Fluid dynamics, water emptying out of cylinder

In summary, using Torricelli's law and the equation of continuity, we can derive a differential equation for the height of liquid in a tank with a hole at the bottom. By solving this equation, we can find the time it takes for the tank to empty to half of its initial height.
  • #1
Funktimus
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Homework Statement


Tank is filled with water to a height h_0 = 1.00 meters
Cross section area of tank (A_1 = .785 m^2)
Hole at bottom of tank with an area, A_2 = .002 m^2



Homework Equations


How much time does it tank to half empty the tank? find t_(1/2).

Question also provides "a useful antiderivative."
/ = integral sign
/ x^(-1/2) dx = 2x^(1/2)


The Attempt at a Solution


1.
V = A_2 * v_hole
dV/dt = A_2 * v_hole

2. getting an equation for velocity coming out of hole
v_hole = [2gh + (v_surf)^2] ; got that from using Bernoulli's principle.

3. equation of continuity to get v_surf
v_surf = v_hole * A_hole / A_surf

thus,

v_hole = (2gh)^(1/2) , since [1 - (A_2/A_1)^2] = ~1

4. rate of change of the level of water in the tank
dh/dt = (-v_hole * A_2)/(A_1)
dh/dt = -.0113

5.
h_2 - h_0 = -.0113 * t_(1/2)
a half empty tank means, h goes down 1/2, 1/2 of h = 1, h=-.5
t_(1/2) = -.5m / -.0013 m/s = 44.3 s

44.3 s is wrong though. I don't get how come. I went through the hints for this problem. It mentions

dy/dx = f(x) * g(y) ... f(x) and g(y) are known functions

/ dy/g(y) = / f(x)dx

I don't get which known functions they are referring to. And it's also been probably 2 years since I ever used calculus, so those equations don't make much sense to me.

Any help would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
First, we establish an unsteady state mass balance on the tank
[tex]\frac{dm}{dt} = -w[/tex]
We can express mass inside the tank as [itex]m = \rho V = \rho A_1 h[/itex], where density and cross section area are constant, so the only variable changing in time is the height of liquid inside the tank. We can also express the mass flow rate out of the tank as [itex]w = \rho A_2 v[/itex]. Now we need to relate the exiting velocity with the height of the liquid. We can go ahead and use Torricelli's law, [itex]v = v = \sqrt{2gh}[/itex], turning our unsteady state model into a quasi-steady state one.
[tex]A_1 \frac{dh}{dt} = - A_2 \sqrt{2gh}[/tex]
We want to know the time it takes to empty half of the tank, so we can separate variables and integrate the differential equation from 0 to [itex]t_{\frac{1}{2}}[/itex] and [itex]h_0[/itex] to [itex]\frac{h_0}{2}[/itex]
[tex]\int_0^{t_{\frac{1}{2}}} dt = - \frac{1}{\sqrt{2g}} \frac{A_1}{A_2} \int_{h_0}^{\frac{h_0}{2}} \frac{dh}{\sqrt{h}}[/tex]
[tex]t_{\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{2g}} \frac{A_1}{A_2} \left(\sqrt{h_0} - \sqrt{\frac{h_0}{2}} \right)[/tex]
Finally, we just plug in the values and solve
[tex]t_{\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{2}{\sqrt{2 \left(9.8 \ \frac{m}{s^2} \right)}} \frac{0.785 \ m^2}{0.002 \ m^2} \left(\sqrt{1 \ m} - \sqrt{\frac{1 \ m}{2}} \right) = 51.93 \ s[/tex]
 

FAQ: Fluid dynamics, water emptying out of cylinder

What is fluid dynamics?

Fluid dynamics is the scientific study of the movement of liquids and gases. It involves the analysis of how fluids behave under different conditions and how they interact with their surroundings.

How does water empty out of a cylinder?

The rate at which water empties out of a cylinder depends on several factors, including the shape and size of the cylinder, the height of the water column, and the properties of the fluid being emptied. As the water is released from the cylinder, it accelerates due to gravity and flows out through the opening at the bottom.

What is Bernoulli's principle and how does it relate to fluid dynamics?

Bernoulli's principle states that as the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. This principle is important in fluid dynamics because it helps to explain the relationship between the movement and pressure of fluids, and is used to analyze the flow of fluids in various systems.

What are some real-world applications of fluid dynamics?

Fluid dynamics has numerous applications in various fields, including engineering, meteorology, and environmental science. Some examples include designing efficient aerodynamic shapes for airplanes, predicting weather patterns and ocean currents, and studying the flow of blood in the human body.

What are some common challenges in studying fluid dynamics?

Fluid dynamics is a complex field with many variables and factors to consider. Some common challenges include accurately modeling and predicting fluid behavior, dealing with complex geometries and boundary conditions, and accounting for the effects of turbulence and viscosity on fluid flow.

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