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Tutorial Potential Flow

This document provides a tutorial on potential flow concepts including: - The definitions of velocity potential and stream function for describing fluid flow fields - Examples of determining stream functions and velocity potentials given flow field expressions - Conditions for when stream functions and velocity potentials can be defined - Derivations of the continuity equation for compressible and incompressible flow - Examples of applying concepts like stream functions to analyze fully developed channel flows

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Afrina dania
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
97 views

Tutorial Potential Flow

This document provides a tutorial on potential flow concepts including: - The definitions of velocity potential and stream function for describing fluid flow fields - Examples of determining stream functions and velocity potentials given flow field expressions - Conditions for when stream functions and velocity potentials can be defined - Derivations of the continuity equation for compressible and incompressible flow - Examples of applying concepts like stream functions to analyze fully developed channel flows

Uploaded by

Afrina dania
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TUTORIAL

POTENTIAL FLOW

1. Define and explain briefly the following:


a. velocity potential,  (x,y)
b. stream function,  (x,y)

2. The expression for stream function is described by  = x3 – 3 xy2 ,


a. show that the flow is irrotational;
b. formulate the expression for the velocity potential,  for this flow field.

3. For each statement, choose whether the statement is TRUE or FALSE, and discuss your
answer briefly
a. The velocity potential function can be defined for three dimensional flow
b. The vorticity must be zero in order for the stream function to be defined
c. The vorticity must be zero in order for the velocity potential function to be
defined
d. The stream function can be defined only for two-dimensional flow fields
e. The stream function can be defined if the continuity equation is satisfied

4. Derive the three-dimensional (3-D) momentum equation using an infinitesimal small


fluid element of side lengths dx, dy and dz for a viscous flow region. Apply forces in the
x-direction only.

5. If a flow field is compressible, what can we say about the material derivative of density?
What about if the flow field is incompressible?

6. Consider the steady, two-dimensional velocity field given by


⃗ = (1.3 + 2.8x)i + (1.5-2.8y)j.
V
Verify that this flow field is incompressible.

7. A flow has a potential function given by  = A(x3 – 3xy2) where A is a constant. Derive
the corresponding stream function.

8. Consider two-dimensional flow in the xy-plane. With an aided of appropriate illustration,


what is the significance of the difference in value of stream function  from one
streamline to another?

9. Explain briefly the following terms:


a. Substantial derivative.
b. Local derivative.
c. Convective derivative.
10. Continuity equation for a control volume can be defined as any change of mass within the
control volume is equal to the net gain of mass flowing into the volume through the
control surface. Based on this definition, show that the continuity equation for
compressible flow is
/t + u/x + v/y + w/z = 0

11. Based on answer from question 10, derive a continuity equation for incompressible flow.

12. Consider fully developed, two-dimensional channel flow, flow between two infinite
parallel plates separated by distance h, with both top plate and bottom plate stationary,
and a forced pressure gradient dP/dx (dP/dx is constant and negative) driving the flow as
illustrated in figure below. The flow is steady, incompressible, and two-dimensional in
the xy-plane. The velocity components are given by 𝑢 = (1⁄2𝜇 )(𝑑𝑃⁄𝑑𝑥)(𝑦 2 − ℎ𝑦) and
v = 0, where µ is the fluid’s viscosity.
a. Generate an expression for stream function ψ along the vertical dashed line shown
in figure below; and
b. Determine the value of ψ along the top wall? For convenience, let ψ = 0 along the
bottom wall of the channel.

13. Discuss the significance of the difference in value of stream function from one streamline
to another.

14. Consider fully develop flow between two infinite parallel plates separated by distance h
with top plate moving and the bottom plate stationary as shown in figure below. The
⃗⃗⃗ = (Vy/h)i + 0j.
velocity field is given by 𝑉
a. Generate an expression for stream function 
b. What is the value of  along the top wall

15. The velocity components in a steady, incompressible, 2 dimensional flow field is given
by ⃗⃗⃗
𝑉 = Ai + 0j.
a. Determine the corresponding stream function,  and velocity function, 
b. If A = 1 m/s, plot a graph of streamlines and equipotential lines for -3 ≤ x ≤ 3 and
-3 ≤ y ≤ 3.
16. The velocity components in a steady, incompressible, 2 dimensional flow field is given
⃗⃗⃗ = Ui + 0j.
by 𝑉
a. Determine the corresponding stream function,  and velocity function, .
b. If U = 1 m/s, determine the value of  at y = 0.1 m and the value of  at x = 0.1m
c. If 2 is a horizontal line at y = 0.5 m and the value of  along the x-axis is zero,
calculate the volume flow rate per unit width between these two streamlines when
U = 5 m/s.

17. Define briefly the following terms.


a. Streamline
b. Equipotential line
c. Irrotational flow

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