FLUID DYNAMICS AND TURBOMACHINES

WEEK 1 : Assignment

Illustrates the representation of flow field

Q1. Identify the flow field expressed as ῡ = ( (x + z) / t) î + (z - y) ĵ, where x, y and z are the
coordinates and t is the time as steady or unsteady and its dimension.
a) Steady and 2 D
b) Unsteady and 2 D
c) Steady and 3 D
d) Unsteady and 3 D
SOLUTION – (d)
As the x- component of velocity depend on the time it is Unsteady.
The x and y component of velocity depend on x, y and z direction so it is 3D.

Illustrates the calculation of shear stress from a velocity profile

Q2. Figure 2 shows a liquid flowing down an inclined plane. This may represent a number of
physical situations, one being the flow of gasoline down the walls of an engine manifold.
Assuming the liquid is Newtonian fluid, find the shear stress at the fluid-solid interface (y=0), at
y = Y/2 and at the “free surface” (y = Y). The velocity profile is given as
𝑦 𝑦 2
𝑢(𝑦) = 𝑈 [2 (𝑌) − (𝑌) ],

where U is a constant and Y is the thickness of the liquid layer.

Figure - 2
The shear stress at the fluid-solid interface (y=0), at y = Y/2 and at the “free surface” (y = Y) are
respectively
𝝁𝑼 𝟐𝝁𝑼
a) 𝟎 , ,
𝒀 𝒀
𝟐𝝁𝑼 𝝁𝑼
b) , ,𝟎
𝒀 𝒀
𝝁𝑼 𝝁𝑼
c) 𝟎 , 𝟐𝒀 , 𝒀
𝝁𝑼 𝝁𝑼
d) , 𝟐𝒀 , 𝟎
𝒀

SOLUTION – (b)
GIVEN
Velocity profile of a Newtonian fluid :
𝑦 𝑦 2
𝑢(𝑦) = 𝑈 [2 (𝑌) − (𝑌) ] where U and Y are constants.

FIND
The shear stress at y=0, Y/2 and Y
SOLUTION
𝑑𝑢
For a Newtonian fluid 𝜏 = 𝜇 𝑑𝑦 , where μ is the liquid dynamic viscosity.

𝑑𝑢 𝑑 𝑦 𝑦 2 𝜇𝑈 𝑦
𝜏= 𝜇 = 𝜇 (𝑈 [2 ( ) − ( ) ]) = [2 − 2 ( )]
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑌 𝑌 𝑌 𝑌
The shear stresses at the various y-locations are

𝟐𝝁𝑼
𝜏|𝑦=0 =
𝒀
𝝁𝑼
𝜏|𝑦=𝑌/2 =
𝒀
𝜏|𝑦=𝑌 = 𝟎

DISCUSSION
The zero shear stress at the “free surface” is a common boundary condition for many type of
liquid-air interface, as the air above the liquid exerts a negligible force on the liquid.
Illustrates a common assumption for the velocity profile in small clearances and the
development of a “working formula”
Q3. A concentric cylinder viscometer is a device used to measure the absolute viscosity of
fluids. Figure 3 illustrates the construction of device. The fluid is contained between a fixed
outer cylinder and an inner cylinder that is free to rotate. The application of torque T causes
the inner cylinder to rotate at a constant speed ω. The viscometer has height H, and the
width of the gap h is quite small compared to either the radius R1 or R2. Because of small
gap, the fluid velocity V in the tangential direction may be assumed to vary linearly across
the gap. If the fluid is a Newtonian fluid with constant viscosity μ, develop a formula for the
viscosity μ in terms of the torque T, speed ω, and the geometric parameters of the viscometer.

T, ω

T, ω

R1 H

Figure - 3

Neglecting the effect of bottom surface, the expression for viscosity is given by
𝑻.𝒉
a) 𝜇 =
𝟐𝝅𝑹𝟏 𝟑 𝑯𝝎
𝑻.𝒉𝟐
b) 𝜇 =
𝟐𝝅𝑹𝟏 𝟒 𝑯𝝎
𝑻.𝒉
c) 𝜇 =
𝟐𝝅𝑹𝟏 𝟑 𝑯𝝎𝟑
𝑻.𝒉𝟐
d) 𝜇 =
𝟐𝝅𝑹𝟏 𝟒 𝑯𝝎𝟑
SOLUTION – (a)
GIVEN
Geometric parameters of concentric viscometer.
FIND
Relation between μ to the applied torque T and rotational speed ω.
SOLUTION
𝑑𝑢
From Newton’s law of viscosity, = 𝜇 𝑑𝑦 , so 𝜇 = 𝜏 𝑑𝑢
⁄
𝑑𝑦

