The Equations of Change

for Isothermal Systems

Differential Equations of
Continuity

Fluid flow problems require overall

mass, energy and momentum
balances within a control volume
Control volume arbitrary finite
volume in consideration wherein the
balance is constructed
Equations of change describe the
variation of fluid properties with
respect to position and time

Types of time derivatives

Partial
time derivatives local change in

property with time at a fixed point

(x,y,z); i.e.,
Total time derivative change in
property with time as fluid move about
the stream with velocities in the x, y
and z directions
Substantial time derivatives change in
property with time as observer floats
with velocity of the flowing stream

Differential equation of
continuity

A
balance for a pure fluid flowing
through volume element xyz


Making the balance and dividing :

Taking the limits as approach zero,

we obtain the equation of continuity
or conservation of mass for a pure
fluid:

 Carrying
out partial differentiation and

rearranging:

Left is the def of

At constant density:

Continuity equation in cylindrical

coordinates

It is often convenient to use

cylindrical coordinates if fluid is
flowing in a cylinder

Equation of motion
Equation of motion is the equation
for the conservation of momentum:

 We make a balance by each direction

and component by component
X-component
Net convective x-momentum flow:

Net momentum by molecular transfer:

Net fluid pressure force:
Gravitational force:

 Rate of accumulation of momentum:

Dividing by xyz and taking the

limit as xyz approach zero:

 Same derivation for y and z

components:

 Plugging in the continuity equation:

Adding vectorially, we obtain an

equation of motion for a pure liquid:

 At constant density and viscosity,

yields the Navier-Stokes equation:

If fluid is ideal or inviscid (constant

density and zero viscosity, yields
Euler Equation:

At very high Reynolds Number, viscous

forces are quite small

Use
Analyses of fluid motion, esp at
turbulent regions and for past
immersed bodies
Determination of stress and velocity
distribution
Predict behaviours of fluid and
generate models describing
streamlines and eddy formations