Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

6 MOMENTUM EQUATION
6.1 Momentum and Fluid Flow

‹ In mechanics, the momentum of a particle or object is defined as the

product of its mass m and its velocity v:

Momentum = mv

‹ The particles of a fluid stream will posses momentum and whenever

the velocity of the stream is changed in magnitude and direction,
there will be a corresponding change in the momentum of the fluid
particles.

‹ In accordance with Newton’s second law, a force is required to

produce the change, which will be proportional to the rate at which the
change of momentum occurs.

‹ Consider a control volume in the form of a straight section of a

streamtube ABCD.

v2δ t C'
C
v1δ t
A A'
A2
A1 v2
v1 ρ2
ρ1
B B'
D D'

- A steady flow and uniform velocity are assumed at all points in a

given cross-section.
- After a small interval of time δt, the fluid originally contained in
ABCD will have moved to A’B’C’D’:

Distance AA’ = v1δt,

Distance CC’ = v2δt,

- Since the mass of fluid remains unchanged, mass occupying

CC’D’D will be equal to the mass occupying AA’B’B

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

i.e. ρ2 A2 v2δt = ρ1 A1 v1δt

‹ The momentum of the fluid ABCD will change in moving to

A’B’C’D’.

Change of Increase of Momentum of

momentum of fluid = momentum due to - fluid AA’B’B
ABCD in time δt fluid CC’D’D

Momentum of fluid CC’D’D = mass * velocity

= ρ2 A2 v2δt * v2
= ρ2 A2 v22δt

Similarly,
Momentum of fluid AA’B’B = ρ1 A1 v12δt

Hence
change of momentum of fluid between AB and CD in unit time
= ρ2 A2 v22δt - ρ1 A1 v12δt

Dividing by δt
Rate of change of momentum of fluid between AB and CD
= ρ2 A2 v22 - ρ1 A1 v12

‹ From continuity of flow,

ρ1 Q1 = ρ2 Q2

By assuming the densities of the fluid at entry and exit sections remain
the same, hence
Rate of change of momentum between AB and CD
= ρ*(Q2v2 – Q1v1) (6.1)

‹ According to Newton’s second law, the increase of momentum per

unit time in the direction of motion, and will be caused by a force F,
such that
F = ρ*(Q2v2 – Q1v1) (6.2)

This is the resultant force acting on the fluid element ABCD in the
direction of motion.

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

‹ The value of F being positive in the direction in which v is assumed to

be positive.

‹ For any control volume, the total force F which acts upon it in a given
direction will be made up of three component forces:

F1 = Force exerted in the given direction on the fluid in the control

volume by any solid body within the control volume or
coinciding with the boundaries of the control volume.

F2 = Force exerted in the given direction on the fluid in the control

volume by body forces such as gravity.

F3 = Force exerted in the given direction on the fluid in the control

volume by the fluid outside the control volume.

Thus, F = F1 + F2 + F3 = ρ*(Q2v2 – Q1v1) (6.3)

‹ The force R exerted by the fluid on the solid body inside or coinciding
with the control volume in the given direction will be equal and
opposite to F1 so that

R = -F1 (6.4)

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

6.2 Force exerted by a Jet striking a Flat Plate

A θ
v

‹ When a jet of fluid strikes a stationary flat plate at an angel θ, it does

not rebound, but flows out over the plate in all direction.

‹ In a direction normal to the surface of the plate, the velocity of the

stream will be reduced to zero and the momentum normal to the plate
destroyed.

‹ In the direction parallel to the plate, the force exerted will depend on
the shear stress between the fluid and the surface of the plate.

‹ For an ideal fluid, there would be no shear stress and no force parallel
to the plate. The fluid would flow out over the plates so that the total
momentum per second parallel to the plate remained unchanged.

‹ The control volume taken is fixed relative to the plate. The x direction
is chosen perpendicular to the surface of the plate.

