Vector Force Addition: Understanding Pressure and Force in Colliding Streams

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interaction of two streams of water colliding at an angle, specifically focusing on the concepts of pressure and force in this context. Participants explore the implications of vector addition of forces and the resulting effects on pressure and velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the combined pressure or force of two water streams colliding at 45 degrees can result in an increase in pressure or force to 30 PSI, suggesting a potential cancellation of directional components.
  • Another participant clarifies that while force is a vector, pressure is not, indicating a distinction between the two concepts.
  • A participant proposes considering the resulting forces instead of pressure, suggesting that two forces of 20 Newtons at 45 degrees could combine to yield a resultant force of approximately 30 Newtons.
  • In response, a participant agrees that if both streams impact a third body, the net resultant force could indeed be greater, but expresses uncertainty about how fluid dynamics would affect the streams' velocities upon collision.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between pressure and force, as well as the effects of the collision on velocity. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact outcomes of the interaction between the two water streams.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the behavior of fluids in collision, particularly regarding the increase in velocity and the application of vector addition in this scenario.

gloo
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Suppose I have 2 streams of water (say like 2 garden houses) side by side. If they are both shooting out at a certain pressure say 20 PSI and, they cross paths at 45 degrees (i.e left stream points 45degree to right and right stream points 45 to left). can the pressure or force of the combined streams where they collide, result in a pressure or force increase to say 30 and with a dir'n straight ahead (cancel out direction leaning left/right)?? Am i thinking correctly here?
 
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Without answering the question, let me point out that while force is a vector, pressure is not. Pressure is the dot product of force and the area vector.
 
Ok, how about the resulting forces instead of pressure. So 20 Newtons and 20 Newtons at 45 degree combines to something like 30?
 
^ if they are both hitting a third body then yes, the net resultant will be greater (approx 30).

But I'm not sure how the fluid dynamics would work with the two streams hitting each other, for some reason i doubt there will be an increase in the waters velocity...
 

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