Surface between 2 rotating fluids.

In summary, the problem involves finding the form of the surface between oil and water in a rotating cylindrical container, taking into account gravitational and radial forces. The surface is found to have the form of a parabloid and the slope of the function is given by the applied force. However, this principle may not work for the surface between water and oil if it takes on the form of y=-r^2. To solve this, the internal pressure at a point at radius r and height y must be considered and the two partial derivatives must be found.
  • #1
magicfountain
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0

Homework Statement


Oil and water are put in a cylindrical container. They can rotate at various frequency around the rotational symmetry axis.
Consider gravitational and radial forces to find the form of the surface between the fluids.
no friction, no mixing
the surface has the form of a parabloid.
surfaces are not touching each other or the bottom of the container.

Homework Equations


[itex]F_r=mr\omega ^2[/itex]
[itex]F_g=mg[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I have found a solution, but it only applies when both (oil-air ,water-oil) parabloids have the form of [itex]y=r^2[/itex], but observation suggests, that if the water is still and the oil rotates, that the oil-water surface is of the form [itex]y=-r^2[/itex]

Edit:
fluid3.png

i found the upper surface by saying:
the slope(derivative of the function y(r)) is given by the fact, that the resulting force is applied orthogonal to the surface.
this gives:
[itex]\frac{dy}{dr}=\frac{F_r}{F_g}=\frac{mr\omega ^2}{mg}=\frac{f\omega ^2}{g}[/itex]
Integrating:
[itex]y=\frac{r^2 \omega ^2}{2g}+C[/itex]

Edit 2:
Now I thought I could simply pull of this principle like in this picture to find the surface between the two fluids, simply adding the respective forces, but this stops making sense as soon as you see the surface between water and oil having the form [itex]y=-r^2[/itex]
fluid.png

Once the surface turns this way, the vectors stop making sense.
fluid 2.png
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Try working with the internal pressure at a point at radius r and height y.
Can you figure out the two partial derivatives?
Start with the oil.
 

Related to Surface between 2 rotating fluids.

1. What is the surface between two rotating fluids?

The surface between two rotating fluids refers to the boundary where two fluids with different densities and viscosities meet and create a distinct interface. This surface is dynamic and can change depending on the relative speeds and direction of the two fluids.

2. How is the surface between two rotating fluids formed?

The surface between two rotating fluids is formed due to the difference in the angular velocities of the two fluids. This creates shear forces that cause the fluids to have different speeds and directions, resulting in a distinct interface between them.

3. What factors affect the formation and behavior of the surface between two rotating fluids?

The formation and behavior of the surface between two rotating fluids are mainly influenced by the difference in the fluids' densities, viscosities, and angular velocities. Other factors such as surface tension, gravity, and external forces can also play a role in shaping the surface.

4. What are some real-world applications of studying the surface between two rotating fluids?

The study of the surface between two rotating fluids has various practical applications, such as understanding ocean circulation, weather patterns, and fluid dynamics in industrial processes. It is also relevant in understanding the flow of fluids in the human body, such as blood circulation and respiratory function.

5. Can the surface between two rotating fluids be controlled or manipulated?

Yes, the surface between two rotating fluids can be controlled or manipulated through various methods such as changing the fluid's properties, adjusting the angular velocities, or using external forces. This can have significant implications in industrial processes, such as mixing and separating different fluids, and in understanding and predicting natural phenomena.

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