3, 2016

### Staff: Mentor

Sure. If the size of the break is zero, then the flow rate is zero.

5. Jun 3, 2016

### eXorikos

Since the whole exercise is symbolic, let's assume size A which is small. Than the equation I mentioned would give the velocity, we have A and I can find the density using the total state of the system.

Is this correct?

6. Jun 3, 2016

### Staff: Mentor

What makes you think that h2 can be taken as zero? Are you familiar with the compressible flow version of the Bernoulli equation? Do you think that the gas in the tank approaching the exit hole will be experiencing something close to (a) isothermal expansion or (b) adiabatic expansion? Do you think that the gas flow will be close to reversible expansion or no?

7. Jun 5, 2016

### eXorikos

Good points. Than I have no idea on how to approach this problem.

Can you point me into a direction?

8. Jun 5, 2016

### Staff: Mentor

My leading questions were to get you pointed in the right direction. Here's another hint: for the flow approaching the exit hole in the tank,
$$dh=-vdv$$