𝑑𝑢
Now we shall express τ and in terms of torque T and speed ω and other known
𝑑𝑦
quantities.
Since the velocity of fluid varies linearly in the gap h.
𝑑𝑢 𝑉1 𝑅1 𝜔
= =
𝑑𝑦 ℎ ℎ
Bottom surface is not
𝐹1 𝑇 considered
𝜏)𝑦=ℎ = =
2𝜋𝑅1 𝐻 2𝜋𝑅1 2 𝐻
𝑇 𝑅1 𝜔 𝑻.𝒉
𝜇 = 𝜏 𝑑𝑢 = ( 2 ) ⁄( )=
⁄ 2𝜋𝑅1 𝐻 ℎ 𝟐𝝅𝑹𝟏 𝟑 𝑯𝝎
𝑑𝑦

DISCUSSION
This is valid for (i) Newtonian Fluid,
(ii) Constant viscosity,
(iii) Constant speed,
(iv) Small gap (h << R1),
(v) Since we neglected the bottom torque, which is applicable only if H >> R1.

Illustrates consistency of units

Q4. i) Bernoulli’s equation for an ideal fluid flowing through a nozzle is
𝑝 𝑉2
+ + 𝑔𝑧 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡.
𝜌 2

In the International System of Units (SI), the description and units of each term are
 p = Pressure, N/m2 (lb/ft2)
ρ = Density, kg/m3 (lbm/ft3)
V = Velocity, m/s (ft/sec)
g = Local acceleration of gravity, m/s2 (ft/sec2)
z = Elevation above some datum, m (ft)
What is the unit of the constant?

ii) The air drag (D) on a baseball thrown by a pitcher at a speed V in still air is given by
D = CD ρ S V2 /2,
where,
CD = Dimensionless drag coefficient,
ρ = Air density,
S = Projected area of the ball
Find the unit of drag.
a) N.m/kg , N.m
b) N /m2 , N
c) m/s , kg /m
d) N.m/kg , N
SOLUTION – (d)
a) Given,
𝑝 𝑉2
+ + 𝑔𝑧 = 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝜌 2
With units of
𝑁⁄𝑚2 𝑚 2
𝑆𝐼: + ( ) + (𝑚⁄𝑠 2 ). (𝑚)
𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚3 𝑠

To get Bernoulli’s equation with unit of force in the numerator and units of mass in the
denominator by dividing the velocity and elevation by m.kg/N.s2. So the unit of constant
are N.m/kg in SI.
b) Given the air drag (D) on a ball
D = CD ρ S V2 /2,
 Where the terms have the following dimensions,
Drag coefficient, CD = Dimensionless
Air density, ρ = kg/m3
Projected area of the ball, S = m2
Velocity of ball, V = m/s
Air Drag, D = (Dimensionless) . (kg/m3).( m2).( m/s)2 = kg.m/s2 = Newton

Illustrates validity of continuum assumption

Q5) An engineer is using a pump to achieve very low pressure levels in an air tank and wants
to check if the continuum assumption is valid at the pump inlet. The air in the tank is at 10°C
and 1723 Pa. The inlet valve to the pump is 1” (inch) in diameter and opens a maximum of
1/8”. The mean free path λ for gas molecules is given by
𝑚
𝜆=
√2𝜋𝑑 2 𝜌
Where, for air
m = Mass of an air molecule = 4.8 x 10-26 kg
d = Diameter of an air molecule = 3.7 x 10-10 m
ρ = Mass density of air.
Which one amongst the following is justified in this situation?
a) Flow is in continuum regime with no-slip
b) Flow is in slightly rarefied regime with slip
c) Flow is in moderately rarefied regime (Transition)
d) Flow is in highly rarefied regime (Free molecules)

SOLUTION – (b)
GIVEN
Temperature of air in tank, T = 10°C.
Pressure of air in tank, p = 1723 Pa = 1723 N/m2.
Minimum dimension of valve, L = 1/8 in = (1/8 * 0.0254) m = 0.003175m.
Mass of an air molecule, m = 4.8 x 10-26 kg.
Diameter of an air molecule, d = 3.7 x 10-10 m.
FIND
Whether continuum assumption is justified.
SOLUTION
Since the pressures are low, air can be assumed ideal.
𝑝 1723 𝑁/𝑚2
Mass density of air, ρ = 𝑅 𝑇 = 𝑁.𝑚 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟏 𝒌𝒈/𝒎𝟑
(287 )(273+10 𝐾)
𝑘𝑔.𝐾

𝑚 4.8×10−26 𝑘𝑔
The mean free path, 𝜆 = 2𝜌
= = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟑𝟕𝟓𝟕𝒎
√2𝜋𝑑 √2𝜋(3.7×10−10 𝑚)2 (0.021 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 )

The continuum assumption is valid if the smallest dimension of the physical problem is at
least 1000 times the mean free path λ = 0.0003757m.
Knudsen No, Kn = λ/L = 0.000003757/0.003175 = 0.00118.
Here, the continuum assumption is not valid as the Kn > 0.001. Flow is in slightly
rarefied regime with slip.

