Torque and concentric cylinders fluids

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the torque (##\vec{T}##) on the outer edge of two concentric cylinders filled with a Newtonian fluid, where the inner cylinder is stationary and the outer cylinder rotates at an angular velocity (##\Omega##). The torque is expressed as ##\vec{T} = \vec{r} \times \vec{F}##, with ##\vec{F}## derived from the shear stress tensor (##\bar{\bar{\tau}}##) defined as ##\bar{\bar{\tau}} = \mu \nabla \vec{V}##. A correction is provided, indicating that the shear stress is a vector and the gradient of velocity is a tensor, necessitating the use of the complete rheological equation for Newtonian fluids: $$\pmb{\sigma}=-p\mathbf{I}+\mu(\pmb{\nabla}\mathbf{V}+(\pmb{\nabla}\mathbf{V})^T)$$. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the components of the stress tensor in cylindrical coordinates for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newtonian fluid mechanics
  • Familiarity with torque and vector calculus
  • Knowledge of stress tensors and their components
  • Proficiency in cylindrical coordinate systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the velocity gradient in cylindrical coordinates
  • Study the components of the stress tensor for Newtonian fluids
  • Learn about torque calculations in fluid dynamics
  • Explore the application of shear stress in rotational systems
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, fluid dynamics researchers, and students studying rheology and torque calculations in rotational systems will benefit from this discussion.

member 428835
Hi PF!

If we have two concentric cylinders with Newtonian fluid between them, and the small cylinder is at rest and the larger cylinder with radius ##R## rotates at some angular velocity ##\Omega##, how would you calculate torque ##\vec{T}## on the outer edge?

My thoughts: ##\vec{T} = \vec{r}\times \vec{F}## where ##\vec{r}=R\vec{r}##. To find ##\vec{F}##, we'll need the shear stress in the ##\theta## direction. I know in general the shear stress ##\bar{\bar\tau}## is a second order tensor defined for a Newtonian incompressible fluid as ##\bar{\bar\tau} = \mu \nabla \vec{V}##. So then ##\vec{F} = \bar{\bar\tau} \cdot \hat{\theta} = (\mu \nabla \vec{V}) \cdot \hat{\theta}##. Since I don't know ##\nabla \vec{V}## in cylindrical coordinates, I cannot proceed. Please help me out here.

If I knew ##(\mu \nabla \vec{V}) \cdot \hat{\theta}## then ##\vec{F} = \iint_S (\mu \nabla \vec{V}) \cdot \hat{\theta} \, dA## where ##S## is the boundary of the cylinder and ##dA## is an area element.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
joshmccraney said:
Hi PF!

If we have two concentric cylinders with Newtonian fluid between them, and the small cylinder is at rest and the larger cylinder with radius ##R## rotates at some angular velocity ##\Omega##, how would you calculate torque ##\vec{T}## on the outer edge?

My thoughts: ##\vec{T} = \vec{r}\times \vec{F}## where ##\vec{r}=R\vec{r}##. To find ##\vec{F}##, we'll need the shear stress in the ##\theta## direction. I know in general the shear stress ##\bar{\bar\tau}## is a second order tensor defined for a Newtonian incompressible fluid as ##\bar{\bar\tau} = \mu \nabla \vec{V}##.
This equation is not correct. The shear stress is a vector and del V is a tensor. The rheological equation for a Newtonian fluid is: $$\pmb{\sigma}=-p\mathbf{I}+\mu(\pmb{\nabla}\mathbf{V}+(\pmb{\nabla}\mathbf{V})^T)$$To get the shear stress you are looking for, you would have to dot this with a unit vector in the radial direction and with a unit vector in the tangential direction.
The easiest thing to do is look up the components of the stress tensor in terms of the components of the velocity vector for cylindrical coordinates on line. Or, do you feel compelled to derive the gradient of velocity vector in cylindrical coordinates on your own?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: member 428835
Chestermiller said:
The easiest thing to do is look up the components of the stress tensor in terms of the components of the velocity vector for cylindrical coordinates on line. Or, do you feel compelled to derive the gradient of velocity vector in cylindrical coordinates on your own?
I would like to see how the derivation goes, if you know a reference or would walk me through it?
 
joshmccraney said:
I would like to see how the derivation goes, if you know a reference or would walk me through it?
Section 1.2, BSL
 
Thanks!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K