Derivation of Continuity Equation in Cylindrical Coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the continuity equation in cylindrical coordinates, specifically focusing on the conservation of mass. Participants are examining the mathematical steps involved in this derivation, including the treatment of surface areas and flow rates.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant points out that the initial evaluation of the term [itex] \rho v_r[/itex] did not account for the changing surface area as the radial distance increases, suggesting that the term should include the factor of r.
  • Another participant expresses gratitude for identifying a fundamental oversight in their work regarding the surface area consideration.
  • A participant requests a corrected solution to the problem, indicating that they are also working on the same derivation.
  • There is a suggestion to adjust the outward mass flow rate expression to reflect the correct surface area at the radial distance, proposing a specific formulation for the terms involved.
  • One participant seeks clarification on whether a proposed equation for the mass transfer continuity equation is correct.
  • Another participant expresses a desire for the complete corrected derivation of the continuity equation.
  • A participant asks how to prove the continuity equation of mass transfer in cylindrical coordinates, indicating a need for further explanation or guidance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the correct formulation of the continuity equation, as multiple viewpoints and proposed corrections are presented. The discussion remains unresolved with competing approaches and interpretations of the derivation.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include potential missing assumptions regarding the definitions of terms used in the equations and unresolved mathematical steps in the derivation process.

jhuleea
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Help! I am stuck on the following derivation:

Use the conservation of mass to derive the corresponding continuity equation in cylindrical coordinates.


Please take a look at my work in the following attachments. Thanks! =)
 

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I think it's in the first attachment where you chose to evaluate only \rho v_r[/tex] between r and r+dr and not the entire term. You forgot here to include the r, which comes down to taking into account the changing radial velocity but not the change in surface area the fluid flows through.
 
da_willem,

Thank you thank you thank you! After picking over my work for about a week now, I can't believe I oversaw this rudimentary step!

Your help is greatly appreciated! =)
 
No problem, glad to be of help.
 
"the change in surface area the fluid flows through"

that's the one that had me puzzled for ages, too. once you see it though (or at least once it's pointed out) it seems so obvious.

so thanks from me too:biggrin:
 
Help

Hey, I'm doing the same problem and was wondering if you could possibly post the corrected solution to this problem asap.

Thanks,

James
 
in the outward mass flow rate expression posted above, the r-plane surface area expands moving outwards, so the 1st term should be (r+dr) dtheta dz (rho vr)...etc.

fix that, then combine flow rates and divide by dV = dr dz dtheta and you're A for away
 
just want to be sure, should it be like this below?

dV\frac{d\rho}{dt}=dV\frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t}+d\theta dz{[r \rho u_{r}]}\right|^{r+}_{r-}+dr dz{[\rho u_{\theta}]\right|^{\theta +}_{\theta -}}+rd\theta dr {[\rho u_{z}]\right|^{z+}_{z-}}
 
Can i get the whole of the corrected derivation please .
 
  • #10
i went to know how i can prove the continuity equation of mass transfer in cylindrical coordinates
 

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