Problem sheet 2
Q1) In 2-d flow, the continuity and x-momentum equations can be written in
conservative form as
respectively.
(a) Show that these can be written in the equivalent non-conservative forms:
where the (2-d) material derivative is given by D/D𝑡=𝜕/𝜕𝑡+𝑢 (𝜕/𝜕𝑥)+𝑣 (𝜕/𝜕𝑦).
(b) Define carefully what is meant by the statement that a flow is incompressible. To
what does the continuity equation reduce in incompressible flow?
(c) Write down conservative forms of the 3-d equations for mass and 𝑥-momentum.
(d) Write down the 𝑧-momentum equation, including the gravitational force.
(e) Show that, for constant-density flows, pressure and gravity forces can be combined
in the momentum equations via the piezometric pressure 𝑝+𝜌𝑔𝑧.
(f) In a rotating reference frame there are additional apparent forces (per unit volume):
where Ω is the angular velocity of the reference frame, u is the
fluid velocity in that frame, r is the position vector (relative to
a point on the axis of rotation) and R is its projection
perpendicular to the axis of rotation. ˄ denotes a vector
product. By writing the centrifugal force as the gradient of
some quantity, show that it can be subsumed into a modified
pressure. Also, find the components of the Coriolis force if
rotation is about the 𝑧 axis.
(*** Advanced / Optional ***)
(g) Write the conservative mass and momentum equations in vector notation.
Dr. Saleh Etaig
(h) Write the conservative mass and momentum equations in suffix notation using the
summation convention.
Q2. (Exact solutions of the Navier-Stokes equation)
The x-component of the momentum equation is given by
Using this equation, derive the velocity profile in fully-developed, laminar flow for:
(a) pressure-driven flow between stationary parallel planes (“Plane Poiseuille flow”);
(b) constant-pressure flow between stationary and moving planes (“Couette flow”).
Assume flow in the 𝑥 direction, with
bounding planes 𝑦=0 and 𝑦=ℎ. The velocity
is then (𝑢(𝑦),0,0). In part (a) both walls are
stationary. In part (b) the upper wall moves
parallel to the lower wall with velocity 𝑈𝑤.
(c) (*** Advanced / optional ***) In cylindrical polars (𝑥,𝑟,𝜙) the Laplacian ∇2 is more
complicated. If axisymmetric, with fully-developed velocity (𝑢(𝑟),0,0), then
Derive the velocity profile in a circular pipe with stationary wall at 𝑟=𝑅 (“Poiseuille
flow”).
Q3. (*** Advanced / optional ***)
By applying the divergence theorem, deduce the conservative and non-conservative
differential equations corresponding to the general integral scalar-transport equation
Q4. In each of the following cases, state which one of (i), (ii), (iii) is a valid
dimensionless number. Carry out research to find the name and physical significance
of these numbers. (𝐿=length; 𝑈=velocity; 𝑧=height; 𝑝=pressure; 𝜌=density; 𝜇=dynamic
viscosity; 𝜈=kinematic viscosity; 𝑔=gravitational acceleration; Ω=angular velocity).
Dr. Saleh Etaig
Q5. The momentum equation for a viscous fluid in a rotating reference frame is
where 𝜌 is density, u=(𝑢,𝑣,𝑤) is velocity, 𝑝 is pressure, 𝜇 is dynamic viscosity and Ω is
the angular-velocity vector of the reference frame. The symbol ∧ denotes a vector
product.
(a) If Ω=(0,0,Ω) write down the 𝑥 and 𝑦 components of the Coriolis force (−2𝜌Ω∧u).
(b) Hence write down the 𝑥- and 𝑦-components of equation (*).
(c) Show how equation (*) can be written in non-dimensional form in terms of a
Reynolds number Re and Rossby number Ro (both of which should be defined).
(d) Define the terms conservative and non-conservative when applied to the differential
equations describing fluid flow.
(e) Define (mathematically) the material derivative operator D/D𝑡. Then, noting that
the continuity equation can be written
show that the 𝑥-momentum equation can be written in an equivalent conservative form.
(f) If the 𝑥-momentum equation were to be regarded as a special case of the general
scalar-transport (or advection-diffusion) equation, identify the quantities representing:
(i) concentration;
(ii) diffusivity;
(iii) source.
(g) Explain why the three equations for the components of momentum cannot be treated
as independent scalar equations.
Dr. Saleh Etaig
Q6.
(a) In a rotating reference frame (with angular velocity vector Ω) the non-viscous forces
on a fluid are, per unit volume,
where 𝑝 is pressure, g=(0,0,−𝑔) is the gravity vector and R is the vector from the closest
point on the axis of rotation to a point. Show that, in a constant-density fluid, force
densities (I), (II) and (III) can be combined in terms of a modified pressure.
(b) Consider a closed cylindrical can of radius 5 cm and depth 15 cm. The can is
completely filled with fluid of density 1100 kg m–3 and is rotating steadily about its
axis (which is vertical) at 600 rpm. Where do the maximum and minimum pressures in
the can occur, and what is the difference in pressure between them?
Dr. Saleh Etaig