Can Mass Fractions be Determined from Given Mass Flow Rates?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining mass fractions from given mass flow rates (m1_dot and m2_dot) for two chemical species in a fluid simulation. It establishes that mass fractions can indeed be calculated using the formulas (m1_dot)/(m1_dot+m2_dot) and (m2_dot)/(m1_dot+m2_dot). This approach allows for the computation of bulk velocity as a mass-weighted average, which is essential for analyzing the fluid's behavior. The participants confirm the validity of this method, dispelling initial doubts about its applicability.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mass flow rates in fluid dynamics
  • Knowledge of mass fractions and their significance in mixtures
  • Familiarity with basic equations of fluid mechanics
  • Ability to perform calculations involving ratios and averages
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of mass-weighted averages in fluid dynamics
  • Explore the implications of mass fractions in multi-species flow simulations
  • Learn about the role of density and velocity in calculating flow rates
  • Investigate advanced fluid simulation techniques using software tools
USEFUL FOR

Students in engineering or physics, fluid dynamics researchers, and professionals involved in chemical process simulations will benefit from this discussion.

pyroknife
Messages
611
Reaction score
4

Homework Statement


I'm running a simulation and was given 2 mass flow rates (let's say m1_dot and m2_dot) for 2 chemical species at the inlet.

Homework Equations


mass flow rate = density*velocity * area

The Attempt at a Solution


I need to compute the bulk velocity for the fluid (consisting of the 2 species), so it needs to be some mass-weighted average that I'm computing, but how can I do this when I don't know the mass fractions?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Please explain why you think you don't know the mass fractions.
 
Chestermiller said:
Please explain why you think you don't know the mass fractions.
Wait, can the mass fractions be determined from (m1_dot)/(m1_dot+m2_dot) and (m2_dot)/(m1_dot+m2_dot)?
FOr some reason, I didn't think that would work.
 
pyroknife said:
Wait, can the mass fractions be determined from (m1_dot)/(m1_dot+m2_dot) and (m2_dot)/(m1_dot+m2_dot)?
FOr some reason, I didn't think that would work.
Sure.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
11K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
6K