Lecture 4 – Continuity Part 1 Continued

ENGG2500
Lecturer: Kristen Splinter
Before class, students are encouraged to read and review the notes on
Continuity Part 2

Additional text resources: Cengel and Cimbala, Chapters 4 and 5

White, Chapter 3.1 and 3.3

Acknowledgements: Some parts of these slides have been taken from Dr.
Bruce Cather’s notes for CVEN2501.
Join in!

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePa
ge.aspx?id=pM_2PxXn20i44Qhnufn7o0i
D4P5C4N5PvHxDzB0QgAdUQzlSS1hV
RUJLTDBCQzhWRzI3M0hUQkJPMy4u
Overview

Fluid
Hydrostatics Continuity Energy Momentum
Properties

Last Lecture
• Hydrostatics
– Forces on Submerged bodies
» Incline surfaces
» Curved Surfaces

• Continuity Part 1
Review from last class:

• There are 2 frames of reference we will use:

1. Eulerian Monitors a spot in time (x,y,z are constant)
» Point source measurements of velocity, depth concentration, etc.
2. Lagrangian (occasionally used in fluids, more common in particle dynamics)
» Tracks a particle moving through space over time (x,y,z can vary)

• There are 3 fundamental equations we will use to solve for incompressible flow
properties:
– Continuity/mass
– Energy
– Momentum
!𝑄!" = !𝑄#$%
• Control volumes are useful in solving these equations
• We are considering incompressible fluids, so continuity can be written as:
Overview

Fluid
Hydrostatics Continuity Energy Momentum
Properties

Today’s Lecture
• Continuity Part 1 ! 𝑄!" = ! 𝑄#$%
– When the control volume is constant

• Continuity Part 2
– When the volume of fluid in the control volume changes in time (bucket hydraulics)

! 𝑄!" ≠ ! 𝑄#$%

• Deriving the PDEs for continuity

Introduction to Continuity

Online tutorial video available.

By the end of this section you should be able to answer:

Water flows in an open rectangular irrigation

channel 4.5m wide at a depth of 0.8m and at an
average velocity of 1.25 m/s. The channel 1
branches into two smaller rectangular channels:
• 1 is 3m wide, 1.2m deep and conveys water at
an average velocity of 0.95 m/s;
• the second channel is 2.5m wide and water flows 2 3

at an average velocity of 0.6 m/s. What is the

water depth in the second channel?
5. Introduction to Solving Fluid Flow Problems

• Number of equations must equal the number of unknowns.

• We take a control volume approach – a specified region in space:
– Selecting an appropriate control volume helps to solve the problem in the most
straightforward manner.
– A control volume can have a finite size, V, or can be infinitesimal (dx x dy).
» The type of equation we use will depend on this (more later)
– Control volumes have boundaries called the control surface:
» These are along the boundary of the body containing the fluid
» At right angles to any inflow/outflow, where flow lines are straight and parallel
» Along any free surface
– Boundaries can be fixed (pipe walls) or deformable (free surface).
– A control volume contains only fluid!
Examples from your notes of Control Volumes
6. Continuity Equation for a Finite Sized Control Volume

• Continuity = Conservation of Mass!

• To start, we are going to first look at problems
where the fluid in control volume does not
change in volume,
» i.e. ∑ 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑠 −
∑ 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑠 = 0
• This can be written as:
» ∑(𝜌𝑄)!" − ∑(𝜌𝑄)#$% = 0

• Considering an incompressible fluid, where

density is constant, this can be simplified as: ! 𝑄!" = ! 𝑄#$%
An example of using Continuity and defining control
volumes (not in your notes)
1. Define control volume(s) that cross the Q2
pipes perpendicular to flow
2. Q1 = Q2 + Q3

3. We also know that Q3 = Q4 + Q5

Q1 Q3 Q4

4. So Q1 = Q2 + Q3 = Q2 + Q4 + Q5

Q5
6.1 Example of a pipe expansion (in your notes)

