- The continuity equation is a mathematical expression for the law of conservation of mass.
- The equation of continuity is useful for calculating the velocity of a fluid flowing through pipes of different diameters.
It states that for a steady flow system, the rate of mass entering the flow system is equal to that leaving as accumulation is either constant or nil in the flow system under steady conditions
- Rate of mass entering the flow system = ρ1 u1 A1
- Rate of mass entering the flow system = ρ2 u2 A2
- According to the law of conservation of mass
Mass entering the tube = Mass leaving the tube
per unit time per unit time
- This is the equation of continuity.
- It is applicable to compressible as well as incompressible fluids.
- when ρ1 = ρ2
