ME130-2: Fluid Mechanics

Module 2:
Fluid Dynamics 1
Week 6:
Control Volume and Approach, Continuity
Equation, and Momentum Equation

Faculty: Engr. Emil Luna, MSc

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Characterizing the Flow
• Recall the types of flow from Week 1 lecture
• Fluid System refers to a specific mass of fluid within boundaries defined by close surface.
The shape of system and the boundaries may change with time, as when the fluid moves and
deforms, so the system containing it also moves and deforms.
• Control volume refers to a fixed region in space which does not move or change shape. It is a
region in which fluid flows into or out.

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Continuity Equation
• This is an equation derived from the first law of thermodynamics for steady flow, open
system. It is used to determine the mass flow rate and volume flow rate of fluid, or discharge
Q.
• Volume flow rate
𝑉𝑉̇ = 𝐴𝐴1 𝑣𝑣1 = 𝐴𝐴2 𝑣𝑣2 = 𝐴𝐴3 𝑣𝑣3
• Mass flow rate
𝑚𝑚̇ = ρ1 𝐴𝐴1 𝑣𝑣1 = ρ2 𝐴𝐴2 𝑣𝑣2 = ρ3 𝐴𝐴3 𝑣𝑣3

𝑉𝑉̇

1 2
3 𝑉𝑉̇

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Continuity Equation

𝑉𝑉̇

1 2
3 𝑉𝑉̇

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Continuity Equation

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Application of Continuity Equation
• The continuity equation applies to a defined control volume. As long as we define our control
volume, we can have an example of continuity equation application. A Control volume is a
defined space for analysis. The continuity equation is an expression of the mass conservation
in the control volume. This implies that the rate of change of the mass of fluid in the control
volume is equal to the difference of mass flow rate going in minus the mass flow rate going
out. Control volumes can be fixed, moving or even deformables.
• When there is mass there must be continuity. Mass can neither be created nor destroyed.

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Cavitation Prediction
• The liquid pressure in liquid-flow systems dropping below the vapor
pressure at some locations, and the resulting unplanned vaporization.
• For example, water at 10°C may vaporize and form bubbles at locations (such as
the tip regions of impellers or suction sides of pumps) where the pressure drops
below 1.23 kPa
• The vapor bubbles (called cavitation bubbles since they form “cavities”
in the liquid) collapse as they are swept away from the low-pressure
regions, generating highly destructive, extremely high-pressure waves.
This phenomenon, which is a common cause for drop in performance
and even the erosion of impeller blades, is called cavitation, and it is an
important consideration in the design of hydraulic turbines and pumps.
• Cavitation must be avoided (or at least minimized) in most flow systems since it
reduces performance, generates annoying vibrations and noise, and causes damage
to equipment.

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Continuity Equation
1. Gas is flowing through a square conduit whose section gradually changes from 150 mm (section 1) to 300 mm (section 2). At section 1, the velocity of flow
is 7 m/s and the density of gas is 1 kg/m3 while at section 2 the velocity of flow is 2 m/s. Calculate the mass flow rate and the density of the gas at section
2. Ans. 0.1575 kg/s and 0.875 kg/m3

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Continuity Equation
2. Water flows at the rate of 7.5 m/s through a 75 mm diameter pipe (pipe 1) and leaves through 50 mm diameter and 65 mm diameter pipes at the rate of 3
m/s and 3.5 m/s, respectively as shown in the figure. Air at the top of the tank escapes through a 50 mm diameter vent. Calculate dh/dt and the velocity of
air flow through the vent. Assume the flow to be incompressible. Ans. 0.0553 m/s and 7.963 m/s

Air h

Water

600mm

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Continuity Equation
2. Water flows at the rate of 7.5 m/s through a 75 mm diameter pipe (pipe 1) and leaves through 50 mm diameter and 65 mm diameter pipes at the rate of 3
m/s and 3.5 m/s, respectively as shown in the figure. Air at the top of the tank escapes through a 50 mm diameter vent. Calculate dh/dt and the velocity of
air flow through the vent. Assume the flow to be incompressible. Ans. 0.0553 m/s and 7.963 m/s

Air h

Water

600mm

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Cavitation Prediction
1. In a water distribution system, the temperature of water is observed to be as high as 30°C. Determine the minimum pressure allowed in the system to avoid
cavitation.

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 End Slide

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