Fluid Mechanics equations in Cartesian and Cylindrical coordinates?

In summary, the conversation discusses how to convert equations from one coordinate system to another, specifically in the context of fluid mechanics. The concept of using the chain rule for coordinate transformations is introduced and an example is given for a function of two variables. The correct equations for the chain rule are derived and the conversation concludes with a thank you and apology for the late response.
  • #1
silentwf
37
0

Homework Statement


Not really a homework question, but more of a concept question which I'm unfamiliar with. So as we know, equations can be in any coordinate, but how do you convert them from one to another?
For example, a few equations from fluid mechanics. the first equation is the vector form of equation 2 and 3. i don't get why there's an extra 1/r. the same goes for equations 4 and 5. 4 is in cartesian while 5 is in cylindrical.

(let u,v,w be velocities. u is a function of x, v is a function of y and w is a function of z; v(theta) is velocity, function of theta, v(r) velocity, function of r)
(typo in equation 4, it should be partial u and not partial mu)

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/8350/fluid.png


Homework Equations



(none, i guess?)

The Attempt at a Solution


(dont know where to begin)
 
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  • #2
How about the chain rule which is how co-ordinate transformations are usally calculated.
 
  • #3
By the chain rule, as hunt mat suggests, for any function, u, of x and y,
[tex]\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}= \frac{\partial u}{\partial r}\frac{\partial r}{\partial x}+ \frac{\partial u}{\partial \theta}\frac{\partial \theta}{\partial x}[/tex]

[itex]r= (x^2+ y^2)^{1/2}[/itex] so
[tex]\frac{\partial r}{\partial x}= (1/2)(x^2+ y^2)^{1/2}(2x)= \frac{x}{(x^2+ y^2)^{1/2}}= \frac{r cos(\theta)}{r}= cos(\theta)[/tex]

[itex]\theta= arctan(y/x)[/itex] so
[tex]\frac{\partial \theta}{\partial x}= \frac{1}{1+ \frac{y^2}{x^2}}\left(-\frac{y}{x^2}\right)= -\frac{y}{x^2+ y^2}= -\frac{r sin(\theta)}{r^2}= -\frac{1}{r} sin(\theta)[/tex]

So that
[tex]\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}= cos(\theta)\frac{\partial u}{\partial r}- \frac{1}{r}sin(\theta)\frac{\partial u}{\partial \theta}[/tex]
 
  • #4
OH! ok, I was wondering how to do it for a while.
Sorry for the late response! and thanks guys!
 

FAQ: Fluid Mechanics equations in Cartesian and Cylindrical coordinates?

1. What is the difference between Cartesian and Cylindrical coordinates in Fluid Mechanics equations?

Cartesian coordinates refer to a system of coordinates that uses three perpendicular axes (x, y, and z) to describe the position of a point in space. Cylindrical coordinates, on the other hand, use two perpendicular axes (r and z) and an angle (θ) to describe the position of a point in space. In Fluid Mechanics, these two coordinate systems are often used interchangeably depending on the problem being solved.

2. How do you convert equations from Cartesian to Cylindrical coordinates in Fluid Mechanics?

To convert equations from Cartesian to Cylindrical coordinates, you can use the following formulas:

  • r = √(x² + y²)
  • θ = arctan(y/x)
  • z = z

These equations will help you express variables in terms of r, θ, and z, allowing you to solve problems using Cylindrical coordinates.

3. What are some common fluid properties that are used in Fluid Mechanics equations?

Some common fluid properties used in Fluid Mechanics include density, viscosity, pressure, and velocity. These properties are essential in understanding the behavior of fluids and how they interact with different surfaces and forces.

4. How do boundary conditions affect Fluid Mechanics equations in Cartesian and Cylindrical coordinates?

Boundary conditions are essential in Fluid Mechanics as they define the constraints that a fluid must satisfy at the boundaries of a system. In Cartesian coordinates, boundary conditions are often specified as fixed values at specific points. In Cylindrical coordinates, boundary conditions are specified in terms of the velocity and pressure at the boundaries of the system.

5. Can Fluid Mechanics equations in Cartesian and Cylindrical coordinates be solved analytically?

While some simple Fluid Mechanics problems can be solved analytically using either Cartesian or Cylindrical coordinates, most real-world problems require numerical methods to find solutions. This is due to the complex nature of fluid flow and the need to account for various factors such as turbulence, boundary conditions, and fluid properties. However, analytical solutions can still provide valuable insights into the behavior of fluids and serve as a basis for numerical simulations.

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