Why is water unable to flow from A and B to C in a branching pipe system?

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The discussion centers on the flow dynamics in a branching pipe system, specifically addressing why water cannot flow from points A and B to C. Participants question the meaning of "h2" in the context of the equations provided, suggesting it may be a typo for "d2." The conversation highlights that when pressure (P) is below the surface of reservoir B, both h2 and flow rate Q2 equal zero, which seems contradictory to the flow equations. A key point raised is that if the junction of the pipes is closed, the pressure from A will exceed that from B, influencing flow direction when reopened. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the complexities of fluid dynamics in branching systems and the importance of clarifying terminology in the equations.
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Homework Statement


what does the author mean by if P is below the surface of B then h2 and Q2 are both 0 ?

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The Attempt at a Solution


at the last second line from the bottom , the author gave if P is below the surface of B then water must be out of B and Q1 +Q2 = Q3 ? both statement are contrary to each other
 

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h2 might be a typo for d2?
It might help if you would define Li and di. Qi is volume flow rate, I gather.
 
haruspex said:
h2 might be a typo for d2?
It might help if you would define Li and di. Qi is volume flow rate, I gather.
which h2 is typo for d2 ?
 
foo9008 said:
which h2 is typo for d2 ?
In your post, you quoted a line from the second attachment referencing h2. There is no other h2 in either attachment. I am suggesting the h2 in the attachment might be a typo for d2.
 
haruspex said:
In your post, you quoted a line from the second attachment referencing h2. There is no other h2 in either attachment. I am suggesting the h2 in the attachment might be a typo for d2.
what does h2 mean actually ? why it will = 0 ?
 
foo9008 said:
what does h2 mean actually ? why it will = 0 ?
I don't know, but I might be able to figure it out if you answer the questions I posed in post #2.
 
refrerring to the notes in post 1 , the author said that when P is above the surface of the resevoir B , then water must flow into B and Q1= Q2 + Q3 , why can't the the water from A and B flow to C ?, which is Q1 +Q2 = Q3 ?
 
foo9008 said:
refrerring to the notes in post 1 , the author said that when P is above the surface of the resevoir B , then water must flow into B and Q1= Q2 + Q3 , why can't the the water from A and B flow to C ?, which is Q1 +Q2 = Q3 ?
Imagine closing off the point where the three pipes meet for the moment, so nothing is flowing. The pressure on the A side of that point will exceed the pressure on the B side. So when the joint is opened to allow flow, the A side will win.
This all assumes no drag in the pipes. In the real world, some drag and a narrow pipe on the A side could mean that when water flows there is a large drop in pressure from the A reservoir to the junction, allowing water to enter the junction from B.
 
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