Thermal Energy Equation Term - Chain Rule

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the thermal energy equation for a fluid, specifically the transformation of the term P/ρ*(Dρ/Dt) into ρ*D/Dt(P/ρ) - DP/Dt. The participants emphasize the application of the chain rule and product rule in calculus to achieve this transformation. Key contributors clarify the need for an additional minus sign in one of the expressions and guide the original poster through the differentiation process. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding material derivatives and the relationship between pressure and density in fluid dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of material derivatives in fluid mechanics
  • Familiarity with the chain rule and product rule in calculus
  • Knowledge of thermodynamics, specifically thermal energy equations
  • Basic concepts of fluid density and pressure relationships
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the chain rule in fluid dynamics
  • Learn about material derivatives and their significance in thermodynamics
  • Review the product rule for differentiation in calculus
  • Explore the relationship between pressure and density in thermal energy equations
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Students studying fluid mechanics, engineers working with thermal energy systems, and anyone needing to understand the calculus behind thermodynamic equations.

kevman90
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Homework Statement


I am going through a derivation of the thermal energy equation for a fluid and am stumped on one of the steps. Specifically, the text I am using converts the term:

P/ρ*(Dρ/Dt)

to:

ρ*D/Dt(P/ρ) - DP/Dt

where:
ρ = density
P = pressure
D/Dt = material derivative

The text says this is done using the chain rule of differentiation but I can't derive it myself. I'm far removed from calculus so maybe I'm missing something simple but any help would be appreciated.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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One of the two expressions you have needs an extra minus sign. Momentarily, I will show the calculus of the second expression with the chain rule... @kevman90 Do you know how to take the derivative of ## \frac{d(uv)}{dt}##? It is ## u (\frac{dv}{dt}) +v(\frac{du}{dt}) ##. In this case, ## u=P ## and ## v=1/\rho ##. With the chain rule, ## \frac{dv}{dt}=(\frac{dv}{d \rho}) (\frac{d \rho}{dt}) ##. Do you know how to compute ## \frac{d v}{d \rho} ## ? With that, you should be able to process the second expression that you have, but I think you will find that it equals the minus of your first expression.
 
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Charles Link said:
One of the two expressions you have needs an extra minus sign. Momentarily, I will show the calculus of the second expression with the chain rule...
Sorry @Charles Link -- I was in the process of deleting the OP and warning for not showing enough work. But if you want to give a couple hints, that's probably okay.
 
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This makes sense - didn't think about using the product rule. I will work through it later but I think I've got it. Also my mistake with the minus sign I forgot to include it out in front of the first term. Thanks!
 
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