Momentum Equation

Introduction

Momentum is a vector quantity. The momentum equation is commonly used in most of the open
channel flow problems is the linear momentum equation.

In fluid mechanics the analysis of motion is performed in the same way as in solid mechanics -
by use of Newton’s laws of motion. Account is also taken for the special properties of fluids
when in motion. The momentum equation is a statement of Newton’s Second Law and relates the
sum of the forces acting on an element of fluid to its acceleration or rate of change of
momentum.

Application of this equation allows the engineer to analyze forces and moments produced by
flowing fluids.

Momentum Principle

The momentum of particle deals with objects that are in motion:

From Newton’s second law:

And that the acceleration is the change in velocity by the time taken:

By substituting the value of “a” into the force equation it gives:

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 Resultant Force x time taken = change in momentum

This equation confirms that when a resultant force acts on an object it will cause a change of
momentum in the direction of the force and the size of the change depends on the size of the
force and the time for which it acts. Change in momentum generally refers to a change in
velocity, mass is a constant

LINEAR MOMENTUM EQUATION

In fluid mechanics, to determine the rate of change of momentum for a fluid we will consider a
stream tube (consider steady non-uniform flow along horizontal tapering pipe).

Momentum in a flowing fluid

Let;
V1= entry flow velocity
V2 = exit flow velocity
M = mass flow rate

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In 1 second, m (kg) of fluid undergoes a change in velocity V1 to V2
Acceleration must have;
V 2−V 1
a= = V2 – V1 (m/s2)
t

To undergo acceleration, the fluid must experience a force

Newton’s 2nd Law

The Rate of change of momentum of a body is equal to the resultant force acting on the body,
and takes place in the direction of the force.

F = M (V2 – V1) = Q (V2 – V1)

Where;
F = resultant force acting on a fluid flow (N)
M = mass flow rate (kg/s)
Q = volume flow rate (m3/s)
= density of fluid (kg/ m3)
V= change in velocity (m/s)

Problems

1. The force exerted by a 2.54 cm diameter stream of water against a flat plate held normal
to the stream’s axis is 645 N. what is the flow of water? Take the density  = 31
kg/m3Ans. 0.1 m3/s

2. In figure below. A small ingot and platform rest on a steady water jet. If the total force is
825 N, what is the jet velocity? Ans. 17.1 m/s

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3. A hose and nozzle discharge a horizontal water jet against a nearby vertical plate as
shown in Fig. below. The flow rate of water is 0.025 m3 /s, and the diameter of the nozzle
is 30 mm. find the horizontal force necessary to hold the plate in place? Ans. 884 N
(leftward)

4. Water is accelerated by a nozzle to an average speed of 20 m/s, and strikes a stationary

vertical plate at a rate of 10 kg/s with a normal velocity of 20 m/s. After the strike, the
water stream splatters off in all directions in the plane of the plate. Determine the force
needed to prevent the plate from moving horizontally due to the water stream? Ans. 200
N

5. The figure below shows a smooth curved vane attached to a rigid foundation. The jet of
water, rectangular in section, 75mm wide and 25mm thick, strike the vane with a velocity
of 25m/s. Calculate the vertical and horizontal components of the force exerted on the
vane? Ans. 233, 1325N

6. A 25-mm-diameter jet of water having a velocity of 6 m/s is deflected 90° by a curved

vane, as shown in the figure below. The jet flows freely in the atmosphere in a horizontal
plane. Calculate the x and y forces exerted on the water by the vane. Ans. 18, 18 N

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7. In a decorative fountain, 0.05 m3/s of water having a velocity of 8 m/s is being deflected
by the angled chute shown in Fig. Determine the reactions on the chute in the x and y
directions shown. Also calculate the total resultant force and the direction in which it
acts. Neglect elevation changes. Ans. 693 N, 75°

8. A pipe bend tapers from a diameter of D1 = 500 mm at inlet to a diameter of D2 = 250

mm at outlet and turns the flow through an angle of 45 degree. Measurements of pressure
at inlet and outlet P1 = 40 kPa and P2 = 23 kPa. If the pipe in conveying oil (density = 850
kg/m3). Calculate the magnitude and direction of resultant force on the bend when the oil
is flowing at the rate of 0.45 m3/ s? Note the bend is horizontal!

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9. A pipe bend shown in the figure below. Is a horizontal plane. Oil with a specific gravity
of 0.86 enters the reducing bend at a section A with a velocity of 3.2 m/s a pressure of
150 kPa. Determine the force required to hold the bend in place? Ans. 1748 N

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10. The pipe bend shown in the figure below. Is in horizontal plane. A fluid of weight density
8.615 kN/ m3, enters the bend with a velocity of 3.5 m/s and a pressure of 280 k Pa. find
the force required to hold the bend in the place? Ans. 10.4 kN

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