NTU ESOE 2006 – Fluid Mechanics – 2023 Fall – Homework#4

SOLUTIONS

1. Consider the following steady, two-dimensional velocity field:

⃗ = (𝑢, 𝑣) = (0.66 + 2.1𝑥)𝑖̂ + (−2.7 − 2.1𝑦)𝑗̂
𝑉
Is there a stagnation point in this flow field? If so, where is it?

Solution For a given velocity field we are to find out if there is a stagnation point. If so,
we are to calculate its location.
Assumptions
1 The flow is steady.
2 The flow is two-dimensional in the x-y plane.
Analysis The velocity field is
𝑉⃗ = (𝑢, 𝑣) = (0.66 + 2.1𝑥)𝑖̂ + (−2.7 − 2.1𝑦)𝑗̂ (1)

At a stagnation point, both u and v must equal zero. At any point (x,y) in the flow field,
the velocity components u and v are obtained from Eq. 1,
Velocity components:
𝑢 = 0.66 + 2.1𝑥 𝑣 = −2.7 − 2.1𝑦 (2)
Stagnation point:
0 = 0.66 + 2.1𝑥 𝑥 = −0.314 (3)
0 = −2.7 − 2.1𝑦 𝑦 = −1.29
So, yes there is a stagnation point; its location is x = -0.314, y = -1.29 (to 3 digits).
Discussion If the flow were three-dimensional, we would have to set w = 0 as well to
determine the location of the stagnation point. In some flow fields there is more than one
stagnation point.

2. What is the Eulerian description of fluid motion? How does it differ from the Lagrangian
description?

Solution We are to define the Eulerian description of fluid motion, and explain how it
differs from the Lagrangian description.
Analysis In the Eulerian description of fluid motion, we are concerned with field
variables, such as velocity, pressure, temperature, etc., as functions of space and
time within a flow domain or control volume. In contrast to the Lagrangian method,
fluid flows into and out of the Eulerian flow domain, and we do not keep track of the
motion of particular identifiable fluid particles.
Discussion The Eulerian method of studying fluid motion is not as “natural” as the
Lagrangian method since the fundamental conservation laws apply to moving particles,
not to fields.

3. A stationary probe is placed in a fluid flow and measures pressure and temperature as
functions of time at one location in the flow. Is this a Lagrangian or an Eulerian
measurement? Explain.
 Analysis Since the probe is fixed in space and the fluid flows around it, we are not
following individual fluid particles as they move. Instead, we are measuring a field
variable at a particular location in space. Thus, this is an Eulerian measurement.
Discussion If a neutrally buoyant probe were to move with the flow, its results would be
Lagrangian measurements –following fluid particles.

4. A tiny neutrally buoyant electronic pressure probe is released into the inlet pipe of a
water pump and transmits 2000 pressure readings per second as it passes through the
pump. Is this a Lagrangian or an Eulerian measurement? Explain.

Analysis Since the probe moves with the flow and is neutrally buoyant, we are following
individual fluid particles as they move through the pump. Thus, this is a Lagrangian
measurement.
Discussion If the probe were instead fixed at one location in the flow, its results would
be Eulerian measurements.

5. A Pitot-static probe can often be seen protruding from the underside of an airplane. As
the airplane flies, the probe measures relative wind speed. Is this a Lagrangian or an
Eulerian measurement? Explain.

Analysis Relative to the airplane, the probe is fixed and the air flows around it. We are
not following individual fluid particles as they move. Instead, we are measuring a field
 variable at a particular location in space relative to the moving airplane. Thus, this is an
Eulerian measurement.
Discussion The airplane is moving, but it is not moving with the flow.

6. Consider steady, incompressible, two-dimensional flow through a converging duct. A

simple approximate velocity field for this flow is
⃗ = (𝑢, 𝑣) = (𝑈0 + 𝑏𝑥)𝑖̂ − (𝑏𝑦)𝑗̂ ,
𝑉
where U0 is the horizontal speed at x=0. Note that this equation ignores viscous effects
along the walls but is a reasonable approximation throughout the majority of the flow
field.

a) Calculate the material acceleration for fluid particles passing through this duct. Give
your answer in two ways: (1) as acceleration components ax and ay and (2) as
acceleration vector 𝑎.
b) The pressure field for this duct flow is given by
𝜌
𝑃 = 𝑃0 − [2𝑈0 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑏 2 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )],
2
where P0 is the pressure at x=0. Generate an expression for the rate of change of
pressure following a fluid particle.
(a)
Assumptions
1 The flow is steady.
2 The flow is incompressible.
3 The flow is two-dimensional in the x-y plane.
Analysis The velocity field is
⃗ = (𝑢, 𝑣) = (𝑈0 + 𝑏𝑥)𝑖 − 𝑏𝑦𝑗
𝑉 (1)
The acceleration field components are obtained from its definition (the material
acceleration) in Cartesian coordinates,
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢
𝑎𝑥 = +𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 = 0 + (𝑈0 + 𝑏𝑥)𝑏 + (−𝑏𝑦)0 + 0 (2)
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣
𝑎𝑦 = +𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 = 0 + (𝑈0 + 𝑏𝑥)𝑏 + (−𝑏𝑦)(−𝑏) + 0
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
where the unsteady terms are zero since this is a steady flow, and the terms with w are
zero since the flow is two-dimensional.Eq.2 simplifies to

Material acceleration component: 𝒂𝒙 = 𝒃(𝑼𝒐 + 𝒃𝒙) 𝒂𝒚 = 𝒃𝟐 𝒚 (3)

 In terms of vector,

Material acceleration vector: ⃗ = 𝒃(𝑼𝟎 + 𝒃𝒙)𝒊 + 𝒃𝟐 𝒚𝒋

𝒂 (4)

Discussion: For positive x and b, fluid particles accelerate in the positive x direction.
Even though this flow is steady, there is still a non-zero acceleration field.

(b)
Assumption
1 The flow is steady.
2 The flow is incompressible.
3 The flow is two-dimensional in the x-y plane.
Analysis The pressure field is

𝜌
𝑃 = 𝑃0 − [2𝑈𝑜 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑏 2 (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 )] (1)
2

By definition, the material derivative, when applied to pressure, produces the rate of
change of pressure following a fluid particle. Using Eq.1 and the velocity components
from the previous problem,

𝐷𝑝 𝜕𝑝 𝜕𝑃 𝜕𝑃 𝜕𝑃
= +𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 (2)
𝐷𝑡 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
= (𝑈0 + 𝑏𝑥)(−𝜌𝑈0 𝑏 − 𝜌𝑏 2 𝑥) + (−𝑏𝑦)(−𝜌𝑏 2 𝑦)

Where the unsteady term is zero since this is a steady flow, and the term with w is zero
since the flow is two-dimensional.Eq.2 simplifies to the following rate of change of
pressure following a fluid particle:

𝑫𝑷
= 𝝆[−𝑼𝟐𝟎 𝒃 − 𝟐𝑼𝟎 𝒃𝟐 𝒙 + 𝒃𝟑 (𝒚𝟐 − 𝒙𝟐 )] (3)
𝑫𝒕
Discussion The material derivative and be applied to and flow property, scalar or vector.
Here we apply it to the pressure, a scalar quantity.

7. A steady, incompressible, two-dimensional velocity field is given by the following

components in the xy-plane:
u = 1.85 + 2.05x + 0.656y, 𝜐 = 0.754 − 2.18x − 2.05y.
Calculate the acceleration field (find expressions for acceleration components ax and ay),
and calculate the acceleration at the point (x, y) = (−1, 3).

Assumptions
1 The flow is steady.
2 The flow is two-dimensional in the x-y plane.
 Analysis The velocity components are
𝑢 = 1.85 + 2.05𝑥 + 0.656𝑦
Velocity components: { (1)
𝑣 = 0.754 − 2.18𝑥 − 2.05𝑦
The acceleration field components are obtained from its definition (the material
acceleration) in Cartesian coordinates,
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢
𝑎𝑥 = +𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
= 0 + (1.85 + 2.05𝑥 + 0.656𝑦)(2.05) + (0.754 − 2.18𝑥 − 2.05𝑦)(0.656)
𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣
𝑎𝑦 = +𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
= 0 + (1.85 + 2.05𝑥 + 0.656𝑦)(−2.18) + (0.754 − 2.18𝑥 − 2.05𝑦)(−2.05)
(2)
where the unsteady terms are zero since this is a steady flow, and the terms with 𝑤 are
zero since the flow is two-dimensional. Eq. 2 simplifies to
𝑎𝑥 = 4.2871 + 2.7724𝑥
Acceleration components: {𝑎 = −5.5787 + 2.7724𝑦 (3)
𝑦
At the point (x,y) = (-1, 3), the acceleration components of Eq. 3 are

𝑎𝑥 = 1.5147 ≅ 𝟏. 𝟓𝟏
Acceleration components at (-1, 3) : {𝑎 = 2.7385 ≅ 𝟐. 𝟕𝟒
𝑦

Discussion The final answers are given to three significant digits. No units are given in
either the problem statement or the answers. We assume that the coefficients have
appropriate units.

8. Name and briefly describe the four fundamental types of motion or deformation of fluid
particles.

Analysis
1. Translation – a fluid particle moves from one location to another.
2. Rotation – a fluid particle rotates about an axis drawn through the particle.
3. Linear strain or extensional strain – a fluid particle stretches in a direction such that
a line segment in that direction is elongated at some later time.
4. Shear strain – a fluid particle distorts in such a way that two lines through the fluid
particle that are initially perpendicular are not perpendicular at some later time.

Discussion In a complex fluid flow, all four of these occur simultaneously.

9. Explain the relationship between vorticity and rotationality.

Analysis Vorticity is a measure of the rotationality of a fluid particle. If a particle rotates,

its vorticity is non-zero. Mathematically, the vorticity vector is twice the angular
velocity vector.

Discussion If the vorticity is zero, the flow is called irrotational.

10. A general equation for a steady, two-dimensional velocity field that is linear in both
spatial directions (x and y) is
⃗ = (𝑢, 𝑣) = (𝑈 + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦)𝑖̂ + (𝑉 + 𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦)𝑗̂,
𝑉
where U and V and the coefficients are constants. Their dimensions are assumed to be
appropriately defined.
a) Calculate the x- and y-components of the acceleration field.
b) Calculate the linear strain rates in the x- and y-directions.
c) Calculate the shear strain rate in the xy-plane.
d) Calculate the vorticity vector. In which direction does the vorticity vector point?
e) What relationship must exist between the coefficients to ensure that the flow field
is incompressible?
f) What relationship must exist between the coefficients to ensure that the flow field
is irrotational?

(a) Calculate the x- and y- components of the acceleration field.

Assumptions

1 The flow is steady.

2 The flow is two-dimension in the x-y plane.

Analysis The velocity field is

⃗ = (𝑢, 𝑣) = (𝑈 + 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦)𝑖 + (𝑉 + 𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦)𝑗

𝑉 (1)

The acceleration field is obtained from its definition (the material acceleration). The x-
component is

x-component of material acceleration:

𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢
𝑎𝑥 = +𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 = (𝑼 + 𝒂𝟏 𝒙 + 𝒃𝟏 𝒚)𝒂𝟏 + (𝑽 + 𝒂𝟐 𝒙 + 𝒃𝟐 𝒚)𝒃𝟏 (2)
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
(Steady and Two-D)

y-component of material acceleration

𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣
𝑎𝑦 = +𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 = (𝑼 + 𝒂𝟏 𝒙 + 𝒃𝟏 𝒚)𝒂𝟐 + (𝑽 + 𝒂𝟐 𝒙 + 𝒃𝟐 𝒚)𝒃𝟐 (3)
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

Discussion If there were a z-component, it would be treated in the same

fashion.

(b) Calculate the linear strain rates in the x- and y-directions.

Assumptions

1 The flow is steady.

2 The flow is two-dimension in the x-y plane.

Analysis We use the equations for linear strain rate in Cartesian coordinates, and apply
Eq.1 of Problem (a)
 𝝏𝒖 𝝏𝒗
Linear strain rate: 𝝐𝒙𝒙 = = 𝒂𝟏 𝝐𝒚𝒚 = = 𝒃𝟐 (1)
𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒚

Discussion: In general, since coefficient 𝑎1 and 𝑎2 are non-zero, fluid particles stretch (or
shrink) in the x and y directions.

(c) Calculate the linear strain rates in the x-y plane.

Assumptions

1 The flow is steady.

2 The flow is two-dimension in the x-y plane.

Analysis We use the equations for shear strain rate in Catesian coordinates, and apply
Eq.1 of Problem (a)
𝟏 𝝏𝒖 𝝏𝒚 𝟏
Shear strain rate in x-y plane: 𝝐𝒙𝒚 = 𝝐𝒚𝒙 = ( + ) = (𝒃𝟏 + 𝒂𝟐 ) (1)
𝟐 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒙 𝟐

Note that by symmetry 𝜖𝑦𝑥 = 𝜖𝑥𝑦 .

Discussion In general, since coefficient 𝑏1 and 𝑎2 are non-zero, fluid particles

distort via shear strain in the x and y directions.

