Variation of Torriceli's theorem?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application and variation of Torricelli's theorem in the context of fluid dynamics, particularly focusing on scenarios involving small containers with holes at the bottom. Participants explore how the assumptions of Torricelli's theorem may not hold in such cases and consider alternative approaches to model the flow of fluid as the height changes over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that Torricelli's theorem applies to large containers with a hole in the side, where the height of the fluid can be considered constant for short periods.
  • Another participant argues that in small containers, the variations in height are significant enough that Torricelli's theorem may not be applicable.
  • A different approach is suggested, focusing on volumetric flow rate and using Bernoulli's equation to derive relationships between flow rate, area, and height changes.
  • It is proposed that a mass balance could lead to a differential equation to determine the time needed to empty the container.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of Torricelli's theorem in small containers, indicating a lack of consensus on whether it can be used in this context. Some suggest alternative methods while others uphold the theorem's relevance under certain conditions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations related to the assumptions of constant height and the applicability of Torricelli's theorem in varying scenarios. The need for a differential equation to model the flow is also noted, but specific mathematical steps remain unresolved.

JorgeM
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Hi there.
Everyone knows about Torricelli's theorem that says about , in a too big container (opened) the speed of the liquid is given by:

v=√(2gh)
This result is just for containers that have a hole in the side and the fluid goes out perpendicular to the gravity. And also this result is just for an specific period of time when the h is almost constant.

But, when I think about a little container (Where the variations of parameters can not be taken as zero) that has its hole in the bottom (Like a bottle of water almost cylindrical) parallel to the gravity, I would like to know how this is not constant and also how this goes out of the bottle. I get so confused with the thing I am supossed to solve (I imagine it is going to be a differential ecuation or something like that).

Do you know if someone has already solved it in this forum?

How is the flow in function of h,because if I Integer the flow as function of h for a period of time(Big enough not to consider h as constant),
I will know how much fluid has gone out in that period.
Anyways I can not figure out the solution and don't even know where to read for this topic.

If your could help me or say some books that could help to solve my problem.
Thanks.
JorgeM.

 
Last edited:
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If the height of water in the container can be considered constant you can still use torricelli's formula.
 
dRic2 said:
If the height of water in the container can be considered constant you can still use torricelli's formula.
I was thinking about an small container where the variations are not minimal and makes impossible to take Torricelli's theorem as true.
 
I would refer everything to the volumetric flow rate instead of the velocity. Assuming the fluid is incompressible then volumetric flow rate has to be constant because of conservation of mass.

Using Bernoulli:

##\frac {v_0^2} 2 + gh_0 = \frac {v_1^2} 2 + gh_1##

##\frac {v_1^2} 2 - \frac {v_0^2} 2 = g(h_0 - h_1)##

Then, remember the formula for the volumetric flow rate ##Q= v A## so ##v = Q/A##:

##\frac {Q^2} {2 A_1^2} - \frac {Q^2} {2A_0^2} = g(h_0 - h_1)##

##Q^2 \left( \frac 1 {2 A_1^2} - \frac 1 {2 A_0^2} \right ) = g(h_0 - h_1) ##

If you want to know the time needed to empty the bottle, I would suggest a mass balance:

##\frac {dm} {dt} = -\dot m_{out}##

it should give a simple differential equation.

That's my suggestion, hope it may help you.
 
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