Why doesn't Bernoulli's Equation apply in this problem?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a cylindrical bucket of liquid being rotated about its vertical axis, with the goal of determining the pressure at a distance from the rotation axis using a specific formula. The discussion centers around the applicability of Bernoulli's Equation in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the reasons why Bernoulli's Equation may not apply, with one participant noting the use of radial versus tangential velocities. Others question the proper application of Bernoulli's Equation in a rotating reference frame and discuss the implications of centripetal acceleration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants attempting to clarify their understanding of streamlines and the conditions under which Bernoulli's Equation is valid. Some guidance has been offered regarding the integration of potential differences, but no consensus has been reached on the application of Bernoulli's Equation in this scenario.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the concepts of pressure differences in rotating systems and the interpretation of gravitational potential in a non-inertial reference frame. There is mention of integration as a necessary tool for understanding potential differences, which may not have been covered by all participants.

azure kitsune
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Homework Statement



A cylindrical bucket of liquid (density ρ) is rotated about its symmetry axis, which is vertical. If the angular velocity is ω, show that the pressure at a distance r from the rotation axis is

P = P_0 + \frac{1}{2} \rho \omega^2 r^2

where P0 is the pressure at r = 0.

Homework Equations



P = F/A

The Attempt at a Solution



I was able to get the correct answer by considering the net force on a mass element dm since it is undergoing centripetal acceleration.

However, I was wondering what about this problem made Bernoulli's Equation not applicable? Bernoulli's equation yields:

P = P_0 - \frac{1}{2} \rho \omega^2 r^2
 
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Bernoulli's equation works along a streamline, which means the path of fluid flow. In this case, you took the radial pressure difference but used the tangential velocity v instead of the radial velocity of 0. If you use 0 and put back the gravitational potential term, because centripetal acceleration is equivalent to gravity, you'll get the right answer.
 
I'm sorry. I've been thinking about what you said but I do not understand what to do. I tried to rewrite ρgy as ρ(v2/r) but this isn't working either.

Also, to make sure I understand what streamline means, would this be a proper application of Bernoulli's equation?

If you consider a small portion of the water dm traveling along its path of flow (in a circle), then v1 = ωr = v2 and y1 = y2. Thus P1 = P2, so it's pressure remains constant.
 
azure kitsune said:
I'm sorry. I've been thinking about what you said but I do not understand what to do. I tried to rewrite ρgy as ρ(v2/r) but this isn't working either.

ρgy is meant to represent the difference in gravitational potential. In the rotating reference frame of the liquid, the equivalent "g" is w^2r, and you'll have to find the potential difference between the center of the liquid and the sides of the cylinder using integration. If you haven't learned integration yet, the potential difference you'd get is (1/2)ρw^2*r^2.

Also, to make sure I understand what streamline means, would this be a proper application of Bernoulli's equation?

If you consider a small portion of the water dm traveling along its path of flow (in a circle), then v1 = ωr = v2 and y1 = y2. Thus P1 = P2, so it's pressure remains constant.

Yup, that would be a proper application of the equation. It doesn't have any practical use, but you've gotten the concept of the streamline.
 

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