This is a rigid wall pipe that is expanding, determine the velocity of flow at (1) and (2).
1. First we define our control volume
2. From continuity, we know that Qin = Qout
3. We also know that Q=u*A
6.1 Example of a pipe expansion (in your notes)

• So from continuity
– As a pipe expands, velocity
decreases

• For this to happen, a force needs to be

applied
– This is where the equations of
momentum and energy will come into
play (discussed later, in the following
weeks)
6.1 Example of a pipe expansion
U long

• In our previous example, we’ve assumed

a 1D flow U rad
• At the contraction/expansion, the flow
is 3D
– It has a longitudinal and a radial
component
– The more gradual the
expansion/contraction, the smaller Urad
and the closer we are to the 1D
approximation
6.2 Example 6: Pipe Junction

Using continuity, find Q3 and u3.

1. Define the control volume and determine the

relationship between Q1, Q2 and Q3.
2. Let’s assume based on the arrows in our Control
Volume:
Q1 = Q2 + Q3
Therefore, to solve for Q3:
Q3 = Q1 – Q2
Q3 = 0.6 m3/s – 0.8 m3/s
Q3 = -0.2 m3/s

(this means our arrow is in the wrong direction

and Q3 is an inflow, not outflow)
6.2 Example 6: Pipe Junction

Now, find u3.

From previous slide
Q3 = -0.2 m3/s

Q3 = A3*u3
𝜋𝐷&'
−0.2 = 𝑢&
4
𝜋0.5'
−0.2 = ( )𝑢&
4
u3 = -1.018 m/s (neg means it’s an inflow)

*on any tests, assignments, quizzes, if a quantity

is a vector (has a direction) make sure you state
the direction
6.3 Example 7: River Confluence

Consider the steady water levels and flows

1. Find Q1 if Q2 = 50 m3/s and Q3 = 54 m3/s
2. Find h3, if we can approximate the river as
a rectangle with width = 20m if the flow
velocity = 0.9m/s

Set up a relationship to relate inflows to

outflows:
Q1 + Q2 = Q3
Q1 = Q3 – Q2 = 54 – 50 = 4 m3/s
6.3 Example 7: River Confluence

Consider the steady water levels and flows

1. Find Q1 if Q2 = 50 m3/s and Q3 = 54 m3/s
2. Find h3, if we can approximate the river as
a rectangle with width = 20m if the flow
velocity = 0.9m/s

Set up a relationship to relate h to Q at

section 3:
𝑄& = 𝐴&𝑢&
54 = 20 ∗ ℎ& ∗ 0.9
h3 = 3.0m

*Provide your answers on the MS Forms

Open Channel Flow

Find h1, given h2, u1, u2, and B1, B2.

Solution:
1. define your control volume:
2. Use continuity to find h1.
> 𝑄!" − > 𝑄#$% = 0

𝐴(𝑢( = 𝐴'𝑢'
𝐵(ℎ(𝑢( = 𝐵'ℎ'𝑢'
2.5𝐵 ℎ( 0.5 = 𝐵 1 0.8
h1=0.64m

*Provide your answers on the MS Forms

 Lecture 4 – Continuity Part 2
ENGG2500
Lecturer: Kristen Splinter

Before class, students are encouraged to read and review the notes on
Continuity Part 2

Additional text resources: Cengel and Cimbala, Chapters 4 and 5

White, Chapter 3.1 and 3.3

Acknowledgements: Some parts of these slides have been taken from Dr.
Bruce Cather’s notes for CVEN2501.
1.1 Sedimentation Tank and Residence Time

Sedimentation tanks
• Are part of water and wastewater treatment
plants.
• They use gravity (and time) to allow particles
in the water to settle to the bottom, which are
later scraped out.
http://il6.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/6585458/thumb/1.jpg

Residence time
• the period of time that a parcel of water
spends in the tank (i.e., how long it takes to
achieve a complete exchange of water).
• You will use this knowledge later in courses
related to wastewater treatment, etc.
http://www.waterinfo.co.za/eWISAWaterworks/misc/eWISAFactSheets/Images/wwt_images/scumbaffle.png
1.1 Sedimentation Tanks and Residence Times

A sedimentation tank is d=4m deep and

b=10m wide and l=30m long. The flow
through the tank is Q=0.3m3/s.

