IDEAL FLOW (POTENTIAL FLOW)

Fluid Mechanics — Structured Academic Notes

1. Introduction
An ideal fluid is a fluid which is incompressible and inviscid. An incompressible fluid is a
fluid whose density remains constant. Inviscid fluid refers to the fluid whose viscosity is
negligible, zero. Thus, an ideal fluid is characterised by a constant density and no
viscosity (μ = 0), i.e. non-viscous.
A potential or an ideal flow simply describes the motion or flow of an ideal fluid. In this
flow, all the fluid particles move with the same velocity (uniform velocity). Under certain
conditions, fluids such as water and air may be considered to be ideal fluids.
Stream function and velocity potential function are mathematical functions used to
describe the motion of an ideal fluid.

2. Definitions
2.1 Ideal Fluid
An ideal fluid is a fluid which is incompressible and inviscid. It is characterised by a
constant density ρ and no viscosity (μ = 0), i.e. non-viscous.

2.2 Ideal / Potential Flow

A potential or an ideal flow simply describes the motion or flow of an ideal fluid. In this
flow, all the fluid particles move with the same velocity (uniform velocity).

2.3 Stream Function (ψ, psi)

Stream function is a mathematical function which describes the flow pattern of an ideal
fluid. It also shows the path followed by fluid particles. In other words, it represents the
streamlines of an ideal flow. It is denoted by ψ (psi).

2.4 Velocity Potential Function (φ, phi)

Velocity potential function is that function which describes the ideal fluid flow where the
flow is irrotational. It also shows the energy potential of the fluid flow. It is denoted by φ
(phi).

2.5 Uniform Flow

In a uniform flow, the velocity remains constant. All the fluid particles are moving with
the same velocity. It is the simplest type of potential flow where fluid is described to be
moving at constant velocity in a single direction throughout the entire flow.
2.6 Source Flow
A source flow is the flow emanating (coming out) from a point (source) and moving out
radially in all directions of a plane at uniform rate. The strength of a source is defined as
the volume flow rate per unit depth. The unit is m²/s and it is denoted by q.

2.7 Sink Flow

A sink flow is the flow in which fluid moves radially inwards towards a point where it
disappears at a constant rate. This flow is opposite to source flow. The pattern of
streamlines and equipotential lines of a sink flow is the same as that of a source flow.
All the equations derived for a source flow shall hold good for sink flow except that in
sink flow equations, q is to be replaced by −q.

2.8 Free-Vortex Flow

Free-vortex flow is a circulatory or rotational flow where fluid moves in a circular path
around a centre without an external torque. The streamlines are concentric circles. For
a free-vortex flow, velocity increases as the radius decreases.

2.9 Doublet Flow

A doublet flow is formed when a source and sink flows of equal strength are very close
together. In this flow, the fluid leaves the source and immediately enters the sink. This
flow pattern resembles fluid flow around a solid body. In other words, a doublet flow is a
combination of a source and sink flows of equal strength separated by a very small
distance.

2.10 Super-Imposed Flow

Superimposed flow is formed by combining two or more simple flows to create a more
complex flow pattern. The flow patterns due to uniform, source, sink and free vortex flow
can be superimposed in any linear combination to form a resultant flow which closely
resembles the flow around bodies.

2.11 Flow Net

Flow net is a graphical representation of two-dimensional irrotational flow and consists
of a family of streamlines intersecting at right angle (orthogonally) to a family of
equipotential lines and thereby forming small curvilinear squares.

3. Formulas and Equations

3.1 Shear Stress
τ = μ (du/dy)
For ideal fluids, the shear stress will be zero since μ = 0. Since shear stress is zero, it
implies that the shear force will also be zero for ideal fluids or potential flow.
3.2 Uniform Flow Parallel to x-axis
Let U = Uniform or constant velocity along x-axis.
u and v = Components of uniform velocity U along x and y-axes.
• u = U (along x-axis)
• v = 0 (along y-axis)
In terms of stream function, ψ:
• U = δψ/δy and v = −δψ/δx = 0
• U dy = δψ, by integrating,
• Uy = ψ , ψ = Uy + C₁
In terms of velocity potential function, φ:
• U = δφ/δx and v = δφ/δy = 0
• δφ = U δx, by integrating,
• φ = Ux + C₂

3.3 Uniform Flow Parallel to y-axis

Velocity components u and v along x and y axes are given by:
• u = 0 (along x-axis)
• v = U (along y-axis)
In terms of stream function, ψ:
• U = δψ/δy = δφ/δx = 0 and V = U = −δψ/δx = δφ/δy
• δψ = −U δx and δφ = U δy
• By integrating: ψ = −Ux + C₁ and φ = Uy + C₂

3.4 Source Flow

Let Ur = Radial velocity of flow at a radius r from the source O.
• q = Volume flow rate per unit depth
• r = Radius from source O
• Ur = q / (2πr)
• ψ = (q / 2π) × θ (where θ is in radians)

3.5 Free-Vortex Flow

• Uθ ∝ 1/r
• Uθ × r = C (Vortex strength)
Where: Uθ = Tangential velocity, r = radius from the centre, C = Vortex strength
The circulation around a stream line of an irrotation vortex is given by:
• Γ = 2πr × Uθ , But rUθ = C
• Γ = 2πC
• Also: Uθ = Γ / (2πr)
The circulation strength Γ is considered positive if the flow is anticlockwise. For a free-
vortex flow, the velocity components are:
• Uθ = Γ / (2πr) and Ur = 0
Where: Ur = Radial velocity, Uθ = Tangential velocity

4. Engineering Examples / Applications

4.1 Source Flow Application
When water is flowing radially outward in a horizontal plane from a source at a strength
of 12 m²/s, determine:
1. The velocity of flow at radii of 0.2 m, 0.4 m and 0.8 m respectively.
2. The stream function at angles of 30° and 60° if ψ = 0 at θ = 0°.

4.2 Applications of Flow Net

• Loss of flow due to seepage in earth dams and canals can be evaluated.
• Determination of water pressure high enough to result in piping.
• For given boundaries of flow, the velocity and pressure distribution can be
determined if they are known at any reference section.

5. Diagram / Concept Explanation

5.1 Uniform Flow Parallel to x-axis
The velocity remains constant and all the fluid particles move with the same velocity.
Illustrated as parallel horizontal arrows all pointing in the positive x-direction with
magnitude U.

5.2 Uniform Flow Parallel to y-axis

In this potential flow, U is uniform along y-axis. Illustrated as parallel vertical arrows all
pointing in the positive y-direction with magnitude U.

5.3 Source Flow

Point O is the source from which the fluid moves radially outwards. Illustrated as arrows
pointing outward from a central point O in all directions (radially), representing the
source.

5.4 Sink Flow

Illustrated as arrows pointing inward towards a central point (Sink) from all directions
radially, opposite to source flow pattern.
5.5 Free-Vortex Flow
The streamlines are concentric circles around a centre point. Velocity increases as the
radius decreases from the centre.

5.6 Doublet Flow

Illustrated as: Source flow (arrows outward from point) + Sink flow (arrows inward to
point) = Doublet flow (curved closed streamlines). This flow pattern resembles fluid flow
around a solid body.

5.7 Flow Net

Illustrated as a grid of streamlines (curved lines in flow direction with arrows)
intersecting orthogonally with equipotential lines (curved lines perpendicular to flow),
forming small curvilinear squares.

6. Key Points / Summary

6.1 Cases of Ideal / Potential Flow
The following are the important potential flow cases:
3. Uniform flow
4. Source flow
5. Sink flow
6. Free-vortex flow
7. Doublet flow
8. Super-imposed flow

6.2 Important Super-Imposed Flows

The following are the important super-imposed flows:
9. Source and sink pair.
10. Doublet (special case of source and sink combination).
11. A plane source in a uniform flow.
12. A source and sink pair in a uniform flow.
13. A doublet in a uniform flow.

6.3 Key Relationships

• For ideal fluids, shear stress = 0 since μ = 0; therefore shear force = 0.
• Sink flow uses the same equations as source flow, but q is replaced by −q.
• In free-vortex flow: Uθ ∝ 1/r (velocity increases as radius decreases).
• Circulation Γ is positive if flow is anticlockwise.
• Flow net streamlines and equipotential lines always intersect at right angles
(orthogonally).
7. Assignments
NB: To be submitted on 27th March.
Question 1: Write precise notes on the following terms:
• Steady and unsteady flow in closed conduits.
• Water hammer and surge tanks.
Question 2: Obtain simplified estimates of forces exerted by flow in pipes due to
closing or opening of valves and the use of surge tanks to reduce these forces.