Homework #1 Due Date: 01/24/2017

Problem 1: Consider the steady mass conservation equation as it might describe the
flow through a duct with a variable cross-section. If the largest velocity gradient
measured locally is du/dx, and if the largest density gradient is dρ/dx, then what
relationship must exist between du/dx and dρ/dx for  V to be zero ( V is the velocity
vector). (20 points)

Problem 2: Consider steady flow of constant-property fluid in a long duct formed by two
parallel planes. Consider a point sufficiently far removed from the duct entrance that
the y component of velocity is zero and the flow is entirely in the x direction. Write the
Navier-Stokes equations for both the x and y directions. What can you deduce about the
pressure gradients? (20 points)

Problem 3: Consider that a thin viscous liquid film flows down an incline shown in the
figure below. The mass flow rate of the film is m , the incline has an angle θ with respect
to the horizontal, and the incline has width, w. The flow is in the laminar regime and the
shear stress at the liquid/air interface is zero. (20 points)

a) Consider the region where the flow is hydrodynamically fully developed,

evaluate the velocity profile.

b) Use the conservation of mass to evaluate the liquid film thickness, δ, in terms of
the fluid properties and variables specified.

T
Liquid Film
g
δ
y

Tw

x
θ