Force from the water on the gate

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the force exerted by water on a tainter gate in a lake, as well as the amount of water that will flow through the gate at different heights and how high the gate needs to be raised to maintain a flow rate of 2500 cubic feet per second. The equation used is based on the pressure of water at a certain depth, with the total force on a rectangular gate being found by integrating the area and pressure over the height of the gate. The conversation also addresses the area of the gate at different heights and the potential challenges in calculating it.
  • #1
bcd201115
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Homework Statement


A tainter gate for a lake is 21' tall and 14' wide and the water level is 17 feet from the surface to spillway. What force is the water placing on the gate at the top, middle and bottom? Also when the work is done how much water will flow through the gate if the gate is raised 2 ft, 7ft, and 10ft and how high does the gate have to be raised to maintain a flow rate of 2500cfs. the estimated impoundment of water for the lake is 3 billion gallons.


Homework Equations


Can anyone help me get started on this? I would really appreciate it


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
The pressure due to water at depth h feet, in pounds per square foot, is the weight of a column of water one foot in area and h feet high. Taking the (weight) density of water to be [itex]\delta[/itex] pounds per cubic foot, that is [itex]\delta h[/itex] pounds per square foot. To find the total force on a rectangular gate, of width W and height H, imagine a thin rectangle at depth h, of width W and height dh. Its area is Wdx and the force on it is [itex]\delta hW dh[/itex]. Integrate that over from 0 to H.
 
  • #3
So the force at the top would be 0 right? because there's no pressure from the water? and how would i find the area at the middle and bottom?. I'm good on finding pressure but what about the area?
 

FAQ: Force from the water on the gate

What is "force from the water on the gate"?

"Force from the water on the gate" refers to the amount of pressure exerted by water on a gate or barrier. This force is typically caused by the weight of the water and can be calculated using the principles of fluid mechanics.

How is the force from water on a gate calculated?

The force from water on a gate can be calculated using the equation F = ρghA, where F is the force, ρ is the density of water, g is the acceleration due to gravity, h is the height of the water, and A is the area of the gate. This equation is derived from the principles of fluid mechanics and can be used to determine the amount of force a gate or barrier will experience from water pressure.

What factors affect the force from water on a gate?

The force from water on a gate can be affected by several factors, including the density of the water, the height of the water, the size and shape of the gate, and the acceleration due to gravity. Other factors such as the speed of the water flow and any obstructions in the water can also impact the force exerted on a gate.

Why is it important to consider the force from water on a gate?

It is important to consider the force from water on a gate because it can greatly impact the stability and strength of the gate. If the force is too great, it can cause the gate to fail or collapse, potentially leading to flooding or other damage. Understanding and accurately calculating this force is crucial for designing and maintaining effective water control structures.

How can the force from water on a gate be controlled or managed?

The force from water on a gate can be controlled or managed through proper design and maintenance of the gate. This can include making sure the gate is strong enough to withstand the expected force, regularly inspecting and repairing any damage, and implementing strategies such as adding additional support structures or using flow control devices to reduce the force exerted on the gate.

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