Conservation of linear momentum in RH relations

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the derivation of the Rankine-Hugoniot (RH) equations as presented in Peter Krehl's paper, specifically focusing on the conservation of linear momentum in shock wave physics. The equation discussed relates pressure (P), density (ρ), and particle velocity (u) in Lagrangian coordinates, raising questions about the inclusion of squared velocity and the role of pressure. The participants clarify that the equation holds in a reference frame where shock velocity is zero and that different versions of the equation apply based on specific applications in shock wave analysis.

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GeologistInDisguise
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TL;DR
How is the pictured equation a conservation of momentum equation and what does pressure have to do with it?
I am trying to follow a derivation of the Rankine-Hugoniot equations in a paper by Peter Krehl titled:

The classical Rankine-Hugoniot jump conditions, an important cornerstone of modern shock wave physics: ideal assumptions vs. reality
1699572663390.png

This paper talks about the RH equations which relate kinematic properties to thermodynamic ones when a shock is transiting a material. See photo above for an illustration. In section 2.2.2 when discussing this relation in terms of Lagrangian coordinates, equation 4a is introduced and described as conservation of linear momentum:

1699571651118.png


Where P is pressure, rho is density, u is particle velocity, 0 indicates downstream or preshock and 1 indicates upstream or post shock.

While the units do make sense, how is this conservation of momentum? if momentum is m*v, I suppose you could divide by volume to replace mass with density, but then why is velocity squared? And why is pressure being added?

I understand pressure is force/area and also that force is the change in momentum with time. I am guessing this has something to do with it but I am not getting anything that would give me a squared velocity. Obviously if I integrate my mass normalized momentum equation with respect to time, that would give me a velocity squared. But why would I do that?
 
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ΔP is a force which changes momentum
ρu2 is the amount of momentum that is flowing into/out of the box (think m=ρuAΔt)
the AΔt is also attached to the pressures, so it cancels out
 
Frabjous said:
ΔP is a force which changes momentum
ρu2 is the amount of momentum that is flowing into/out of the box (think m=ρuAΔt)
the AΔt is also attached to the pressures, so it cancels out
I think that makes sense, but why then is velocity squared?
 
GeologistInDisguise said:
I think that makes sense, but why then is velocity squared?
The “mass” has a velocity in it. You then have to multiply it by velocity to get momentum.
 
Frabjous said:
The “mass” has a velocity in it. You then have to multiply it by velocity to get momentum.
Oh, in your previous comment was m mass or momentum? I assumed you meant it was momentum since we were using P for pressure already but I think this makes more sense if you did actually mean mass.
 
Particle KE = ½·m·v² ≈ absolute temperature.
(speed of sound)² ≈ Tabs
The speed of sound is a direct function of √Tabs only.
Temperature is an indirect function of pressure.
 
Baluncore said:
Particle KE = ½·m·v² ≈ absolute temperature.
(speed of sound)² ≈ Tabs
The speed of sound is a direct function of √Tabs only.
Temperature is an indirect function of pressure.
This is an interesting point but I am not seeing how it is relevant to the question posted about conservation of momentum?
 
GeologistInDisguise said:
Oh, in your previous comment was m mass or momentum? I assumed you meant it was momentum since we were using P for pressure already but I think this makes more sense if you did actually mean mass.
I meant mass.
The equation holds in the reference frame where the shock velocity is zero. So there is a discrepancy between the picture and the equation. I believe the picture should have Us=0.
There are several versions of the equation. Which one is useful depends on the application.
 
Last edited:

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