ME 3350-01 (Spring 16) Fluid Dynamics Midterm 1 February 23, 2016

8:20 PM 9:20 PM

Name/UID: _____________________________________
Format:
- This exam consists of two independent problems (Problem 1: 11 points; Problem 2: 9 pts).

Rules:
- The exam is open notes. Class notes, handouts, homework and homework solutions are
permitted.
- Textbook, tablets, laptops and phones are not permitted.
- All assumptions must be justified to get the maximum number of points for each question.
- Clearly indicate the final answer/result by underlining it or drawing a box around it.
- Place your name/UID in the top, right-hand corner of each page.
- Use only black/blue ink.

Honor code:
As a member of the Wright State University community, I will not participate in or tolerate academic
dishonesty.

Signature: _____________________________________

Problem 1 Problem 2 Total

Comments:
ME 3350-01 (Spring 16) Fluid Dynamics Midterm 1 February 23, 2016
8:20 PM 9:20 PM

Name/UID: _____________________________________

PROBLEM 1 (11 pts)

A triangular gate (base length: b; total height: h) hinged along its base holds water from a lake (density
) on one side and is exposed to atmospheric pressure on the other side. The gate is submerged at a
depth H below the free-surface of the lake.

A coordinate system is selected such that the z-axis points vertically downward and originates at the
center of the hinge. In this coordinate system, the width w of the triangular gate (which decreases with
z
depth) is given by: w( z ) b 1 .
h

a) (3 pts) Using the coordinate system shown on the figure, derive an expression for the gage
pressure distribution p( z ) in the fluid.
ME 3350-01 (Spring 16) Fluid Dynamics Midterm 1 February 23, 2016
8:20 PM 9:20 PM

Name/UID: _____________________________________

b) (3 pts) Derive an expression for the magnitude of the resultant hydrostatic force FR exerted on the
triangular gate.
ME 3350-01 (Spring 16) Fluid Dynamics Midterm 1 February 23, 2016
8:20 PM 9:20 PM

Name/UID: _____________________________________

c) (5 pts) Calculate the location zC of the center of pressure (i.e., location on the gate where the
resultant hydrostatic force is exerted).
ME 3350-01 (Spring 16) Fluid Dynamics Midterm 1 February 23, 2016
8:20 PM 9:20 PM

Name/UID: _____________________________________

PROBLEM 2 (9 pts)
A steady cylindrical water jet (radius R ; inlet pressure p0 ; inlet velocity U ) now strikes the triangular
gate on the left. The jet axis is located at a distance L below the hinge. After the strike, the water
stream splatters off in all directions in the plane of the gate.

a) (6 pts) Derive an expression for Fx , the x-component of the force exerted by the water jet on the
gate. What is the direction (i.e., positive or negative x-direction) of Fx ? (list all your assumptions
and clearly describe your control volume)
ME 3350-01 (Spring 16) Fluid Dynamics Midterm 1 February 23, 2016
8:20 PM 9:20 PM

Name/UID: _____________________________________

b) (3 pts) Using your result from Problem 1, part c)*, calculate the jet velocity U necessary to hold the
triangular gate vertical?

* If you havent solved Problem 1, question 3, express your answer in terms of FR (i.e., resultant hydrostatic force exerted on

the gate) and z C (i.e., location of the center of pressure on the gate).