Continuity Equation

 
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According to the continuity equation, the product of the cross-sectional area of the pipe
and the fluid speed at any point along the pipe is always constant. The volume flow per
second, or flow rate, is equivalent to the product of the cross-sectional area of the pipe
and the fluid speed . The equation for continuity is as follows:

R = A v = constant

Where,

R is the volume flow rate

A is the flow area

v is the flow velocity

Assumption of Continuity Equation

 
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Based on these assumptions, the continuity equation is derived:

 Tubes have only one entry and one exit

 Fluid flowing through the tube has no viscosity
 The flow is incompressible
 The fluid flow is steady

Also Read:

Mechanical Properties of Fluids Bernoulli’

Hydraulic Machines Pascal

Derivation of Continuity Equation

 
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Consider that the fluid flows in the tube for a short period of time. Assume that Δt is a
small period of time. At the bottom end of the pipe, the fluid will traverse a distance of
Δx1 at a velocity of v1.

The fluid will cover the following distance at this time:

Δx1 = v1Δt

The volume of water that will flow into the pipe at the lower end is:

V = A1 Δx1 = A1*v1*Δt

We know, mass (m) = Density ρ × Volume V.

Hence, in the Δx1region, the fluid mass will be:

Δm1= Density × Volume

=> Δm1 = ρ1A1v1Δt ...Eq.1

At this point, the mass flux must be estimated at the lowest level. The mass of the fluid
per unit time moving through any cross-sectional region is simply described as mass
flux. The mass flux at the lower end, with cross-sectional area A1, will be:

Δm1/Δt = ρ1A1v1 ...Eq.2

At the upper end, mass flux is as follows:

Δm2/Δt = ρ2A2v2 ...Eq.3

Here, v2 is the fluid velocity through the upper end of the pipe, i.e. via Δx2, in Δt time,
and A2 is its cross-sectional area.

As long as the flow is continuous, the density of the fluid between the lower and higher
ends of the pipe remains constant throughout time.

As a result, both mass fluxes at the lower end and the upper end of the pipe are equal.
Equation 2 = Equation 3.

Thus,

ρ1A1v1 = ρ2A2v2 ...Eq.4

This can also be written as:

ρ A v = constant
In fluid dynamics, the equation establishes the law of mass conservation. Also, with
continuous flow, if the fluid is incompressible, the density will stay constant. Therefore,
ρ1 = ρ2.

Therefore, Equation 4 is now written as follows:

A1 v1 = A2 v2

In general form, this equation is as follows:

A v = constant

Taking R as the volume flow rate, the above equation becomes:

R = A v = constant