CHAPTER 3 x Potential Flow 3.1 Introduction Spe The term potential flow refers to a flow which is irrotational. The irrotational flow of a fluid in which each small volume is deformed and displaced progressively without any rotation being present (or vortices developing). A potential flow occurs under certain conditions only for an jdeal, frictionless fluid. These conditions occur, for example, when the molion begins from a state of rest and a body immersed in an incompressible fluid begins to move, or when a body strikes the surface of the fluid. In an ideal liquids and gases, a potential Mow occurs in those regions where the forces of viscosity are negligible in comparison with those of pressure and no vortices are present. The study of potential flow is greatly simplified in that it involves the determination of only one function of the coordinates and time, called the potential function 3.2 Concept of Stream Function Fig. (3.1) showing the flow field, co-ordinate system and two stream lines. Fig. (3.1): Stream Function Definition 99Stream function is a mathematical expression that deserihes a flow field, Th definition is based on the continuity principle, It provides a means Of plotiin, and interpreting Now fields. Considering the su am line A in figure, the thoy Tale actoss any line joining 0 and any point on 4 should be the same HS ne flow can cross the stream line -t, Let the slow rate he denoted as yw. Then y is a constant of the streamline 4. If y can be described by an equation in: and y then stream line 1 can be Plotted on the flow field. Consider anothe Stream line B close to A. Let the flow between streain lines 4 and # he dy The flow ‘across any line between A and B will be dy. Now takin, coniponents in the x and 1° directions, dy =udvevdy Gl Ifthe stream function yr can be expressed as y = y(x,9) (as it has avalug & every point) then ay ay Wy = tee Say dy z 3p aly G2 and comparing the above (wo equations, it is seen that ay w=— and = Qs —- soe In the practical point of view equation (3.3) can be considered a¢ th definition of stream function, AS a result of the definition, if the stream function fora Stream line is knowt then the velocity at cach Point can be determined and vice versa, for a low fi fonction value can he Oblaine Ifthe velocity is expressed eld in terms of x and Mthen the streat 8 by Integrating equation (3.2), _ fay Bye welt [Karte ol 100| sens provides difference in flow between various stream i ¢ ines, By atin for the values of wand v in the continuity equation in terms of vw subst ay ov oe fede Or @.5) asthe valle of the derivative is the same irrespective of the order in which it is taken the continuity equation is automatically satisfied by the stream function. Ifthe value of the flow values can also be obtained bel ean be plotted and Jines. There are only a Hmited number of flows which are simple enough that stream function can be easily obtained. $ flows can be obtained by the combin: pine two flows and then obtain the stream function is expressed in terms of x and y, stream lines etween the stream Many real ation of the simple flows. [lis stream lines for the also possible to conv ee | ue of superposition ‘is found very useful in the with complex boundary conditions. ¢ stream function is related to the This tech analysis of more complex flows, Another particular advantage of using th eulichy is constant are Sireamlines.) a ociated with a particular s not of particular significance, but the change in the value of y ist facts that Lines alony streamline is The actual numerical value uss elated to the volume rate of flow. Consider (vo closely spaced streamlines. shown in esignated W and the upp Fig. (3.2a), The lower streamline is d er oncy +d Let dg represent the volume rate of flow {per unit width perpendicular t0 the Sy