Numerical experiments in fluid mechanics with a tank and draining pipe

This article emphasizes the use of interactive simulation packages as an integral part of the problem solution in both engineering education and practice. A homework problem in fluid mechanics is presented. Using numerical simulation of a tank and draining pipe arrangement, the students were required to find the effect of the viscosity of the fluid, draining pipe length, and initial fluid level in the tank on the initial draining velocity and the time required for complete draining of the tank. The results obtained were surprising and unexpected, encouraging the students to investigate further the model equations in order to find an explanation for the unexpected system behavior.