Accelerating closed tank completely filled with oil: When the tank moves with a horizontal acceleration, the pressure at the back (rear) end becomes greater than at the front end. State whether this statement is correct.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In accelerating containers, a hydrostatic-like pressure gradient develops in the direction opposite to the acceleration because the fluid experiences an apparent body force. This question checks understanding of pressure distributions in non-inertial frames for a completely filled closed tank.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Tank is completely filled (no free surface).
  • Horizontal acceleration a to the right (for example).
  • Incompressible fluid and steady acceleration.
  • No sloshing because there is no free surface.


Concept / Approach:
In a non-inertial frame accelerating to the right, a uniform body force per unit mass acts to the left with magnitude a. The pressure gradient satisfies dp/dx = ρ * a (with x measured opposite to the apparent body force). Consequently, pressure increases linearly toward the rear end (left side) and decreases toward the front end (right side).


Step-by-Step Solution:

Adopt the accelerating frame attached to the tank.Apparent body force per unit mass = a acting opposite to the direction of motion.Pressure gradient: dp/dx = ρ * a (x measured from front toward back).Integrate across the tank length: p(back) > p(front).


Verification / Alternative check:
In an open tank with a free surface, the surface tilts with slope a/g. In a completely filled tank, instead of a surface tilt, the same physics appears as a linear pressure gradient. Both pictures are consistent with higher pressure at the rear for forward acceleration.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Incorrect: Violates the basic non-inertial equilibrium relation.
  • Only true for open tanks: Not required; closed tanks also exhibit the gradient.
  • Only true if compressible: Compressibility is not required for establishing the gradient.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming pressure must be uniform because the tank is “closed”; confusing acceleration effects with elevation head alone; believing a gradient appears only when a free surface is present (it is a general inertial effect).


Final Answer:
Correct

More Questions from Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics

Discussion & Comments

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