DISCUSSIONS
In electronic chips the heat exchangers passages can be of order of 100micrometer, in this
situation the continuum approximation based laws are not applicable.

Illustrate validity of incompressible flow assumption

Q6) The aerodynamic wing used on race cars is designed to give a maximum “down thrust“
and a minimum drag. If a race car travels at a speed up to 321km/h and in temperature up to
43°C, would you be justified in assuming the air flow was incompressible?
a) Flow is incompressible
b) Flow is compressible
SOLUTION – (a)
GIVEN
Speed of car, V = 321.86 km/h = 89.5 m/s.
Temperature, T = 43.33°C = 316.33K.
FIND
Whether incompressible flow assumption is justified
SOLUTION
 For Air,
Ratio of specific heat, γ = 1.4
Velocity of flow, v = speed of car = 89.5 m/s Gas constant, R = 287 N.m/kg.K
Speed of sound in the medium, a = √𝛾𝑅𝑇 = √1.4 × 287 × 316.33 = 356.51 𝑚/𝑠
Mach Number, M = v /a = 89.5 / 356.51 = 0.25.
Up to, Mach no. of 0.3 incompressible assumption can be used with error < 5%.

Illustrates stree-strain rate behaviour for different types of fluid

Q7) For most common class of fluids, the shear stress can be related to strain rate by
𝑑𝑢 𝑛
𝜏∝ ( )
𝑑𝑦
What is the value of “n” for shear-thickening (Dilatant), Newtonian, and shear-thinning (or
pseudoplastic).
a) n > 1 , n = 1 , and n < 1
b) n <1 , n = 1 , and n >1
c) n > 1 , n = 0 , and n < 1
d) n > 2 , n = 2 , and n < 2

SOLUTION –(a)
BINGHAM PLASTIC – They do not begin to flow until a finite stress has been applied.
SHEAR-THICKENING (DILATANT) - Their resistant to flow increases with increase in
strain rate.
NEWTONIAN – They follow the Newton’s linear law for viscosity ie. Shear stress is
proportional to shear strain rate.
SHEAR-THINNING (OR PSEUDOPLASTIC) - Their resistant to flow decreases with
increase in strain rate [It all comes out of the bottle at once!].
Some examples are,
Paint is a shear-thinning fluid, as it is thick when poured, but has to be thin when brushed
at a high strain rate.
Toothpaste is a plastic as it doesn’t begin to flow until a finite stress has been applied.
Illustrates difference between streamlines, streaklines, and pathlines
Q8) The figure 4 shows the superposition of paths followed by liquid jet flowing out of a
punctured tank at different instants of time.

First instant

Last instant
Figure - 4

Identify the representation of the streamline, path-line (of a particle originated from hole in
tank), and streakline (of the particles that passed through the hole in the tank during the time
period from the first instant to the last) at the last instant.

(A)
(B)

Velocity vector at
Last Instant
 (C)

a) A-streamline, B-path-line, and C-streakline

b) A-streamline, B- streakline, and C- path-line
c) A- streakline, B- path-line, and C- streamline

SOLUTION – (b)
A streamline is an imaginary line tangent to the fluid velocity vector. The velocity vectors for
A the instant of the last position are shown as arrows, the streamline at this instant is coincident
with the water stream at the instant of last position.

Streamline

Velocity vector at
Last Instant

The pathline is a curve marked out by the trajectory of a particular fluid particle as it moves
through the flow field. The pathline must be developed or mapped out during a certain period
of time and we must consider the path followed by a particular particle. Consider the particle

Pathline
Position of
A in first
instant

Position of
A in last
instant
identified as A at the last instant. We cannot precisely identify A’s path after leaving the
tank, but we can give a representative of how A got from the hole in the tank to the location
shown in the sketch.

A streakline represents the locus of all the particles that passed through a particular point
during a particular time period. Considering the particular point as the hole in the tank and
the particular time period as the time from the first instant to the last. We cannot precisely
identify the exact streakline, but we can give a reasonable representation of it.

