I Interpretation of the Reynolds Transport Theorem?

AI Thread Summary
The Reynolds Transport Theorem (RTT) relates the time rate of change of an extensive property of a system to changes within a control volume and the flow across its boundaries. A key point of confusion arises when considering a moving fluid where the initial system may exit the control volume, leading to questions about the equation's applicability. The discussion clarifies that even if the fluid has left the control volume, the flux in and out still contributes to the overall change in the property being measured. The concept of a fixed control volume allows for analysis even after a fluid bolus passes through, indicating that the RTT remains valid. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for correctly applying the RTT in fluid mechanics.
EternusVia
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Background:
I am taking an undergraduate fluid mechanics class. I seem to have a misunderstanding with my interpretation of Reynolds Transport theorem (RTT), which I have written below:

$$\frac{DB_{sys}}{Dt} = \frac{\partial}{\partial t}\int_{CV}\rho bd V +\int_{CS}\rho b \vec{V}\cdot \vec{n}~A,$$

where B_sys is the extensive property B of a system, CV repesents the control volume, and CS represents the control volume surface. The value b is B/m, an intensive property.

If the fluid in question is not static, then we can consider the system to be moving. Let the control volume be static. My book says that the RTT is way of relating the time rate of change of an arbitrary extensive parameter, B, of the system (the left hand side) to the change of the property within the control volume and the amount of the property, B, that gets carried out/in across the surface of the control volume.

Here is my difficulty:
We have stated that the system is moving, because the flow is not static. So, at some point, the "system" of fluid that we initially considered will have completely left the boundaries of the control volume. How can the equation still make sense at that point? The change of the system is no longer related to the change of the control volume, because it is nowhere near the control volume.
 
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EternusVia said:
Here is my difficulty:
We have stated that the system is moving, because the flow is not static. So, at some point, the "system" of fluid that we initially considered will have completely left the boundaries of the control volume. How can the equation still make sense at that point? The change of the system is no longer related to the change of the control volume, because it is nowhere near the control volume.

I'm not entirely sure I understand your difficulty, but there would be flux in and out of the control volume (the second term of your equation). That said, let's say your system is a fixed control volume, through which a bolus of some solute passes through- surely you would be comfortable with D/Dt = 0 after that bolus has completely passed through the control volume.

But maybe I didn't understand your question...
 
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