MEC241 Chapter 3

3.0 Finite Control Volume Analysis

3.1 Introduction to Fluid Flow

 Analytical description of fluid flow can be expressed using physical laws related to fluid
flow in a suitable mathematical formulation.

 These physical laws and their mathematical formulations are listed in the table below.

Law Mathematical Formulation

1. The law of conservation of mass Continuity equation

2. Newton’s second law of motion Momentum equation

3. The first law of thermodynamics Energy equation

 One of the main parameters when dealing with fluid flow is the quantity of fluid flowing
in the system per unit time. The fluid flowing in the system can be expressed by the
following three different terms:

i. Volume flow rate, Q – volume of fluid flowing per unit time.

Where:

A = area,

v = average velocity of the flow

ii. Weight flow rate, W – weight of fluid flowing per unit time.

Where:

W = weight of the fluid,

Q = volume flow rate

γ = specific weight of the fluid

MEC241 Chapter 3

iii. Mass flow rate, ṁ – mass of fluid flowing per unit time.
.
m  Q  kg / m 3  m 3 s  kg / s

Where;

ρ = density of the fluid

Q = volume flow rate of the fluid

3.2 Continuity Equation

 In a closed pipe system, the method used to calculate the velocity of fluid flow depends
on the principle of continuity (conservation of mass)

 The figure below shows the portion of a closed pipe system showing variations in
velocity, pressure, and elevation.

Figure 1: Closed Pipe System

i. The fluid flowing through the closed pipe system can be expressed in terms of mass flow
rate, ṁ.
.
. .
m1  m 2
MEC241 Chapter 3

Where;
. .
m1  m 2
1Q1   2 Q2
1 A1v1   2 A2 v 2

ii. The equation above, 1 A1v1  2 A2v2 , is the mathematical formulation for the principle of
continuity and is called the continuity equation.

iii. This equation, is used to relate the fluid density, flow area, and, velocity of the flow of
the system under steady flow conditions.

iv. This equation can be used for all fluids, whether gas or liquid.

v. IF the fluid in the pipe is liquid, and it is incompressible, then the terms ρ1 and ρ2 are the
same. Therefore;

1   2
A1v1  A2 v2
 Q1  Q2

vi. The equation above Q1  Q2 , is the continuity equation applied to liquids, where under
steady flow conditions, the volume flow rate, Q is the same at any section of a closed
pipe system.

Example 1: Flow rate and the Continuity equation

In Figure 1 the inside diameters of the pipe at sections 1 and 2 are 50 mm and 100 mm,
respectively. Water at is flowing with an average velocity of 8 m/s at section 1. Calculate the
following:

(a) Velocity at section 2

(b) Volume flow rate

(c) Weight flow rate

(d) Mass flow rate

MEC241 Chapter 3

Solution

(a) Velocity at section 2

Then the velocity at section 2 is

(b) Volume flow rate Q

(c) Weight flow rate W.

W  Q
  g  (1000)(9.81)  9810 N / m 3

W  Q  (9810)(0.0157)  154.02 N / s

(d) Mass flow rate M.

.
m  Q  (1000)(0.0157)  15.70kg / s
MEC241 Chapter 3

Example 2: Flow rate and the Continuity equation

A garden hose attached with a nozzle is used to fill a 50-L bucket. The diameter is 2 cm at the
nozzle inlet and it reduces to 0.8 cm at the nozzle exit. If it takes 50 s to fill the bucket with
water, determine a) the volume and mass flow rates of the water through the hose and b) the
water velocity at the inlet and nozzle exit.

Solution:

Given;

Volume, V = 50 L

Time, s = 50 s

a)

V 50 L
i) Determine volume flow rate: Q1   1
s 50 s

- Convert to m3/s: 1 m3 of water = 1000 L of water

L 1m3 m3
Q1  1   0.001
s 1000L s
.
ii) Determine mass flow rate: m  Q1  (1000kg / m3 )(0.001m3 / s)  1kg / s

b) Determine inlet and exit velocity of water:

- Using continuity equation Q1 = Q2 = 0.001 m3/s

i) inlet velocity

A1v1  0.001m3 / s
 v1  0.001/  (0.01) 2  3.183m / s

ii) outlet velocity

A2v2  0.001m3 / s
 v2  0.001 /  (0.004)2  19.89m / s
MEC241 Chapter 3

 Another example of the use of the continuity equation is to determine the velocities in
pipes coming from a junction as shown in the figure below.

Figure 2: Fluid flowing through junctions

From the figure:

Q1  Q2  Q3
 A1v1  A2v2  A3v3

3.3 Bernoulli’s Equation

 An approximate relationship between pressure, velocity, and elevation and is valid in

region of steady, incompressible flow where net frictional forces are negligible.
 The Bernoulli’s equation between any two points (point 1 and point 2) on the same
streamline is:
( p1 /  )  (v1 2 g )  ( z1 ) = ( p2 /  )  (v2 2 g )  ( z2 )
2 2

Where:

vii. The location for each of the terms used in the Bernoulli’s equation is shown in the Figure
3 below.
MEC241 Chapter 3

Figure 3: location for Bernoulli’s Equation Terms

viii. Limitations of the Bernoulli’s Equation are as below:

i. Valid only for incompressible fluids - the specific weight of the fluid is assumed
to be the same at the two points of interest.
ii. No mechanical devices between the two points of interest that would add
energy to or remove energy from the system, because the equation states that the
total energy in the fluid is constant.
iii. No heat transferred into or out of the fluid.
iv. No energy lost due to friction.

