Average of a Velocity Function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the average of a velocity function defined as V(n, t, x') = sin[k x' + A(n, t)], where A is uniformly distributed. The original poster seeks to demonstrate that the mean of V and its powers are independent of the position vector x'.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of averaging over different variables, questioning how the uniform distribution of A affects the integration limits. There is uncertainty about the dependence of the mean on x' and the interpretation of the averaging process.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants raising questions about the definitions of the averages and the relationship between the variables involved. Some guidance is offered regarding the context of fluid flow and homogeneity, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There are discussions about the domain of integration for the average and the implications of averaging over different variables, such as time or realization. The requirement to show homogeneity in statistical properties is also noted.

mep12ah
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Homework Statement



Given:

V(n, t, x') = sin [k x' + A (n, t)]

where
k is a constant
n stands for the nth realisation
A is uniformly distributed in [0, 2pi] and
x' denotes the position vector

How can I show that the mean of V i.e. <V> and the mean of the squares <V^2> are independent of x' and indeed for any <V^n>?

Homework Equations



I used <V> = [1/(b-a)] int [a,b] V(n, t, x') dx

where <V> denotes the mean

The Attempt at a Solution



I do not completely understand the question. The average over a complete period or integer multiples of the period is zero for a sine function. The arguments do not affect the average but clearly the interval where you take the average does.

The question implies showing <V>, <V^2> .. <V^n> to be independent for ALL x but being given that A is uniformally distributed in [0, 2pi], does this imply that this is the meant domain of integration for the average?

And how can I generalise for all <V^n>?
 
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Mean as average over what? t or n? In that case, how does A depend on t or n?
x'? In that case, it is meaningless to ask how that average depends on x'.
 
mfb said:
Mean as average over what? t or n? In that case, how does A depend on t or n?
x'? In that case, it is meaningless to ask how that average depends on x'.

This relates to a fluid flow. I am required to show that it is homogeneous which means that the statistical properties of a property measured at x' do not differ when measured at x'' - all statistical moments should be the same everywhere in physical space.

The average is over x.
 
Ok, now I am confused. Where is x in your equation?

If you average over all x' in some volume, this average does not depend on V(x') for a specific x' if this V(x') is finite and not correlated to any other value in the volume.
 

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