ME 333 SPR24

Recitation 3
April 10, 2024

Problem 1
The gate A − B represented in the sketch below has uniformly distributed mass m = 180 kg,
length L = 1 m, and width W = 1.2 m. The gate separates glycerin from water in a
container and opens to reduce the concentration of glycerin by pivoting around point A
when water is added. When the gate is closed it touches the bottom of the container on B.
All fluids are at temperature θ = 293.15 K and the pressure outside the container is the
atmospheric pressure Pa . Note that at θ = 293.15 K, ρwater = 1000 kg/m3 , and ρglycerin =
1264 kg/m3 .

(1) Express the pressures of glycerin and water as a function of z.

(2) Calculate the moment resulting from the pressure of both liquids at point A.

(3) Determine the height h of the water column so that force at B is null.
ME 333 Recitation 3 - Page 2 of 3 April 10, 2024

Problem 2
Water flowing from the oscillating slit shown in the figure below produces a velocity field
given by:

V = u0 sin[w(t − y/v0 )]î + v0 ĵ

where u0 , v0 , and w are constants. Thus, the y component of velocity remains constant
(v = v0 ) and the x component of velocity at y = 0 coincides with the velocity of the
oscillating sprinkler head [u = u0 sin(wt) at y = 0].

1. Determine the streamline that passes through the origin at t = 0; at t = π/2w.

2. Determine the pathline of the particle that was at the origin at t = 0; at t = π/2.
ME 333 Recitation 3 - Page 3 of 3 April 10, 2024

Problem 3
You are moving to your new apartment by car, and you are carrying your fish in an open-
topped squared fish tank, which is filled with water. The fish tank is 50 cm in length and
30 cm in width. After stopping at a red light, the light turns green, and you start to
accelerate responsibly.

1. If the tank is filled with water 10 cm below the top, how fast can you accelerate (ax )
without spilling the water (and the fish)? Assume that the road is flat.

2. What is the horizontal pressure gradient at the bottom of the fish tank?