Divergence Operator on the Incompressible N-S Equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the application of the divergence operator to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation, specifically examining the derivation of terms in the equation related to pressure and velocity gradients in two-dimensional Cartesian coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an equation derived from applying the divergence operator to the incompressible Navier-Stokes equation and questions the origin of a specific term involving the velocity gradients.
  • Another participant challenges the correctness of the initial equation, suggesting that the formulation contains a scalar where a vector should be, and proposes an alternative representation.
  • A third participant reiterates the previous point about the original expression, clarifying that the term in brackets is not a scalar but represents the velocity gradient tensor, asserting that both representations convey the same meaning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the correctness of the initial equation presented by the first participant, with multiple interpretations of the terms involved. The discussion remains unresolved as participants have differing views on the formulation.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the validity of the initial equation or the implications of the terms derived from it. The discussion highlights potential ambiguities in notation and interpretation of vector and scalar quantities in the context of fluid dynamics.

C. C.
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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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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##
 
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
 
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!
 

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