Example 3: Bernoulli’s Equation

Using Figure 3, water is flowing from point 1 to point 2. At point 1, which is 25 mm in diameter,
the gage pressure is 345 kPa and the velocity of flow is 3.0 m/s. Point 2, which is 50 mm in
diameter, is 2.0 m above section 1. Using the Bernoulli’s equation, calculate the pressure p2.
MEC241 Chapter 3

Solution:

i. Write down the Bernoulli’s equation:

ii. Rearrange the equation:

iii. Simplify the equation:

iv. Check and substitute available data:

Determine additional data (if required):

MEC241 Chapter 3

v. Solve the problem:

3.4 Application of Bernoulli’s Equation

 The Bernoulli’s equation is normally used to determine the velocity of a flowing fluid
passing through a system. Four applications which uses the Bernoulli’s equation to
determine the velocity of the flowing fluid are:

i. Pitot-tube

ii. Pitot static tube

iii. Orifice (tank)

iv. Venturi meter

 For all applications, a few general assumptions can be made:

i. If point of interest is open to atmosphere, pressure (p) at point is equal to zero.

ii. If fluid at point of interest is release to atmosphere, pressure (p) at point is equal
to zero.

iii. If surface area of point of interest is large relative to another point, velocity (v) of
fluid at point is equal to zero.
MEC241 Chapter 3

Application 1: Velocity measurement by a pitot tube

 Pitot tube is used to measure velocity of flowing fluid. A

piezometer and a pitot tube tapped into a horizontal tube is
shown in the figure given. Point 2 in the figure is called
stagnation point. At this point velocity is zero because fluid
does not move at this point.

That is: @P2, V2 = 0

Example Analysis of Pitot Tube:

From BE;

p1 v12 p v2 Figure 4: Pitot Tube

  z1  2  2  z 2
 2g  2g

Simplifying the equation:

p1 v12 p2
 
f 2 f

p1 and p2 terms can be obtained using:

p = ρgh

Which result in:

 f g (h1  h2 ) v12  f g (h1  h2  h3 )

 
f 2 f

Rearranging for v1:

v12
 gh3
2

v1  2 g (h3 )
MEC241 Chapter 3

Example 4: Pitot Tube

Compute the ideal flow rate through the pipe system shown in the figure below

Figure: Pitot Tube

From Bernoulli’s Equation:

p1 v12 p v2
  z1  2  2  z 2
 2g  2g
Simplifying the equation:

Since, V2 = 0

p1 v12 p
  z1  2  z 2
g 2 g g

g ( x) v12 g (1.2 sin 60  x)

  z1   z2
g 2g g
MEC241 Chapter 3

Rearranging for v1:

v12
 g (1.2(sin 60))  g z 2  z1 
2
v12
 g (1.2(sin 60))  g z 2  z1 
2
v12
 9.81(1.039)  (9.81(0.3))
2
v12
 7.25m
2
v1  3.81m / s

Flow rate, Q:

 D 2    (0.2) 2 
Q  AV   3.81   3.81  0.12m 3 / s
 4   4 
MEC241 Chapter 3

Application 2: Velocity measurement by a pitot-static tube

Similar to the pitot tube previously, velocity of flowing fluid can also be measured using a
device called the Pitot-static Tube. Unlike the pitot tube, the pitot-static tube is connected to a
manometer.

Figure: Pitot-static Tube

Similar with pitot tube, at point 2 (stagnation point), fluid velocity (V2) equals to zero.

Example Analysis of Pitot-static Tube:

From BE:

p1 v12 p 2 v22
  z1    z2
 2g  2g

Simplifying the equation:

p1 v12 p
  2
f 2 f

Rearranging for v1:

v12 p2  p1

2 f

 2 p  p  
v1   2 1 
  
 f 
MEC241 Chapter 3

p1 and p2 terms can be obtained using manometer analysis at each point.

P1   f gha   m ghh   f g (h  a)  P2

P1   m ghh   f ghh  P2

P2  P1  m ghh   f ghh

Substitute manometer equation into v1 equation:

 2 m ghh   f ghh  

v1   
  
 f 

  
v1   2 gh m  1 
  
  f 

Example 5: Pitot-static Tube

In the Figure given, the fluid is air (γ = 12 N/m3), and the manometer fluid has a SG=0.827.
Calculate the fluid flow rate in L/s.

