What is the speed and pressure of water exiting a cylindrical tunnel in a dam?

  • Thread starter chawkdee
  • Start date
In summary, the problem involves a cylindrical water tunnel running through a dam, with the entrance at a depth of 22.0m below the surface of the water and a radius of 1.30m, and the other end open to the air with a depth of 46.0m and a radius of 0.840m. The goal is to determine the speed of the water when it exits the tunnel and the absolute pressure of the water just after it enters the tunnel. Using the hydrostatic pressure formula, it is possible to calculate the pressure at both the inlet and outlet, assuming atmospheric pressure at the outlet and the density of water. The velocity at the inlet can be assumed to be 0.
  • #1
chawkdee
12
0

Homework Statement


A cylindrical water tunnel runs through a dam. The entrance to the tunnel has a radius of 1.30m and is located at a depth of 22.0m below the surface of the water. The other end of teh tunnel has a radius of 0.840m., is 46.0m below the water's surface, and is open to the air.
a) What is the speed of the water when it exits the tunnel?
b) Determine the absolute pressure of of the water just after it enters the tunnel


Homework Equations

v=Sq Rt (2gh)

P1 + (1/2 x density x v1 squared) + (density x g x h1) = P2 + (1/2 x density x v2 squared)+ (density x g x h2)


The Attempt at a Solution

I really don't know where to start as we don't know the velocity at the entrance.

v= the square root of 2 x 9.81 x (46-22) = square root 470 = 21.6 m\s

We can ignore density.

But we don't know P1 or P2 so I'm stumped! Please help me understand the question and if I'm using the correct equations.

:smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Let's start with the outlet, it's slightly easier.
The other end of teh tunnel has a radius of 0.840m., is 46.0m below the water's surface, and is open to the air.
Can you say anything now about the exit pressure?

Now the inlet. There is a critical piece of information that you're only thinking of in one way.
A cylindrical water tunnel runs through a dam. The entrance to the tunnel has a radius of 1.30m and is located at a depth of 22.0m below the surface of the water.
anything? ;)
 
  • #3
Minger, thanks for your time.

Firstly, id the speed correct?
v= the square root of 2 x 9.81 x (46-22) = square root 470 = 21.6 m\s

The exit pressure:-

pressure of liquid = specific gravity of liquid x height of liquid xgravitational acceleration

sp gravity of water=1

h=46m

g=9.8

p=1 x 9.8 x 46

p= 450 ?
 
  • #4
A cylindrical water tunnel runs through a dam. The entrance to the tunnel has a radius of 1.30m and is located at a depth of 22.0m below the surface of the water.

I can't figure out how I can find the Pressure if it is not open to the air.
 
  • #5
First of all, let's look at your calculation. Specific gravity is dimensionless as it's merely a ratio. So, we have
[tex]p = (1)(46 m)\left(9.8 \frac{m}{s^2}\right)[/tex]
This gets us:
[tex]p = 450 \frac{m^2}{s^2}[/tex]
I don't know where you come from, but m2/s2 is NOT a unit of pressure. First rule of engineering/physics/etc: UNITS UNITS UNITS!

Had you written that out, you would see that the proper formula for hydrostatic pressure is:
[tex]p = \rho g h[/tex]
Density, not specific gravity.

Now, at the outlet, the fluid releases to the atmosphere. That probably means atmospheric pressure, or 0 psig (gauge pressure). At the inlet, you can use the hydrostatic pressure formula I provided. With this, you have both elevations and pressures at both the inlet and outlet. At the velocity you can simply assume that the fluid is at rest since it's coming from basically a resevoir.

This leaves only outlet velocity to calculate for.
 
  • #6
P1 + (1/2 x density x v1 squared) + (density x g x h1) = P2 + (1/2 x density x v2 squared)+ (density x g x h2)
So P2 is atmospheric pressure = 1 x 10*3 Pa
(density x g x h2)= 1x10*3 x 9.8 x 46 (do we need the 46 if it's open to the air?)
(density x g x h1)= 1x10*3 x 9.8 x 22
v1=0


If the above are correct, I can do it - thanks a lot!
 

Related to What is the speed and pressure of water exiting a cylindrical tunnel in a dam?

What is Bernoulli's Equation Problem?

Bernoulli's Equation Problem is a mathematical concept that relates the pressure, velocity, and elevation of a fluid in a steady flow system.

What are the applications of Bernoulli's Equation Problem?

Bernoulli's Equation Problem is commonly used in fields such as engineering, physics, and aeronautics to analyze and predict the behavior of fluids in various systems, such as pipes, pumps, and airplanes.

What is the formula for Bernoulli's Equation Problem?

The formula for Bernoulli's Equation Problem is P1 + 1/2ρv1^2 + ρgy1 = P2 + 1/2ρv2^2 + ρgy2, where P is pressure, ρ is density, v is velocity, and y is elevation.

What are the assumptions made in Bernoulli's Equation Problem?

The assumptions made in Bernoulli's Equation Problem include steady flow, incompressible fluid, and negligible friction and viscosity effects.

How is Bernoulli's Equation Problem used to solve real-world problems?

Bernoulli's Equation Problem can be used to solve real-world problems by analyzing the pressure, velocity, and elevation at different points in a system and using the equation to determine how they are related. This can help in designing efficient systems and predicting the behavior of fluids in various scenarios.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
917
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
624
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
20
Views
7K
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
9K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
8K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
4K
Back
Top