Fluid mechanics : Two dimensional converging flow

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around modeling two-dimensional converging flow of a non-compressible Newtonian viscous fluid using a polar coordinate system. Participants explore the implications of boundary conditions and the continuity and momentum equations in fluid mechanics, aiming to derive an ordinary differential equation (ODE) for a function related to the flow.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a model for the flow with specified boundary conditions and derives a form of the continuity equation.
  • Another participant suggests a specific form for pressure, which may simplify the equations involved.
  • A participant expresses appreciation for assistance received and indicates progress in satisfying the angular momentum equation with the proposed pressure form.
  • Concerns are raised about enforcing boundary conditions, with a participant noting difficulties in numerical solutions leading to unexpected results.
  • Discussion includes the observation that retaining a convection term appears necessary to satisfy boundary conditions, raising questions about the nature of the solution.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the implications of their findings and whether solutions exist under certain assumptions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are multiple competing views regarding the necessity of including the convection term and the feasibility of satisfying boundary conditions. The discussion remains unresolved with ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved mathematical steps related to boundary conditions and the dependence on specific assumptions about the flow and pressure. The discussion reflects uncertainty in the modeling approach and numerical methods used.

Chuckstabler
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So, here's the problem I've come up with that I wanted to solve.

We're going to be using a polar coordinate system for this one. A will represent our angle theta, and r will represent our radial coordinate. We are going to be looking at a non-compressible Newtonian viscous fluids. I'll now put the boundary conditions for the flow and explain what I'm trying to model.

$$ V_r = V_r(r,A)$$
$$ V_A = 0 $$
$$ V_r(r, +A_0) = 0 $$
$$ V_r(r, -A_0) = 0 $$

As we can see, this try's to model a two dimensional flow through some sort of nozzle with viscosity. With the assumptions above, the continuity equation reduces to

$$ \frac {1} {r} \frac {\partial (rV_r(r,A))} {\partial r} = 0$$

Which can only be true if

$$ V_r(r,A) = \frac {f(A)} {r} $$

Using the fact that ##V_r(r,A) = \frac {f(A)} {r}## and using our assumptions we can simplify the radial momentum equation to the following form
$$ \frac {d^2f(A)} {dA^2} \frac {1} {r^3} - \frac {\partial P} {\partial r} \frac {1} {u} = \frac {p} {u} \frac {f(A)^2} {r^3} $$

Multiplying both sides by ## r^3 ## and rearranging terms we arrive at the following form
$$\frac {\partial P} {\partial r} \frac {r^3} {u} = \frac {d^2f(A)} {dA^2} + \frac {p} {u} f(A)^2 $$

This would be all fine and dandy except that the angular momentum equation gives me this

$$ \frac {\partial P} {\partial A} = \frac {2u} {r^2} \frac {df(A)} {dA} $$

So now I'm stuck. What exactly should I be doing next? My ultimate goal is to get some ODE for ##f(A)## but I don't know if that's even possible.

Edit ; I could just assume that r^3/u * dP/dr = constant, but can I really just do that?
 
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Suppose ##P=\frac{2\mu f}{r^2}##
 
Oh, that should help. I'll work on it and see what I find. I'll post an update soon. Thanks Chestermill (seriously you're fantastic; you've helped me on two problems so far and I really appreciate it).

UPDATE :

So, if we take your ansatz we find that the angular momentum equation is automatically satisfied. That's a good start. We then find that the radial momentum equation reduces to something. I'll figure that out and update
 
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As an update ; now I'm having problems with boundary conditions. I can't actually enforce the damn boundary conditions, which is problematic. I'll post an update soon. I tried numerically using maple and no matter what I try it always ends up with f being 0 at theta = pi/2.Weeeeeeellll then. Why is nothing as easy as I ever hope it would be.

So I end up with this : F" = -4*F + p/u * F^2. I wanted to just ignore the convective term p/u*F^2, but if I do that I end up with something that cannot satisfy the boundary condition F(-Theta) = 0 F(theta) = 0. That's because the solution ends up being c1*cos(2theta) + c2*sin(2theta). Numerically however by keeping the p/u*F^2 term the boundary conditions can be satisfied. This is REALLY weird. I can't even express how weird this is to me at the moment. I don't know why.

Have I just had too much caffeine? Am I insane? Is there actually no solution unless we include convection?

Or maybe not, because now I'm having trouble numerically as well.

Okay well a solution definitely exists given the convection term is retained. The initial value of F(0) determines the roots of the solution given the convection term is retained.
 
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