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Baggio
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All the math based texts just simply derive or state curl(U)=0 but what does this physically mean?
Does it mean that a single fluid element does not rotate?
Does it mean that a single fluid element does not rotate?
Irrotational Flow: Understanding the Physical Implications of Curl(U)=0
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In summary, the conversation discusses the meaning of curl(U)=0 in math-based texts and its physical implications. It is explained that this equation signifies that the velocity vector field is conservative and the flow is irrotational, meaning that fluid lines do not curl and are parallel to themselves at any moment. It is also noted that this concept is related to the idea of laminar flow. However, it is clarified that laminar flow does not necessarily mean irrotational flow, as the former refers to the smoothness of the flow while the latter refers to the absence of local angular velocity.
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It means that the velocity vector field is a conservative one,as it comes from a scalar potential (due to curl=0).Yes,the condition is called "irrotational flow" for good reason;basically the fluid lines do not curl,they are parallel wrt themselves at any moment of time.
http://discover.edventures.com/functions/termlib.php?action=&termid=532&alpha=r&searchString=
Daniel.
http://discover.edventures.com/functions/termlib.php?action=&termid=532&alpha=r&searchString=
Daniel.
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- #3
Gokul43201
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I suspect a good intro to superfluidity will cover this nicely ... let me check if I've got something bookmarked.
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I would suspect an equivalent term for it would be:"laminar flow".
But that's just terminology.The basic idea behind is relevant.
Daniel.
EDIT:It would be really dull,if i wasn't wrong from time to time,huh...? :tongue2:
But that's just terminology.The basic idea behind is relevant.
Daniel.
EDIT:It would be really dull,if i wasn't wrong from time to time,huh...? :tongue2:
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- #5
arildno
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There is no connection between the concepts "laminar flow" and "irrotational flow".
Couette flow is certainly laminar, but not at all irrotational.
Irrotational means what it says: the local angular velocity at a point is zero.
EDIT: Yes, I think I would yawn myself to death if you were right all the time..
(Possibly, that's what I ought to do, anyways??)
Couette flow is certainly laminar, but not at all irrotational.
Irrotational means what it says: the local angular velocity at a point is zero.
EDIT: Yes, I think I would yawn myself to death if you were right all the time..
(Possibly, that's what I ought to do, anyways??
)
Last edited:
- #6
Baggio
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I thought so, thanks.
1. What is irrotational flow?
Irrotational flow is a type of fluid flow in which the fluid particles move in a smooth, continuous manner without any rotation or swirling motion. This means that the velocity of the fluid at any given point is solely determined by the position of the fluid and does not depend on its previous motion.
2. How is irrotational flow different from rotational flow?
In rotational flow, the fluid particles not only move in a specific direction, but also rotate about their own axes, creating a swirling motion. In contrast, irrotational flow has no rotation or swirling motion, and the fluid particles move in a smooth, continuous manner.
3. What is the significance of irrotational flow in fluid mechanics?
Irrotational flow is significant in fluid mechanics because it allows for the application of Bernoulli's principle, which states that in an ideal, inviscid, and incompressible fluid, the total energy of the fluid remains constant. This principle is used to analyze and predict the behavior of fluids in various systems and scenarios.
4. Can irrotational flow exist in real-world scenarios?
No, irrotational flow is an ideal concept and cannot exist in real-world scenarios. This is because all fluids have some level of viscosity and cannot move without any resistance or friction. However, irrotational flow can be a good approximation for low viscosity fluids or in situations where the rotational motion is negligible.
5. How is irrotational flow represented mathematically?
In mathematics, irrotational flow is represented by the gradient of a scalar potential function, also known as the velocity potential. This function describes the velocity of the fluid at any given point in terms of its position. Additionally, the absence of any rotation in irrotational flow is represented by the curl of the velocity vector being equal to zero.
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