Chapter 4 • Differential Relations

for Fluid Flow

P4.1 An idealized velocity field is given by the formula

V = 4txi − 2t 2 yj + 4 xzk
Is this flow field steady or unsteady? Is it two- or three-dimensional? At the point (x, y, z) =
(–1, +1, 0), compute (a) the acceleration vector and (b) any unit vector normal to the
acceleration.

Solution: (a) The flow is unsteady because time t appears explicitly in the components.
(b) The flow is three-dimensional because all three velocity components are nonzero.
(c) Evaluate, by laborious differentiation, the acceleration vector at (x, y, z) = (−1, +1, 0).
du ∂ u ∂u ∂u ∂u
= +u +v +w = 4x + 4tx(4t) − 2t 2 y(0) + 4xz(0) = 4x + 16t 2 x
dt ∂ t ∂x ∂y ∂z
dv ∂ v ∂v ∂v ∂v
= +u +v +w = −4ty + 4tx(0) − 2t 2 y( −2t 2 ) + 4xz(0) = −4ty + 4t 4 y
dt ∂ t ∂x ∂y ∂z
dw ∂ w ∂w ∂w ∂w
= +u +v +w = 0 + 4tx(4z) − 2t 2 y(0) + 4xz(4x) = 16txz + 16x 2z
dt ∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z
dV
or: = (4x + 16t 2 x)i + (−4ty + 4t 4 y) j + (16txz + 16x 2z)k
dt
dV
at (x, y, z) = (−1, +1, 0), we obtain = −4(1 + 4t 2 )i − 4t(1 − t 3 ) j + 0 k Ans. (c)
dt
(d) At (–1, +1, 0) there are many unit vectors normal to dV/dt. One obvious one is k. Ans.

P4.2 Flow through the converging nozzle

in Fig. P4.2 can be approximated by the
one-dimensional velocity distribution
⎛ 2 x ⎞
u ≈ Vo ⎜ 1 + ⎟ υ ≈ 0 w ≈ 0
⎝ L ⎠
(a) Find a general expression for the fluid
acceleration in the nozzle. (b) For the
specific case Vo = 10 ft/s and L = 6 in,
Fig. P4.2
compute the acceleration, in g’s, at the
entrance and at the exit.
Solution: Here we have only the single ‘one-dimensional’ convective acceleration:
du ∂ u ⎡ ⎛ 2 x ⎞ ⎤ 2Vo 2Vo2 ⎛ 2x ⎞
=u = Vo 1 + ⎟ ⎥ = ⎜ 1 + ⎟ Ans. (a)
dt ∂ x ⎢⎣ ⎜⎝ L ⎠ ⎦ L L ⎝ L ⎠
ft du 2(10)2 ⎛ 2 x ⎞
For L = 6ʹ′ʹ′ and Vo = 10 , = ⎜⎝1 + ⎟ = 400(1 + 4x), with x in feet
s dt 6 /12 6 /12 ⎠
At x = 0, du/dt = 400 ft/s2 (12 g’s); at x = L = 0.5 ft, du/dt = 1200 ft/s2 (37 g’s). Ans. (b)

P4.3 A two-dimensional velocity field is given by

V = (x2 – y2 + x)i – (2xy + y)j
in arbitrary units. At (x, y) = (1, 2), compute (a) the accelerations ax and ay, (b) the
velocity component in the direction θ = 40°, (c) the direction of maximum velocity, and
(d) the direction of maximum acceleration.

Solution: (a) Do each component of acceleration:

du ∂u ∂u
=u +v = (x 2 − y 2 + x)(2x + 1) + (−2xy − y)(−2y) = a x
dt ∂x ∂y
dv ∂v ∂v
=u +v = (x 2 − y 2 + x)( −2y) + (−2xy − y)(−2x − 1) = a y
dt ∂x ∂y
At (x, y) = (1, 2), we obtain ax = 18i and ay = 26j Ans. (a)

(b) At (x, y) = (1, 2), V = –2i – 6j. A unit vector along a 40° line would be n = cos40°i +
sin40°j. Then the velocity component along a 40° line is

V40° = V⋅n40° = (−2i − 6 j) ⋅ (cos 40°i + sin 40° j) ≈ 5.39 units Ans. (b)
(c) The maximum acceleration is amax = [182 + 262]1/2 = 31.6 units at ∠55.3° Ans. (c, d)
_______________________________________________________________________

P4.4 A simple flow model for a two-dimensional converging nozzle is the distribution

x y
u = U o (1 + ) v = −U o w=0
L L

(a) Sketch a few streamlines in the region 0<x/L<1 and 0<y/L<1, using the method of
Section 1.11. (b) Find expressions for the horizontal and vertical accelerations.
(c) Where is the largest resultant acceleration and its numerical value?