1. Find the residence time, tres?

2. Find the vertical settling velocity (ws) of

suspended material which would settle
from the water surface to the floor of
the tank before leaving the tank.
1.1 Sedimentation Tanks and Residence Times
A sedimentation tank is d=4m deep and b=10m wide and
l=30m long. The flow through the tank is Q=0.3m3/s.
1. Find the residence time, tres?
𝑙
𝑡)*+ =
𝑢
Find expressions for u:
𝑄
𝑢=
𝑏𝑑
Back to tres:

30
𝑡)*+ = = 4000s = 1.11hrs
0.3E
(10 ∗ 4)
1.1 Sedimentation Tanks and Residence Times
A sedimentation tank is d=4m deep and b=10m wide and
l=30m long. The flow through the tank is Q=0.3m3/s.
2. Find the vertical settling velocity (ws) of
suspended material which would settle
from the water surface to the floor of
the tank before leaving the tank.

𝑙 𝑑
𝑡)*+ = =
𝑢 𝑤+

𝑑 4 0.001m 1mm
𝑤+ = = = or
𝑡)*+ 4000 s s
1.2 Hydrological Cycle

The hydrological/water cycle deals with the

circulation of water between various
compartments such as the atmosphere,
oceans and land. You will do more with
this in 3rd year courses (like CVEN
3501).

This can be represented fairly simply.

Determine the following:

1. Q1 and Q2
2. tres of the atmosphere, land and oceans
1.2 Hydrological Cycle– Calculating Q

Q1 and Q2:
1. Define a control volume around the
atmosphere to find Q1:
456 ×10(' + 𝑄( = 410 + 108 ×10('
Q1=62 x 1012 m3/yr

2. Define a control volume around the land

to determine Q2 (note that we could also
take a CV around Oceans and get the
same answer):
𝑄' + 62×10(' = 108 ×10('
Q2=46 x 1012 m3/yr
 1.2 Hydrological Cycle – residence times

tres Atmosphere:
𝑉,%-
𝑡)*+ =
𝑄
Q is the total inflow or outflow (=flow
through) into the CV.
0.013×10(.
𝑡)*+ = = 0.025yr
(410 + 108)×10('
= 9.2 days
tres land:
37.5×10(.
𝑡)*+ = = 347years
(108)×10('
tres oceans:
1350×10(.
𝑡)*+ = = 2961years
(456)×10('

*answer the tres oceans on MS Forms to test your knowledge

Bucket Hydraulics

Online tutorial video available

2. ‘Bucket’ Hydraulics or Continuity with a Change in
Storage
We’ve just finished looking at the basic equations for continuity. These assumed:
1. Closed systems (pipes)
2. Steady state free surface flow (rivers) ! 𝑄!" = ! 𝑄#$%

3. Density was constant

4. Fluid boundary was steady

Now we are going to consider problems where the volume can change over time.

! 𝑄!" ≠ ! 𝑄#$%

Engineers might need to solve these types of problems in aquifer recharge, storm
discharge, dam recharge, spillways, dams, flooding, wastewater treatment systems, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNo__ov96eI
By the end of this section you should be able to answer
the following

The pipe flow in the figure given below fills

a cylindrical surge tank as shown. At t=0,
h = 30 cm in the tank. Estimate the time,
t, to fill the remainder of the tank.

The diameter of the pipe is 14cm. Assume

a density of water 1000 kg/m3.
2. Bucket Hydraulics

In these next examples, Qin doesn’t equal

Qout, so we write the continuity equation
as:
𝑑𝑉
! 𝑄!" − ! 𝑄#$% =
𝑑𝑡

Where 𝒅𝑽⁄𝒅𝒕 is the rate of change of

storage (storage = volume of fluid
inside the control volume).

