ENM3218/ENS6100 Fluid Mechanics

Tutorials 5 Solutions

1. In a hydroelectric power plant, water enters the turbine nozzles at 800 kPa absolute with a low velocity.
If the nozzle outlets are exposed to atmospheric pressure of 100 kPa, determine the maximum velocity
to which water can be accelerated by the nozzles before striking the turbine blades.

Solution 5.40

In a power plant, water enters the nozzles of a hydraulic turbine at a specified pressure. The maximum velocity
water can be accelerated to by the nozzles is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The flow of water is steady, incompressible, and irrotational with negligible frictional effects (so
that the Bernoulli equation is applicable). 2 Water enters the nozzle with a low velocity.
Properties We take the density of water to be  = 1000 kg/m3.
Analysis We take points 1 and 2 at the inlet and exit of the nozzle, respectively. Noting that V1  0 and z1 =
z2, the application of the Bernoulli equation between points 1 and 2 gives

P1 V12 P V2 P1 Patm V22 2(P1  Patm )

  z1  2  2  z2     V2 
ρg 2g ρg 2g ρg ρg 2g ρ

Substituting the given values, the nozzle exit velocity is

determined to be

2(800  100)kPa  1000 N /m 2   1 kg m /s2 

V1      37.4 m / s
1000 kg/m 3  1 kPa   1 N 

100
Discussion This is the maximum nozzle exit velocity, Water
V kPa
and the actual velocity will be less because of friction 1 Turbine
between water and the walls of the nozzle. nozzzle
800 2
kPa

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ENM3218/ENS6100 Fluid Mechanics
Tutorials 5 Solutions

2. An oil pump is drawing 18 kW of electric power while pumping oil with = 860 kg/m3 at a rate of 0.1
m3/s. The inlet and outlet diameters of the pipe are 8 cm and 12 cm, respectively. If the pressure rise of
oil in the pump is measured to be 250 kPa and the motor efficiency is 95 percent, determine the
mechanical efficiency of the pump. Take the kinetic energy correction factor to be 1.05.

Solution

A pump is pumping oil at a specified rate. The pressure rise of oil in the pump is measured, and the motor
efficiency is specified. The mechanical efficiency of the pump is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The flow is steady and incompressible. 2 The elevation difference across the pump is negligible.
3 All the losses in the pump are accounted for by the pump efficiency and thus hL = 0. 4 The kinetic energy
correction factors are given to be 1 = 2 =  = 1.05.

Properties The density of oil is given to be  = 860 kg/m3.

18 kW
2
Pump

Motor

1
Oil

Analysis We take points 1 and 2 at the inlet and the exit of the pump, respectively. Noting that z1 = z2, the
energy equation for the pump reduces to

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ENM3218/ENS6100 Fluid Mechanics
Tutorials 5 Solutions

P1 V12 P2 V22 P2  P1 α(V22  V12 )

α z h  α z h h  hpum p,u  
ρg 1 2g 1 pum p,u ρg 2 2g 2 turbine,e L ρg 2g
where

V& V& 0.1 m 3 /s

V1     19.9 m /s
A1 πD 12 /4 π(0.08 m )2 /4

V& V& 0.1 m 3 /s

V2     8.84 m /s
A2 πD 22 /4 π(0.12 m )2 /4

Substituting, the useful pump head and the corresponding useful pumping power are determined to be

250,000 N /m 2  1 kg m /s2  1.05[(8.84 m /s)2  (19.9 m /s)2 ]

hpum p,u     29.6  17.0  12.6 m
(860 kg/m 3 )(9.81 m /s2 ) 1 N  2(9.81 m /s2 )

 1 kN   1 kW 
W&pum p,u  ρV& ghpum p,u  (860 kg/m 3 )(0.1 m 3 /s)(9.81 m /s2 )(12.6 m ) 2  
 1000 kg m /s   1 kN  m /s
 10.6 kW
Then the shaft pumping power and the mechanical efficiency of the pump become

W& pum p,shaft  ηm otorW& electric  (0.95)(18 kW ) 17.1 kW

W& pum p,u 10.6 kW

ηpum p    0.620  62.0%
W& pum p,shaft 17.1 kW

Discussion The overall efficiency of this pump/motor unit is the product of the mechanical and motor
efficiencies, which is 0.95  0.620 = 0.589 = 58.9%.

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ENM3218/ENS6100 Fluid Mechanics
Tutorials 5 Solutions

3. Consider a river flowing toward a lake at an average speed of 3 m/s at a rate of 500 m3/s at a location
55 m above the lake surface. Determine the total mechanical energy of the river water per unit mass
and the power generation potential of the entire river at that location.

Solution

A river is flowing at a specified velocity, flow rate, and elevation. The total mechanical energy of the river water
per unit mass, and the power generation potential of the entire river are to be determined.

