Problem 5.

46

Figure P5.46 shows a lateral pipe fitting. This particular fitting has a mainline diameter of 4.0 in.
The diameter of the lateral is 3.0 in., and the lateral angle is 45°; 60 °F water is flowing in the
lateral. Measurements show that the pressure at point 1 is 34.0 psig, the pressure at point 2 is
35.0 psig, the pressure at point 3 is 33.5 psig, and the flow rate at point 2 is 1.0 ft3/s. Determine
the horizontal and vertical force components (Fx and Fy) required to hold the lateral fitting
stationary. Neglect gravity. Q 1 = 1.63 ft3/s.

Solution
First apply the continuity equation
ft 3 ft 3 ft 3
Q1 = Q2 + Q3 ⇒ Q3 = Q1 − Q2 =1.63 − 1.0 = 0.63
s s s
For the “x” direction
∑ Fx =Fx + p1 A1 − p2 A2 − p3 A3 cos 45o =ρQ2V2 + ρQ3V3 cos 45o − ρQ1V1
so
Fx = ρ Q2V2 + ρ Q3V3 cos 45o − ρ Q1V1 + p2 A2 + p3 A3 cos 45o − p1 A1
π 2 Q 4Q
but = A D= and V = so V
4 A π D2
4 ρ Q22 4 ρ Q32 4 ρ Q12 ppp
substituting Fx = + cos 45 −o
+ p2 D22 + p3 D32 cos 45o − p1 D12
pppD22
D3 2
D2 2
4 4 4
gathering terms and substituting numerical values and conversion factors gives
4 ρ  Q22 Q32 Q12  p
F=  2 + cos 45 o
− 2 
+ ( p2 D22 + p3 D32 cos 45o − p1 D12 )
x
p  D2 D3 2
D2  4
slugs  2 ft
6
2 ft
6
2 ft
6

4 ×1.94 3  1.0 0.63 1.63 
ft

2
s + 2
s cos 45o − s  + π  35.0 lb ×16in 2 + 33.5 lb × 9in 2 cos 45o − 34.0 lb ×16in 2 
2
Fx  
π 2
 (0.333 ft ) (0.25 ft )
2
(0.333 ft )  4 
2
in 2 in 2 in 2 
 
 
Fx = +154.2lb (acts to the right)

For the “y” direction

∑F y= Fy − p3 A3 = ρ Q3V3 sin 45o − 0 ⇒ Fy = p3 A3 + ρ Q3V3 sin 45o
The weight of the fitting and the water in it have been neglected. Substituting as before
 p
4 ρ Q32
= Fy p3 D + 2
sin 45o
4 p D3 3
2

4 ×1.94 3  0.632 ft 
slugs 6


=
ft
 s sin 45o  + π  33.5 lb × 9in 2 sin 45o 
2
Fy  
π  (0.25 ft )
2
 4 in 2 
 
 
Fy = +28.0lb (acts up)