Solution: The streamlines are in the x-y plane and are found from the velocities:

dx dy dx dy
= or integrate : ∫ U o (1 + x / L) = − ∫ U o y / L Cancel U o
u v
L ln(1 + x / L) = − L ln( y / L) + const , or : ln[( y / L)(1 + x / L)] = constant
y C
Finally the streamlines : = Ans.( a )
L 1 + x/L

These may be plotted for various values of the dimensionless constant C, as shown:

1.0
C=1
0.9
C = 0.75
0.8
C = .5
0.7
C = 0.25
0.6
y/L 0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
x/L

The streamlines converge and the velocity increases to the right. Ans.(a)

(b) The accelerations are calculated from Eq. (4.2):

 ∂u ∂u U2 x
ax = u + v = [U o (1 + x / L)](U o / L) + 0 = o (1 + )
∂x ∂y L L
∂v ∂v U o2 y
ay = u + v = 0 + (−U o y / L)(−U o / L) = Ans.(b)
∂x ∂y L L
(c) Find the resultant of ax and ay from Ans.(b) above and introduce y/L from Ans.(a):

a = ax2 + a 2y = 1 + 2η +η 2 + C 2 /(1 + η )2 , where η = x / L Ans.(c)

We observe that the resultant acceleration increases with x and is greatest at x = L, where its
numerical value is (Uo2/L) [4 + C2/4]1/2.

P4.5 The velocity field near a stagnation point (see Example 1.10) may be written in
the form
U x −U o y
u= o v= U o and L are constants
L L
(a) Show that the acceleration vector is purely radial. (b) For the particular case L = 1.5 m,
if the acceleration at (x, y) = (1 m, 1 m) is 25 m/s2, what is the value of Uo?

Solution: (a) For two-dimensional steady flow, the acceleration components are

du ∂u ∂ u ⎛ x ⎞ ⎛ Uo ⎞ ⎛ y ⎞ Uo2
=u +v = U + −U (0) = 2 x
dt ∂x ∂ y ⎜⎝ o L ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ L ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ o L ⎟⎠ L
dv ∂v ∂ v ⎛ x ⎞ ⎛ y ⎞ ⎛ Uo ⎞ Uo2
=u +v = U (0) + ⎜ − U o ⎟ ⎜ − ⎟ = y
dt ∂x ∂ y ⎜⎝ o L ⎟⎠ ⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ L ⎠ L2

Therefore the resultant a = (U2o /L2 )(xi + yj) = (U2o /L2 )r (purely radial) Ans. (a)
(b) For the given resultant acceleration of 25 m/s2 at (x, y) = (1 m, 1 m), we obtain

m U 2o U 2o m
|a| = 25 = |r| = 2 m, solve for U o = 6.3 Ans. (b)
s2 L2 (1.5 m)2 s
P4.6 An incompressible plane flow has the velocity components u = 2y, v = 8x, w = 0.
(a) Find the acceleration components. (b) Determine if the vector acceleration is radial.

(c) Which two streamlines of this flow are straight lines?

Solution: (a, b) With no z activity, we can stick to steady two-dimensional formulas:

∂u ∂u
ax = u +v = (2 y )(0) + (8 x)(2) = 16 x
∂x ∂y
∂v ∂v
ay = u +v = (2 y )(8) + (8 x)(0) = 16 y Ans.(a)
∂x ∂y
a = i ax + j a y = 16 i x + 16 j y = 16(i x + j y ) = 16 r Radial , yes. Ans.(b)

(c) Find the streamlines in the manner suggested in Chapter 1, Eq. (1.41):

dx dy dx dy
= , or : = , 2 y dy = 8 x dx
u v 2y 8x
Integrate : ∫ 2 ydy = ∫ 8x dx , or : y 2 = 4 x 2 + const

The streamlines are all curved except when the constant of integration is zero, for which
there are two straight streamlines: y = ± 2 x . Ans.(c)
P4.7 Consider a sphere of radius R immersed in a uniform stream Uo, as shown in
Fig. P4.7. According to the theory of Chap. 8, the fluid velocity along streamline AB is given by
⎛ R3 ⎞
V = ui = Uo ⎜ 1 + 3 ⎟ i
⎝ x ⎠

Fig. P4.7
Find (a) the position of maximum fluid acceleration along AB and (b) the time required
for a fluid particle to travel from A to B. Note that x is negative along line AB.

Solution: (a) Along this streamline, the fluid acceleration is one-dimensional:

du ∂u
=u = U o (1 + R 3 /x 3 )( −3U o R 3 /x 4 ) = −3U o R 3 (x −4 + R 3x −7 ) for x ≤ −R
dt ∂x
The maximum occurs where d(ax)/dx = 0, or at x = –(7R3/4)1/3 ≈ –1.205R Ans. (a)
(b) The time required to move along this path from A to B is computed from
−R t
dx dx
u= = Uo (1 + R3 /x3 ), or: ∫ = Uo dt,
dt −4R
1 + R3 /x3 ∫0
−R
⎡ R (x + R)2 R −1 ⎛ 2x − R ⎞ ⎤
or: U o t = ⎢ x − ln 2 2
+ tan ⎜⎝ ⎟⎠ ⎥ =∞
⎣ 6 x − Rx + R 3 R 3 ⎦ −4R
It takes an infinite time to actually reach the stagnation point, where the velocity is
zero. Ans. (b)

P4.8 When a valve is opened, fluid flows in the expansion duct of Fig. P4.8 according to
the approximation

⎛ x ⎞ Ut
V = iU ⎜ 1 − ⎟ tanh
⎝ 2 L ⎠ L
Find (a) the fluid acceleration at (x, t) = (L, L/U) and (b) the time for which the fluid
acceleration at x = L is zero. Why does the fluid acceleration become negative after
condition (b)?

