Conservation of
Mass
Lecture : 9
References
T3/5.1, T1/2.4
Sqn Ldr Tauha Irfan Khan
Last Lecture
➢ Reynolds Transport Theorem
➢ Application to Conservation of Mass
➢ Integral Form of Continuity Equation
Today’s Lecture
➢ Reynolds Transport Theorem
➢ Application to Conservation of Mass
➢ Differential Form of Continuity Equation
Conservation of Mass—The Continuity Equation
• For a moving non-deforming CV, the fluid velocity relative to moving CV is an
important flow field variable
• Relative Velocity W = V − VCV
Conservation of Mass—Differential Form
• We can use finite CV approach for solution of variety of fluid mech problems
• This approach does not require detailed knowledge of the pressure and velocity
variations within the CV
• Only conditions on surface of CV are needed
• If we need to know how different properties (velocity, pressure, shear stress etc) are
varying in the flow field, the finite CV approach will not yield the desired information
Conservation of Mass—Differential Form
• In these circumstances, we need to develop relationships that apply at a point, or at
least in a very small infinitesimal region within the given flow field
• This approach is commonly referred to as Differential Analysis and the resulting
eqns are called differential equations
• The differential form of Continuity Eqn can be derived in two ways
– Use the already derived integral form of continuity equation (T1/2.4)
– Apply conservation principle to a differential element 𝛿𝑥, 𝛿𝑦, 𝛿𝑧 (Refer T3/6.2.1)
• We will see the first method
Conservation of Mass—Differential Form
• Integral form of Continuity Eqn looks like
• Time derivative can be placed inside volume integral (since CV is fixed in space,
limits of integration are also fixed)
• Applying Divergence Theorem
Conservation of Mass—Differential Form
• For arbitrary CV, for the integral to be zero requires the integrand to be zero at all
points within the CV. Hence
• This is the Differential Form of Continuity Eqn
Conservation of Mass—Differential Form
• Expanded form in cartesian coordinate system looks like
• For steady flow of compressible fluids
• For incompressible fluids
