Physics

» t1nick - taphonomy and turulent flow dynamics

I have a scalar problem that I need assistance with. My science modeling club has set up a 5ft X 5ft stream to develop a taphonomy model. It our hopes that we can can construct a simple model that will predict how far bones (large lab rat unarticulated) will be washed downstream by a constant volume of water and a constant slope.
I understand how to use the Manning Equation to determine the velocity of water flowing in an open channel. We will pace the bones at the apex of an initial curve in our stream, They will travel approximately 45-60 cm to another curve, which will then end in a staight away to finish off the stream channel.
I would like to use the mass of the bones in thge calculations as a variable predicting how far they may or may not travel. i would also like to use a scalar measurement to adjest the velocity of the water based upon the change of directions due to the two curves in the stream.
The limitations on the part of my students lies in the fact that they are all pre-calculus (Algebra I, Algebra II, & Trig. capable.
To summarize, I can find velocity of the open channel; but I need to correlate force of the water, with its acceleration and the mass of the bones to determine how far they will potentially travel. I have looked some at reflectance equations, but I'm not sure how to proceed.
Thanks

-- posted by t1nick

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» Paul A. Heckert - taphonomy and turulent flow dynamics

In response to taphonomy and turulent flow dynamics posted by t1nick:

Because this is a student project, it is best to keep things simple. Students at this level will not have the mathematical skills or knowledge to derive the type of equation you are looking for. It seems more at the level of a doctoral student in physics or engineering. If you just give the students an equation to use, they will plug in numbers and learn nothing.
A better approach would be to let students find an emperical equation that works. (That is where the Manning equation originally came from.) Let them do experiments and make appropriate graphs for the variables you have in mind. Then ask are they linear or a power law? Is there a coefficient that depends on the bone size or shape? etc. With the right guidance, precalculus students can do this. The results may not be completely rigorous, but they will learn a lot about how to do experimental science. That is of course the point of a student project.
Good Luck.
Paul Heckert

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» t1nick - taphonomy and turulent flow dynamics

In response to taphonomy and turulent flow dynamics posted by wycancri:

Thanks, good advice and I plan on proceeding as you suggested. If you're interested I'll keepyou posted on our progress.

Terry Nickerson

-- posted by t1nick

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