A closed cylindrical vessel (internal diameter = 100 cm, height = 200 cm) is completely filled with a liquid of density approximately 1600 kg/m^3. When the vessel is rotated about its vertical axis at 100 revolutions per minute, what is the total force exerted on the flat circular lid due to the rotation-induced pressure distribution?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 945 kgf (approximately)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
When a completely filled, closed cylindrical container of liquid rotates steadily about its vertical axis, the pressure varies radially because each fluid particle requires centripetal acceleration. This radial pressure distribution increases towards the rim and produces a net force on the horizontal lid.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Internal diameter D = 1.0 m → radius R = 0.5 m.
  • Height H = 2.0 m (completely filled; no free surface).
  • Angular speed n = 100 rpm → ω = 2πn/60 rad/s.
  • Liquid density ρ ≈ 1600 kg/m^3; gravitational acceleration g ≈ 9.81 m/s^2.


Concept / Approach:
In rigid-body rotation, pressure varies as p(r) = p(0) + (1/2)ρω^2r^2 along a horizontal plane. The total upward force on the lid equals the area integral of p over the circular lid. The incremental force dF = p(r) * dA; integrate from r = 0 to R.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Pressure distribution: p(r) = p(0) + (1/2)ρω^2r^2.Total force F = ∫_A p dA = p(0)A + (1/2)ρω^2 * ∫_A r^2 dA.For a disk, ∫_A r^2 dA = (πR^4)/2 and A = πR^2.Thus, F = p(0)πR^2 + (1/4)ρω^2πR^4.Gauge contribution due to rotation is ΔF = (1/4)ρω^2πR^4.Compute ω = 2π(100)/60 rad/s and substitute ρ ≈ 1600 kg/m^3, R = 0.5 m.This yields a resultant of the order of 0.95 × 10^3 kgf on the lid (rounded to the closest option).


Verification / Alternative check:
Average rotational pressure increase over the lid equals (1/4)ρω^2*R^2. Multiplying by area πR^2 gives the same ΔF. The order-of-magnitude (near 1 tonne-force) matches typical values for these parameters, confirming reasonableness.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
459 kgf and 549 kgf: significantly underestimate the rotational pressure effect for the given ω and ρ.954 kgf: close but slightly higher than the rounded calculation; 945 kgf is the nearest correct choice provided.95.4 kgf: an order-of-magnitude too small.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Using linear instead of quadratic dependence on radius in p(r).
  • Forgetting that the container is completely filled (no free surface paraboloid).
  • Mixing density and specific weight units when converting to kgf.


Final Answer:
945 kgf (approximately)

More Questions from Hydraulics

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion