What are the boundary conditions for rotational flow?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the boundary conditions for rotational flow in fluid dynamics, particularly in relation to the dynamic boundary condition used in irrotational flows. Participants explore the complexities of establishing analogous conditions for rotational flows and the implications of various equations, including the Navier-Stokes equations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a common boundary condition for irrotational flows and questions the analog for rotational flows, suggesting that this is a complex issue.
  • Another participant shares a link to a resource but notes the absence of a specific equation related to the dynamic boundary condition.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about the necessity of an analogous condition for rotational flow.
  • One participant proposes a formulation using the Navier-Stokes equations and questions its validity, indicating a potential misunderstanding or lack of clarity in the approach.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of deriving boundary conditions from the physical system being modeled rather than starting with desired conditions.
  • A suggestion is made for a straightforward boundary condition involving the pressure gradient, asserting that it should be orthogonal to the fluid surface.
  • There is a call for a more systematic approach to deducing boundary conditions based on the specific type of rotational flow being modeled.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to approach the establishment of boundary conditions for rotational flow. There is no consensus on a specific boundary condition or method, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need to consider the physical context and assumptions underlying the flow being modeled, indicating that the discussion is contingent on these factors.

surfwavesfreak
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Hello everyone,
The boundary condition :
P=0, z=ζ
is very common when studying irrotational flows. When cast with the Bernoulli equation, it gives rise to the famous dynamic boundary conditionn, which is much more convenient :
tφ+½(∇φ)2+gζ=0, z=ζ
But what happens if the motion is rotational ? What would be the analog of the dynamic BC ?
This condition is more complex than it seems ...

Thanks a lot !
 
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Thanks for your link, but I did not see any equation like
∂tφ+½(∇φ)2+gζ=0, z=ζ
where the pressure is actually removed from the variables.
Any idea ?
 
What makes you think there should be one?
The point of the suggestion was to hep you understand how to apply boundary conditions for the situation that flow may be rotational.
Once you can understand that, then you can approach your question.
 
I was thinking that may be you could cast p=0, z=ζ and the navier stokes equations :
tui+ujxjui=-∂xip/ρ+gδiz
which I assumed to be valid everywhere, especially at z=ζ
As p=0, ∂xip=0 as well, and you are left with :
tui+ujxjui=gδiz, z=ζ
but I've never seen that anywhere, and I think there may be something wrong somewhere ...
 
You need to motivate your boundary conditions from the physics you are trying to model.
 
Yes you are right. Following what you said, may be a very straightforward boundary condition would be :
∇p×∇ζ=0, z=ζ
as the pressure is constant along the surface, its gradient should always be directed ortohogonally to the surface of the fluid.
Then you get an equation that you can easily cast with the momentum equations (through the pressure gradient).
 
You don't start with the boundary conditions you want, you start with the physical system and deduce what would count as reasonable boundary conditions.
Start with the specific kind of rotational flow you want to model. How does it arise? What boundary conditions will be consistent? Whatever you get out is the model for that situation under the assumptions you made. That's the best you can do.

Note: you can set BCs, and then ask: what sort of flow has those boundary conditions ... but that is not what you were doing either.
 

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