Hydrodynamics : Calculate force exerted by fluid on Tube

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the net force exerted by a liquid of density \rho flowing through a bent tube with a linear speed v. The attempt at a solution involves calculating the centripetal force on a small element of dm mass and integrating to find the total force. However, the correct answer is \sqrt{2} \rho Av^2, which can be found by considering the change in momentum of the liquid. The shape of the tube does not affect the solution, only the direction of the flow at entry and exit.
  • #1
Blandongstein
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Homework Statement



A tube of uniform cross-section [itex]A[/itex] is bent to form a circular arc of radius [itex]R[/itex], forming three quarters of a circle. A liquid of density [itex]\rho[/itex] is forced through the tube with a linear speed [itex]v[/itex]. Find the net force exerted by the liquid on the tube.

2. The attempt at a solution

The centripetal force acting on a small element of [itex]dm[/itex] mass will be

[tex]dF=\frac{v^2}{R}dm=\frac{\rho v^2}{R}dV=\frac{\rho A v^2}{R}dl[/tex].

Integrating with proper limits, I got

[tex]F=\frac{\rho A v^2}{R}\int_{0}^{3\pi R/2}dl=\frac{3\pi A \rho v^2}{2}[/tex]

However the answer provided in my book is [itex]\sqrt{2} \rho Av^2[/itex] .What am I doing wrong. Can someone guide me?
 
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  • #2
It says 'net force', but you added all the outward radial forces by magnitude, not as vectors. In fact, the shape doesn't matter. All you need to know is the direction of the flow at entry and exit. What is the change in momentum?
 

FAQ: Hydrodynamics : Calculate force exerted by fluid on Tube

1. What is hydrodynamics?

Hydrodynamics is the branch of fluid mechanics that deals with the study of the motion of fluids in relation to forces and energy.

2. How do you calculate the force exerted by a fluid on a tube?

The force exerted by a fluid on a tube can be calculated using the formula F = ρ * A * V^2, where ρ is the density of the fluid, A is the cross-sectional area of the tube, and V is the velocity of the fluid.

3. What factors affect the force exerted by a fluid on a tube?

The force exerted by a fluid on a tube is affected by factors such as the density and viscosity of the fluid, the shape and size of the tube, and the velocity of the fluid.

4. How does the angle of the tube affect the force exerted by a fluid?

The angle of the tube can affect the force exerted by a fluid by changing the cross-sectional area and the direction of the fluid flow, thus altering the force calculation.

5. What is the significance of calculating the force exerted by a fluid on a tube?

Calculating the force exerted by a fluid on a tube is important in various applications such as designing pipelines, understanding fluid dynamics in hydraulic systems, and predicting the effects of fluid flow on structures.

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