4.3 Analyzing Control Volumes at Steady State 133
4.3.2 Modeling Control Volumes at Steady State
In this section, we provide the basis for subsequent applications by considering the modeling
of control volumes at steady state. In particular, several examples are given in Sec. 4.3.3 show-
ing the use of the principles of conservation of mass and energy, together with relationships
among properties for the analysis of control volumes at steady state. The examples are drawn
from applications of general interest to engineers and are chosen to illustrate points common
to all such analyses. Before studying them, it is recommended that you review the methodol-
ogy for problem solving outlined in Sec. 1.7.3. As problems become more complicated, the
use of a systematic problem-solving approach becomes increasingly important.
When the mass and energy rate balances are applied to a control volume, simplifications
are normally needed to make the analysis manageable. That is, the control volume of inter-
est is modeled by making assumptions. The careful and conscious step of listing assump-
tions is necessary in every engineering analysis. Therefore, an important part of this section
is devoted to considering various assumptions that are commonly made when applying the
conservation principles to different types of devices. As you study the examples presented in
Sec. 4.3.3, it is important to recognize the role played by careful assumption making in ar-
riving at solutions. In each case considered, steady-state operation is assumed. The flow is
regarded as one-dimensional at places where mass enters and exits the control volume. Also,
at each of these locations equilibrium property relations are assumed to apply.
In several of the examples to follow, the heat transfer term is set to zero in the energy
rate balance because it is small relative to other energy transfers across the boundary. This
may be the result of one or more of the following factors:
The outer surface of the control volume is well insulated.
The outer surface area is too small for there to be effective heat transfer.
The temperature difference between the control volume and its surroundings is so small
that the heat transfer can be ignored.
The gas or liquid passes through the control volume so quickly that there is not enough
time for significant heat transfer to occur.
The work term drops out of the energy rate balance when there are no rotating shafts, dis-
placements of the boundary, electrical effects, or other work mechanisms associated with the
control volume being considered. The kinetic and potential energies of the matter entering and
exiting the control volume are neglected when they are small relative to other energy transfers.
In practice, the properties of control volumes considered to be at steady state do vary with
time. The steady-state assumption would still apply, however, when properties fluctuate only
slightly about their averages, as for pressure in Fig. 4.5a. Steady state also might be assumed
in cases where periodic time variations are observed, as in Fig. 4.5b. For example, in
W
#
cv
Q
#
cv
t
p
ave
(a)
t
p
p
ave
(b)
Figure 4.5 Pressure variations about an average. (a) Fluctuation. (b) Periodic.