Newtonian fluid mechanics: Navier-Stokes equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Navier-Stokes equation and the concept of the material derivative in fluid mechanics. The material derivative, denoted as d/dt, is defined as the sum of the partial derivative with respect to time and the convective terms involving velocity components. Participants express confusion regarding the distinction between material and regular derivatives, emphasizing the importance of notation used in different textbooks. Clarification is provided that the notation varies, with some texts using D/Dt instead of d/dt, which is crucial for understanding fluid behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Navier-Stokes equations
  • Familiarity with fluid mechanics terminology
  • Knowledge of partial derivatives and their applications
  • Basic concepts of fluid acceleration and velocity components
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the Navier-Stokes equations
  • Learn about the differences between material and partial derivatives in fluid dynamics
  • Explore various textbooks on fluid mechanics to compare notation and definitions
  • Investigate practical examples of fluid acceleration and its implications in real-world scenarios
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Students and professionals in fluid mechanics, particularly those studying or working with the Navier-Stokes equations, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to material derivatives.

Feodalherren
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations


Navier-Stokes

The Attempt at a Solution


Not really trying to solve a problem, trying to understand what is going on in my textbook. So look at the stuff in red first. I see where all that is coming from, it's clear to me. However, the stuff in green indicates that in the example case the right side of the equation should be zero, instead they throw in the stuff in blue out of the blue. What exactly happened here that they totally missed to explain?!
 
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Are you familiar with the material derivative, d/dt? It is defined as:
$$\frac{d}{dt}=\frac{\partial}{\partial t}+u\frac{\partial}{\partial x}+v\frac{\partial}{\partial y}+w\frac{\partial}{\partial z}$$
The material derivative of u is equal to the x-component of the fluid acceleration.
$$\frac{du}{dt}=a_x=\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}+u\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}+v\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}+w\frac{\partial u}{\partial z}$$

Chet
 
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Okay yeah I remember that from class. Thanks.

I'm still slightly confused though. How am I supposed to know if it's a material derivative of just a regular derivative? What exactly makes it a material derivative? If I take the expression "at face value" then u does NOT depend on t and it equal zero.
Thanks again!
 
Feodalherren said:
Okay yeah I remember that from class. Thanks.

I'm still slightly confused though. How am I supposed to know if it's a material derivative of just a regular derivative? What exactly makes it a material derivative? If I take the expression "at face value" then u does NOT depend on t and it equal zero.
Thanks again!
It's all a matter of the terminology your textbook or professor uses. Some fluids textbooks use d/dt and others use D/Dt. Of course, if you are familiar with the NS equations, you know to look for that.

Chet
 
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