Example: Pitot-static Tube

From BE;

p1 v12 p v2
  z1  2  2  z 2
 2g  2g
MEC241 Chapter 3

Know that:
@Point 1, V1=0 and z1 = z2

Simplifying the equation:

p1 v22
p2
 
f f 2

Rearranging for v2:

v22 p  p2
 1
2g f

 2 p  p  
v2   1 2 
  
 f 

p1 and p2 terms can be obtained using manometer analysis at each point.

P1   f g (hy  0.08)   m g (0.08)   f g (hy )  P2

P1   f g (0.08)   m g (0.08)  P2

P1  P2  0.08g  m   f 

Substitute manometer equation into v1 equation:

  (  m   f )  

v2   0.16 g  
    
  f 

   m  

v2   0.16 g   1 
  
  f 

Solve for v1;

  827 
v2   0.16(9.81)  1   32.55m / s
  1.223  


Flow rate, Q:
MEC241 Chapter 3

 D 2    (0.05) 2 
Q  AV   v2    32.55  0.0639m 3 / s  63.91L / s
 4   4 

Application 3: Orifice

Figure: Orifice

 Orifice (i.e water tanks) as shown in the figure given, point 1 is normally open to
atmosphere and the surface area is relatively large compared to point 2. Therefore:

At point 1: P1 = 0 and V1 = 0,

 Similarly, in some orifice application, fluid is release into the atmosphere at point 2.
Therefore:

At point 2: P2 = 0,

 Taking these assumptions into consideration, from Bernoulli’s equation:

p1 v12 p v2
  z1  2  2  z 2
 2g  2g

 Simplifying the equation:

v22
z1   z2
2g

 Rearranging the equation to determine v2:

v2  2 g ( z1  z 2 )

 The equation above is also referred to the Torricelli’s Equation.

MEC241 Chapter 3

Example 6: Orifice

Water is to be delivered from a reservoir through a pipe to a lower level and discharged into the
air as shown in the figure given. Determine the vertical distance (Δz) between the point of water
discharge and the water surface in the reservoir.

Example: Orifice
From BE;
p1 v12 p v2
  z1  2  2  z 2
 2g  2g

Simplifying the equation:

v22
z1   z2
2g

Rearranging the equation to determine (Δz),

v22
z1  z 2 
2g

Determine v2;
Q = 0.00631 m3/s

Q  AV
Q Q 0.00631
V    3.21m / s
A  D  0.00196
2
 
 4 
Solve for (Δz);

3.212
z1  z 2   0.525m
2(9.81)
MEC241 Chapter 3

Application 4: Velocity measurement by a Venturi meter

 The application of the Bernoulli’s equation can also be applied in the Venturi Meter as
shown in the figure given. Venturi meter can be used to measure the velocity (v) and rate
(Q) of flow in a fluid flow system.

1 2

Figure: Venturi Meter

Example analysis for a Venturi meter

 Consider the horizontal Venturi meter in the figure given, the velocity at point 2 can be
determined using the Bernoulli’s equation.

From BE:

p1 v12 p 2 v22
  z1    z2
 2g  2g

Know that:

Point 1 and Point 2 are at the same level, z1 = z2

Simplifying the equation:

p1 v12 p v2
  2 2
 2g  2g

Rearranging the equation to determine the velocity (v):

2( p1  p2 )
v22  v12 
f
MEC241 Chapter 3

Using the continuity equation to replace v1 term:

A 
v1  v 2  2 
 A1 

Substituting the continuity equation and factoring:

2
 A  2( p1  p2 )
v   v2 2  
2
2
 A1  f

2
A  2( p1  p2 )
v [1   2  ] 
2

f
2
 A1 

Solving for v2;

A1 ( p1  p2 )
v2  2
A12  A22 f

The terms p1 – p2 can be obtained by doing a manometer analysis;

p1   f g (a  h)   m gh   f ga  p2
p1  p2   m gh   f gh

Substituting the manometer equation into the BE;

A1 (  m gh   f gh)
v2  2
A12  A22 f

A1  
v2  2 gh m  1
A12  A22  
 f 

For volume flow rate, Q:

Q = A2v2

A1 A2  
Q 2 gh m  1
A12  A22  
 f 
MEC241 Chapter 3

Example: Venturi Meter

From BE:

p1 v12 p 2 v22
  z1    z2
 2g  2g

Simplify until obtain:

A2 ( p2  p1 )
v1  2
A22  A12 f

The terms p2 – p1 can be obtained by doing a manometer analysis;

p1   f g (a)   m gb   f g (a  b)  p2
p2  p1   m gb   f gb
MEC241 Chapter 3

Substituting the manometer equation into the BE;

A2 (  m gb   f gb)
v1  2
A22  A12 f

A2  
v1  2 gb m  1
A22  A12  
 f 

Solve for v1:

0.159  (13,600 
v1  2(9.81)(0.45)  1  (1.006)(11.297)  11.37m / s
0.159  0.0177
2 2
 880 

For flow rate in L/min:

D 2
Q  Av  v1  0.0177(11.37)  0.201m3 / s  12,060 L / min
4