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Let us derive the mass conservation law (continuity equation) in the differential
approach. Whenever we need to derive an equation in the differential approach, we
shall begin with the control volume form of the equation and apply it on an
infinitesimally small control volume. The Reynold's Transport Theorem for mass
conservation law is reviewed first.
The relationship between the rate of change of any arbitrary extensive property, N, of a
system and the variations of the property within a control volume is given by the
following equation, known as the Reynolds Transport Theorem.
where,
= Intensive Property
-Property Independent of Mass
N = Extensive Property
-Property Dependent on Mass
CASE 1: = 1, N = M
Note: The Conservation of Mass states that the mass of a system is constant, therefore
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Derivation
Now, let us derive the mass conservation law for an infinitesimally small control
volume V around the point located at (x, y, z).
Z
y
(x,y,z) z
x
For a trial workout, look at integral term over the 2-y faces:
Z
y
(x,y,z) z
x
X
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Multiplying terms:
Simplifying:
From performing the same analysis on the x faces and z faces, the final result for the
convective term is:
The control volume (local) term can be written for the small V by neglecting the
integral sign:
Putting the results found into the Reynolds Transport Equation for mass:
Simplifying the above expression gives the Differential Equation for Conservation of
Mass (Continuity Equation):
- Local Term
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- Convective Term
- Convective rate of change of Mass through the Control
Surface per unit volume.
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