Force exerted by fluid on plate in x direction,

R = -F1 = F2 + F3 -ρ*(Qoutvout – Qinvin)x

‹ The gravity force F2 is negligible and if the fluid in the jet is assumed
to be at atmospheric pressure throughout, F3 is zero. Thus,
R = - ρ*Q*(vout - vin)x
= ρ*Q *(vin - vout)x (6.5)

Since vin and vout are measured relative to the control volume, which is
fixed relative to the plate, so that

(vin - vout)x = (Initial velocity - Final velocity) relative to the plate in x direction

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

(a) The plate is stationary

Mass entering control = Mass leaving nozzle

volume per unit time per unit time
= ρAv (A = area of jet)

Initial component of velocity relative to plate in x direction

= v cosθ
Final component of velocity relative to plate in x direction
=0

(Initial velocity - Final velocity)x = v cosθ

Therefore,
Force exerted on plate in x direction = ρAv(v cosθ)
= ρAv2 cosθ (6.6)

(b) The plate moves in the same direction as the jet with velocity u.
u in unit time

A θ u
v

‹ The jet will be continually extending by a length u per unit time.

‹ Taking the control volume as fixed relative to the plate,

Mass per unit time = Mass per unit - Mass per unit tiem
entering control time leaving required to extend the
volume nozzle jet
= ρAv - ρAu
= ρA(v - u)

Initial component of velocity relative to plate in x direction = (v - u) cosθ,

Final component of velocity relative to plate in x direction = 0,
(Initial velocity - Final velocity)x = (v - u) cosθ
Force exerted on plate in x direction = ρA(v - u)2 cosθ (6.7)

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

Worked examples:

1. A jet of water of 22.5 cm diameter impinges normally on a flat plate

moving at 0.6 m/s in the same direction as the jet. If the discharge is
0.14 m3/s, find the force and the work done per second on the plate.

Answer

Density of water, ρ = 1000 kg/m3

Area of jet, A = π*(0.225)2/4 m2
= 0.0398 m2
velocity of jet, v = Q/A
= 0.014/0.0398 m/s
= 3.52 m/s
plate moving, u = 0.6 m/s

F2 = 0
F3 = 0 (free jet)
F1 = ρA(v - u)2 cosθ
= 1000*0.0398*(3.52-0.6)2 N
= 339 N (force on jet, ←)
Force on the plate, R = -F1
= -339 N (→)

Work done on plate / sec =F*u

= 339 * 0.6 Nm/s or J/s or W
= 204 W

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

2 In an undershot waterwheel the cross-sectional area a of the stream

striking the series of radial flat vanes of the wheel is 0.1 m2 and the
velocity v of the stream is 6 m/s. The velocity u of the vanes is 3 m/s.
Calculate the force F exerted on the series of vanes by the stream.

Answer

A, v
u

Since there are a series of vanes on the wheel, the average length of
the jet from the nozzle to the point of impact remains constant and all
the water from the nozzle strikes one or other of the vanes.

Assuming that the diameter of wheel is large so that impact is

approximately normal,

Mass of water striking vanes/sec = ρAv

Initial velocity of water =v
= 6 m/s
Final velocity of water = velocity of vanes
=u
= 3 m/s
change of velocity on impact = v-u
F2 = F3
=0

Force of water on vanes, R = ρAv(v-u)

Density of water, ρ = 1000 kg/m3
Area of jet, A = 0.1 m2

R = 1000*0.1*6*(6-3) N
= 1800 N
= 1.8 kN

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

6.3 Force of a Jet on a Curved Vane

‹ Hydraulic machinery makes use of the ‘force’ of a liquid. The liquid

impinges on a series of blades or vanes connected to the periphery of a
wheel, thus driving the wheel. The vanes are usually curved for
greater effect as illustrated later.

‹ In this chapter, we consider only the force on a stationary vane.

‹ When a flat plate is used, the momentum normal to the plate is

destroyed.

‹ It is more effective to change the direction of the momentum. It can

be arranged for the jet to impinge tangentially on a curved vane, so
that no momentum is destroyed and the jet is merely deflected.

‹ In the following case, the forces parallel to and perpendicular to the

dotted line will be calculated. The blade velocity is stationary.

v1
α
inlet

outlet
β
v2

Force on jet = ρ*Q* change of velocity of jet

= ρ*Q *(final velocity of jet - initial velocity of jet)

Force on vane= - Force on jet

= ρ*Q *(Initial velocity of jet - final velocity of jet)

Rx = ρ*Q *(v1cosα - v2cosβ) (6.8)

Ry = ρ*Q *( v1sinα - v2sinβ) (6.9)

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

Worked example:

Find the forces on the blade parallel to and perpendicular to the water jet at
the inlet. The jet is 50 mm diameter.