We can also write 𝑑𝑉 ⁄𝑑𝑡 as:

𝑑𝑉 𝑑𝑉 𝑑ℎ
=
𝑑𝑡 𝑑ℎ 𝑑𝑡
And 𝑑𝑉 ⁄𝑑ℎ = 𝐴/0,"
2. Bucket Hydraulics
There are 3 cases we can consider:
• Qin=Qout (What we covered before in Part 1)
• Qin > Qout : this means our bucket is filling up, dV/dt > 0
• Qin < Qout: this means our bucket is draining, dV/dt < 0

We will now look at a series of examples with increasing complexity that all apply
continuity.
2.1 Storage Element with Constant Flows (dQ/dt = 0)

Find h(t) of the water level in the tank on

the right with a plan area, A, = 50 m2, an
initial water depth, h(0)=2.4m. Qin=60
L/s, Qout = 40 L/s.
Solution:
𝑑𝑉
> 𝑄!" − > 𝑄#$% =
𝑑𝑡
𝐿
60 𝐿/𝑠 40
− 𝑠 = 50 𝑑ℎ
𝐿 𝐿 𝑑𝑡
1000 & 1000 &
𝑚 𝑚
𝑑ℎ 0.02
= = 4×1012
𝑑𝑡 50
Integrate:
Depth varies
ℎ 𝑡 = 4×1012𝑡 + 𝐶, C=2.4 linearly with
ℎ 𝑡 = 4×10&' 𝑡 + 2.4 time
2.2 Storage Element with a Depth Dependent Outflow: Q(h)

Here we have an example of a leaky storage

tank. Qout is a function of the height of
water and the area of the hole. We are
told that the area of the hole is 45.61 cm2. A = 50 m2
There is no inflow (Qin = 0).
If h(t=0) = 10.0m, determine an expression for
h(t) given Qout=Qleak.

Solution:
𝑑𝑉
> 𝑄!" − > 𝑄#$% =
𝑑𝑡
45.61 𝑑ℎ
0− (0.7 2𝑔ℎ) = 50
100' 𝑑𝑡
𝑑ℎ
= −2.828×1012ℎ3..
𝑑𝑡
2.2 Storage Element with a Depth Dependent Outflow: Q(h)

Solution (cont.):
𝑑ℎ
= −2.828×1012ℎ3..
𝑑𝑡
Separate variables and then integrate:
5 %
𝑑ℎ
\ 3.. = \ −2.828×1012𝑑𝑡
53 ℎ 3
5
ℎ3.. %
] = −2.828×1012𝑡^
0.5 3
53
2 ℎ − 2 ℎ3 = −2.828×1012𝑡
Rearrange for h and sub in ho= 10 m

( Depth varies
&'
ℎ = −1.414×10 𝑡 + 10 quadratically
h(t) ~ t2
with time
2.2 Storage Element with a Depth Dependent Outflow: Q(h)

How long would it take the tank to empty

(i.e., h=0)
'
ℎ = −1.414×1012𝑡 + 10
'
0 = −1.414×1012𝑡 + 10
10
𝑡=
1.414×1012

t = 2.236 x 104 seconds OR 6.21 hrs.

Note that for t> 6.21 hrs, the above

equation is no longer valid as h
increases with time!
Another Example – Discharge from a water tank

A 1.2m high and 0.9m diameter cylinder

water tank is open to the the atmosphere
(prel=0). When the plug is pulled and it
starts to drain, how long does it take for
the tank to go to h0/2?

Djet = 1.3cm
h0

Use:
𝑈6*% = 2𝑔ℎ
Djet

Dtank
Another Example – Discharge from a water tank

Solution:
𝑑𝑉
> 𝑄!" − > 𝑄#$% =
𝑑𝑡

Qin = 0;
'
𝜋𝐷6*%
𝑄#$% = 𝑈6*% 𝐴 = 2𝑔ℎ ∗
4 h0

'
𝑑𝑉 𝑑ℎ 𝜋𝐷%,"7 𝑑ℎ
=A =
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 4 𝑑𝑡
Djet