Fig. P4.8

Solution: This is a one-dimensional unsteady flow. The acceleration is

∂u ∂u ⎛ x ⎞ U ⎛ Ut ⎞ ⎛ x ⎞ ⎛ U ⎞ ⎛ Ut ⎞
ax = +u = U ⎜ 1 − ⎟ sech 2 ⎜ ⎟ − U ⎜ 1 − ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ tanh⎜ ⎟
∂t ∂x ⎝ 2L ⎠ L ⎝ L ⎠ ⎝ 2L ⎠ ⎝ 2L ⎠ ⎝ L ⎠

U 2 ⎛ x ⎞ ⎡ 2 ⎛ Ut ⎞ 1 ⎛ Ut ⎞ ⎤
= ⎜ 1 − ⎟ ⎢sech ⎜ ⎟ − tanh ⎜ ⎟ ⎥
L ⎝ 2L ⎠ ⎣ ⎝ L ⎠ 2 ⎝ L ⎠ ⎦

At (x, t) = (L, L/U), ax = (U2/L)(1/2)[sech2(1) – 0.5tanh(1)] ≈ 0.0196 U2/L Ans. (a)

The acceleration becomes zero when

⎛ Ut ⎞ 1 ⎛ Ut ⎞ 1 ⎛ 2Ut ⎞
sech 2 ⎜ ⎟ = tanh ⎜ ⎟ , or sinh ⎜ = 2,
⎝ L ⎠ 2 ⎝ L ⎠ 2 ⎝ L ⎟⎠
Ut
or: ≈ 1.048 Ans. (b)
L
The acceleration starts off positive, then goes through zero and turns negative as the
negative convective acceleration overtakes the decaying positive local acceleration.

P4.13 For an incompressible plane flow in polar coordinates, we are given

vr = r 3 cos θ + r 2 sin θ
Find the appropriate form of circumferential velocity for which continuity is satisfied.

Solution: Substitute into continuity, Eq. (4.9), for incompressible flow:

1 ∂ 1 ∂ 1 ∂ 1 ∂vθ
(r vr ) + (vθ ) = [r (r 3 cos θ + r 2 sin θ )] + ,
r ∂r r ∂θ r ∂r r ∂θ
1 ∂vθ
or : = − 4 r 2 cos θ − 3 r sin θ
r ∂θ
Integrate : vθ = − 4 r 3 sin θ + 3 r 2 cos θ + f (r ) Ans.

We can’t determine the form of the “constant of integration” f(r) without further
information.

P4.19 An incompressible flow field has the cylindrical velocity components υ = Cr, υz =θ

K(R2 – r2), υr = 0, where C and K are constants and r ≤ R, z ≤ L. Does this flow satisfy
continuity? What might it represent physically?
Solution: We check the incompressible continuity relation in cylindrical coordinates:

1∂ 1 ∂ vθ ∂ vz
(rv r ) + + = 0 = 0 + 0 + 0 satisfied identically Ans.
r ∂r r ∂θ ∂z
This flow also satisfies (cylindrical) momentum and could represent laminar flow inside a
tube of radius R whose outer wall (r = R) is rotating at uniform angular velocity.

P4.22 In an axisymmetric flow, nothing varies with θ ; the only nonzero velocities
are vr and vz (see Fig. 4.2 of the text). If the flow is steady and incompressible and vz = Bz,
where B is constant, find the most general form of vr which satisfies continuity.

Solution: With no θ variation and no v , the equation of continuity (4.9) becomes

θ
 1 ∂ ∂vz 1 ∂ ∂
(r vr ) + = 0 = (r vr ) + ( Bz ) ,
r ∂r ∂z r ∂r ∂z
∂ B
or : (r vr ) = − B r ; Integrate : r vr = − r 2 + f ( z)
∂r 2
B f ( z)
Finally, vr = − r + Ans.
2 r

The “function of integration”, f(z), is arbitrary, at least until boundary conditions are set.

