5.3.1. Basics of Control Volume

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define a system in fluid mechanics.

   Hint

   Think about what you would isolate for analysis.

2. 2.

   What is the primary focus of a control volume?

   Hint

   Consider how this differs from a system.

3. 3.

   What is the difference between a system and a control volume?

   • A system has fluid flow; a control volume does not.
   • A system can change mass; a control volume cannot.
   • A system is a fixed mass; a control volume is a space through which fluid flows.

   Hint

   Think about the basic definitions discussed in class.

4. 4.

   True or False: Control volumes can only have fixed surfaces.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how boundaries can change in fluid dynamics.

5. 5.

   Consider an airplane wing in a wind tunnel. How would you set up the control volume to analyze forces acting on it?

   Hint

   Think about how different external conditions affect performance.

6. 6.

   You are tasked with designing a bridge exposed to high winds. How would you approach fluid flow analysis for the supporting structures?

   Hint

   Consider how wind patterns could influence the engineering model.