Dtank
Another Example – Discharge from a water tank

Solution:
𝑑𝑉
> 𝑄!" − > 𝑄#$% =
𝑑𝑡

' '
𝜋𝐷6*% 𝜋𝐷%,"7 𝑑ℎ
− 2𝑔ℎ ∗ =
4 4 𝑑𝑡

h0
𝜋(0.013)' 𝜋(0.9)' 𝑑ℎ
− 2 9.81 ℎ ∗ =
4 4 𝑑𝑡

5
𝑑ℎ %
Djet
\ 3.. = \ −9.24×1012𝑑𝑡
53 ℎ 3

Dtank
 Another Example – Discharge from a water tank

Solution:
5𝑑ℎ %
\ 3.. = \ −9.24×1012𝑑𝑡
53 ℎ 3

5
ℎ3.. %
] = −9.24×1012𝑡^
0.5 3
53
h0
2 ℎ − 2 ℎ3 = −9.24×1012𝑡

2 0.6 − 2 1.2 = −9.24×1012𝑡 Djet

t = 694s = 11.6 min Dtank

*Attempt the bucket hydraulics question on your MS Quiz now

2.3 Storage Element with a Depth Dependent Outflow and
constant inflow and outflow

Now we start to look at examples that look

more like what we’d see in real world
engineering problems (complexity). This
example combines the last 2. A tank
filling and emptying and also a leak.

Again, we need to find a expression for h(t)

using continuity.

Then we are asked to determine the time it

will take for the water to fall from 10 to 3
m. area of the hole is 45.61 cm2
2.3 Storage Element with a Depth Dependent Outflow and
constant inflow and outflow

Solution:
𝑑𝑉
> 𝑄!" − > 𝑄#$% =
𝑑𝑡
60 40 𝑑ℎ
− − 0.7𝐴5#0* 2𝑔ℎ = 50
1000 1000 𝑑𝑡
𝑑ℎ
0.06 − 0.04 − 1.414×101' ℎ = 50
𝑑𝑡
𝑑ℎ
1.414 − ℎ = 3535.5
𝑑𝑡
Now integrate between the limits (t=0,
ho=10) and (t1, h1=3)
%( &
𝑑ℎ
\ 𝑑𝑡 = 3535.5 \ ( )
3 (3 1.414 − ℎ
2.3 Storage Element with a Depth Dependent Outflow and
constant inflow and outflow
%( &
𝑑ℎ
\ 𝑑𝑡 = 3535.5 \ ( )
3 (3 1.414 − ℎ

In the course notes you are given the general

integral expression to solve this (actually,
your notes are wrong)
this is the correct one:
𝑑𝑥
\ = −2(𝑎 ln 𝑥 − 𝑎 + 𝑥)
𝑎− 𝑥

Sub this into the above equation when you

integrate:
&
𝑡( = 3535.2(−2) 1.414 ln ℎ − 1.414 + ℎ (3

t1 = 2.716 x 104 s OR 7.54 hrs

2.4 Storage Element with Variable Plan Area and Depth
Dependent Flow
We are again adding in more complexity to the problem. In this example, A~f(h) and
Q~f(h).
Let Aplan = k1h, where k1 = 12
The orifice at the bottom of the tank discharges at a rate:
Q = k2h0.5, where 𝑘' = 𝐴#)!8!9* 𝐶: 2𝑔
Aorifice = 0.05 m2
Cd = discharge coefficient = 0.903

Discharge coefficients
• Measure the ratio of the actual discharge to the theoretical discharge.
• Dimensionless.
• Empirical.
2.4 Storage Element with Variable Plan Area and Depth
Dependent Flow
How long will it take for the water level in the tank to be
reduced from an initial depth, ho= 8 m to h = 0.25ho?

Solution:
Find h(t) using continuity:
𝑑𝑉 𝑑ℎ
𝑄!" − 𝑄#$% = = 𝐴/0,"
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

𝑑ℎ
0 − 𝑘'ℎ3.. = 𝑘(ℎ
𝑑𝑡

𝑑ℎ
−𝑘' = 𝑘(ℎ3..
𝑑𝑡

Now we must integrate both sides

2.4 Storage Element with Variable Plan Area and Depth
Dependent Flow
How long will it take for the water level in the tank to be
reduced from an initial depth, ho = 8m to h = 0.25ho?

