Deriving normal and shear stresses

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving normal and shear stresses in fluid mechanics, specifically using the equations for shear stress, τxy = μ(∂yu + ∂xv), and normal stress, τxx. The participants clarify that the average shear stress is derived from considering the fluid element's small size, leading to τxy = μ(∂yu + ∂xv). A discrepancy arises regarding the normal stress formula, where the textbook (White) states τxx = 2μ(∂xu), prompting a discussion on the source of the additional factor of 2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with shear and normal stress concepts
  • Knowledge of partial derivatives in the context of fluid flow
  • Experience with fluid dynamics textbooks, specifically "White's Fluid Mechanics"
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of shear stress in fluid mechanics
  • Study the differences between normal and shear stress in various fluid elements
  • Examine the implications of the factor of 2 in normal stress calculations
  • Explore advanced fluid dynamics topics, such as Navier-Stokes equations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in fluid mechanics, mechanical engineers, and anyone involved in analyzing fluid behavior under stress conditions.

Niles
Messages
1,834
Reaction score
0
Hi

When we talk about shear stresses in a fluid, we find that the shear stress is given by
<br /> \tau_{xy} = \mu(\partial_y u + \partial_x v) = \tau_{yx}<br />
This relation we get when only looking at one side of our fluid-"cube". Now, in order to take into account the opposite side we assume that the fluid element is so small that the shear stress is constant, leading to the average
<br /> \tau_{xy} = \frac{1}{2}2\mu(\partial_y u + \partial_x v) = \mu(\partial_y u + \partial_x v) = \tau_{yx}<br />
Applying the same logic to the normal stresses gives me
<br /> \tau_{xx} = \frac{1}{2}\mu(\partial_x u + \partial_x u) = \mu(\partial_x u)<br />
However, in my textbook (White) it is given as
<br /> \tau_{xx} = 2\mu(\partial_x u)<br />
Where does this extra factor of 2 come from in the normal stress?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You used the wrong formula for the normal stress.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
7K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K