Conservation of linear momentum in RH relations

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    Fluid dynamics Shock wave
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation and interpretation of the Rankine-Hugoniot equations, particularly focusing on the conservation of linear momentum as described in a paper by Peter Krehl. Participants explore the relationship between kinematic and thermodynamic properties during shock transitions in materials, examining specific equations and their implications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the conservation of momentum is represented in the Rankine-Hugoniot equations, particularly regarding the presence of squared velocity and the addition of pressure.
  • Another participant suggests that the term ΔP represents a force that changes momentum, while ρu² indicates the momentum flowing into or out of a defined volume.
  • There is a discussion about the interpretation of mass and momentum in the context of the equations, with some participants clarifying their understanding of the terms used.
  • One participant introduces the concept of particle kinetic energy being related to absolute temperature, linking it to the speed of sound, but another questions its relevance to the momentum conservation discussion.
  • A later reply indicates that the equation holds in a specific reference frame where the shock velocity is zero, suggesting a potential discrepancy between the visual representation and the equation itself.
  • Participants note that there are several versions of the equation, and the applicability may vary depending on the context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the Rankine-Hugoniot equations and their components, leading to an unresolved discussion regarding the conservation of momentum and the implications of different terms used in the equations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions of terms such as mass and momentum, as well as the conditions under which the equations apply. The discussion reflects differing perspectives on the interpretation of the equations and their physical significance.

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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