Solution:
𝑑ℎ
−𝑘' = 𝑘(ℎ3..
𝑑𝑡
Now we must integrate both sides:

% 5
− \ 𝑘'𝑑𝑡 = \ 𝑘(ℎ3..𝑑ℎ
3 5#
5
% ℎ&/'
−𝑘' 𝑡^ = 𝑘( ]
# 3/2
5#
3 &/'
− 𝑘'𝑡 = 𝑘((ℎ&/' − ℎ# )
2
2.4 Storage Element with Variable Plan Area and Depth
Dependent Flow
How long will it take for the water level in the tank to be reduced from an initial
depth, ho= 8 m to h = 0.25ho?

Now make h = 0.25ho to solve for t:

3 &/'
− 𝑘'𝑡 = 𝑘(((0.25ℎ3)&/'−ℎ# )
2

Recall that k1 = 12, and 𝑘' = 𝐴#)!8!9* 𝐶: 2𝑔 = 0.05×0.903× 9.81×0.25 = 0.2

3 &/'
− (0.2)𝑡 = 12((0.25(8))&/'−8 )
2
t = 792 s or 13.2 min
Summary of Various Forms of Continuity

In the continuity equation, we are concerned with the kinematics of the flow, so
pressure has not been included.
When we next look at the dynamics of flow, in the energy and momentum equations,
pressure will be included.
 Test your knowledge – 5 minute group work

The pipe flow in the figure given below fills

a cylindrical surge tank as shown. At t=0,
h = 30 cm in the tank. Estimate the time,
t, to fill the remainder of the tank.

The diameter of the pipe is 14cm. Assume

a density of water 1000 kg/m3.

*record your answer on the MS Forms Quiz for today’s lecture

 3. Partial Differential Equation for Continuity

So far we’ve considered the Continuity/mass conservation equation in terms of a finite

volume, 𝑉.

We can also look at this in terms of an infinitesimal control volume (𝒅𝒙 ×𝒅𝒚 ×𝒅𝒛) and
partial differential equations.

We will now derive the general expression of the continuity equation.

• We will adopt an Eulerian description.

• Control volume is submerged in the flow field. (no free surface)
• Control volume does not store mass. (no free surface)
• We will use our Taylor expansion to derive our equation.

*RECALL: who remembers what a Eulerian Frame of reference is?

By the end of this section you should be able to answer:

Does the 2D velocity field given below define a plausible flow pattern?

𝑢 = 𝑥 '𝑦 + 2𝑦
𝑣 = −𝑥𝑦 ' − 2𝑥
Quick note/recall: Taylor Series Expansions
3. Partial Differential Equation for Continuity

Define a control volume (dx,dy,1) à dz = 1;

1. Let’s first look at mass flowing in the x-
direction (horizontal) through the control
volume.
– The flow going into the Control volume:
» 𝑚!",=
̇ = 𝜌𝑑𝑄!" = 𝜌𝑢𝑑𝐴 = 𝜌𝑢𝑑𝑦(1)
– In our finite control volume, dQ=Q, and
dA=A;
– The flow going out of the control volume
is the flow going in plus the change in
flow that occurred inside the CV.
» 𝑚̇ #$%,= = 𝜌𝑑𝑄#$% = 𝑚!",=
̇ +
>
[𝜌𝑢𝑑𝑦 1 ]dx
>=
– We neglect higher order terms (see
notes) of the Taylor expansion
3. Partial Differential Equation for Continuity

Define a control volume (dx,dy,1) à dz = 1;

1. Now let’s look at mass flowing in the y-
direction (vertical) through the control
volume.
– The flow going into the Control volume:
» 𝑚!",?
̇ = 𝜌𝑑𝑄!" = 𝜌𝑣𝑑𝐴 = 𝜌𝑣𝑑𝑥(1)
– The flow going out of the control volume
is the flow going in plus the change in
flow that occurred inside the CV.
» 𝑚̇ #$%,? = 𝜌𝑑𝑄#$% = 𝑚!",?
̇ +
>
[𝜌𝑣𝑑𝑥 1 ]𝑑𝑦
>?
– We neglect higher order terms (see
notes)
3. Partial Differential Equation for Continuity