Assumptions 1 The elevation given is the elevation of the free surface of the river. 2 The velocity given is the
average velocity. 3 The mechanical energy of water at the turbine exit is negligible.
Properties We take the density of water to be  = 1000 kg/m3.
Analysis Noting that the sum of the flow energy and the potential energy is constant for a given fluid body,
we can take the elevation of the entire river water to be the elevation of the free surface, and ignore the flow
energy. Then the total mechanical energy of the river water per unit mass becomes
V2
em ech  pe ke  gh  3 m/s
2 River
 (3 m /s)2   1 kJ/kg 
  (9.81 m /s )(55 m )
2

 2   1000 m 2 /s2  55 m
 0.54405 kJ/kg
The power generation potential of the river water is obtained by multiplying the
total mechanical energy by the mass flow rate,

m&  ρV&  (1000 kg/m 3 )(500 m 3 /s) 500,000 kg/s

W&m ax  E& m ech  m& em ech  (500,000 kg/s)(0.54405 kg/s) 272,025 kW  272 MW

Therefore, 272 MW of power can be generated from this river as it discharges into the lake if its power potential
can be recovered completely.
Discussion Note that the kinetic energy of water is negligible compared to the potential energy, and it can be
ignored in the analysis. Also, the power output of an actual turbine will be less than 272 MW because of losses
and inefficiencies.

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ENM3218/ENS6100 Fluid Mechanics
Tutorials 5 Solutions

4. A Pitot-static probe is used to measure the speed of an aircraft flying at 3000 m. If the differential
pressure reading is 3 kPa, determine the speed of the aircraft.

Solution

The velocity of an aircraft is to be measured by a Pitot-static probe. For a given differential pressure reading, the
velocity of the aircraft is to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The air flow over the aircraft is steady, incompressible, and irrotational with negligible frictional effects
(so that the Bernoulli equation is applicable). 2 Standard atmospheric conditions exist. 3 The wind effects are negligible.
Properties The density of the atmosphere at an elevation of 3000 m is  = 0.909 kg/m3.

Analysis We take point 1 at the entrance of the tube whose opening is parallel to flow, and point 2 at the entrance
of the tube whose entrance is normal to flow. Noting that point 2 is a stagnation point and thus V2 = 0 and z1 = z2, the
application of the Bernoulli equation between points 1 and 2 gives
P1 V12 P V2 V12 P P V12 P P
  z1  2  2  z2   2 1   stag 1
ρg 2g ρg 2g 2g ρg 2 ρ
Solving for V1 and substituting,

2(Pstag  P1) 2(3000 N /m 2 ) 1 kg m /s2 

V1      81.2 m / s  292 km / h
ρ 0.909 kg/m 3  1 N 
since 1 Pa = 1 N/m2 and 1 m/s = 3.6 km/h.

Discussion Note that the velocity of an aircraft can be determined by simply measuring the differential
pressure on a Pitot-static probe.

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ENM3218/ENS6100 Fluid Mechanics
Tutorials 5 Solutions

5. Water at 20°C is siphoned from a reservoir as shown in Fig. P5–53. For d = 8 cm and D = 16 cm, determine
(a) the minimum flow rate that can be achieved without cavitation occurring in the piping system and
(b) the maximum elevation of the highest point of the piping system to avoid cavitation. (c) Also, discuss
the ways of increasing the maximum elevation of the highest point of the piping system to avoid
cavitation.

Solution

Water is siphoned from a reservoir. The minimum flow rate that can be achieved without cavitation occurring
in the piping system and the maximum elevation of the highest point of the piping system to avoid cavitation
are to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The flow through the pipe is steady, incompressible and irrotational with negligible frictional
effects (so that the Bernoulli equation is applicable).
Properties We take the density of water to be  = 1000 kg/m3.

Analysis (a) For T = 20 0C , Pv = 2.338 x 103 Pa (abs)

d = 8 cm, D = 16 cm
Applying Bernoulli Eq. between (1) and (4)

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ENM3218/ENS6100 Fluid Mechanics
Tutorials 5 Solutions

P1 V12 P4 V42
 Z1    Z4  , V4  2gh1  2g(1 4)
γ 2g γ 2g
V4 = 9.904 m/s
On the other hand, from the continuity,
AD D2
AdVd  AD VD , Vd  ( )VD  2 VD
Ad d
16
Vd  ( )2VD
8
Vd  4VD  4(9.904) 39.62 m /s

We should check if these velocities would be possible,

Bernoulli Eq. from (1) to (2) yields
P1m V12 P2m V22
 Z1    Z2 
γ 2g γ 2g
101325 P 39.622
 5  0  2m  2 
9810 γ 19.62
P2m P2m
15.328   82.01 ,  66.68 m
γ γ
P2m
Since  0 , the velocity Vd cannot be 39.62 m/s. Applying Bernoulli Eq. from (1) to(2)
γ
101325 2.338.103 Vd2m ax
 5 2 
9810 9810 2g
Vd2m ax
 13.09
2g
Vmax = 16.03 m/s. Therefore the velocity will never exceed 16.03 m/s. Accordingly;
2
0.08
V&  AdVd  π 16.03  0.0806 m3 / s
4
(b) For a maximum Z3 , the absolute pressure P3m in  2338 Pa(abs)

