Time taken for water to drain from a tank through a pipe (fluid mech./Bernoulli)

In summary: The pressure is p= atm and the height of the water z above the bottom of the tank is h=z.In summary, the water in the tank empties through a pipe of cross-sectional area A at a speed v. The height of the water in the tank at the beginning of the process, z=H, and the pipe extends a vertical distance h below the bottom of the tank. The time taken for the water to empty is given by v=sqrt{2gh}.
  • #1
tome101
7
0

Homework Statement


A) A tank of water of cross-sectional area A empties through a pipe
of cross-sectional area a, where a A so that the speed of the water flow in the tank can be neglected compared to that in the pipe. The initial height of the water in the tank is H and the pipe extends a vertical distance h below the bottom of the tank. Find an expression for the time taken for the tank to empty. You may assume an inviscid flow. [Take the height of the water in the tank to be z. The pressure at the water surface and at the bottom of the pipe are both atmospheric.]

B) Explain what would happen if a small hole was made:
a) halfway up the side of the tank;
b) halfway along the pipe.

Only a brief calculation/explanation is needed for this part.

Homework Equations


[itex]\frac{v^{2}}{2}+gz+\frac{p}{ρ}=const.[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Ok, from Bernoulli we can see that at the exit of the pipe:

[itex]gz=0[/itex]

and at the entrance to the pipe at the bottom of the tank

[itex]v=0[/itex]

As the speed is said to be negligible in the tank.
Since p and ρ are constant, final Bernoulli equation is:

[itex]\frac{v^{2}}{2}=gh[/itex]

Rearranging we get:

[itex]v=\sqrt{2gh}[/itex]

[itex]\frac{∂h}{∂t}=\sqrt{2gh}[/itex]

[itex]∂t=(2gh)^{-1/2}∂h[/itex]

And I'm not really sure where to go from here, or if it's correct up until this point. I assume you integrate both sides but I'm not entirely sure what the boundaries would be on the right hand side, and also I'm not sure where the areas come into it? And part b I don't know where to start...

Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
∂t=(2gh)−1/2∂h
OR
dt=dh/Sqrt(2gh)

t=2*sqrt(h)/(2g)+C
I don't know, How to find the value of 'C' (A Constant value of integration).
 
Last edited:
  • #3
You cannot ignore the pressure created by the water still in the tank.
 

FAQ: Time taken for water to drain from a tank through a pipe (fluid mech./Bernoulli)

How does the diameter of the pipe affect the time taken for water to drain from the tank?

The diameter of the pipe has a direct impact on the time taken for water to drain from the tank. A larger diameter pipe will allow for a greater volume of water to pass through, resulting in a faster drainage time. On the other hand, a smaller diameter pipe will restrict the flow of water and thus increase the time taken for drainage.

What role does the height of the tank play in the drainage time?

The height of the tank also affects the drainage time. The higher the tank, the greater the gravitational potential energy of the water, resulting in a faster flow through the pipe. This is because the force of gravity pulling the water down the pipe increases with height.

How does the viscosity of the water affect the drainage time?

The viscosity of water, or its resistance to flow, can also impact the drainage time. Higher viscosity fluids, such as syrup or honey, will take longer to drain from the tank compared to lower viscosity fluids like water. This is because the thicker fluid experiences more internal friction as it flows through the pipe, slowing down the overall drainage process.

What is the role of Bernoulli's principle in the drainage of water from a tank?

Bernoulli's principle states that as the velocity of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. In the context of water draining from a tank, this means that as the water flows through the pipe, its velocity increases and the pressure decreases. This helps to push the water through the pipe and results in a faster drainage time.

How does the shape of the pipe affect the drainage time?

The shape of the pipe can also impact the drainage time. A smooth and straight pipe will allow for a faster flow of water compared to a rough or curved pipe. This is because a smooth and straight pipe experiences less friction and resistance, allowing for a more efficient drainage process.

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