Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the inclusion of thermal stresses in the stress tensor, particularly in the context of viscous flow and compressible fluids. Participants explore how thermal effects can be integrated into existing mechanical stress models, with references to specific equations and applications such as sintering.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- One participant proposes a total stress tensor that includes thermal flux as \(\boldsymbol{\sigma}=-p\mathbf{I}+\frac{1}{2}(\nabla\mathbf{u}+(\nabla\mathbf{u})^{T})+\alpha T\mathbf{I}\) and questions its correctness.
- Another participant notes that the original equation is for an incompressible fluid, suggesting that the context may affect the formulation.
- A third participant references an external source indicating a different formulation for the Cauchy stress, suggesting that the initial proposal may not align with established equations.
- Some participants provide an alternative equation for a compressible viscous fluid, indicating that thermal expansion is typically considered negligible in stress calculations, but they also present a modified equation that includes thermal expansion effects.
- A participant expresses a specific interest in coupling temperature to Navier's equations and inquires about including the time derivative of temperature in the stress tensor for applications related to sintering.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct formulation of the stress tensor with thermal stresses. Multiple competing views and interpretations of the equations remain, with some participants emphasizing the importance of thermal expansion while others focus on thermal stresses within materials.
Contextual Notes
There are indications of missing assumptions regarding the conditions under which the proposed equations apply, particularly concerning compressibility and thermal expansion. The discussion also highlights the complexity of integrating thermal effects into fluid dynamics models.