Summarizing from your notes:

3. Partial Differential Equation for Continuity

Now let’s apply our general equation of mass conservation that we learned earlier to derive
an expression for an infinite volume.
𝜕𝜌𝑉 𝑑𝑉
> 𝑚̇ !" − > 𝑚̇ #$% = 𝜌 > 𝑄!" − > 𝑄 #$% =
𝜕𝑡 𝑑𝑡

We have mass flowing in (and out) in both the x and y direction.

𝜕 𝜕
𝜌𝑢𝑑𝑦 1 + 𝜌𝑣𝑑𝑥 1 − 𝜌𝑢𝑑𝑦 1 − [𝜌𝑢𝑑𝑦 1 ]𝑑𝑥 − 𝜌𝑣𝑑𝑥 1 − [𝜌𝑣𝑑𝑥 1 ]𝑑𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
𝜕
= [𝜌𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 1 ]
𝜕𝑡
3. Partial Differential Equation for Continuity

Now let’s apply our general equation of mass conservation that we learned earlier to derive
an expression for an infinite volume.
𝜕𝜌𝑉 𝑑𝑉
> 𝑚̇ !" − > 𝑚̇ #$% = 𝜌 > 𝑄!" − > 𝑄#$% =
𝜕𝑡 𝑑𝑡

We have mass flowing in (and out) in both the x and y direction.

𝜕 𝜕
𝜌𝑢𝑑𝑦 1 + 𝜌𝑣𝑑𝑥 1 − 𝜌𝑢𝑑𝑦 1 − [𝜌𝑢𝑑𝑦 1 ]𝑑𝑥 − 𝜌𝑣𝑑𝑥 1 − [𝜌𝑣𝑑𝑥 1 ]𝑑𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
𝜕
= [𝜌𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 1 ]
𝜕𝑡

The ’in’ terms cancel.

𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
− [𝜌𝑢𝑑𝑦 1 ]𝑑𝑥 − [𝜌𝑣𝑑𝑥 1 ]𝑑𝑦 = [𝜌𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 1 ]
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑡
3. Partial Differential Equation for Continuity

𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
− [𝜌𝑢𝑑𝑦 1 ]𝑑𝑥 − [𝜌𝑣𝑑𝑥 1 ]𝑑𝑦 = [𝜌𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦 1 ]
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑡

In each of the PDE terms, dx*dy*1 is the volume and doesn’t change in space or time so
can be pulled out of the partial derivative.

𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
−𝑑𝑦 1 𝑑𝑥 (𝜌𝑢) − 𝑑𝑥 1 𝑑𝑦 (𝜌𝑣) = 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦(1) (𝜌)
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑡

As it appears in each term, we can also divide through by dx*dy*1.

𝜕𝜌 𝜕 𝜕
+ 𝜌𝑢 + 𝜌𝑣 = 0
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
3. Partial Differential Equation for Continuity
𝜕𝜌 𝜕 𝜕
+ 𝜌𝑢 + 𝜌𝑣 = 0
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
We can expand and then simplify: 2D General expression:
can be used for
𝜕𝜌 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 𝜕 incompressible/
+𝑢 𝜌 +𝑣 𝜌 +𝜌 𝑢 + 𝑣 =0
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 compressible fluid and
constant/variable
density
𝐷𝜌 𝜕𝜌 𝜕 𝜕
= +𝑢 𝜌 +𝑣 𝜌
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

If density, ρ, is constant, then Dρ/dt = 0 and the equation simplifies to:

2D simplified
𝜕 𝜕 expression. Assumes
𝑢 + 𝑣 =0 incompressible fluid
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
and constant density
3. Partial Differential Equation for Continuity

In 3D, this is expanded to include the velocity in the z direction (w):

𝜕 𝜕 𝜕
𝑢 + 𝑣 + 𝑤 =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

This can also be written in vector notation:

