How does flow field density change with time?

In summary: This can be determined by using the material derivative, which includes the partial derivative of ##\rho## with respect to t. However, it is also possible for ##\rho## to change with x, y, and z while remaining constant with respect to t. This can be determined by using the continuity equation and checking if the divergence of velocity is equal to zero. If the divergence of velocity is equal to zero, then it follows that the velocity gradient is also equal to zero, making the only remaining term in the material derivative the partial derivative of ##\rho## with respect to t. Therefore, if the velocity gradient and divergence of velocity are both zero, it can be concluded that ##\rho## is not changing with time.
  • #1
Kirik
1
0
I was wondering what it means to have the density changing with time, does this reference the material derivitve (which seems to be at least partially with respect to time), or the straight partial derivitive of density WRT time?

Drho/Dt ~= 0 or partialrho/partialt ~=0?

The material derivative being D/Dt = partial/partialt + (Velocity dot gradient)
or with density: Drho/Dt = partialrho/partialt + (Velocity dot gradient)rho.

Given that the flow field may be examined with the conservation of mass, using the continuity equation:
parital rho/partial t + partial (u*rho)/partial x + partial (v*rho)/partial y + partial (w*rho)/partial z = 0

A possilble connection is that when the density is the same throughout the flow field, and unchanging with time (incompressible). Thus,
partial (u)/partial x + partial (v)/partial y + partial (w)/partial z will be equal to zero when rho(x,y,z,t) NEVER changes. Also, it is easy to obtain these partial derivitives when given a flowfield, like x=y^2-1, v=0, w=0.

However how can I determine if rho(x,y,z,t) changes with x,y,z but not with respect to t?

Expressions given for the conservation of mass including the material derivative are as follows:
Drho/Dt + rho*gradient dot velocity = 0
or
Drho/Dt + rho*(divergence of Velocity)= 0

Again, it seems that Drho/Dt will have to be zero when the divergence of Velocity is zero, which seems to be the same condition to show that density is not changing in an incompressible fluid.

However, does Drho/Dt =0 prove that density does not change WRT time, or that the sum of the local derivative (partialrho/partialt) just somehow cancels out the terms of the convective derivative (Velocity dot gradient rho)?

More importantly, may I claim that when div Velocity = gradient dot Velocity= 0 it follows that Velocity dot gradient = 0 as well (commutative property of the dot product). and thus the only term remaining when the velocity gradient is zero from
Drho/Dt + rho*gradient dot velocity = 0
is partialrho/partialt = 0, which would give me that rho(x,y,z,t) is not changing with time?
 
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  • #2
If ##\rho## does not change with time at a specified spatial location, it means that the partial derivative of ##\rho## with respect to t is zero.
 

1. What is a flow field density?

A flow field density is a measure of the amount of fluid or mass per unit volume in a given flow field. It is a physical property that can change with time and is affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and velocity.

2. How is flow field density measured?

Flow field density can be measured using various techniques, such as using a densitometer or by calculating the mass or volume of the fluid in a known space. It can also be estimated using mathematical models and simulations.

3. What factors affect the change in flow field density with time?

The change in flow field density with time can be influenced by several factors, including changes in temperature, pressure, flow velocity, and fluid composition. Other external factors such as turbulence, viscosity, and turbulence can also affect flow field density.

4. How does flow field density change with temperature?

In general, an increase in temperature leads to a decrease in flow field density, as warmer fluids tend to expand and become less dense. This can also cause changes in the flow velocity and pressure, which can further affect the flow field density.

5. What are the practical applications of studying the change in flow field density with time?

Understanding how flow field density changes with time is crucial in various fields, including fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and engineering. It can help in predicting and analyzing the behavior of fluids in different systems, such as in pipelines, engines, and chemical processes. This knowledge can also aid in optimizing and improving the efficiency of these systems.

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