15.5.2 - Conservation of Linear Momentum
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Introduction to Linear Momentum Conservation
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, we'll start with the conservation of linear momentum. Can anyone tell me what conservation means in this context?
Does it mean that the total momentum in a closed system stays the same?
Exactly, Student_1! Now, how does this principle apply to fluids?
Is it related to the movement of fluids through a control volume?
Great connection, Student_2! The Reynolds transport theorem helps us relate what happens in a system and within a control volume.
Types of Control Volumes
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now, there are three types of control volumes: fixed, moving, and deformable. Who can define one of these?
A fixed control volume stays in one place, right?
Correct! And how about moving control volumes?
They move with the fluid, like a boat in water.
Exactly! And deformable control volumes change shape. Understanding these types helps in analyzing fluid behavior accurately.
So we have to choose the right control volume depending on the problem?
Yes! Selecting the appropriate control volume is crucial for solving fluid dynamics problems effectively.
Application of the Reynolds Transport Theorem
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Let's discuss the Reynolds transport theorem. How can it help connect mass flow and momentum?
It shows how mass influx and efflux relate to changes in momentum.
Right! And what's the key equation we derive from this?
The conservation of mass equation?
Yes! When we apply this to a control volume, we consider all incoming and outgoing mass. What implications does this have?
It means that for steady flow, mass input equals output when nothing accumulates.
Exactly! Understanding this helps in real-life applications like pipeline systems and even spacecraft trajectories!
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
The discussion elaborates on linear momentum conservation within control volumes in fluid mechanics. It highlights the Reynolds transport theorem as a foundational relationship connecting mass, momentum, and energy within control volumes. The section also explores various types of control volumes and the importance of applying these principles in real fluid flow scenarios.
Detailed
In fluid mechanics, the conservation of linear momentum asserts that the total momentum of a system remains constant if no external forces are applied. This section primarily focuses on how this principle is derived from the Reynolds transport theorem, which provides a framework for analyzing systems and control volumes. Three types of control volumes are highlighted: fixed, moving, and deformable, each illustrating different scenarios of fluid flow. The section explains the significance of understanding mass influx and outflux in conjunction with momentum exchange, and how these principles inform practical applications, from simple pipe flow to complex spacecraft trajectories. The importance of mass conservation coupled with momentum conservation is emphasized as essential for solving fluid dynamics problems.
Youtube Videos
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Understanding Control Volumes
Chapter 1 of 3
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
In fluid mechanics, we follow the concept of control volumes, which are defined regions in space where we analyze the fluid flow. There are three types of control volumes:
1. Fixed Control Volume: This remains stationary in space, meaning it does not move with time.
2. Moving Control Volume: This type moves through space, like a ship navigating through water.
3. Deformable Control Volume: The shape of this volume can change with time, adapting to the flow around it.
Detailed Explanation
Control volumes are essential in fluid mechanics for analyzing how fluids behave in particular regions. The fixed control volume does not change its position, allowing for straightforward analysis since the control surface remains constant over time. The moving control volume takes into account the velocities of both the fluid and the volume itself, making it useful for dynamic systems like vehicles. The deformable control volume is the most complex, accommodating scenarios where the fluid flow leads to a changing shape within the volume, useful in situations like blood flow in veins where pressure changes can alter the shape of the vessels.
Examples & Analogies
Think about a water balloon (deformable control volume). As you squeeze it, the balloon changes shape (deformable). However, if you place the balloon on a table and do not touch it, it remains the same shape and position (fixed control volume). Now, if you pick it up and carry it to a pool (moving control volume), the water inside will shift depending on how the balloon moves. Each of these scenarios illustrates different aspects of analyzing fluid dynamics.
Application of the Conservation of Linear Momentum
Chapter 2 of 3
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
The conservation of linear momentum states that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant unless acted upon by external forces. In fluid mechanics, this principle helps in understanding how forces act on fluids in different control volumes. According to the Reynolds transport theorem, the change in momentum within a control volume over time can be linked to the momentum flux across the control surfaces of that volume.
Detailed Explanation
When analyzing momentum conservation, one must consider both the internal momentum change within the control volume and the momentum flowing in or out through its surfaces. If you can determine the forces acting on the fluid as it enters or exits the control volume, you can predict how the flow will change over time. This principle is widely used in engineering to design systems such as engines, turbines, and pumps, where the manipulation of momentum affects performance.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a skateboarder (the fluid) standing on a skateboard (control volume) as they push off a wall. The push against the wall generates momentum that propels them forward. If the skateboard is not attached to anything (closed system), their momentum will continue unless friction or other forces stop them. Similarly, in fluid systems, analyzing how momentum is transferred will help predict their motion and interaction with surrounding environments.
Deriving Momentum Equations
Chapter 3 of 3
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
To derive equations for momentum conservation within a control volume, we can use the Reynolds transport theorem formulated for momentum flows. The change in momentum within the volume is equal to the difference between the momentum entering and exiting that volume, expressed mathematically as:
dM/dt = Σ(inlet momentum) - Σ(outlet momentum).
Detailed Explanation
This equation sets the basis for analyzing fluid dynamics in various engineering applications. The left-hand side represents the rate of change of momentum inside the control volume over time, while the right-hand side represents the summation of momentum moving into and out of the volume. Understanding how to construct and manipulate these equations allows engineers and scientists to predict how fluids will behave under different conditions, which is essential for designing effective systems.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a bank account (control volume) where money flows in and out (momentum). If you deposit money (inflow), your total balance goes up (increased momentum). Conversely, if you withdraw funds (outflow), your balance decreases (decreased momentum). The momentum equation in computational fluid dynamics works similarly: it tracks what comes in and goes out to maintain balance (momentum) for the fluid system you're analyzing.
Key Concepts
-
Conservation of Linear Momentum: Indicates that momentum in a closed fluid system remains constant unless acted upon by external forces.
-
Reynolds Transport Theorem: A tool for relating system and control volume properties of fluids.
-
Control Volume Types: Fixed, moving, and deformable control volumes demonstrate different fluid flows and applications.
Examples & Applications
A simplified pipe network where mass inflow equals outflow demonstrates mass conservation.
The trajectory of a spacecraft relying on the principles of fluid mechanics exemplifies the application of linear momentum conservation.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
Momentum's flow in a steady stream, stays the same, its constant dream.
Stories
Imagine a boat gliding smoothly through water while creating ripples—a metaphor for linear momentum moving through a fluid without change.
Memory Tools
MEM: Momentum's Energy Mass—three pillars of fluid dynamics that help us solve problems.
Acronyms
RCM
Remember Conservation of Mass—it's the starting point for all fluid scenarios.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Conservation of Linear Momentum
A principle stating that the total momentum of a closed system remains constant in the absence of external forces.
- Reynolds Transport Theorem
A theorem that provides a relationship between the rate of change of a property within a control volume and the flux of that property across the control surface.
- Control Volume
A defined region in space through which fluid can flow; can be fixed, moving, or deformable.
- Mass Influx
The mass entering a control volume over a defined period.
- Mass Outflux
The mass leaving a control volume over a defined period.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.