plane) passing between the tivo streamlines. Note that fi is tangent to the strea imines, since by definition the velocity ! Conservation of mass we know that the inflow. net outflow throug} low never crosses mmline. From dq, erossing the arbitrary srfce AC AB ace AC of Fig. (9-20) must equal the gh surfaces ™d BC. Thus, 1OEdq = udv—vde Orin terms of the stream function d= ay Ma The right-hand side of Eq. 3.3 is ‘equal to so that dq = dy Qs Thus, the volume rate of flow, 9, between two streamlines such as and, Fig. (3.24) ean be determined by integrating Equation G4) to yield ” q= fay ay, -y, Bt ¥ Ifthe upper Streamline y,,has a value greater than the lower streamline y then q is positive, which indicates that the flow is from left Wy > 4 athe flow is from ri ight to left, ruled eo Se = to right. F fa) thy Figure (3.2): The flow between two stteamlines In eytindrical Coordinates the Continuity equation for incompressible plane, two-dimensional flow Teduces to Lele.) 1 ay, ro pag nO 102components, and r,,can be rel, god the velocity ated t0 the stream fai ple) through the equations func" Lowe i yg eo St ep 88 or sump Gt) Show that the velocity vector Vis every where tangent to lines in the xy plane atong which wlry Along y(t.) = cons tant dy =0 a Maes oY ty=0 Ox ~vele 4 ude = 0 ( (3) ¥q (a}implies that” is tangent to lines yr = constant vero = 1 —— Lom aa ; ise Streamline a vee a ! Sw qe bh ee nn, Um Ixy es . half plane. _ the Yelocity components and describe the flow in the upper ES pow O> sah vey SOx. 2y we fuses mm © SP 07 eaeSolution 2M oy psn oS, ay a yp meng vr6 ves youd vr 2 wa? veo y =o Thus tis to the right in the first quadrant and to the left in the second quadrant, vis downward in the entire upper half-plane, Stecamlings are rectangular hypetbolas, obtained by setting y= 0,42,+4 Examote (3.3) Given P = Wdyi4 3x f , find the stream function Solution wa ny ay | a = fea Joey =f—a3dy 359+ pe f(x) may be evatuated using the equation fory. va OM) ata) Cy a ~ Then ftrle-2y and 3 3apet te, Aa jpcompressible fl y a3xty-¥? ow fteld is character acterized by the stream funetj ction, (a) Show’ that this flow is jrrotational. «b) Show depen {e) Sketch that the magnitude of the velocity at any point i ds only on the distance of the point from . ori =a Ic OFigin. afew streamlines for the flow in the quadrant 0, x> y hyd Solution (a) Show that this flow is irrotational +. The flow is irotational (b) The magni ; nitude of the velocity at any point in the flow field =Pjavie a? ¥ = IG? -3y?)? 4 omy? V 3lGhe yy 237? A few Streamlines, . Corresponding to lines along whieh y is constant. 57° Metched in Fig > 105 canev=o : ( ved yr ¥ yr) g y v=o Since there is no flow across streamlines, without viscous effects), i 2 1 x and the flaw is irrotational (is Any streamline may be imagined to represent a soli Tines y= of flow in a comer with cither surface. Lf we let the 0 represent solid surfaces, we obtain a pictur an obtuse or acute angle Exampte 3.5) Determine the stream function given, w= +I r~2y Solution w=Peoray vais, a Bendy 106and 33 Potential Function Flow is eatsed by a driving potential, It will be useful to have an idea of the potential at various locations, Ifa fluid flow is irrotational, then equation 5.10.1 is satisfied ie, Fluid flows which approximate to this condition are found to be large in number. Converging flows, and flows outside the boundary layer are essentially irrotational. If this condition is satisfied everywhere in a flow except at 2 few singular points, it is mathematically possible to define a velocity potential function 9 G. The negative sign indicates that #decreases in the direction of velocity increase. These partial derivatives are known as potential gradients and give the flow velocity in the direction of the gradient. Potential functions