Torque in circular fluid motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of Newton's law of viscosity in the context of circular fluid motion, specifically addressing the azimuthal component of the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations. The user questions the presence of squared terms in the equation for torque in axisymmetric flow, suggesting that the correct formulation should not include these squares. The conversation also touches on the stress tensor components, particularly the relationship between shear stress and velocity gradients, as defined by the viscosity coefficient μ. Clarifications on notation and tensor representation are sought, emphasizing the need for precise mathematical expressions in fluid dynamics.

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  • Understanding of Navier-Stokes equations in fluid dynamics
  • Familiarity with tensor calculus and curvilinear coordinates
  • Knowledge of Newton's law of viscosity and its applications
  • Basic principles of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
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  • Study the derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations in cylindrical coordinates
  • Learn about the properties and applications of the stress tensor in fluid mechanics
  • Explore the implications of axisymmetric flow in fluid dynamics
  • Investigate the role of viscosity in shear stress calculations
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Fluid dynamics researchers, mechanical engineers, and students studying advanced fluid mechanics, particularly those focusing on magnetohydrodynamics and tensor analysis.

da_willem
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I'm reading a book (intro to, by Davidson) about MHD now, but found I'm a bit rusty on tensors and curvilinear coordinates. It is written that for a circular flow the azimuthal component of the NS equations in the steady state gives (with F some body force)

\tau _{r \theta} r^2 =-\int _0 ^r r^2 F_{\theta} dr

Shouldn't this read, for axisymmetric flow, without the square on both r's? I would argue that the remaining terms in the NS equations

\sigma _{ij,i}+F_j=0

would yield for the azimuthal (\theta) component (any suggestions welcome if the notation is obscure):

F_{\theta} = -\nabla \cdot \overline{\overline{\sigma}}_{\theta}=-\frac{1}{r} \frac{d}{dr}(r\sigma_{r \theta})



Now the author continues,

\tau_{r \theta}=\mu r \frac{d}{dr}(\frac{u_{\theta}}{r})

In which he says he used Newtons law of viscosity, which I think one can write

\tau_{ij}=\mu u_{i,j}

(Is it by the way ok to write this as \overline{\overline{\tau}}=\mu \nabla \vec{u}?)

But how does one come from that to the (r, theta) component?
 
Last edited:
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I managed to get the r,theta component of the stress tensor as it is written in the book now. But I still can't see why there would be squares on the r's in the first formula I posted; anyone?
 

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