Navier-stokes derivation question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations from Newton's second law, focusing on the application of momentum principles and the role of the Reynolds Transport Theorem. Participants explore the mathematical expressions involved and the assumptions underlying the derivation process.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the equivalence of the time rate-of-change of momentum and the expression involving the Reynolds Transport Theorem, suggesting a need for clarification.
  • Another participant emphasizes that Newton's second law can be interpreted as the rate of change of momentum, which is mass times velocity, and questions the necessity of the Reynolds Transport Theorem in the derivation.
  • A different participant notes that deriving the Navier-Stokes equations without the Reynolds Transport Theorem typically leads back to using it, indicating a potential limitation in alternative approaches.
  • Further, a participant expresses a desire to clarify their understanding of the derivation process and seeks permission to ask additional questions.
  • One participant proposes a specific formulation starting from Newton's second law, detailing the components of momentum change, including momentum flux, pressure force, body force, and shearing forces, while also clarifying notation used in the equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of the Reynolds Transport Theorem in the derivation process, with some suggesting it is essential while others propose that alternative methods may exist. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to derive the Navier-Stokes equations without invoking the theorem.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their understanding and the complexity of the derivation, particularly regarding the assumptions made in applying Newton's second law and the mathematical steps involved.

member 428835
hey pf!

so i have a small question when deriving the navier-stokes equations from Newton's 2nd law. specifically, Newton states that $$\Sigma \vec{F} = m \vec{a} = m \frac{d \vec{v}}{dt}$$

when setting a control volume of fluid and dealing with the time rate-of-change of momentum we write $$m \frac{d \vec{v}}{dt} = \frac{\partial}{\partial t} \iiint_V \rho \vec{v} dV$$ but isn't it true that $$\frac{\partial}{\partial t} \iiint_V \rho \vec{v} dV = \frac{d (m \vec{v})}{dt}$$

can someone please help me out here?

thanks!
 
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joshmccraney said:
hey pf!

so i have a small question when deriving the navier-stokes equations from Newton's 2nd law. <snip>

can someone please help me out here?

A few points:
$$\Sigma \vec{F} = \frac{d(m\vec{v})}{dt}$$

$$\frac{d}{dt} \iiint_V A dV = \iiint_V \frac{\partial A}{\partial t} dV + \iint_{\partial V} A \vec{v} \bullet \vec{n} dS$$ (Reynolds Transport Theorem)
 
thanks andy. are you saying Newtons second law is not force = mass * acceleration but rather rate of change of mass * acceleration?

also, i have not invoked reynolds transport theorem and was hoping i could go through the derivation without it (or at least this step). do we need to use reynolds theorem here?
 
joshmccraney said:
thanks andy. are you saying Newtons second law is not force = mass * acceleration but rather rate of change of mass * acceleration?

Force = the time rate of change of momentum (momentum = mass*velocity)

joshmccraney said:
also, i have not invoked reynolds transport theorem and was hoping i could go through the derivation without it (or at least this step). do we need to use reynolds theorem here?

There are probably ways to derive the Navier-Stokes momentum equation from Newton's second law without the Reynolds transport theorem, but I can't think of one right now.
 
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The only way I have ever seen it done without the Reynolds Transport Theorem involves using a control volume and volume integrals, which simply reduces to the Reynolds Transport Theorem anyway.
 
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thanks to you both! would it be okay with you two if i asked a few more questions about the derivation for navier stokes? I'm writing a .pdf so i can be sure i understand "most" of what is going on. i do, however, still have a few questions, if you guys don't mind?
 
actually, to save time, if you both (or either) are okay with assisting me in going through the derivation, perhaps i'll start by asking if the following is correct starting from Newton's second law: ##\frac{d(m\vec v)}{dt}=\Sigma \vec{F}##

<br /> \underbrace{\frac{\partial}{\partial t} \iiint_V \rho \vec{v} dV}_{\text{Momentum Rate of Change}} = \underbrace{-\iint_{\partial V} \rho \vec{v}\vec{v} \cdot d\vec{S}}_{\text{Momentum Flux}}\:\:\: + \underbrace{- \iint_{\partial V} P d\vec{S}}_{\text{Pressure Force}} \:\:\:+ \underbrace{\iiint_V \rho \vec{g} dV}_{\text{Body Force (gravity)}} +\underbrace{-\iint_{\partial V} \vec{{\tau}} \cdot d\vec{S}}_{\text{Shearing Forces}}<br />
where all notation is basic, although i will say for clarity that ##\vec\tau## is the stress tensor (sorry, I am not sure how to bold within physics forums, as i had to use a package in latex). i think everything else is obvious. also, ##\vec v \vec v## is a 2nd rank tensor, using the dyadic product. i assume only gravity as a body force for this derivation, although I am not too concerned here.
 

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