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Difficulty: MediumFluid Dynamics and Bernoulli's Principle

Two ships are traveling parallel to each other at high speed, leaving a narrow channel of water between their hulls. The water flowing into this narrow space moves at a significantly higher relative velocity than the water on the outer sides of the ships. According to Bernoulli's principle, what happens to the water pressure in the gap, and what is the resulting effect on the two ships?

  1. The water pressure in the gap decreases, creating a net inward force that pulls the ships toward each other.Answer
  2. B
    The water pressure in the gap increases due to the higher velocity, creating a net outward force that pushes the ships apart.
  3. C
    The water compresses as it enters the narrow gap, causing the pressure to increase and violently push the ships apart.
  4. D
    The water pressure remains unchanged, but the increased fluid friction in the gap creates a drag force that pushes the ships apart.

Answer

The water pressure in the gap decreases, creating a net inward force that pulls the ships toward each other.
According to Bernoulli's principle, an increase in fluid velocity is accompanied by a decrease in static pressure. Because the water between the parallel ships is forced to flow faster through the narrow gap, the pressure in that specific region drops. The relatively slower-moving water on the outer sides of the ships maintains a higher pressure. This pressure differential creates a net inward force, pushing the two vessels toward each other.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the relationship between fluid velocity and static pressure.
Bernoulli's principle states that as the speed of a moving fluid increases, its static pressure decreases.
This is the fundamental concept governing fluid dynamics in constricted flow areas.
2
Apply the principle to the given maritime scenario.
The water channeled between the ships moves faster relative to the hulls than the water on the outside. Therefore, the static pressure between the hulls becomes lower than the static pressure on the outer sides of the ships.
The narrowing of the channel forces the water to speed up to maintain continuous flow, which directly affects the localized pressure.
3
Determine the resulting physical force acting on the vessels.
The higher pressure on the outside of the ships pushes inward toward the lower pressure zone between them, effectively drawing the ships together.
Fluids exert a net force moving from high-pressure areas toward low-pressure areas.

Key Concept

Bernoulli's Principle and Pressure Differentials
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Topics

Fluid Dynamics and Bernoulli's Principle

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