Continuity Equation

Density changes in a fluid are inversely proportional to temperature changes. Buoyancy is the tendency of a body to float or rise when submerged in a fluid. The pressure exerted by a column of water is directly proportional to the height of the column and the density of the water. p = h g Pascals law states that pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished throughout the confining vessel of a system. Volumetric flow rate is the volume of fluid per unit time passing a point in a fluid system. Mass flow rate is the mass of fluid per unit time passing a point in a fluid system. The volumetric flow rate is calculated by the product of the average fluid velocity and the cross-sectional area for flow. V=Av The mass flow rate is calculated by the product of the volumetric flow rate and the fluid density. m = A v The principle of conservation of mass states that all mass flow rates into a control volume are equal to all mass flow rates out of the control volume plus the rate of change of mass within the control volume. For a control volume with a single inlet and outlet, the continuity equation can be expressed as follows: m inlet = m outlet For a control volume with multiple inlets and outlets, the continuity equation is: m inlets = m outlets