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Single nozzle system This system pushes water through a nozzle. I can use Modified Bernoulli's equation to calculate the nozzle velocity as such: $$V_3 = \sqrt{2g\left(\frac{P_1}{\rho g}+ z_1-\Delta h_L\right)}$$

where ($\Delta h_L$) is the total head loss in the pipes.

My question is, if I alter the system such that there are now four nozzles in a parallel configuration [see figure below] what is the new nozzle velocity? Would the nozzle velocity equation stay the same (albeit with a different head loss)? Or does continuity apply instead, in which case my question is, how do I determine the flow rate through point no. 2? enter image description here

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TL;DR With no head losses, when $A_2 > A_3$ then the flow rate through point 2 will be greater in case 2 (with four pipes on the output) than in case 1. Since we do not have any information about the head losses, I show below how to compare flow rates in idealized situation. Note that $A_3$ indicates total cross-section of all four pipes at the point 3 in case 2.


Or does continuity apply instead

The continuity equation applies when mass of a moving fluid does not change as it flows, which is the case in your example: volume (mass) that goes out of four pipes combined equals volume (mass) decrease in the tank

$$A_1 v_1 = A_2 v_2 = A_3 v_3$$

where $q$ is the volume flow rate, $A$ is the cross-section area, and $v$ is the fluid velocity. Note that here $A_3$ means combined cross-section of all four pipes. By combining continuity equation and idealized Bernoulli's equation

$$p + \rho g y + \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 = \text{const.}$$

it is straightforward to show that ratio of velocities for the two cases is

$$\frac{v_2'}{v_2} = \sqrt{\frac{(A_1/A_2)^2 - 1}{(A_1/A_3)^2 - 1}} \qquad \text{and} \qquad \frac{v_3'}{v_2} = \sqrt{\frac{1-(A_2/A_1)^2}{1-(A_3/A_1)^2}}$$

where $v_2'$ and $v_3'$ are velocities at point 2 and 3 in case 2, and $v_2$ is velocity at point 2 in case 1.

Would the nozzle velocity equation stay the same (albeit with a different head loss)?

With no head losses and assuming $A_1 > A_2$ and $A_1 > A_3$, it is clear now that $v_2' > v_2$ and $v_3' > v_3$ when $A_3 > A_2$ and vice-versa.

This can also be solved intuitively:

  • When $A_3 = A_2$, where $A_3$ is cross-section of four nozzles combined, then point 1 sees the same cross-section to the output at atmospheric pressure. Hence, output velocity remains the same through points 2 and 3 in case 2 compared to point 2 in case 1.

  • As $A_3$ is getting smaller starting at $A_3 = A_2$, the point 1 sees smaller output cross-section and velocity through point 3 decreases. In the most extreme case, when $A_3 = 0$ the velocity is zero. As velocity through point 3 decreases, so does velocity through point 2.

  • As $A_3$ is getting larger starting at $A_3 = A_2$, the point 1 sees larger output cross-section and velocity through point 3 increases. As velocity through point 3 increases, so does velocity through point 2.

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    $\begingroup$ This answer only works for the idealised Bernoulli Equation. But OP is using a modified version of BE, one that accounts for pressure loss (aka 'head loss') in the pipe(s): $\Delta h_L$. So $v_2$ and $q_2$ cannot be calculated so easily, as you claim. $\endgroup$
    – Gert
    Commented Mar 17, 2022 at 11:36
  • $\begingroup$ A bit more about the mod. BE in an answer of mine, here: physics.stackexchange.com/questions/698942/… $\endgroup$
    – Gert
    Commented Mar 17, 2022 at 11:43
  • $\begingroup$ So you predict a greater nozzle velocity in the multi-nozzle system? What I don't understand is: Bernoulli's equation is valid along a streamline, therefore couldn't you draw a streamline from point 1 to any one of the nozzles and get the same velocity as the single nozzle system? Basically the same velocity but higher overall flowrate? $\endgroup$
    – wwman
    Commented Mar 18, 2022 at 9:03
  • $\begingroup$ @wwman I added paragraph at the end of the post. See if it answers your question. $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 18, 2022 at 9:28

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