__________________________________________________________________________
P4.25 An incompressible flow in polar
coordinates is given by
⎛ b ⎞
vr = K cos θ ⎜ 1 − 2 ⎟
⎝ r ⎠
⎛ b ⎞
vθ = − K sin θ ⎜ 1 + 2 ⎟
⎝ r ⎠
Does this field satisfy continuity? For
consistency, what should the dimensions of
constants K and b be? Sketch the surface
where vr = 0 and interpret. Fig. P4.25

Solution: Substitute into plane polar coordinate continuity:

1∂ 1 ∂ vθ ? 1 ∂ ⎡ ⎛ b ⎞ ⎤ 1 ∂ ⎡ ⎛ b ⎞ ⎤
(rvr ) + = 0= ⎢ K cos θ ⎜ r − ⎟ ⎥ + ⎢ −K sin θ ⎜⎝1 + r 2 ⎟⎠ ⎥ = 0 Satisfied
r ∂r r ∂θ r ∂ r ⎣ ⎝ r ⎠ ⎦ r ∂θ ⎣ ⎦
The dimensions of K must be velocity, {K} = {L/T}, and b must be area, {b} = {L2}. The
surfaces where vr = 0 are the y-axis and the circle r = √b, as shown above. The pattern
represents inviscid flow of a uniform stream past a circular cylinder (Chap. 8).

P4.28 Consider the incompressible flow field of Prob. P4.6, with velocity components
u = 2y, v = 8x, w = 0. Neglect gravity and assume constant viscosity. (a) Determine whether
this flow satisfies the Navier-Stokes equations. (b) If so, find the pressure distribution p(x, y) if
the pressure at the origin is po.

Solution: In Prob. P4.6 we found the accelerations, so we can proceed to Navier-Stokes:

 ∂u ∂u ∂p ∂p ∂p
ρ (u + v ) = ρ[ 0 + (8 x)(2)] = − + ρ g x + µ ∇ 2u = − + 0 + 0; = − 16 ρ x
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂x ∂x
∂v ∂v ∂p ∂p ∂p
ρ (u + v ) = ρ[(2 y )(8) + 0] = − + ρ g y + µ ∇2v = − + 0 + 0; = − 16 ρ y
∂x ∂y ∂y ∂y ∂y

Noting that
∂ 2 p /(∂x∂y) = 0 in both cases, we conclude Yes, satisfies Navier - Stokes. Ans.(a)

(b) The pressure gradients are simple, so we may easily integrate:

∂p ∂p
dp = dx + dy , or : p = ∫ −16 ρ x dx + ∫ −16 ρ y dy = − 8ρ ( x 2 + y 2 ) + const
∂x ∂y
If p(0, 0) = po , then p = po − 8ρ ( x 2 + y 2 ) Ans.(b)

This is an exact solution, but it is not Bernoulli’s equation. The flow is rotational.

P4.29 Consider a steady, two-dimensional, incompressible flow of a newtonian fluid

with the velocity field u = –2xy, v = y2 – x2, and w = 0. (a) Does this flow satisfy
conservation of mass? (b) Find the pressure field p(x, y) if the pressure at point (x = 0, y = 0)
is equal to pa.

Solution: Evaluate and check the incompressible continuity equation:

∂u ∂ v ∂ w
+ + = 0 = −2 y + 2 y + 0 ≡ 0 Yes! Ans. (a )
∂ x ∂ y ∂z
(b) Find the pressure gradients from the Navier-Stokes x- and y-relations:
⎛ ∂ u ∂u ∂ u ⎞ ∂p ⎛ ∂ 2u ∂ 2u ∂ 2u ⎞
ρ ⎜ u + v + w ⎟ = − + µ ⎜ 2 + 2 + 2 ⎟ , or:
⎝ ∂ x ∂y ∂ z ⎠ ∂x ⎝ ∂ x ∂ y ∂ z ⎠
∂p ∂p
ρ[ −2 xy(−2 y) + ( y2 − x 2 )(−2 x)] = − + µ(0 + 0 + 0), or: = −2 ρ( xy 2 + x 3 )
∂x ∂x
and, similarly for the y-momentum relation,
⎛ ∂ v ∂v ∂ v ⎞ ∂p ⎛ ∂ 2 v ∂ 2 v ∂ 2 v ⎞
ρ ⎜ u + v + w ⎟ = − + µ ⎜ 2 + 2 + 2 ⎟ , or:
⎝ ∂ x ∂y ∂ z ⎠ ∂y ⎝ ∂ x ∂ y ∂ z ⎠
∂p ∂p
ρ[ −2 xy(−2 x) + ( y2 − x 2 )(2 y)] = − + µ(−2 + 2 + 0), or: = −2 ρ( x 2 y + y3 )
∂y ∂y
The two gradients ∂ p/∂ x and ∂ p/∂ y may be integrated to find p(x, y):
∂p ⎛ x 2 y 2 x 4 ⎞
p=∫ dx| = −2ρ ⎜ + ⎟ + f ( y), then differentiate:
∂ x y = Const ⎝ 2 4 ⎠
∂p df df ρ
= −2ρ( x 2 y) + = −2ρ( x 2 y + y3 ), whence = −2ρ y3 , or: f ( y) = − y 4 + C
∂y dy dy 2
ρ 2 2 4 4
Thus: p = − (2 x y + x + y ) + C = pa at ( x, y) = (0,0), or: C = pa
2
Finally, the pressure field for this flow is given by
1
p = pa − ρ (2x 2 y 2 + x 4 + y 4 ) Ans. (b)
2

y
g

P4.36 A constant-thickness film of

viscous liquid flows in laminar motion h

down a plate inclined at angle θ, as in Fig. (y)

P4.36. The velocity profile is
u = Cy(2h – y) v = w = 0
x
Find the constant C in terms of the specific Fig. P4.36
weight and viscosity and the angle θ. Find
the volume flux Q per unit width in terms
of these parameters.

