Calculating the average divergence of the flow of fluid in a box.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the average divergence of fluid flow within a cube of side 5 cm, using given velocity vectors for each face of the cube. The velocities provided are: Front (30i + 60j - 30k), Right (20i - 20j + 20k), Left (-100i + 200j - 300k), Top (5i + 50j - 10k), Bottom (0), and Back (250k). Participants emphasize the application of the Divergence Theorem to relate surface integrals to volume integrals, specifically noting the importance of calculating the dot product of the normal vector with the flow vector for integration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Divergence Theorem in vector calculus
  • Understanding of vector fields and flow velocity
  • Ability to compute surface and volume integrals
  • Familiarity with normal vectors in three-dimensional space
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Divergence Theorem and its applications in fluid dynamics
  • Learn how to compute dot products in vector calculus
  • Explore examples of surface integrals in three-dimensional vector fields
  • Investigate the implications of sources and sinks in fluid flow
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in fluid dynamics, mathematicians, and engineers seeking to understand the application of the Divergence Theorem in practical scenarios involving fluid flow analysis.

lovepiano25
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A cube of side 5cm is placed in a fluid. For the following velocity values, calculate the average divergence of the flow. Is there a source or sink within this box? The velocities are given in cm/s. The cube is oriented so that the +z axis exits the front face, the +x axis exits the right face and the +y axis exits the top face.

Front: V = 30i + 60 j - 30 k

Right V = 20 i - 20 j + 20 k

Left V = -100 i + 200 j - 300 k

Top V = 5 i + 50 j - 10 k

Bottom V = 0

Back V = 250 k

Homework Equations



The divergence Theorem

(surface integral) ∫ ∇ F dA = (surface integral) ∫ F n ds


The Attempt at a Solution



I know how to calculate the normal vector but i can not figure out how to go about finding the surface integral.

I would appreciate one example

Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Have you tried taking the dot product of your normal vector and the flow? You should get something that is easy to integrate. This is what appears on the right side of the divergence theorem under the integral sign.

If you got that far and are still confused, what do you think ∫dA should be? What does that imply about ∫100dA?

Note also that on the right side of the divergence theorem, you have a surface integral, but on the left you have a volume integral.
 

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K