Consider a solid sphere (capable of withstanding full vacuum) of 3m diameter filled completely with water resting at sea level. It has a 10cm hole at the bottom with a cork on it. If you open the cork, what is the time taken for water to completely drain out.

What happens for higher diameter spheres?

Looking at this problem, the first thing that struck me is that it would probably take partial differentials to solve it. There are too many interdependant variables that prevent a simple solution. (i.e. flow rate, water pressure at the opening, coriolis effect, type of flow, air viscosity, water viscosity.) One could assume constant viscosity, and ignore the natural cohesion of the water, but this problem, as it is stated, is tougher than a 3 difficulty.

It could be simplified by allowing an opening at the top to allow air to enter from that direction. . .

Edited on July 18, 2006, 8:35 am

Posted by Leming on 2006-07-14 08:10:01