Solution: There is atmospheric pressure all along the surface at y = h, hence ∂p/∂x = 0.
The x-momentum equation can easily be evaluated from the known velocity profile:
⎛ ∂ u ∂ u ⎞ ∂p
ρ ⎜ u + v ⎟ = − + ρgx + µ∇2 u, or: 0 = 0 + ρgsinθ + µ(−2C)
⎝ ∂ x ∂ y ⎠ ∂x
ρ g sinθ
Solve for C = Ans. (a)
2µ
The flow rate per unit width is found by integrating the velocity profile and using C:
 h h
2 ρgh3 sinθ
Q = ∫ u dy =∫ Cy(2h − y)dy = Ch3 = per unit width Ans. (b)
0 0
3 3 µ

P4.37 A viscous liquid of constant density

and viscosity falls due to gravity between
two parallel plates a distance 2h apart, as in
the figure. The flow is fully developed, that
is, w = w(x) only. There are no pressure
gradients, only gravity. Set up and solve
the Navier-Stokes equation for the velocity
profile w(x).

Solution: Only the z-component of Navier-

Stokes is relevant: Fig. P4.37

dw d 2w ρg
ρ = 0 = ρg + µ 2 , or: w ʹ′ʹ′ = − , w( − h) = w( + h) = 0 (no-slip)
dt dx µ

The solution is very similar to Eqs. (4.142) to (4.143) of the text:

ρg 2
w= (h − x 2 ) Ans.
2µ

P4.38 Show that the incompressible flow distribution, in cylindrical coordinates,

vr = 0 vθ = C r n vz = 0
where C is a constant, (a) satisfies the Navier-Stokes equation for only two values of n.
Neglect gravity. (b) Knowing that p = p(r) only, find the pressure distribution for each
case, assuming that the pressure at r = R is po. What might these two cases represent?

Solution: (a) The important direction here is the θ-momentum equation, Eq. (D.6):
 ∂vθ 1 1 ∂p v 2 ∂v
+ (V • ∇)vθ + v r vθ = − + ν (∇ 2 vθ − θ2 + 2 θ ) , or :
∂t r ρr ∂θ r r ∂θ
vθ 1 ∂ ∂ Cr n
0 + 0 + 0 = 0 + ν (∇ 2 vθ − + 0) = ν [ (r (Cr n )) − 2 ] , or :
r2 r ∂r ∂r r
1 ∂
ν[ (rnCr n−1 ) − Cr n−2 ] = ν (Cn 2 r n−2 − Cr n−2 ) = 0
r ∂r
Cancel C and ν and rn-2. These terms equal zero only if n2 = 1, or n = ±1. Ans.(a).

(b) Find the respective pressure distributions for n = 1 and n = -1. Use Eq. (D.5), which
reduces simply to ∂p/∂r = ρv 2/r. Try this for each distribution, n = ±1:
θ

p r ρ (C 2 r 2 ) ρC 2
Case1, n = 1 : ∫ dp = ∫R dr ; or : p= po + (r 2 − R 2 ) Ans.(b1 )
po r 2
p r ρ (C 2 / r 2 ) ρC 2 1 1
Case 2, n = −1 : ∫ dp = ∫R dr ; or : p = po + ( 2
− ) Ans.(b2 )
po r 2 R r2

Case 1, v = Cr, is solid-body rotation. Case 2, v = C/r, is an irrotational potential vortex.

θ θ
P4.40 For pressure-driven laminar flow between parallel plates (see Fig. 4.12b),
the velocity components are u = U(1– y2/ h2), v = 0, and w = 0, where U is the centerline
velocity. In the spirit of Ex. 4.6, find the temperature distribution T(y) for a constant wall
temperature Tw.

Solution: There are no variations with x or z, so the energy equation (4.53) reduces to

∂T ∂ 2T ∂u 2 d 2T du
ρ cp u = 0 = k 2 + µ ( ) = k 2 + µ ( )2 ,
∂x ∂y ∂y dy dy
d 2T µ 2Uy 2 4µ U 2 2 dT 4µ U 2 y 3
or : = − ( ) = −( ) y ; Integrate : = −( ) + C1
dy 2 k h2 k h4 dy k h4 3

The condition T = Tw at ±h is equivalent to dT/dy = 0 at y = 0. Thus C1 = 0. Integrate again:

4µ U 2 y 4 4µ U 2 h 4 µU 2
T = −( ) + C2 ; at y = h : T = Tw = − ( ) + C2 , ∴ C2 = Tw +
k h4 12 k h4 12 3k

The final solution for T(y) is, like Ex. 4.6, a quartic polynomial:

µU 2 y4
T ( y ) = Tw + (1 − ) Ans.
3k h4

P4.44 Suppose that we wish to analyze the sudden pipe-expansion flow of Fig. P3.59,
using the full continuity and Navier-Stokes equations. What are the proper boundary
conditions to handle this problem?

