The University of Sydney

Mathematics III

Fluid Dynamics

2012

Example Sheet 1

Governing Equations, Stream Functions, Simple Flows, Bernoulli, etc.

1.

Show that when the two-dimensional incompressible stream function is written

as a function (r, ) of plane polar coordinates r and , the r and components
of the velocity are

1
, u =
.
ur =
r
r
(Hint: easiest is to remember u = (0, 0, (r, )), ie it is the curl of a vector
pointing in the z-direction.)

2.

Derive the result

(R, z) =

uz (, z)d

auR (a, )d ,

stated in lectures for the Stokes stream function for axisymmetric, incompressible flow. Interpret in terms of the volume flux across a certain family of
axisymmetric surfaces.
3.

Show that when the Stokes stream function is expressed in terms of spherical
polar coordinates (r, , ) ( is now colatitude, longitude, r distance from
origin), the r and components of the velocity are
ur =

r2

1
sin

u =

1
.
r sin r

(Hint: convince yourself from the cylindrical coordinate definition that in spherical coordinates u = (0, 0, /r sin ).)
4.

A two-dimensional jet has an x-component of velocity

u = U x1/3 sech2 (yx2/3 ) .
Calculate the corresponding stream function , and deduce the y-component
of the velocity (take = 0 at y = 0, and exclude x = 0).

5.

The stream function

= rU cos + (/2) sin sin

represents a flow in the first -quadrant, in plane polar coordinates (see Q.1).
Calculate the velocity components on the planes = 0, = /2, and hence
suggest what this flow might model. Calculate 2 and show 4 = 0.
6.

A source is held a distance h above a fixed plane. Use an image method to

calculate where the fluid speed along the plane is greatest. Do this first in a
two-dimensional geometry (line source), and then in the three-dimensional case
(point source).

7.

A source and sink of equal and opposite strengths S lie at R = 0, z = a

amid a uniform stream U which is flowing parallel to the z-axis of cylindrical
polar coordinates. Write down the Stokes stream function and find equations
determining the dividing streamline and the half-length and maximum radius
of the body formed in this way (it is called a Rankine Ovoid). What happens
as a 0 with Sa held constant?

8.

A depth charge causes an explosion at a point r = 0 in an incompressible fluid,

releasing energy E. The resulting flow is spherically symmetric and consists
of a cavity moving radially outwards, with fluid advancing ahead of it. The
radius of the cavity is R(t). Use the continuity equation to show that where
there is fluid,
r 2 u(r, t) = f (t) ,
where u is the outward velocity and f (t) is some function of time. Use dimensional analysis to show that
u=K

 E 3/5 t1/5
r2

where K is dimensionless. Equate the velocity at r = R to dR/dt to show that

R(t) = (5K/2)1/3

 E 1/5

t2/5 .

(This amazing solution can be extended to the case where the flow is compressible provided one assumes the evolution depends on the density but not the
pressure of the ambient fluid before the explosion. It is then referred to as the
Sedov solution and can be used for modelling nuclear explosions, supernovae,
etc.)

9.

A two-dimensional line vortex with strength lies at the point (a, b) in the
quarter-space x > 0, y > 0 bounded by the rigid planes x = 0, y = 0. Show
that the flow in the quarter-space can be modelled as the flow due to the original
vortex plus three image vortices located outside the flow domain. Given that
the vortex moves in response to the part of the velocity field associated with
its three images, show
a2
da
=
dt
4b(a2 + b2 )

db
b2
=
.
dt
4a(a2 + b2 )

Hence derive the path of the vortex, given that a = a0 for large b.
10. Consider unsteady, irrotational flow, in a region where viscosity is negligible,
and suppose the fluid is barotropic, a term meaning that its pressure can be
treated as a function p() of its density. Putting u = , show that the
appropriate form of Bernoullis equation is
Z

dp 1 2
+ v +
+ V = constant .

2
t

where V is a potential for any conservative body force/unit mass. Justify why
it is possible to take a constant on the RHS, rather than a more general function
of time.
11. Rankines vortex is an attempt to model an isolated vortex more realistically
than with a line vortex by smoothing the core out over a finite distance a. Let
u = (0, v(R), 0) in cylindrical polars, and suppose = 0(R > a), = (R < a),
where is a constant and is the z-component of vorticity. Find v in the two
regions, making them match at R = a.
Now suppose this flow takes place in an open container of fluid (eg. a bathtub),
with a free surface subject to gravity acting in the downward z-direction. Write
as the gradient of a scalar
down a Bernoulli equation for R > a. By writing u
(which is possible in this particular case), derive another Bernoulli equation
valid for R < a. By demanding that p = p0 , the atmospheric pressure, all the
way along the free surface, and that pressure has to be continuous at R = a
(why?), obtain an expression for the depression of the free surface as a function
of R (take the level to be zero far from the vortex). Do you think this model
is realistic?