Streamlines - Continuum mechanics

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation of streamlines in a small-amplitude standing surface wave on water, described by the velocity components \(v_x\) and \(v_y\). The equations provided are \(v_x = v_0 \sin(\omega t) \cos(kx) \cosh[k(y + h)]\) and \(v_y = v_0 \sin(\omega t) \sin(kx) \sinh[k(y + h)]\). To find the streamlines, the relationship \(\frac{\partial F}{\partial x} = v_y\) and \(\frac{\partial F}{\partial y} = -v_x\) must be utilized, indicating that the gradient of \(F\) is orthogonal to the velocity vector. The participant acknowledges confusion regarding the approach but recognizes the need to focus on streamlines.

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Homework Statement


In Cartesian coordinates ##x##, ##y##, where ##x## is the horizontal and ##y## the vertical coordinate,
the velocity in a small-amplitude standing surface wave on water of depth ##h## is given
by;
$$v_x = v_0 sin(\omega t) cos(kx) cosh[k(y + h)]$$
$$v_y = v_0 sin(\omega t) sin(kx) sinh[k(y + h)]$$
where ##v_0##, ##\omega## and ##k## are constants. Find the equation of streamlines written in the
form ##F(x, y) = const##.

Homework Equations


$$\frac{dx_i}{d\lambda}=v_i (\lambda,t)$$

The Attempt at a Solution


Look being honest I have no idea what to do, I noticed that;
$$\frac{dx}{d\lambda}=v_0 sin(\omega t) cos(kx) cosh[k(y + h)]$$
$$\frac{dy}{d\lambda}=v_0 sin(\omega t) sin(kx) sinh[k(y + h)]$$
I tried doing;
$$\frac{dy}{d\lambda} \frac{d\lambda}{dx}=\frac{1}{tan(kx)tanh[k(y+h)]}$$
I don't believe that is the correct way to do it, I think I am supposed to try and write them as parametric equations but I am not sure how.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If F is to be constant on streamlines, then its gradient must be orthogonal to v. Thus you need to solve <br /> \frac{\partial F}{\partial x} = v_y, \\<br /> \frac{\partial F}{\partial y} = -v_x.
 
Oh thankyou! it appears i wasnt thinking about streamlines at all, not sure what i was trying to do
 

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