Solution: First, at all walls, one would impose the no-slip condition: ur = uz = 0 at all
solid surfaces: at r = r1 in the small pipe, at r = r2 in the large pipe, and also on the flat-
faced surface between the two.
 Fig. P3.59
Second, at some position upstream in the small pipe, the complete velocity
distribution must be known: u1 = u1(r) at z = z1. [Possibly the paraboloid of Prob. 4.34.]
Third, to be strictly correct, at some position downstream in the large pipe, the
complete velocity distribution must be known: u2 = u2(r) at z = z2. In numerical
(computer) studies, this is often simplified by using a “free outflow” condition, ∂ u/∂ z =
0.
Finally, the pressure must be specified at either the inlet or the outlet section of the
flow, usually at the upstream section: p = p1(r) at z = z1.

P4.55 For the incompressible plane flow of Prob. P4.6, with velocity components
u = 2y, v = 8x, w = 0, determine (a) if a stream function exists. (b) If so, determine the
form of the stream function, and (c) plot a few representative streamlines.

Solution: (a) Check to see is two-dimensional continuity is satisfied:

∂u ∂v ∂ ∂
+ = (2 y) + (8 x) = 0 + 0 = 0 Yes, ψ exists. Ans.(a)
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y

(b) Find the stream function by relating velocities to derivatives of ψ :

∂ψ ∂ψ
u = 2y = ; v = 8x = − ; Integrate : ψ = y 2 − 4 x 2 + constant Ans.(b)
∂y ∂x

(c) Plot a few streamlines, that is, plot y2 = 4x2 + C for various C. Here are the
results:
 6
y 2 = 4x 2 + C

0
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

We are showing only the upper half plane, which is the mirror image of the lower half.

P4.57 A two-dimensional incompressible flow field is defined by the velocity

components
⎛ x y ⎞ y
u = 2V ⎜ − ⎟ v = −2V
⎝ L L ⎠ L
where V and L are constants. If they exist, find the stream function and velocity potential.

Solution: First check continuity and irrotationality:

∂ u ∂ v 2V 2V
+ = − = 0 ψ exists;
∂x ∂y L L
⎛ ∂ v ∂ u ⎞ ⎛ 2V ⎞
∇ xV = k ⎜ − ⎟ = k ⎜ 0 + ⎟ ≠ 0 φ does not exist
⎝ ∂ x ∂ y ⎠ ⎝ L ⎠
To find the stream function ψ, use the definitions of u and v and integrate:

∂ψ ⎛ x y ⎞ ⎛ xy y2 ⎞
u= = 2V ⎜ − ⎟ , ∴ ψ = 2V ⎜ − ⎟ + f ( x )
∂y ⎝ L L ⎠ ⎝ L 2 L ⎠
∂ψ 2Vy df 2Vy
Evaluate = + = −v =
∂x L dx L
df ⎛ 2 xy y2 ⎞
Thus = 0 and ψ = V ⎜ − ⎟ + const Ans.
dx ⎝ L L ⎠
P4.58 Show that the incompressible velocity potential in plane polar coordinates φ(r,θ)
is such that
∂φ 1 ∂φ
υr = υθ =
∂r r ∂θ

Finally show that φ as defined satisfies Laplace’s equation in polar coordinates for
incompressible flow.

Solution: Both of these things are quite true and easy to show from the definition of the
gradient vector in polar coordinates. Ans.

P4.59 Consider the two-dimensional incompressible velocity potential φ = xy + x2 – y2.

(a) Is it true that ∇2φ = 0, and, if so, what does this mean? (b) If it exists, find the stream
function ψ(x, y) of this flow. (c) Find the equation of the streamline which passes through
(x, y) = (2, 1).

Solution: (a) First check that ∇2φ = 0, which means that incompressible continuity is
satisfied.
∂ 2φ ∂ 2φ
∇ 2φ = + = 0+2−2 = 0 Yes
∂ x2 ∂ y 2
(b) Now use φ to find u and v and then integrate to find ψ.
∂φ ∂ψ y2
u= = y + 2x = , hence ψ = + 2 xy + f ( x )
∂x ∂y 2
∂φ ∂ψ df x2
v= = x − 2y = − = −2 y − , hence f ( x ) = − + const
∂y ∂x dx 2
1 2
The final stream function is thus ψ = ( y − x 2 ) + 2 xy + const Ans. (b)
2
(c) The streamline which passes through (x, y) = (2, 1) is found by setting ψ = a constant:
1 3 5
At ( x, y) = (2, 1), ψ = (12 − 2 2 ) + 2(2)(1) = − + 4 =
2 2 2
1 2 5
Thus the proper streamline is ψ = ( y − x 2 ) + 2 xy = Ans. (c)
2 2
P4.60 Liquid drains from a small hole in a z
tank, as shown in Fig. P4.60, such that the patm
velocity field set up is given by υr ≈ 0, υz ≈ 0, r
z=H
υ = ωR2/r, where z = H is the depth of the
θ

water far from the hole. Is this flow pattern

rotational or irrotational? Find the depth zc z=0
of the water at the radius r = R.
r=R

