Search
 
 

FLUID MECHANICS - CASE STUDY SOLUTION


Problem Diagram

 

Applying Bernoulli's equation between points 1 and 2 yields

     

For a large open tank, p1 = 0 (gage pressure) and V1 = 0. Rearranging the above equation to gives

     

Thus the pressure at point 2 can be determined once the velocity at point 2 (V2) is known. To determine V2, apply Bernoulli's equation between points 1 and 3, and recognize that the velocity at points 2 and 3 is equal for constant diameter pipe and a steady rate of flow.

     

The pipe outlet acts as a free jet, so p3 = 0 (gage pressure), and z3 = 0 (datum). Thus the velocity at point 2 is then given by

     

The gage pressure at point 2 thus can be simplified as,

     p2 = -0.5ρ (2gz1) + ρg (z1 - z2)
         = -ρgz2 = -(1000)(9.8)(12)
         = -117.6 kPa (gage)

The vapor pressure in terms of the gage pressure is given by

      pv = 2.34 - 101.3 = -98.96 kPa.

Since p2 = -117.6 kPa is less than the vapor pressure of -98.96 kPa, cavitation will occur.

To avoid cavitation (i.e., p2 cannot be less than the vapor pressure), the maximum height of z2 should be

     

     
   
 
Practice Homework and Test problems now available in the 'Eng Fluids' mobile app
Includes over 250 free problems with complete detailed solutions.
Available at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.