Fluid Flow
CONTINUITY EQUATION
CONTINUITY EQUATION
Understanding the quantities measured by the volumetric flow rate
and mass flow rate is crucial to understanding other fluid flow topics.
The continuity equation expresses the relationship between mass flow
rates at different points in a fluid system under steady-state flow
conditions.
EO 1.1
DESCRIBE how the density of a fluid varies with temperature.
EO 1.2
DEFINE the term buoyancy.
EO 1.3
DESCRIBE the relationship between the pressure in a
fluid column and the density and depth of the fluid.
EO 1.4
STATE Pascal’s Law.
EO 1.5
DEFINE the terms mass flow rate and volumetric flow
rate.
EO 1.6
CALCULATE either the mass flow rate or the
volumetric flow rate for a fluid system.
EO 1.7
STATE the principle of conservation of mass.
EO 1.8
CALCULATE the fluid velocity or flow rate in a
specified fluid system using the continuity equation.
Introduction
Fluid flow is an important part of most industrial processes; especially those involving the
transfer of heat. Frequently, when it is desired to remove heat from the point at which it is
generated, some type of fluid is involved in the heat transfer process. Examples of this are the
cooling water circulated through a gasoline or diesel engine, the air flow past the windings of
a motor, and the flow of water through the core of a nuclear reactor. Fluid flow systems are also
commonly used to provide lubrication.
Fluid flow in the nuclear field can be complex and is not always subject to rigorous mathematical
analysis. Unlike solids, the particles of fluids move through piping and components at different
velocities and are often subjected to different accelerations.
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