Complex Potential Flow - Two Vortices offset from the Origin

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a homework problem involving the complex potential of two counter-rotating vortices. The complex potential is derived as W(z) = iΓ/(2π) * ln((z+a)/(z-a)). The main challenge lies in separating W(z) into its real and imaginary parts to identify the stream function. Participants suggest using the logarithmic properties to express the terms in a more manageable form, specifically by rewriting ln(z+a) and ln(z-a) in terms of their magnitudes and angles. Ultimately, the student expresses gratitude for the guidance received in understanding how to approach the problem.
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Homework Statement



a. Determine the complex potential for two equal counter-rotating vortices with strength \Gamma, the positive one located at z=-a and the negative one at z=a.

b/ Show the shape of the streamlines for this case.

Homework Equations



z = x + iy = r*e^(i\theta)

W(z) = \Phi + i\Psi
where \Phi is the potential function and \Psi is the stream function

The Attempt at a Solution



a. This part is relatively easy. I know that the complex potential for a vortex at the origin is

i\Gamma/(2*\pi) * ln(z)

Therefore, for the two vortices, we will have:

W(z) = i\Gamma/(2*\pi) * ln((z+a)/(z-a))


b. This is where I start to have trouble. I need to separate W(z) into the real and imaginary parts, and then I know that the imaginary part is the stream function. However, I don't know how to do this. It is easy for a vortex at the origin, because then I would have

ln(z) = ln(r*e^(i\theta)) = ln(r) + i\theta

However, the addition and subtraction of 'a' inside of the log is giving me a lot of trouble. I've tried to separate it every way that I can think of but haven't had any success. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!
 
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To separate real and imaginary parts, it is easier to write the log as ln(z+a)-ln(z-a). In both cases, this is just a shift by +-a.
 
I tried that, but still did not make any progress.

ln(z+a) - ln(z-a)
ln(r*e^iθ + a) - ln(r*e^iθ - a)

Now what? I can't split it up into ln(r)+iθ anymore.
 
What about ##r^+##,##\theta^+## corresponding to the magnitude and phase of z+a?
 
I'm sorry I don't quite follow you, could you explain in more detail? I'm unfamiliar with that notation. Thanks.
 
That is a notation I invented for your specific problem.

z+a can be written as ##z+a=r^+ e^{i \theta^+}## with some real values ##\theta^+## and ##r^+## - there are formulas how to convert an arbitrary complex number to that shape.
In the same way, z-a can be written as ##z-a=r^- e^{i \theta^-}## with some real values ##\theta^-## and ##r^-##.
 
Would I do something along these lines?

ln(z+a)
ln(r*e^iθ + a)
ln(r*cos(θ)+i*r*sin(θ) + a)
ln((r*cos(θ)+a) + i*r*sin(θ))

And then try to find a new r and θ in order to put this back into the form of r*e^iθ ? That doesn't seem to me like it will be possible, and I can't find the formulas that you mentioned. Are they available online somewhere?
 
That is possible.
and I can't find the formulas that you mentioned. Are they available online somewhere?
The standard formulas how you get r and θ if you have a complex number a+ib? They are everywhere.
 
I think I figured it out, thanks so much!
 
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