Thrust of an underpressure tank of air

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SUMMARY

The thrust produced by an underpressure tank of air when the valve is released can be calculated using the pressure in the tank and the area of the orifice. For example, if the pressure is 1 MPa above ambient and the orifice diameter is 12 mm, the thrust would be approximately 1 Newton. Key concepts include mass flow rate, velocity of the escaping gas, and Bernoulli's principle as an approximation for calculations. Understanding the distinction between "underpressure" and "under pressure" is crucial for accurate communication in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles, specifically Bernoulli's equation.
  • Knowledge of thrust calculation methods in fluid mechanics.
  • Familiarity with pressure measurements in pneumatic systems.
  • Basic mathematical skills for calculating area and force.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Bernoulli's principle in fluid dynamics" for deeper insights into pressure and velocity relationships.
  • Study "mass flow rate calculations" to understand how to measure or calculate air escaping from a tank.
  • Explore "thrust calculation methods" specifically for pneumatic systems.
  • Examine "pressure measurement techniques" in compressed air applications.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and hobbyists working with pneumatic systems, as well as anyone interested in calculating thrust from compressed air tanks.

Raresss
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How can I calculate the thrust of an underpressure tank of air when the valve is released? If you can, please, explain in detail. Thank you!
 
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"Underpressure?" Less than ambient?
 
Bystander said:
"Underpressure?" Less than ambient?
More than the ambient pressure
 
Raresss said:
More than the ambient pressure
Pressure "under" what? Do you mean when it's running out?
 
The OP just means the thrust produced by air escaping from a cylinder of compressed air.

Most people in my country understand "under" to mean "due to". As in "The bridge failed under the weight of traffic".
 
CWatters said:
The OP just means the thrust produced by air escaping from a cylinder of compressed air.

Most people in my country understand "under" to mean "due to". As in "The bridge failed under the weight of traffic".
I can see that now. In English, underpressure and "underweight" (compound words) have different meanings from when the two words are separated by a space; hence my confusion. If this were a German forum, things might be different. . . :smile:
 
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Can the mass flow rate and the velocity of the exhausted gas be calculated or those can only be measured in an experiment ?
 
Raresss said:
Can the mass flow rate and the velocity of the exhausted gas be calculated or those can only be measured in an experiment ?

Bernoulli should be a good approximation.

sophiecentaur said:
If this were a German forum, things might be different. . . :smile:

Not really. "Unterdruck" instead of "unter Druck" would result in the same confusion.
 
  • #10
Would it not just be the pressure in the tank x the area of the orifice?
I.E. If the pressure is 1 Mpa (above ambient) and the orifice is 12mm then the thrust should be 1 Newton, right?
 
  • #11
mrspeedybob said:
Would it not just be the pressure in the tank x the area of the orifice?
I.E. If the pressure is 1 Mpa (above ambient) and the orifice is 12mm then the thrust should be 1 Newton, right?
Your force is the normal force, and your pressure is the surface pressure. We can't use those in my problem. The thrust is based on other variables . Check out this link to find out more : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrust
 

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