30 m/s

30 o
30 m/s

Answer

Density of water, ρ = 1000 kg/m3

Area of jet, A = π*(0.05)2/4 m2
= 1.96*10-3 m2
velocity of jet, v = 30 m/s


m = ρAv
= 1000*1.96*10-3*30 kg/s
= 58.9 kg/s

Force on jet parallel to jet at inlet

=m  *(30 cos30° - 30) (←)
= 58.9*30*(1 - cos30°) N (→)
= 236.8 N (→)

Force on jet perpendicular to jet at inlet

=m  *(30 sin30° - 0) (↓)
= 58.9*30*0.5 N (↓)
= 883.5 N (↓)

Forces on the blade are 236.8 N (←) and 883.5 N (↑).

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

6.4 Force Exerted on Pipe Bends and Closed Conduits

p2
2 A2
v2
φ
1
y
p1
A1 x
v1 on plan
θ

‹ The above diagram shows a bend in a pipeline containing fluid.

‹ For a two dimensional problem, both momentum and force can be

resolved into components in the x and y directions and the one
dimensional momentum applies.

‹ When the fluid is at rest, it will exert a static force on the bend
because the lines of action of the forces due to pressure p1 and p2 do
not coincide. If the bend tapers, the magnitude of the static forces will
also be affected.

‹ When the fluids is in motion, its momentum will change as it passes

round the bend due to the change in its direction and, if the pipe tapers,
any consequent change in magnitude of its velocity; there must,
therefore, be additional force acting between the fluid and the pipe.

‹ The equal and opposite force exerted by the liquid on the pipe is of
particular interest, because this force needs to be taken into account
when designing for the support of the pipe.

‹ The control volume is bounded by the inside wall of the bend and the
inlet and outlet section 1 and 2.

 = ρQ
Mass per unit time entering control volume, m

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

‹ The force acting on the fluid will be F1 exerted by the walls of the
pipe, F2 due to gravity (which will be zero), and F3 due to the pressure
p1 and p2 of the fluid outside the control volume acting on areas A1
and A2 at sections 1 and 2.

‹ The force exerted by the fluid on the bend will be R = - F1.

Using the momentum equation, putting F2 = 0 and resolving in the x

direction:

(F1 + F3)x = ρ*Q (vout - vin)x (6.10)

and, since Rx = -F1x (6.11)

Rx = F3x - ρ*Q (vout - vin)x

Now F3x = p1A1cosθ - p2A2cosφ

vout = Component of v2 in x direction

= v2cosφ,
vin = Component of v1 in x direction
= v1cosθ

Therefore
Rx = p1A1cosθ - p2A2cosφ - ρQ(v2cosφ - v1cosθ) (6.12)

Similarly in the y direction,

(F1 + F3)y  (vout - vin)y

=m

and, since Ry = -F1y

Ry = p1A1sinθ - p2A2 sinφ - ρQ(v2 sinφ - v1 sinθ) (6.13)

Resultant F = R x2 + R y2 (6.14)

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

Worked examples:

1. A high pressure hose 200 mm diameter ends in a nozzle with an exit

diameter of 50 mm. The exit velocity is 40 m/s. Calculate the
longitudinal force on the nozzle when it is held horizontally.

Answer

1
2

40 m/s

d2 = 50 mm
d1 = 200 mm

By Continuity equation,
d
v1 = ( 2 ) 2 *v2
d1
50 2
=( ) *40 m/s
200
= 2.5 m/s

p2 = 0 (Patm)
z1 = z2 = 0

Apply Bernoulli’s equation between 1 and 2

p1 v12 p2 v22
+ + z1 = + + z2
γ 2g γ 2g
p1 2.52 40 2
+ +0= 0+ +0
9.81 2 * 9.81 2 * 9.81
p1 = 796.88 kPa

F2 = 0
ΣF = F1 + p1*A1
= F1 + 796.88*π*(0.2)2/4
= F1 + 25kN

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

Rate of change of momentum

= ρQ*(vout – vin)
= 1000*π*(0.2)2/4*2.5*(40 – 2.5) N
= 2.945 kN

F1 + 25 = 2.945
F1 = -22.1 kN (←)

Force on the nozzle = 22.1 kN (→)

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

2. Water enters a 60° bend in a pipe with a velocity of 3 m/s and a

pressure of 100 kPa. At the beginning and end of the bend, the pipe
diameters are 400 mm and 250 mm respectively. Calculate the force
on the bend.

