Momentum–depth relationship in a rectangular channel Momentum–depth relationship in a rectangular channel In classical physics, momentum is the product of mass and velocity and is a vector quantity, but in fluid mechanics it is treated as a longitudinal quantity (i.e. one dimension) evaluated in the direction of flow. Additionally, it is evaluated as momentum per unit time, corresponding to the product of mass flow rate and velocity, and therefore it has units of force. The momentum forces considered in open channel flow are dynamic force – dependent of depth and flow rate – and static force – dependent of depth – both affected by gravity. The
Mass flow rate These results are equivalent to the equation containing the dot product. Sometimes these equations are used to define the mass flow rate. Considering flow through porous media, a special quantity, superficial mass flow rate, can be introduced. It is related with superficial velocity, v, with the following relationship: The quantity can be used in particle Reynolds number or mass transfer coefficient calculation for fixed and fluidized bed systems. In the elementary form of the continuity equation for mass, in hydrodynamics: In elementary classical mechanics, mass flow rate is encountered when dealing with objects of variable mass, such as a rocket