Streakline at last instant

for the time period from
first to the last

A timeline is a line of fluid particles that have been marked at a particular instant of time.
Timelines are usually marked such that they are (initially) perpendicular to the direction of
flow. For uniform flow the timeline will remain perpendicular to the direction of flow. Here
the timelines could be wrinkled.
Flow visualization videos by National Council for Fluid Mechanics [NCFM] can be referred
for better insight of the topic.[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuQyKGuXJOs ]

Illustrates Flow field description using Eulerian and Lagrangian approach

Q9) In a one-dimensional flow field, the velocity at a point may be given in the Eulerian
system by u = x+t. Determine the displacement of a fluid particle as a function of time. The
initial position is x0 at a time t0.
a) x = (x0 + t0 + 1)e(t-t0) - t2 – 1
b) x = (x0 + 1)e(t-t0) - t – 1
c) x = (x0 + t0 + 1)e(t-t0) - t – 1
d) x = (x0 + t0 + 1)e(t-t0) - t
SOLUTION – (c)
GIVEN
One-Dimensional flow with field defined by u = x + t
FIND
Equation for path x followed by particle.

SOLUTION
Since u = dx/dt
Flow equation, u = x + t can be written as dx/dt = x + t.
Solving the above first order ordinary differential equation.
dx/dt - x = t
(D – 1)x = t, where operator D = d/dt
Solution is x = Aet - t – 1
The constant A is found from initial conditions, x0 = Aet0 - t0 – 1,
Hence A = (x0 + t0 + 1)/ et0
Substituting for A gives,
The Lagrangian representation of fluid particle having the identity (x0 ,t0)
x = (x0 + t0 + 1)e(t-t0) - t – 1.

Illustrates Flow field description using Eulerian and Lagrangian approach

Q10) The particle positions in a two-dimensional flow is given as below
x = x0 e-kt + y0 (1-e-2kt) and y = y0 ekt
i) Find the equation of the trajectory of a fluid particle in the flow field.
ii) Find the flow velocity components in the Eulerian system.
a) (i) x = x0 (y0/ y) + y0 (1-(y0/ y)2)
(𝐢𝐢)𝒖 = −𝒌𝒙 + 𝒌𝒚(𝒆−𝒌𝒕 + 𝒆−𝟑𝒌𝒕 ) 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗 = 𝒌𝒚

b) (i) x = y0 (y0/ y) + x0 (1-(y0/ y)2)

(𝐢𝐢)𝒖 = −𝒌𝒙 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗 = 𝒌𝒚
c) (i) x = (x0 / y) + (y0/ y)
(𝐢𝐢)𝒖 = −𝒌𝒙 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗 = 𝒌𝒚
d) (i) x = (x0 / x) + (y0/ y)
 (𝐢𝐢)𝒖 = −𝒌𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒗 = 𝒌𝒙

SOLUTION – (a)
GIVEN
Two-Dimensional flow with field defined by x = x0 e-kt + y0 (1-e-2kt) and y = y0 ekt
FIND
a) Particle trajectory
b) Velocity field
SOLUTION
i) Trajectory of fluid particle in the flow field is found by eliminating t from the
equations describing its motion.
y = y0 ekt gives » ekt = y/ y0 ,substituting in equation of x
Gives, x = x0 (y0/ y) + y0 (1-(y0/ y)2)
This gives the particle trajectory
ii) x component of velocity, u = dx/dt
𝑑
= 𝑑𝑡 [ 𝑥0 𝑒 −𝑘𝑡 + 𝑦0 (1 − 𝑒 −2𝑘𝑡 )]

= −𝑘𝑥0 𝑒 −𝑘𝑡 + 2𝑘𝑦0 𝑒 −2𝑘𝑡 Eliminating x0 and y0

= −𝑘[𝑥 − 𝑦0 (1 + 𝑒 −2𝑘𝑡 )] + 2𝑘𝑦0 𝑒 −2𝑘𝑡

= −𝑘𝑥 + 𝑘𝑦0 (1 + 𝑒 −2𝑘𝑡 )

= −𝒌𝒙 + 𝒌𝒚(𝒆−𝒌𝒕 + 𝒆−𝟑𝒌𝒕 )

𝑑𝑦 𝑑
y component of velocity, 𝑣= = 𝑑𝑡 [ 𝑦0 𝑒 𝑘𝑡 ] = 𝑦0 𝑘𝑒 𝑘𝑡 = 𝒌𝒚
𝑑𝑡

The velocity field is given by 𝒖 = −𝒌𝒙 + 𝒌𝒚(𝒆−𝒌𝒕 + 𝒆−𝟑𝒌𝒕 ) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝒗 = 𝒌𝒚