P1m V12
 Z1   constan t , therefore
γ 2g
P3 V2
and 3 must be minimum.
γ 2g
P3m in 2338
  0.238 m
γ 9810
Applying Bernoulli Eq. from (1) to (3)

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ENM3218/ENS6100 Fluid Mechanics
Tutorials 5 Solutions

101325 VD2
 5 0  Z3.m ax  0.238 
9810 2g
From the first part,
d2 8 2
VD  V  ( )16.
2 d
03
D 16
VD = 4.008 m/s
101325 4.0082
Therefore Z 3.m ax   5  0.238 
9810 19.62
Z3.max = 14.3 m
(c) Exit velocity of water from pipe system to atmosphere can be increased by attaching a valve or contraction
part such as a nozzle or pipe with smaller diameter to the pipe exit. Therefore, velocity in the main pipe can be
decreased and pressure in the main pipe can be increased. Thus, the maximum elevation of the highest point of
the piping system to avoid cavitation can be increased.

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ENM3218/ENS6100 Fluid Mechanics
Tutorials 5 Solutions

6. Underground water is to be pumped by a 78 percent efficient 5-kW submerged pump to a pool whose
free surface is 30 m above the underground water level. The diameter of the pipe is 7 cm on the intake
side and 5 cm on the discharge side. Determine (a) the maximum flow rate of water and (b) the pressure
difference across the pump. Assume the elevation difference between the pump inlet and the outlet
and the effect of the kinetic energy correction factors to be negligible.

Solution

Underground water is pumped to a pool at a given elevation. The maximum flow rate and the pressures at the
inlet and outlet of the pump are to be determined.
Assumptions 1 The flow is steady and incompressible. 2 The elevation difference between the inlet and the
outlet of the pump is negligible. 3 We assume the frictional effects in piping to be negligible since the maximum
flow rate is to be determined, E& m ech loss,pipping  0. 4 The effect of the kinetic energy correction factors is
negligible,  = 1.
Properties We take the density of water to be 1 kg/L = 1000 kg/m3.
Analysis (a) The pump-motor draws 5-kW of power, and is 78% efficient. Then the useful mechanical (shaft)
power it delivers to the fluid is

W& pum p,u  ηpum p-m otorW&electric  (0.78)(5 kW ) 3.9 kW

We take point 1 at the free surface of underground water, which is also taken as the reference level (z1 = 0), and
point 2 at the free surface of the pool. Also, both 1 and 2 are open to the atmosphere (P1 = P2 = Patm), the
velocities are negligible at both points (V1  V2  0), and frictional losses in piping are disregarded. Then the
energy equation for steady incompressible flow through a control volume between these two points that
includes the pump and the pipes reduces to 2
P V2  P V2  Pool
m&  1  α1 1  gz1   W& pum p  m&  2  α2 2  gz2   W& turbine  E& m ech,loss
ρ 2   ρ 2 
30 m
In the absence of a turbine, E& m ech,loss  E& m ech loss,pum p  E& m ech loss,piping

1
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Pum
ENM3218/ENS6100 Fluid Mechanics
Tutorials 5 Solutions

and W& pum p,u  W& pum p  E& m ech loss,pum p .

Thus, W& pum p,u  m& gz2 .

Then the mass and volume flow rates of water become

W&pum p,u 3.9 kJ/s  1000 m 2 /s2 

m&      13.25 kg/s
gz2 (9.81 m /s2 )(30 m ) 1 kJ 
m& 13.25 kg/s
V&   3
 0.01325 m 3 / s 0.0133 m3 / s
ρ 1000 kg/m

(b) We take points 3 and 4 at the inlet and the exit of the pump, respectively, where the flow velocities are
V& V& 0.01325 m 3 /s
V3     3.443 m /s ,
A3 πD 32 /4 π(0.07 m )2 /4
V& V& 0.01325 m 3 /s
V4     6.748 m /s
A4 πD 42 /4 π(0.05 m )2 /4
We take the pump as the control volume. Noting that z3 = z4, the energy equation for this control volume reduces
to
P V2  P V2 
m&  3  α3 3  gz3   W& pum p  m&  4  α4 4  gz4   W& turbine  E& m ech loss,pum p 
 ρ 2   ρ 2 
ρα(V32  V42 ) W& pum p,u
P4  P3   &
2 V
Substituting,

(1000 kg/m 3)[(3.443 m /s)2  (6.748 m /s)2 ] 1 kN  3.9 kJ/s  1 kN  m 

P4  P3   2 
  
 1000 kg m /s  0.01325 m /s 1 kJ 
3
2
 (16.8  294.3)kN /m 2  277.5 kPa  278 kPa
Discussion In an actual system, the flow rate of water will be less because of friction in the pipes. Also, the
effect of flow velocities on the pressure change across the pump is negligible in this case (under 2%) and can be
ignored.

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