Solving Flow Rate Problem to Increase Pipe Diameter by 5.3

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the necessary increase in diameter of an irrigation pipe to achieve a flow rate of 1.00 m³/min from an initial diameter of 20 cm and velocity of 0.1 m/s. The initial calculation incorrectly suggested a factor of 5.3 for the diameter increase, while the correct factor, derived from applying Bernoulli's law and Poiseuille's equation, is actually 1.52. Participants emphasized the importance of understanding the relationship between flow rate, pipe diameter, and velocity in fluid dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Poiseuille's equation
  • Familiarity with Bernoulli's principle
  • Basic knowledge of fluid dynamics
  • Ability to convert units of flow rate (e.g., m³/min to m³/s)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Poiseuille's equation in detail
  • Learn about Bernoulli's equation and its applications in fluid mechanics
  • Explore the relationship between flow rate, cross-sectional area, and velocity
  • Practice problems involving pipe flow and diameter calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students in engineering or physics, particularly those studying fluid dynamics, as well as professionals involved in irrigation system design and analysis.

Andrusko
Messages
42
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



An irrigation pipe of diameter 20cm carries water at an average speed of 0.1 m/s. By what factor must the pipe diameter be increased to achieve a flow rate of 1.00 m^3/min?

The answer given is a factor of 5.3.

Homework Equations



Poiseuille's equation

[tex]Q = Av_{avg}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I converted the desired flow rate to m^3/s by multiplying by 1/60. Then using Poiseuille's equation I did a bit of manipulation and came up with:

[tex]Q = \pi r^{2}v_{avg}[/tex]
[tex]Q = \pi(\frac{d}{2})^{2}v_{avg}[/tex]
[tex]d = 2\sqrt{\frac{Q}{\pi v_{avg}}}[/tex]

Substituting in the desired flow rate I get an answer of 0.46, which is a factor of 2.3. Which isn't 5.3.

I actually realize this method is wrong from the get-go, as [tex]v_{avg}[/tex] is a function of diameter. And this is where I am stuck.

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Probably you need to assume something like "The force of pump, which drives the water around, is constant". Then you get, by Bernoulli's law:

[tex]F = PA = \frac{A\rho v^2}{2} = \text{const.}[/tex]

Thus, the new velocity is

[tex]v_2 = \sqrt{\frac{A_1}{A_2}} v_1[/tex]
 
Okay, I'm just getting more and more confused.

Apparently the solutions were wrong and the actual answer is 1.52. Now I can't get this as an answer no matter what I do with the problem, when I had it coming out before to 5.3.

Can someone else please do the problem and tell me what factor of diameter increase they get? It's kinda urgent, the test on this stuff is in a matter of hours.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K