60o

1
60o y

Answer

Assume that there is no loss of pressure caused by the bend

v1 = 3 m/s
p1 = 100 kPa
z1 = z2 = 0

By Continuity equation,
d
v2 = ( 1 ) 2 *v1
d2
400 2
=( ) *3 m/s
250
= 7.68 m/s

Apply Bernoulli’s equation between 1 and 2

p1 v12 p2 v22
+ + z1 = + + z2
γ 2g γ 2g
100 32 p2 7.682
+ +0= + +0
9.81 2 * 9.81 9.81 2 * 9.81

p2 = 75 kPa

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

F31 = p1*A1
= 100*π*(0.4)2/4 = 12.57 kN
F32 = p2*A2
= 75*π*(0.25)2/4 = 3.68 kN

v1=3 m/s F31=12.57 kN

y
y
F1y x
x
v2=7.68 m/s F1x F32=3.68 kN

velocity diagram force diagram

For x-direction,

ΣF = F1x + 12.57*cos 60° - 3.68

= F1x + 2.605 kN

Q = π*(0.4)2/4*3 m3/s
= 0.377 m3/s

By momentum equation,
ΣF = ρQ(vout – vin)
F1x + 2.605 = 1000*0.377*(7.68 – 3*cos 60°)/1000
F1x = -0.275 kN (←)

Similarly for y direction,

ΣF = F1y - 12.57*sin 60°

= F1y – 10.89 kN

By momentum equation,
F1y – 10.89 = 1000*0.377*[0 – (-3*sin 60°)]/1000
F1y = 11.87 kN (↑)

Total force on the bend is 0.275 kN (→) and 11.87 kN (↓).

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

Class exercise 6.1:

A jet of water flows smoothly on to a stationary curved vane which turns it

through 60°. The initial jet is 50 mm in diameter, and the velocity is 36
m/s. As a result of friction, the velocity of water leaving the surface is 30
m/s. Neglecting gravity effect, calculate the hydrodynamic force on the
vane. (Rx = 1.484 kN (→) and Ry = 1.836 kN (↓))
30 m/s

o
60

36 m/s

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

Class exercise 6.2:

Determine the magnitude and direction of the x and y components of

reaction force exerted on the flowing water by the horizontal elbow and
nozzle combination shown in the figure below. The water at section 2
exists to the atmosphere. (R = 2.879 kN)

2
160mm

y
x
300mm
2m/s

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

Class exercise 6.3:

Water is sprayed radially outward over 180° as in figure below. The jet
sheet is in the horizontal plane. If the jet velocity at the nozzle exit is 6 m/s,
determine the direction and magnitude of the resultant horizontal
anchoring force required to hold the nozzle in place. (F = 114 N)

200mm
10mm

v=6m/s

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Fluid Mechanics Chapter 6 – Momentum Equation

Tutorial – Momentum Equation

1. A square plate of uniform thickness and length of side 30 cm hangs

vertically from hinges at its top edge. When a horizontal jet strikes
the plate at its centre, the plate is deflected and comes to rest at an
angle of 30° to the vertical. The jet is 25 mm in diameter and has
velocity of 6 m/s. Calculate the mass of the plate and give the
distance along the plate from the hinge, of the point at which the jet
strikes the plate in its deflected position.

x
o
W
30o
15cm
P
A
v A

2. Sections 1 and 2 are at the beginning and end of the bend of the 200
mm diameter pipe in which the quantity of flow is 0.28 m3/s. The
angle of deflection of the water is 40°. Calculate the force that the
liquid exerts on the bend if the pressure in the pipe is 50 kPa. Assume
no loss of pressure round the bend.

END

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