exist "ly in ivotational Now whereas stream funetions can be written for al - Substituting these in the continuity equation, an equation known 35 blace's equation results. Considering the continuity equation 4 w/a 9/9 0 » 107Substituting, 52 Olax) a ae at fa we ax G ‘This is similar to heat conduction cquation with temperature T replacing ¢ Potential. Substituting for rotational velocity. Vf Oe dw ola By G From this equation the inotationality tondition is satisfied. For some problems it will he Convenient to use cylindric: and c.where ¢ = (ra) as v= Or ‘al coordinates, » fund 4 follows for an irrotational f ow: a Also, Laplace's equation in cylindrical coordinates ig 12/,26), 1 (ary ra YP 3-4 Potential function ana si tream functions are 07 Along on quipotential line gs ¢ dd =0 Tihogonal ta cach fbr? a a tn Pars a 20 los-vdrtndy=0 dy _u “alert .| | 2h A 4 3.10) Gl pscsisag 4 lgsconiat Example (3.6) Avelocity field is described by the following components use, vert] Bezinning with these expressions, show that the velocity potential given by — dx = Judr =f2de=x7y +f) 16) may be evaluated using the equation forr.Then zh =l fy)=y and gaxtyty en that =x? ~yandv=—2xy, determine the stream function » potential function for the flow, (a) The stream function a n=l w = fay = Judy =flet yy = eyay +f@) a £(x) may be evaluated using the equation forv. -{2%y + 1) =-2y ar Then ~2xy— 22) __, ox -T)a9 Az) =0 and pextyly vesty-sy (b) The potential function 1(y) may be evaluated usi ing the equation forv. 110Atwosdimensional velocity field is described by the following manner: nextoytx, ve-hy-y Show that: {a) The flow is irrotational. (6) The stream function given by y= x%y— i yey (€) The velocity potential given by $= ie + ; (e? yxy’ Solution {2) The flow is irrotational , =0 , the flow is irrotational flow The stream function =o a as ee i ~y 2 = = —2xy-y vax v =f8 1 tay = Judy =f? —y? ea =e ge 7 Itt > ——f(x) may be evaluated using the equation fory. v of(x' v= 8 =r +182) - ayy Then —2xy— y= 0) ~2y-y ox PhD 9 f(e)=0 ox and vesty-ty +y {The velocity potential OF os cxcee ay TY xtaxy? he +f) i 3 f(y) may be evaluated using the equation forv. and Example @.9) The wwo-dimensional flow of a nonviscous, incompressible fluid in vicinity of the comer of Fig. is described by the stream function w=2r?sin20, Where has y units of ot /swhen r is in meters. {a) Determine, if possible, the Corresponding velocity potential. M2 1( ifthe pressure at point (1) on the wall is30 kPa, hh ty ec i ity i Pres point (ay? Assume the fluid density i51000%¢/>» ang 4, ste ai ; * ; i ) plane j horizontal that is, there is no difference in elevation ben 3 Plane is , ween points (1) and 2). Y yp =— oY = —rsin2e cr y, = 1 ar sin 26 rée ‘a ed ee" 4rcos20 , a * fe = Jv,dr = f4rcos20dr =2r? €0520+ £00) i evaluated using the equation for v,. ='a 1 ; om rao" 1 art sin20 +s 0) =-irsin29 t {40 sin 204 we) “apn » n3479 sin20 + oO =-4r? sin 20 (0) 4 fo)=0 ae i Then the velocity potential function = 2r* cos20 Strearnline (4 = constant) Equipctentiat line {@ =constant) (b) The pressure at point (2) Since we have an irrotational flow of a nonviscous, incompressible flui: Bernoulli equation can be applied between any two points. Thus, bet Points (1) and (2) with no elevation change Since V7? =¥? wt It follows that for any point within the flow field ¥? =(4rcos20) +(~4rsin20)* 14y2 216+ [(cos29)' + in 20)" yrzt6r? result indicates that the square of the velocity at any point depends only This r the radial distance, 7, to the point. of ye =l6r? =16lt) =16 v2 =16r2 =16(0.5) =4 Substitution of these velocities into the pressure equation mkt el? -¥2) P,=30x10? +7x10"((6) -(y) F=0x10? +4 x10"(16-4) P, =36x10? Pa Fyeadoikha Example (3.10) The three components of velocity in a flow field are given by usn2x?y v= Any? w=0 Calculate: {2) The constant (A) to satisfy coiitiaiuity equation? (6) Is this low rotational or irrotational? (¢) The stream function? —— (4) The expression of pressure gradient in x-direction, ‘nd 2-direction assume the 2 is the vertical axis? Suge The expression of pressure? ‘ > 115‘a) The constant (A) Continuity equation can be written ou av at ox oy ~4xy + lAry=0 A=2 Then w=-2x?y and ve2y? (b) This Now rotational or irrotational o.