Divergence Operator on the Incompressible N-S Equation

In summary, the conversation discusses the application of the Divergence Operator on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation. The resulting equation is shown in 2D cartesian coordinates, with a term of interest being 2 * (partial u / partial y) * (partial v / partial x). This term comes from the velocity gradient tensor, and is equivalent to the original expression mentioned in the conversation.
  • #1
C. C.
9
0
Hello All,
If I apply the Divergence Operator on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation, I get this equation:

$$\nabla ^2P = -\rho \nabla \cdot \left [ V \cdot \nabla V \right ]$$

In 2D cartesian coordinates (x and y), I am supposed to get:

$$\nabla ^2P = -\rho \left[ \left( \frac {\partial u} {\partial x} \right) ^2 + 2 \left (\frac{\partial u}{\partial y} \frac{\partial v}{\partial x} \right ) + \left ( \frac {\partial v}{\partial y} \right )^2 \right ] $$Where does this term come from $$2 \left ( \frac{\partial u}{\partial y} \frac{\partial v}{\partial x} \right )$$?

Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks!
 
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  • #2
First, I think your starting equation is wrong: inside square brackets you have a scalar, and then you take a dot product?
Try with ##\nabla^2P = - \rho \nabla \cdot (V \cdot \nabla)V##
 
  • #3
matteo137 said:
First, I think your starting equation is wrong: inside square brackets you have a scalar, and then you take a dot product?
Try with ##\nabla^2P = - \rho \nabla \cdot (V \cdot \nabla)V##
The thing in brackets in the original post is not a scalar. ∇V is the velocity gradient tensor. The original expression has the same meaning as your representation.

Chet
 
  • #4
Chestermiller said:
The thing in brackets in the original post is not a scalar. ∇V is the velocity gradient tensor. The original expression has the same meaning as your representation.

Thank you!
 

1. What is the divergence operator on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation?

The divergence operator on the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation is a mathematical operator that measures the net flow of a vector field out of a given point in space. In the context of fluid dynamics, it is used to quantify the rate at which fluid is flowing into or out of a particular point in a fluid flow.

2. How is the divergence operator used in the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation?

In the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation, the divergence operator is used to represent the rate of change of the fluid's velocity field. It is a crucial component in the equation, as it helps to describe the behavior of the fluid flow and how it is affected by various external forces.

3. What does it mean for a fluid to be incompressible?

A fluid is considered incompressible when its density remains constant, regardless of changes in pressure or temperature. This means that the volume of the fluid does not change under compression or expansion, and the fluid particles are not able to be compressed into a smaller space.

4. Why is the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation important in fluid dynamics?

The incompressible Navier-Stokes equation is a fundamental equation in fluid dynamics that is used to model and predict the behavior of fluids in various scenarios. It has applications in many fields, including engineering, meteorology, and oceanography, and is essential for understanding the complex behavior of fluids in motion.

5. What are some limitations of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation?

The incompressible Navier-Stokes equation has some limitations, including the assumption of incompressibility, which may not hold true in all fluid flows. It also does not take into account certain phenomena, such as turbulence and viscosity, which may be important in some scenarios. Additionally, it can be challenging to solve analytically and often requires numerical methods for accurate solutions.

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