(d) Calculate the vorticity vector. In which direction does the vorticity vector point?

Assumptions

1 The flow is steady.

2 The flow is two-dimension in the x-y plane.

Analysis We use the equations for vorticity vector in Catesian coordinates, and apply
Eq.1 of Problem (a)
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑢
𝜁 = ( − )𝑖 + ( − ) 𝑗 + ( − ) 𝑘⃗ = (𝑎2 − 𝑏1 )𝑘⃗ (1)
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

(Two-D)

The only non-zero component of vorticity is in the z(or -z) direction

Discussion For any two-dimension flow in the x-y plane, the vorticity vector must point
in the z(or -z)-direction. The sign of the z-component of vorticity in Eq.1 obviously
depends on the sign of 𝑎2 − 𝑏1.

(e) Calculate the vorticity vector. In which direction does the vorticity vector point?

Assumptions 1. The flow is steady. 2. The flow is two-dimension in the x-y plane.

Analysis We use the equations for volumetric strain rate in Catesian coordinates, and
apply Eq.1 of Problem
 1 𝐷𝑉 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑤
Volumetric strain rate: = 𝜖𝑥𝑥 + 𝜖𝑦𝑦 + 𝜖𝑧𝑧 = + + = 𝑎1 + 𝑏2 (1)
𝑉 𝐷𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧

We recognize that when the Volumetric strain rate is zero everywhere, the flow is
incompressible. Thus, the desired relationship is

Relationship to ensure incompressibility: 𝐚𝟏 + 𝐛𝟐 = 𝟎 (2)

Discussion If Eq.2 is satisfied, the flow is incompressible, regardless of the values fo

the other coefficients

(f) Calculate the vorticity vector. In which direction does the vorticity vector point?

Assumptions 1. The flow is steady. 2. The flow is two-dimension in the x-y plane.

Analysis We use the equations for volumetric strain rate in Catesian coordinates, and
apply Eq.1 of Problem (a)
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑢
𝜁 = ( − )𝑖 + ( − ) 𝑗 + ( − ) 𝑘⃗ = (𝑎2 − 𝑏1 )𝑘⃗ (1)
𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦

(Two-D)

The only non-zero component of vorticity is in the z (or -z) direction

When the flow is irrotational, represent that the vorticity is zero, So that 𝒂𝟐 − 𝒃𝟏 = 𝟎

Discussion For any two-dimension flow in the x-y plane, the vorticity vector must point
in the z (or -z)-direction. The sign of the z-component of vorticity in Eq.1 obviously
depends on the sign of 𝑎2 − 𝑏1.

11. Briefly explain the purpose of the Reynolds transport theorem (RTT). Write the RTT for
extensive property B as a “word equation,” explaining each term in your own words.

Analysis The purpose of the RTT is to convert conservation equations from their
fundamental form for a system (closed system) to a form that can be applied to a control
volume (open system). In other words, the RTT provides a link between the system
approach and the control volume approach to a fluid flow problem. We can also explain
the RTT as a transformation from the Lagrangian to the Eulerian frame of reference. The
RTT (Eq. 4-41) is
𝑑𝐵𝑠𝑦𝑠 𝑑
= ∬ 𝜌𝑏𝑑𝑉 + ∫ 𝜌𝑏𝑉 ⃗ ∙ 𝑛⃗𝑑𝐴 (1)
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝐶𝑉 𝐶𝑆
In word form, Eq. 1 may be stated something like this: The time rate of change of property
B of the system is equal to the time rate of change of B of the control volume due to
unsteadiness plus the net flux of B across the control surface due to fluid flow.

Discussion Students should write the RTT in their own words.

12. True or false: For each statement, choose whether the statement is true or false and
discuss your answer briefly.
a) The Reynolds transport theorem is useful for transforming conservation
equations from their naturally occurring control volume forms to their system
forms.
b) The Reynolds transport theorem is applicable only to nondeforming control
volumes.
c) The Reynolds transport theorem can be applied to both steady and unsteady flow
fields.
d) The Reynolds transport theorem can be applied to both scalar and vector
quantities.

Solution
(a) False: The statement is backwards, since the conservation laws are naturally
occurring in the system form.
(b) False: The RTT can be applied to any control volume, fixed, moving, or deforming.
(c) True: The RTT has an unsteady term and can be applied to unsteady problems.
(d) True: The extensive property B (or its intensive form b) in the RTT can be any
property of the fluid – scalar, vector, or even tensor