FLUID MECHANICS SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. A Venturi meter is used to measure flow speed

in a pipe. Derive an expression for the flow speed
v1 in terms of the cross-sectional areas A1 and A2
the difference in height h of the liquid levels in the
two vertical tubes.

SOLUTION:
The flow is steady, and we assume the fluid is
incompressible and has negligible internal friction.
Hence we can use Bernoulli’s equation. We apply
that equation to the wide part (point 1) and
narrow part (point 2, the throat) of the pipe. The pressure difference p1-p2 is also equal to ρgh,
which relates h to the pressure difference

Points 1 and 2 have the same vertical coordinate so y1 = y2

1 1
p1 + ρ v 1 2 = p2 + ρ v 2 2
2 2
From the continuity equation, v 2=( A1 / A 2 ) v 1. Substituting this and rearranging, we get:
A1 2
1
p1− p2= ρ v 12
2 [( ) ]
A2
−1

The pressure difference is also equal to ρgh. Substituting this and solving for v 1we get
2 gh
v1 =
√ 2
( A1 / A2 ) −1
Because A1 is greater than A2, v2 is greater than v1 and the pressure p2 in the throat is less than
p1. Those pressure differences produce a net force to the right that makes the fluid speed up as
it enters the throat, and a net force to the left that slows it as it leaves.

2. Oceans on Mars. Scientists have found evidence that Mars may once have had an ocean
0.500 km deep. The acceleration due to gravity on Mars is 3.71 m/s 2(a) What would be the
gauge pressure at the bottom of such an ocean, assuming it was freshwater? (b) To what depth
would you need to go in the earth’s ocean to experience the same gauge pressure?

SOLUTION:
IDENTIFY: The gauge pressure p − p0 at depth h is p − p0 = ρgh.
SET UP: Freshwater has density 1.00×103 kg/m3 and seawater has density 1.03×103 kg/m3.
EXECUTE: (a) p − p0 = (1.00×103 kg/m3)(3.71 m/s2 )(500 m) =1.86×106 Pa.
p− p 0 1.86 ×106 Pa
(b)h= = 3 3 2
=184 m
ρg (1.03 ×10 kg /m )(9.80 m/s )
EVALUATE: The pressure at a given depth is greater on earth because a cylinder of water of that
height weighs more on earth than on Mars.

3. Ear Damage from Diving. If the force on the tympanic membrane (eardrum) increases by
about 1.5 N above the force from atmospheric pressure, the membrane can be damaged. When
you go scuba diving in the ocean, below what depth could damage to your eardrum start to
occur? The eardrum is typically 8.2 mm in diameter.

SOLUTION:
IDENTIFY: The external pressure on the eardrum increases with depth in the ocean. This
increased pressure could damage the eardrum.
SET UP: The density of seawater is 1.03×103 kg/m3. The area of the eardrum is A =πr2, with
r = 4.1 mm. The pressure increase with depth is Δp = ρgh and F = pA.
EXECUTE: ΔF = (Δp)A = ρ ghA. Solving for h gives
∆F 1.5 N
h= = =2.8 m
ρGA (1.03 10 kg /m )(9.80 m/s 2) π (4.1 ×10−3 m)2
3 3

EVALUATE: 2.8 m is less than 10 ft, so it is probably a good idea to wear ear plugs if you scuba
dive.

4. A slab of ice floats on a freshwater lake. What minimum volume must the slab have for a
45.0-kg woman to be able to stand on it without getting her feet wet?

SOLUTION:
IDENTIFY: Apply Newton’s second law to the woman plus slab. The buoyancy force exerted by
the water is upward and given by B = ρwaterVdisplg, where Vdispl is the volume of water displaced.
SET UP: The floating object is the slab of ice plus the woman; the buoyant force must support
both.
The volume of water displaced equals the volume Vice of
the ice. The free-body diagram is given in the figure.

EXECUTE: ΣFy = may

B − mtotg = 0
ρwaterViceg = (45.0 kg + mice )g
But ρ = m/V so mice = ρiceVice

45.0 kg 45.0 kg
V ice = = =0.562 m3
ρwater −ρice
kg kg
1000 3 −920 3
m m
EVALUATE: The mass of ice is mice = ρiceVice = 517 kg.