-Lbs (22) ®, =iby +2x?)= y? 44? @,40 This flow is rotational flow (c) The stream function dy = fi udy =J- 2x? ydv =—x?y? + f(x) f(x) may be evaluated using the equation fory, = oy 2 v= ae { 2xy* + 2_ 9x) 42 day ae 29 Sf (x Then -) =0 fx)=0 and ywooxty? (d) The expression of Pressure gradient 116sem bu enution yscirection > 1 aP sey 4x? =-— } po 4ty? = Le pa (2)y-direction a ae 1 ap Stuy tw ak yo & pe 8) z-direction ov aw aw aw Stu yt & a ae 9+040+9=-g2 4 OP pa gd PD& {yt he expression of pressure bh 17 4x9) +0 =0- Yay) + 2 o+(-2«?y}-4x)+ Ray? 2x*)+ 0-0-1 pcx 1 GP eyap, oP, | OP cae —dy+—dz dP got Fn y & 5 ap OP ote By integration fap = [eae [Zerlee fap =[Cape'y? i+ [C4mty? yt fC ae)de Pa~4p[xtyvde~4o[x*y'dv4—pe | dz xt giv Pappy =Apx? 77 Pee + Cons tant P=~px'y? — px? y! — poz + Constant Pe =~p(x! Vtxtyt+ gz)+ Constant 3.5 The Combination of Motions Consider two-dimensional flow of an incompressible fluid. The stream functions yr, 2 correspond to flows whose velocities are (x,,¥,), ) (u.¥y) respectively. Now let Way ty, While A =d, +4, To compound veetorially two fields of two-dimensional flow we add their stream functions and velocity potentional, 3.6 Some Elementary Incompressible Flows (a) Uniform Stream The simplest plane flow is one for which the streamlines are all straight 2 parallel, and the Magnitude of the velocity is consta int. This type of flow® called a uniform flow, ()) Uniform Stream Paralte} fo x-Axis1)Siream function dy= Hace Mav a ye [rates fuae c 0 wa0+Uy WeUy Welocity Potential. Figure (3.3) Gly)paUx Br ii) Uniform Stream Parallel to y-Axis y Pfzy) 0 v « Figure (3.4) (1) Stream function ty =! tes = H ety ae yes Jaw = it 14 as [te v ) ye {- vdx + ‘futy 0 0 Weck B13, (2) Velocity Potential df= sees Sey Taf 06, Hap = [db=( Fay (|B 4 Jas ae [Fo fe Judes frdy P=O04Vy gery oH (iii) Uniform Stream of Velocity Inclined to the x-Axis a0 =(1) Stream function v= faref = y= [vee [udy a ° v=f- ~(Usina}ie+ fe cosa)dy 2 3.15) v=Ucosa y-Usinax G. Velocity Potential$= { (u cosa)de+ {(Usina}dy ¢=Uxcosa+U ysing G16) ') Source and Sink igure (3.6) Consider a fluid flowing radially outward from a line through the origi: perpendicular to the x-y plane as is shown in Fig. (3.6). Let m be the volun rate of flow cmanating from the line per unit length, and therefore to satisft conservation of mass: m=v,2nrd m ,=— 2nr Also, since the flow is a purely radial flow, v Strength of source =m = m?/s (1) Stream function ‘The corresponding stream function can be obtained by: 122 Jow a ov a6 dv=aoe"* 50 g Lay ve Jaw -(# rat Fg ro ne do we i rv. m G.17) 0) Velocity Potential dg= far +240 f= fee ~fetara 28 a9 fl 60 = Judes frv,do a a f= id dr +0: g(a Sore el G.18) = ine Sines (Sink isa source with negative strength) "Line Vortex 193o=eonstant Fig. (3.7) Real vortex has a core of fluid, which rotates as a solid. Line vortex is a theoretical idealization. Vortex strength T= 2 rv, Or and (Tis constant for a certain vortex ) {1) Stream fanction The corresponding stream function can be obtained by integrating the equations ay. | aye dy = py y or tao ao ye fav = [Stare f3Sa0 rf eft v= [-wars [rv.do ° ° 124For anti-clockwise rotation For clockwise rotation Li a (1 Velocity Potential ap= ars Bao ao 40 we 3, re = fap [ 24. ag é Ja [eo Sap s 0 $= [ride frv dd * a oor =0 oa , + Jr 5 t0+0 ar d= [—a I e crt fe ao clockwise rotation eared For anti For clockwise rotation