Fig. P4.60
Solution: From Appendix D, the angular
velocity is
1∂ 1 ∂
ωz = (rvθ ) − (vθ ) = 0 (IRROTATIONAL)
r ∂r r ∂θ

Incompressible continuity is valid for this flow, hence Bernoulli’s equation holds at the
surface, where p = patm, both at infinity and at r = R:

1 1
patm + ρ Vr2=∞ + ρ gH = patm + ρ Vr2=R + ρ gzc
2 2
ω 2 R2
Introduce Vr =∞ = 0 and Vr=R = ω R to obtain zC = H − Ans.
2g

P4.64 Show that the velocity potential φ(r, z) in axisymmetric cylindrical coordinates
(see Fig. 4.2 of the text) is defined by the formulas:
∂φ ∂φ
υr = υz =
∂r ∂z
Further show that for incompressible flow this potential satisfies Laplace’s equation in (r, z)
coordinates.

Solution: Both of these things are quite true and are easy to show from their definitions. Ans.

P4.65 A two-dimensional incompressible

flow is defined by Ky Kx
u=− υ=
x + y2
2
x + y2
2
where K = constant. Is this flow irrotational?
If so, find its velocity potential, sketch a Fig. P4.65
few potential lines, and interpret the flow
pattern.

Solution: Evaluate the angular velocity:

∂v ∂u K 2Kx 2 K 2Ky 2
2ω z = − = 2 − + − = 0 (Irrotational) Ans.
∂ x ∂ y x + y 2 (x 2 + y 2 )2 x 2 + y 2 (x 2 + y 2 )2

Introduce the definition of velocity potential and integrate to get φ(x, y):

∂φ Ky ∂φ Kx ⎛ y ⎞
u= =− 2 2
; v= = 2 2
, solve for φ = K tan−1 ⎜ ⎟ = Kθ Ans.
∂x x +y ∂y x + y ⎝ x ⎠
The φ lines are plotted above. They represent a counterclockwise line vortex.

P4.66 A plane polar-coordinate velocity potential is defined by

K cos θ
φ= K = const
r
Find the stream function for this flow, sketch some streamlines and potential lines, and
interpret the flow pattern.

Solution: Evaluate the velocities and thence find the stream function:

Fig. P4.66

∂φ Kcosθ 1 ∂ψ 1 ∂φ Ksinθ ∂ψ
vr = =− 2
= ; vθ = =− 2 =− ,
∂r r r ∂θ r ∂θ r ∂r
Ksinθ
solve ψ = − Ans.
r
The streamlines and potential lines are shown above. This pattern is a line doublet.
P4.71 Consider the following two-dimensional function f(x, y):

f = A x3 + B x y 2 + C x 2 + D , where A > 0
(a) Under what conditions, if any, on (A,B,C,D) can this function f be a steady, plane-flow
velocity potential? (b) If you find a φ(x, y) to satisfy part (a), also find the associated stream
function ψ(x, y), if any, for this flow.
Solution: (a) If f is to be a plane-flow velocity potential, it must satisfy Laplace’s equation:

∇ 2 f = 6 Ax + Bx + 2C = 0 if B = − 3 A and C=0
The velocity potential is φ = A x 3 − 3 A xy 2 + D Ans.( a)

∂φ ∂ψ
u = = 3A x 2 − 3A y 2 = , ∴ ψ = 3 A x 2 y − A y 3 + f ( x)
∂x ∂y
∂φ ∂ψ df
v= = − 6 Axy = − = − 6 Axy − , ∴ f = const
∂y ∂x dx
Finally, ψ = 3 A x 2 y − A y 3 + const Ans.(b)
(b) To find ψ, use φ to get u and v and work backwards to get the stream function:

P4.74 Consider the two-dimensional incompressible polar-coordinate velocity potential

φ = B r cosθ + B L θ
where B is a constant and L is a constant length scale. (a) What are the dimensions of B?
(b) Locate the only stagnation point in this flow field. (c) Prove that a stream function exists
and then find the function ψ(r, θ).

Solution: (a) To give φ its correct dimensions of {L2/T}, the constant B must have the
dimensions of velocity, or {L/T}. Ans.(a)
(b) Calculate velocities in polar coordinates:

∂φ 1 ∂φ BL
vr = = B cosθ ; vθ = = − B sin θ −
∂r r ∂θ r

At first it doesn’t look as if we can find a stagnation point, but indeed there is one:

BL
r = L , θ = 180! : vθ = 0 , vr = B − = 0 Ans.(b)
L
As discussed later in Chap. 8, this is the velocity potential of a Rankine half-body.

