Potential Flow Field around an Ellipse

In summary, the conversation discusses different theories and methods for creating a potential flow field around an ellipse in non-uniform flow. The use of Rankine bodies and conformal transformations are mentioned, as well as the possibility of using a panel method. The paper by Joukowski is also cited as a potential solution due to its use of potential theory and complex transforms.
  • #1
Trenthan
54
0
Potential Flow Field around an Ellipse**

Ey guys

Just wondering if anyone knows of any theory's that can be used to create a potential field around an ellipse in non uniform flow?

I would have used a full Rankine body, but that requires uniform flow so it won't work in non uniform flow.

I looked at various theorem's like the "Circle Theorem", and modifications of it. Nothing for ellipses as far as i could find, evening stretching the search to IEEE etc.

Looked briefly at conformal transformations, tried some modeling as well no real luck.

Starting to struggle with idea's, and places to hunt, hence the post.

Any idea's, recommendations or even a hint of where to look?
I'm happy to do the footwork, just looking for some bread crumbs i could follow, that may lead me to a solution.

Cheers Trent
 
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  • #2
Not sure if this is completely relevant, but here is a paper on flow around elipses:

http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ie100251w
 
  • #3


Have you tried using a panel method?

How exactly is the flow non-uniform?
 
  • #4


I have cited a paper from a long time ago (20s maybe) by a man named Joukowski, for which the airfoil is named. He used potential theory to come up with exact solutions for all sorts of airfoil conditions (pitching, plunging, etc). He used a complex transform of a circle to do this all. Since an ellipse is a transform of a circle, then perhaps similar methods could be used to find solutions.
 

FAQ: Potential Flow Field around an Ellipse

What is a potential flow field?

A potential flow field is a mathematical model used to describe the motion of a fluid in which the velocity of the fluid at any given point is determined solely by the distribution of sources and sinks within the fluid. This means that the fluid particles do not experience any pressure or viscous forces, and therefore, the flow is irrotational.

How is an ellipse related to potential flow fields?

An ellipse is a closed curve that can be described as a set of points where the sum of the distances from two fixed points (called the foci) is constant. In potential flow fields, the streamlines (lines that are tangent to the velocity vectors at every point) around an ellipse have a constant distance from the foci, making it a useful shape for studying potential flow fields.

What are the governing equations for potential flow fields?

The governing equations for potential flow fields are the continuity equation and the Euler equations. The continuity equation states that the rate of mass flow into a control volume must equal the rate of mass flow out of the control volume. The Euler equations describe the conservation of momentum for a fluid element in a potential flow, and they include the Bernoulli equation, which relates the fluid velocity, pressure, and elevation.

What are some applications of potential flow fields?

Potential flow fields have numerous applications in fluid dynamics, such as in the design of airfoils for aircraft and hydrofoils for boats. They are also used in the study of boundary layers and the flow around obstacles, as well as in the analysis of flow in pipes and channels.

How is an ellipse used to model potential flow around a body?

To model potential flow around a body using an ellipse, we first define the body as the foci of the ellipse. Then, we use mathematical techniques to determine the distribution of sources and sinks that would produce a flow field in which the streamlines follow the shape of the ellipse. This allows us to study the behavior of the fluid around the body and make predictions about its flow characteristics.

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