Navier-stokes equation (fluid mechanics)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the Navier-Stokes equation in fluid mechanics, specifically focusing on the term involving the Laplacian operator applied to the velocity field of a viscous fluid. Participants explore the implications of applying differential operators to vector fields and clarify aspects of the equation related to viscous dissipation and convection acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the term (del squared)u in the Navier-Stokes equation, questioning its applicability to a vector field.
  • Another participant asserts that the Laplacian operator (∇²) can indeed be applied to vector fields, suggesting that the operator is valid in this context.
  • Links to external resources are provided to further elaborate on the application of the Laplacian to vectors and tensors.
  • A participant discusses the convection acceleration term V·delV in the Navier-Stokes equation, noting its significance in introducing non-linearity to the equation.
  • There is a reiteration that the original question pertains to the viscous dissipation term rather than the convective term, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the focus of the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on the interpretation of the terms within the Navier-Stokes equation, with some focusing on the application of the Laplacian to vector fields while others emphasize the distinction between viscous dissipation and convection acceleration. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the clarity of these terms.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of consensus on the interpretation of the Laplacian operator when applied to vector fields, and the discussion highlights potential misunderstandings regarding the terms in the Navier-Stokes equation. Some assumptions about the definitions and implications of these terms are not fully explored.

alsey42147
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i'm revising for my exams, and i didn't go to many of my fluids lectures, now I'm well confused. in the navier-stokes equation for viscous fluid flow, there is a term:

v(del squared)u

where v is the kinematic viscosity and u is the velocity field of the fluid. at this point in my notes, the lecturer seems to start doing crazy things which don't make sense.

first of all, its (del squared)u, not (del squared)(dot)u. i thought (del squared)u only had any meaning if u is a scalar field, but its not, its a vector field. what does this mean?
 
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[itex]\nabla^{2}[/itex] is a differential operator that perfectly well can be applied to a vector.
 
V.delV is convection accelaration term in NSE it is the major source for non-linearity of the equation

You can work it out by

(V.del)V or V.(del V) both methods are same
 
altruistic said:
V.delV is convection accelaration term in NSE it is the major source for non-linearity of the equation

You can work it out by

(V.del)V or V.(del V) both methods are same

I believe the OP was asking about the viscous dissipation term not the convective term.
 

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