How to convert Euler Equations to Lagrangian Form?

In summary, the conversation discusses the conversion of the conservation of mass and momentum equations into the Lagrangian form using the mass coordinate h. The one dimensional Euler equations are given and need to be converted to the Lagrangian form, with the relationship between h and x being defined. Through manipulating the equations and using the relation between Lagrangian and Eulerian time derivatives, the equations are reduced to their Lagrangian equivalent.
  • #1
Mr. Cosmos
9
1
I am not entirely sure how to convert the conservation of mass and momentum equations into the Lagrangian form using the mass coordinate h. The one dimensional Euler equations given by,
[tex] \frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t} + u\frac{\partial \rho}{\partial x} + \rho\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} = 0 [/tex]
[tex] \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} + u\frac{\partial u}{\partial x} + \frac{1}{\rho}\frac{\partial p}{\partial x} = 0 [/tex]
need to be converted to,
[tex] \frac{\partial v}{\partial t} - \frac{\partial u}{\partial h} = 0 [/tex]
[tex] \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} + \frac{\partial p}{\partial h} = 0 [/tex]
where the Lagrangian mass coordinate has the relation,
[tex] \frac{\partial h}{\partial x} = \rho [/tex]
and
[tex] v = \frac{1}{\rho} [/tex]
Thanks.
 
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  • #2
So I played around with the equations and with the aid of my fluid mechanics book I figured it out. One must realize that the Lagrangian time derivative is related to the Eulerian time derivative by,
[tex] \left(\frac{\partial f}{\partial t}\right)_L = \left(\frac{\partial f}{\partial t}\right)_E + \vec{V} \cdot \left(\nabla f\right) [/tex] where f is a flow property like density, pressure, velocity, etc.
Therefore, in one dimension the Euler equations immediately reduce to the Lagrangian equivalent of,
[tex] \frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t} + \frac{1}{v} \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} = 0 \\
\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} + v \frac{\partial p}{\partial x} = 0 [/tex] Now realizing that,
[tex] \frac{\partial \rho}{\partial t} = -\frac{1}{v^2} \frac{\partial v}{\partial t} [/tex] and from the partial derivative chain rule,
[tex] \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} = \frac{\partial h}{\partial x} \frac{\partial u}{\partial h} = \frac{1}{v} \frac{\partial u}{\partial h} \\
\frac{\partial p}{\partial x} = \frac{\partial h}{\partial x} \frac{\partial p}{\partial h} = \frac{1}{v} \frac{\partial u}{\partial h}[/tex] Substituting into the the Lagrangian form yields,
[tex] -\frac{1}{v^2} \frac{\partial v}{\partial t} + \frac{1}{v^2} \frac{\partial u}{\partial h} = 0 \\
\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} + v \frac{1}{v} \frac{\partial p}{\partial h} = 0 [/tex] or equivalently,
[tex] \frac{\partial v}{\partial t} - \frac{\partial u}{\partial h} = 0 \\
\frac{\partial u}{\partial t} + \frac{\partial p}{\partial h} = 0 [/tex] where h is the mass coordinate.
 

1. How do I determine the Lagrangian from the Euler equations?

The Lagrangian can be determined by using the Euler-Lagrange equations, which are a set of differential equations that relate the Lagrangian to the Euler equations. These equations can be solved to find the Lagrangian, or in some cases, the Lagrangian can be determined by inspection.

2. What are the advantages of converting Euler equations to Lagrangian form?

Converting Euler equations to Lagrangian form allows for a more elegant and systematic approach to solving problems in mechanics. It also allows for the use of powerful mathematical tools, such as the principle of least action, to find the equations of motion for complex systems.

3. Can any system be converted from Euler equations to Lagrangian form?

Yes, the Euler-Lagrange equations can be applied to any system, regardless of its complexity. However, in some cases, it may be difficult to determine the Lagrangian function, and other methods may be used to solve the equations of motion.

4. What is the physical significance of the Lagrangian?

The Lagrangian represents the total kinetic and potential energy of a system. It is a mathematical quantity that summarizes the dynamics of a system and is used to derive the equations of motion.

5. Are there any applications of converting Euler equations to Lagrangian form?

Yes, the conversion of Euler equations to Lagrangian form has many practical applications in physics and engineering. It is commonly used in the fields of classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and control theory to model and analyze complex systems.

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