Uniqueness of Stokes Flow: Investigating Strain and Stress Tensors

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In summary, the conversation discusses a proof of uniqueness for stokes flow in a fluids class. The speaker is trying to understand the substitution of the strain tensor (e) with the stress tensor (a) in the proof, and questions why eij*p*dij equals 0. The reply explains that this is because the strain tensor is traceless and the pressure term is equivalent to the negative trace of the stress tensor.
  • #1
davcrai
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Homework Statement


Going through a proof of uniqueness for stokes flow for a fluids class I'm taking. Part of it involves replacing the strain tensor (e) with the stress tensor (a), ie going from

(2u)*int(eij*eij)dV

to

int(eij*aij)dV


Homework Equations



aij = -p*dij + 2u*eij

dij = 1 if i=j, 0 otherwise.

The Attempt at a Solution



I can see you simply substitute for 2u*eij to the integral as follows,

int(eij*(eij*(p*dij + aij))dV

but why does eij*p*dij = 0 ?
 
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  • #2


Please try reposting this in the physics part of the forum.
 
  • #3


Because the strain tensor e is traceless. The pressure term is exactly minus the trace of the stress tensor a.
 
Last edited:
  • #4


Thank you very much!
 

Related to Uniqueness of Stokes Flow: Investigating Strain and Stress Tensors

1. What are fluids and how do they behave?

Fluids are substances that can flow and take the shape of their container. They can be liquids or gases. Fluids behave according to the laws of fluid mechanics, which describe how they move, exert forces, and interact with their surroundings.

2. What are tensors and how are they used in fluid mechanics?

Tensors are mathematical objects used to represent physical quantities, such as stress, strain, and velocity, in three-dimensional space. In fluid mechanics, tensors are commonly used to describe the stress and strain of fluids and to solve problems related to fluid flow.

3. What is the Navier-Stokes equation and why is it important in fluid mechanics?

The Navier-Stokes equation is a set of partial differential equations that describe the motion of fluids. It is important in fluid mechanics because it provides a fundamental framework for understanding and predicting the behavior of fluids in various situations, such as fluid flow in pipes or around objects.

4. Can you explain the concept of viscosity in fluids?

Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. It is a property that determines the rate of deformation of a fluid under an applied force. Fluids with high viscosity, such as honey, are thick and flow slowly, while fluids with low viscosity, such as water, are thin and flow more easily.

5. What is turbulence and how does it affect fluid flow?

Turbulence is a chaotic and irregular flow pattern that occurs in fluids when the speed and direction of flow vary significantly. It is caused by factors such as high velocity, rough surfaces, and changes in pressure. Turbulence can greatly affect fluid flow, making it difficult to predict and control, and can cause energy losses and structural damage in systems such as pipelines and aircraft wings.

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