Fluid Dynamics

Solution 2 - Summer 2016

Bernulli and Continuity Equation

Lecturer: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Modigell

Supervisor: M.Sc. Abdul-Kader Malek
abdul.malek@gutech.edu.om

Task - Flow due different water levels

A big lake and a reservoir are connected by an overflow tubing and are linked with a lower
lake by a channel.

Known variables: ρ, g , h , A

Lake Reservoir
Lake

A
A/2

Task: Determine the volume flow V˙ , which flows into the lowered lake.

Hint: Neglect the impact of the height difference in horizontal positioned tubes and wall
friction.

Page 1/3
Fluid Dynamics
Solution 2 - Summer 2016
Bernulli and Continuity Equation

Solution - Flow due different water levels

The Bernulli Equation is valid for two points, which can be connected by a stremline. Areas
of mixing are usually not suitable for applying the Bernulli Equation.

1 3
h 6

4
2 5 v =0
mixing

Streamline 1 - 2
ρ 2 ρ
p1 + ρg H1 + v1 = p2 + ρg H2 + v22 (1)
2 2
ρ 2
pa + ρg (H + h ) = p2 + v2 (2)
2
Streamline 3 - 4
ρ 2 ρ
p3 + ρg H3 + v3 = p4 + ρg H4 + v42 (3)
2 2
ρ 2
pa + ρg (H + h ) = p4 + v4 (4)
2
Mixing conditions
p2 = p4 = p5 (5)
Taking equation 2 and 4
ρ 2 ρ
p2 + v2 = p4 + v42 (6)
2 2
v2 = v4
Continuity Equation
A A
v3 · + v4 · = v5 · A (7)
2 2
v3 + v4 = 2 · v5
Leads to
v3 = v4 = v5

Page 2/3
Fluid Dynamics
Solution 2 - Summer 2016
Bernulli and Continuity Equation

This leads to a valid equation

ρ 2
pa + ρg (H + h ) = p5 + v (8)
2 5
Streamline 5 - 6, considering turbulent mixing in the lake inlet

p5 = pa + ρg H (9)

Taking equation 8 and equation 9

ρ 2
pa + ρg (H + h ) = pa + ρg H + v (10)
2 5
1
g h = v52 (11)
2
Æ
v5 = 2g h (12)
Finally you can calculate the volume flow
Æ
V˙ = A · v5 = A · 2g h (13)

Page 3/3