Stokes' theorem Vorticity problem

In summary, the homework statement states that the angular velocity at a point in a fluid is the vector product of the angular velocity and the radial distance from the center of the disc.
  • #1
coverband
171
1

Homework Statement


Consider an imaginary circular disc, of radius R, whose arbitrary orientation is described by the unit vector, [tex] \vec {n} [/tex], perpendicular to the plane of the disc. Define the component, in the direction [tex] \vec {n} [/tex], of the angular velocity, [tex] \vec {\Omega} [/tex], at a point in the fluid by [tex] \vec {\Omega}. \vec {n} = \lim_{R \rightarrow 0}[\frac {1}{2 \pi R^2} \oint_C \vec {u}.dl] [/tex], where C denotes the the boundary (rim) of the disc. Use Stokes' theorem, and the arbitrariness of [tex] \vec {n} [/tex], to show that [tex] \vec {\Omega}= \frac {1}{2} \vec {\omega}[/tex], where [tex] \vec {\omega} = \nabla * \vec {u} [/tex] is the vorticity of the fluid at R=0. [This definition is based on a description applicable to the rotation of solid bodies. Confirm this by considering [tex] \vec {u} = \vec {U} + \vec {\Omega}* \vec{r} [/tex], where [tex] \vec {U} [/tex] is the translational velocity of the body, [tex] \vec {\Omega} [/tex] is its angular velocity and [tex] \vec {r} [/tex] is the position vector of a point relative to a point on the axis of rotation.]


Homework Equations


Stokes' theorem : [tex] \oint_c u.dl = \iint_S (\nabla * u) .n ds [/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Either 1.:
C is boundary of [tex] x^2 + y^2 = R^2 [/tex]. Parametrically x= Rcost, y = Rsint
dx = -Rsintdt, dy = Rcostdt
L.H.S. of Stokes becomes [tex] \oint_c udx + vdy + wdz [/tex]
= [tex] \oint_C -uRSintdt + vRCostdt[/tex]
=[tex] \int_{0}^{2 \pi} -uRSint dt + vRCost dt [/tex]
=[tex] uRCost + vRSint \right]_{0}^{2 \pi}[/tex]
= -uR - uR
=-2uR
multiply term outside integral
=[tex]-\frac{u}{\pi R}[/tex]

Or 2:
[tex] \frac {1}{2} (\nabla * \vec {u}). \vec {n} = \lim_{R \rightarrow 0}[\frac {1}{2 \pi R^2} \iint_S (\nabla * u) .n ds ] [/tex], ...
 
Last edited:
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  • #2


[ Nevermind :) .. I was wrong. ]
 
  • #3


Start with this

[tex]
\vec {\Omega}. \vec {n} = \lim_{R \rightarrow 0}[\frac {1}{2 \pi R^2} \oint_C \vec {u}.dl]
[/tex]

then use Stokes theorem and get in the limit [tex]R \rightarrow 0[/tex]

[tex]
\vec {\Omega}. \vec {n} = \lim_{R \rightarrow 0}[\frac {1}{2 \pi R^2} \iint_S (\nabla * u) .n ds ] = \lim_{R \rightarrow 0}[\frac {1}{2 \pi R^2} (\nabla * u) \pi R^2 ] = 0.5 \nabla * u
[/tex]
 

1. What is Stokes' theorem and how is it used in the study of vorticity?

Stokes' theorem is a mathematical formula that relates the surface integral of a vector field to the line integral of its curl along the boundary of the surface. In the study of vorticity, it is used to calculate the circulation of a fluid around a closed loop in a 2D or 3D flow field.

2. How is the vorticity of a fluid related to its velocity field?

Vorticity is a measure of the local rotation or spin of a fluid element. It is directly related to the curl of the velocity field, which describes the tendency of the fluid to rotate at each point in space.

3. What is the physical significance of the vorticity equation?

The vorticity equation is a fundamental equation in fluid dynamics that describes the evolution of vorticity in a fluid. It is used to study the behavior of vortices, which play a crucial role in many natural phenomena such as weather patterns, ocean currents, and turbulence.

4. How does vorticity affect the motion of fluids?

Vorticity plays a significant role in the motion of fluids, especially in turbulent flows. It is responsible for the formation and evolution of vortices, which can influence the transport of mass, energy, and momentum in a fluid.

5. What are some practical applications of vorticity in engineering and science?

Vorticity is a crucial concept in many fields, including fluid mechanics, meteorology, oceanography, and aerodynamics. It is commonly used in the design of aircraft and ships, the study of weather patterns, and the analysis of fluid flow in industrial processes.

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