𝛁"𝑼=𝟎

Both of these equations (as well as the 2D one on the previous slide) indicate that, if the
flow is incompressible, the flow is non-divergent to satisfy continuity.
Example using PDE for Continuity

Does the 2D velocity field given below define a plausible flow pattern?
𝑢 = 𝑥 '𝑦 + 2𝑦
𝑣 = −𝑥𝑦 ' − 2𝑥

Solution:
Check continuity to see that it is satisfied at all points.
𝜕𝑢
= 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑣
= −2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑣
+ =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
2𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑥𝑦 = 0
Continuity is satisfied, so the velocity field is plausible.
Summary of Various Forms of Continuity

In the continuity equation, we are concerned with the kinematics of the flow, so
pressure has not been included.
When we next look at the dynamics of flow, in the energy and momentum equations,
pressure will be included.
Test your knowledge – 5 minute group work

The pipe flow in the figure given below fills

a cylindrical surge tank as shown. At t=0,
h = 30 cm in the tank. Estimate the time,
t, to fill the remainder of the tank.

The diameter of the pipe is 14cm. Assume

a density of water 1000 kg/m3.
Test your knowledge – 5 minute group work

Hints:

We use our standard equation for continuity

with storage:

𝑑𝑉
> 𝑄!" − > 𝑄#$% =
𝑑𝑡

Solve for h(t) and then solve for t when h =

1 m.
Test your knowledge – 5 minute group work

Solution:
𝑑𝑉
> 𝑄!" − > 𝑄#$% =
𝑑𝑡

I’m going to use u for velocity to not confuse with

V=volume.
𝑑ℎ
𝐴(𝑢( − 𝐴'𝑢' = 𝐴%,"7
𝑑𝑡
'
0.14 0.14 '
𝜋 2.5 − 𝜋 1.9
2 2
0.75 ' 𝑑ℎ
=𝜋
2 𝑑𝑡
Simplify (pi cancels out as it appears in all three At t = 0, h = 30cm in the tank.
terms): The diameter of the pipe is 14 cm.
𝑑ℎ
= 0.0209 m/s
𝑑𝑡
 Test your knowledge – 5 minute group work

Can integrate for h(t) and then solve for t at h = 1 m:

𝑑ℎ
= 0.0209 m/s
𝑑𝑡

5 %
\ 𝑑ℎ = 0.0209 \ 𝑑𝑡
53 3

ℎ − ℎ3 = 0.0209𝑡

1 − 0.3
𝑡= = 33.5 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑠 At t = 0, h = 30cm in the tank.
0.0209 The diameter of the pipe is 14 cm.
Test your understanding – homework

Water flows in an open rectangular irrigation

channel 4.5m wide at a depth of 0.8m and at
an average velocity of 1.25 m/s. The channel
1
branches into two smaller rectangular
channels:
• one is 3m wide, 1.2m deep and conveys water
at an average velocity of 0.95 m/s;
2 3
• the second channel is 2.5m wide and water
flows at an average velocity of 0.6 m/s.
What is the water depth in the second channel?
Test your understanding – Open channel flow, solution

First, let’s set up a diagram of the system

and list our variables (knowns and
unknowns): 1
B1 = 4.5m; h1 = 0.8m; u1
= 1.25 m/s
B2 = 3m; h2 = 1.2m; u2 = 0.95 m/s
B3 = 2.5 m; h3 = ? u3 = 0.6 m/s
2 3

Use continuity to solve for the unknown:

𝐴(𝑢( = 𝐴'𝑢' + 𝐴&𝑢&
𝐵(ℎ(𝑢( = 𝐵'ℎ'𝑢' + 𝐵&ℎ&𝑢&
(4.5)(0.8)(1.25)=3(1.2)(0.95)+2.5(h3)(0.6)
H3 = 0.72m
Looking forward

Next lecture we begin looking at the Energy equation (Bernoulli).

I recommend that you read your notes before you come to class to familiarize yourself with
the concepts.
Useful text: Cengel and White Chapter 5
Useful additional resources: Your online tutorial videos and the practice quizzes.