Understanding the Equation for Velocity Field in Cylindrical Coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the equation for the velocity field in cylindrical coordinates, specifically relating to the curl of a current function denoted as psi. The original poster is exploring the determinant rule for calculating this curl and its implications in the context of fluid mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the velocity field from the given equation, questioning the determinant rule for the curl in cylindrical coordinates. Some participants raise concerns about dimensional correctness and the assumptions regarding the dependence of psi on the cylindrical coordinates.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing insights and questioning the original poster's approach. There is a recognition of the need for clarification on the dimensional aspects of the derived equation, and the discussion reflects a mix of attempts to solve the problem and seek further understanding.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the axisymmetric nature of the problem, which influences the derivatives involved. The original poster expresses challenges in fluid mechanics, indicating a broader context of learning and exploration in this subject area.

Remixex
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Homework Statement


$$\bar{v}=\nabla \times \psi \hat{k}$$
The problem is much bigger, i know how a rotor or curl is calculated in cylindrical coordinates, but I'm just asking to see what would be the "determinant" rule for this specific curl.

Homework Equations


$$\psi$$ is in cylindrical coordinates (r,theta,z) and depends only on r and z, not theta meaning $$\psi(r,z)$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm asked to write the velocity field in therms of the current function psi, and i know i have to do it with said equation above, i believe the determinant rule used (given this is a demonstration and i already know the answer) was
(i tried doing a matrix and i couldn't, but the bottom line of the determinant looks like it was 0 & psi & 0, so the result should yield) $$\bar{v}=(\frac{-1}{r} \frac{\partial \psi}{\partial z}, 0, \frac{1}{r}\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial r})$$
 
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I think i solved it by myself, but if this is wrong I'd like some inputs.
All the theta derivatives are zero because psi doesn't depend on theta (1)
The middle therm is zero because the flux is axisymmetric, therefore the derivatives on each side are the same, cancelling each other (2)
 
Did you mean ##\nabla \times (\psi \hat\theta)## instead of ##\nabla \times (\psi \hat k)##?

You can tell your answer isn't dimensionally correct. If ##r## and ##z## have units of length, the derivative should only only introduce one power of length in the denominator. Your result has two.
 
I'm answering this absolutely late but i solved this doubt the next day asking my tutor
The equation, even though given as an "absolute" in the textbook (it implies it can be used everywhere) it depends on the flux, it is
$$\bar{v}=\nabla \times \phi(*)$$ where the asterisk (*) is the coordinate the current function does not posses, in this case phi is a function of r and z, therefore the asterisk must be a theta.
In any case i find much more comfortable using
$$\bar{v}=\nabla \phi \times (*)$$
I believe it's a similar equation, with another syntax, that relates velocity field with current function
Thanks for your answer anyways
PS=I'm struggling a lot in this fluid mechanics c(o)urse
 

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