(c) With the velocities known, check the continuity equation:

1 ∂ 1 ∂vθ B cosθ B cosθ

(r v r ) + = 0 = − = 0 Yes, satisfied
r ∂r r ∂θ r r

Continuity is satisfied. Find the stream function from the definition of ψ(r, θ):

1 ∂ψ ∂ψ BL
vr = = B cosθ ; vθ = − = − B sin θ −
r ∂θ ∂r r
Integrate : ψ = B r sin θ + B L ln r + const Ans.(c)

P4.77 Outside an inner, intense-activity circle of radius R, a tropical storm can be

simulated by a polar-coordinate velocity potential φ(r, θ) = Uo R θ, where Uo is the wind
velocity at radius R. (a) Determine the velocity components outside r = R. (b) If, at R =
25 mi, the velocity is 100 mi/h and the pressure 99 kPa, calculate the velocity and pressure
at r = 100 mi.

Solution: (a) First, convert Uo = 100 mi/h = 44.7 m/s and R = 25 mi = 40,200 m. The
velocities are calculated from φ, as requested in Prob. P4.58:

∂ 1 ∂ U R
vr = (U o R θ ) = 0 ; vθ = (U o R θ ) = o Ans.(a )
∂r r ∂θ r
Outside the “intense” region, the wind is simulated as a circulating “potential vortex”
whose velocity drops off inversely as the radius. (b) The flow is irrotational, otherwise φ
would not exist. Thus Bernoulli’s equation applies outside r = R, with no elevation change
at the ocean surface. Take surface air density to be sea-level standard, ρ = 1.225 kg/m3.
Uo R U 44.7 m
At r = 4 R = 100 mi, vθ = = o = = 11.2
4R 4 4 s
ρ ρ
Bernoulli : p1 + V12 = p2 + V22 , or :
2 2
99,000 + (1.225 / 2)(44.7)2 = p2 + (1.225 / 2)(11.2)2 , Solve p100 mi = 100,150 Pa Ans.(b)

The pressure far from the storm is approximately sea-level standard pressure.

P4.86 SAE 10 oil at 20°C flows between parallel plates 8 mm apart, as in Fig. P4.86. A
mercury manometer, with wall pressure taps 1 m apart, registers a 6-cm height, as shown.
Estimate the flow rate of oil for this condition.

Solution: Assuming laminar flow, this geometry fits Eqs. (4.143, 144) of the text:

Fig. P4.86

2
2 ⎛ dp ⎞ h
Vavg = umax = ⎜ ⎟ , where h = plate half-width = 4 mm
3 ⎝ dx ⎠ 3µ

For SAE 10W oil, take ρ = 870 kg/m3 and µ = 0.104 kg/m⋅s. The manometer reads
Δp = (ρHg – ρoil)gΔh = (13550 – 870)(9.81)(0.06) ≈ 7463 Pa for Δx = L = 1m

Δp h 2 ⎛ 7463 Pa ⎞ (0.004)2 m
Then V = = ⎜ ⎟ ≈ 0.383
Δx 3µ ⎝ 1 m ⎠ 3(0.104) s
 m3
The flow rate per unit width is Q = VA = (0.383)(0.008) ≈ 0.00306 Ans.
s⋅ m
NOTE: The Reynolds number, based upon plate half-width, is 16, laminar.

P4.91 Consider 2-D incompressible steady Couette flow between parallel plates with the
upper plate moving at speed V, as in Fig. 4.16a. Let the fluid be nonnewtonian, with
stress given by

c c c
⎛ ∂ u ⎞ ⎛ ∂ v ⎞ a ⎛ ∂ u ∂ v ⎞
τ xx = a ⎜ ⎟ τ yy = a ⎜ ⎟ τ xy = τ yx = ⎜ + ⎟ , a and c are constants
⎝ ∂ x ⎠ ⎝ ∂ y ⎠ 2 ⎝ ∂ y ∂ x ⎠
Make all the same assumptions as in the derivation of Eq. (4.140). (a) Find the velocity
profile u(y). (b) How does the velocity profile for this case compare to that of a
newtonian fluid?

Solution: (a) Neglect gravity and pressure gradient. If u = u(y) and v = 0 at both walls,
then continuity specifies that v = 0 everywhere. Start with the x-momentum equation:

⎛ ∂ u ∂ u ⎞ ∂ p ∂τ xx ∂τ xy
ρ ⎜ u + v ⎟ = ρgx − + +
⎝ ∂ x ∂ y ⎠ ∂x ∂x ∂y
Many terms drop out because v = 0 and τxx and ∂u/∂x = 0 (because u does not vary with x).
Thus we only have
∂τ xy d ⎡ a ⎛ du ⎞ c ⎤ du
= ⎢ ⎜ ⎟ ⎥ = 0, or: = constant , u = C1 y + C2
∂ y dy ⎢⎣ 2 ⎝ dy ⎠ ⎥⎦ dy
The boundary conditions are no-slip at both walls:
V V
u(y = –h) = 0 = C1(–h) + C2; u(y = +h) = V = C1(+h) + C2, solve C1 = , C2 =
2h 2
The final solution for the velocity profile is:
V V
u( y) = y+ Ans. (a)
2h 2
This is exactly the same as Eq. (4.140) for the newtonian fluid! Ans. (b)