Is there a difference between work and circulation?

AI Thread Summary
Work and circulation are often confused due to their similar formulas, but they represent different concepts in physics. Work is defined as the integral of force over distance, while circulation refers to the integral of velocity around a closed loop. The term "circulation" is commonly used in fluid dynamics, particularly in aerodynamics, but it does not directly relate to energy in the same way work does. The discussion raises questions about the relationship between these terms and their applications in thermodynamic cycles like the Rankine or Brayton cycles. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for clarity in physics discussions.
Ahmz
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These two things seem to be exactly the same (even down to the same formula), so I'm having difficulty understanding why they are two different terms.

Is circulation just the work done as you go around a circle once?
 
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What exactly do you mean by "circulation"? It is not a standard name for anything in physics unless you mean the circulation of fluids (e. g. water going around in pipes), but then the comparison to energy doesn't make sense.
 
Hi Ahmz, :welcome:
Ahmz said:
even down to the same formula
Seems strange to me. Could be a 'lost in translation' mishap. Can you show us the text ?
 
Ahmz said:
These two things seem to be exactly the same (even down to the same formula), so I'm having difficulty understanding why they are two different terms.

Is circulation just the work done as you go around a circle once?
Isn't work the integral of Fds and circulation the integral around a loop of vds? How are these the same?
 
Can you provide a reference to the two equations. I only half remember circulation being a term in aerodynamics.
 
Does this question have anything to do with thermodynamic cycles ?

Like the Rankine or Brayton cycles ?
 
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