Water Propulsion Device - geometry configuratiton optimization problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on optimizing a water propulsion device designed to lift payloads using fire hydrant water pressure (approximately 150 psi) and a 5" diameter fire hose. The user seeks to develop a mathematical model to calculate thrust, payload, and maximum height based on water flow, pressure, and exit area configurations. A four-valve/nozzle setup is proposed for simplicity, with calculations referencing "Carried by impulse: The physics of water jetpacks" by Matthew Vonk and Peter Bohacek. The user expresses uncertainty regarding pressure loss and its impact on thrust, indicating a need for further validation of their calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles, particularly relating to water flow and pressure.
  • Familiarity with mathematical modeling for thrust and payload calculations.
  • Knowledge of nozzle design and its impact on propulsion efficiency.
  • Basic physics concepts, including force, mass, and acceleration.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Bernoulli's principle" to understand how pressure influences thrust in fluid systems.
  • Explore "thrust vectoring" techniques to optimize nozzle configurations for better control.
  • Investigate "fluid dynamics simulations" using software like ANSYS Fluent to model water flow in the device.
  • Study "pressure loss calculations" in piping systems to refine the understanding of pressure drop over distance.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and designers involved in fluid mechanics, propulsion systems, and emergency response technologies will benefit from this discussion.

Lizik
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Dear physicist,

I am designing a device that will use firetruck/hydrant water pressure (~150 psi) and fire hose (5" diameter) to lift up a device in the air and into a burning room. Please advice me and help understand how water flow, pressure and areas influence thrust. My goal is to input pressure and area of source -> math model -> output payload, thrust, max height achieved. I have the control over design of the exit flows and their configuration.

Here is the inspiration video:
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=66e_1397564023

This is a 2D mathematical model that I have for payload calculations.
m_total = mass of hose + mass of water
m_total = x*cross sectional area*density + constant (hose weight per m)*(x^2+y^2)^1/2
where y is height and x is the horizontal distance the device needs to travel (~ 4m - from hydrant to the building which is standard street distance away)
Payload = g*m_total (750N or 170 lb for y = 12.2 m or 4 story)
The pump does work of lifting the water vertically but the device needs to carry water weight when it moves horizontally away from the source. x is a horizontal projection.

Now for the hard part:

For simplicity and for ease of control, a four valve/nozzle configuration is my choice. I attached a link to a picture to better describe it. --> http://imgur.com/qkK8C3e

Maybe its better to attach the source hose from the side instead of the bottom. It will make it difficult for manufacture and control so if its not very influential on thrust, then a bottom configuration would work better.

I've been using "Carried by impulse: The physics of water jetpacks"
written by Matthew Vonk and Peter Bohacek from Physics Today to estimate my thrust capabilities. I think I can use this formula to have 4 equal areas for exit. (thrust 215 lb). v = Q/A

Possible acceleration of the drone = F_net (Thrust - payload)/m_total = 2.62 m/s^2
(something is not right about this)

Pressure loss from height:
P source = density*g*hmax+P atm ---> hmax is where you lose all pressure. (95 m with 150 psi P source which doesn't seem right either) How does pressure influence the thrust?

I am not sure about my calculations. Please advice, I would really appreciate it. I will be testing a smaller design with a house water hose. I will provide pictures and data to who ever will help out.
 

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Engineering news on Phys.org
Welcome to the PF.

Seems kind of wasteful and limited in usefulness. Why not just use a standard ladder truck?
 
Berkeman, I would like to calculate the actual numbers and possibilities. If you like to help me just for the though exercise, I would appreciate it.
 

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