Reynolds Transport Theorem Derivation Sign Enquiry

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Reynolds Transport Theorem, specifically focusing on the signs associated with control surfaces in its derivation. Participants seek clarification on the negative sign for control surface 1 and the positive signs in the final form of the theorem, exploring the relationship between the area vector direction and system velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the origin of the negative sign for control surface 1, suggesting a need for visualization to understand the directionality of the area vector compared to the system velocity.
  • Another participant explains that the area vector ##\vec{dA}## is defined as a scalar multiplied by an outwardly directed unit vector from the control volume.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about why control surface 1 is negative while control surface 3 is positive, with participants expressing confusion over how to determine the direction of the area vector relative to the system velocity.
  • Participants discuss that the dot product of the outwardly directed unit vector with the velocity vector can yield positive or negative results depending on whether the flow is entering or leaving the control volume.
  • One participant expresses confusion about how control surface 1 can be negative initially but positive in the final form of the theorem, indicating a lack of clarity on the transition between these states.
  • Another participant emphasizes that in regions where fluid flow enters the control volume, the dot product results in a negative value due to the inward direction of the velocity vector.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty and confusion regarding the signs associated with control surfaces, with no consensus reached on the reasons behind the sign changes or the criteria for determining directionality.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference figures to illustrate their points, but there is a noted lack of clarity in understanding these visual aids. The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions and the interpretation of vector directions, which remains unresolved.

williamcarter
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Hi,

Our lecturer explained us the Reynold Transport theorem, its derivation , but I don't get where the - sign in control surface 1 comes from? He said that the Area goes in opposite direction compared with this system.
I can't visualise this on our picture.

Can you please help me understand why we have the negative sign on the control surface 1 and at the end of the theorem we have +ve everywhere?
The pictures are attached below
Capture.PNG

Fig1-Illustrates the - sign enquiry with regards to control surface 1. Why is it - here? and not +

Capture2.PNG

Fig2-Illustrates the final form of the Reynolds Transport theorem where all signs are +, why?How to know when the Area is in same direction as the system velocity ? and how to know when the Area goes opposite direction with regards to the system velocity?

Thank you in advance.
 
Last edited:
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##\vec{dA}## is defined as the scalar dA multiplied by an outwardly directed unit vector from the control volume.
 
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Chestermiller said:
##\vec{dA}## is defined as the scalar dA multiplied by an outwardly directed unit vector from the control volume.
Alright, thank you but why in control surface 1 is -ve and in control surface 3 is + ve? How can we sense that?

How to know when is in same direction as the system velocity and when is opposite?

Thanks
 
Last edited:
williamcarter said:
Alright, thank you but why in control surface 1 is -ve and in control surface 3 is + ve? How can we sense that?

How to know when is in same direction as the system velocity and when is opposite?

Thanks
The dot product of the outwardly directed unit vector with the velocity vector is either positive or negative. If flow is entering, then it comes out negative; if flow is leaving, then it comes out positive.
 
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Chestermiller said:
The dot product of the outwardly directed unit vector with the velocity vector is either positive or negative. If flow is entering, then it comes out negative; if flow is leaving, then it comes out positive.
Thank you, how come it ends up as positive(control surface1) in figure/picture 2? Because initially control surface 1 was negative but in picture 2 in final form of Reynold Transport Theorem ends up as +ve
 
williamcarter said:
Thank you, how come it ends up as positive(control surface1) in figure/picture 2? Because initially control surface 1 was negative but in picture 2 in final form of Reynold Transport Theorem ends up as +ve
I don't understand the figures too well. Just remember what I said, and you will be OK.
 
Chestermiller said:
The dot product of the outwardly directed unit vector with the velocity vector is either positive or negative. If flow is entering, then it comes out negative; if flow is leaving, then it comes out positive.
Alright, but why? In both cases the outwardly directed unit vector with the velocity vector are parallel. What makes it positive or negative?
 
williamcarter said:
Alright, but why? In both cases the outwardly directed unit vector with the velocity vector are parallel. What makes it positive or negative?
in a region where fluid flow is entering the control volume, the unit outwardly directed normal dotted with the (inwardly directed) velocity vector is negative.
 

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