15. Conservation of Mass
The chapter focuses on the conservation of mass in fluid mechanics, utilizing the Reynolds transport theorem to derive the conservation equations for mass, momentum, and energy. It categorizes different types of control volumes—fixed, moving, and deformable—while emphasizing the significance of mass conservation in solving fluid flow problems. Real-world applications, particularly the trajectory design for missions like the Mars Orbiter Mission, are illustrated to stress the importance of fluid mechanics in engineering.
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15.1.1Conservation Of Mass
What we have learnt
- The Reynolds transport theorem establishes a relationship between the system and control volumes.
- There are three types of control volumes: fixed, moving, and deformable.
- The conservation of mass is a fundamental aspect in fluid flow analysis.
Key Concepts
- -- Reynolds Transport Theorem
- A mathematical framework that relates the change of an extensive property within a control volume to the flux of that property across the control surface.
- -- Control Volume
- A defined region in space through which fluid can flow, used for the analysis of fluid behaviors in mechanics.
- -- Conservation of Mass
- The principle stating that the mass of a closed system must remain constant over time, as mass can neither be created nor destroyed.
- -- Mass Influx and Outflux
- The rates at which mass enters (influx) or leaves (outflux) a control volume, fundamentally linked to the conservation of mass.
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