Fluid Mechanics equations in Cartesian and Cylindrical coordinates?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of fluid mechanics equations between Cartesian and cylindrical coordinates. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the presence of an additional term in the equations when transitioning between these coordinate systems.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the chain rule for coordinate transformations and explore how derivatives in one coordinate system relate to another. There are attempts to clarify the mathematical relationships involved in the conversion process.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the chain rule and its application to the problem, suggesting a productive direction for understanding the conversion between coordinate systems. The original poster acknowledges the assistance received, indicating engagement with the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes a typo in one of the equations and expresses uncertainty about where to begin with the problem. There are no formal homework equations provided, and the discussion is primarily focused on conceptual understanding rather than specific solutions.

silentwf
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Homework Statement


Not really a homework question, but more of a concept question which I'm unfamiliar with. So as we know, equations can be in any coordinate, but how do you convert them from one to another?
For example, a few equations from fluid mechanics. the first equation is the vector form of equation 2 and 3. i don't get why there's an extra 1/r. the same goes for equations 4 and 5. 4 is in cartesian while 5 is in cylindrical.

(let u,v,w be velocities. u is a function of x, v is a function of y and w is a function of z; v(theta) is velocity, function of theta, v(r) velocity, function of r)
(typo in equation 4, it should be partial u and not partial mu)

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/8350/fluid.png


Homework Equations



(none, i guess?)

The Attempt at a Solution


(dont know where to begin)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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How about the chain rule which is how co-ordinate transformations are usally calculated.
 
By the chain rule, as hunt mat suggests, for any function, u, of x and y,
\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}= \frac{\partial u}{\partial r}\frac{\partial r}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial u}{\partial \theta}\frac{\partial \theta}{\partial x}

r= (x^2+ y^2)^{1/2} so
\frac{\partial r}{\partial x}= (1/2)(x^2+ y^2)^{1/2}(2x)= \frac{x}{(x^2+ y^2)^{1/2}}= \frac{r cos(\theta)}{r}= cos(\theta)

\theta= arctan(y/x) so
\frac{\partial \theta}{\partial x}= \frac{1}{1+ \frac{y^2}{x^2}}\left(-\frac{y}{x^2}\right)= -\frac{y}{x^2+ y^2}= -\frac{r sin(\theta)}{r^2}= -\frac{1}{r} sin(\theta)

So that
\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}= cos(\theta)\frac{\partial u}{\partial r}- \frac{1}{r}sin(\theta)\frac{\partial u}{\partial \theta}
 
OH! ok, I was wondering how to do it for a while.
Sorry for the late response! and thanks guys!
 

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