Chapter HFH
Chapter HFH
Chapter HFH
Preface 9
List of symbols 11
1 Introduction 17
1.1 Practical importance of fluid dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.2 What is a fluid? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.3 Continuum assumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1.4 Important flow variables and variable-based classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
2 Basic concepts 23
2.1 Mathematical operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.1.1 Gradient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.1.2 Divergence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.1.3 Laplacian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.1.4 Rotor or Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.2 Time derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.3 Characteristic flow structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.4 Control volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.5 Transport theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
3 Mass conservation 35
3.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
3.2 Point of view of physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
3.3 Point of view of mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
3.4 Integral formulation of mass conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
3.5 Local formulation of mass conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
3.5.1 Local formulation of mass conservation in cylindrical coordinates . . . . . . . . . . 37
3.6 Local mass conservation for an incompressible flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
1
2
6 Bernoulli equations 61
6.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
6.2 Bernoulli equation for an irrotational flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
6.3 Link with hydrostatics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
6.4 Bernoulli equation (for a rotational flow) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
6.5 The Bernoulli triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
6.6 Simplification of the Bernoulli equation for a gas flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
6.7 Dynamic pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
6.8 Averaged Bernoulli equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
6.9 Hydraulic height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
6.10 Generalized Bernoulli equation with losses and energy exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
6.10.1 Computing the exchanged specific work w . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
6.10.2 Computing the friction loss ∆ef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
6.10.3 Numerical equations used to estimate the friction factor f . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
6.10.4 Computing a localized loss ∆el . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
F Application table for supersonic flows, shock waves and rarefaction waves 233
This Web-book has been written over many years, the first chapter having been released internally in
2007. It has been primarily developed as a support of the corresponding lectures given by the main
author, Dominique Thévenin, at the University of Magdeburg “Otto von Guericke” since 2002. Most of
the chapters dealing with compressible flows have been already published as a paper document during
the nineties, as D. Thévenin was still teaching at the Ecole Centrale Paris.
Let me thank here Prof. Sébastien Candel: under his kind supervision, I finally learned (I think!)
what is Fluid Dynamics. . . I would very much recommend the reading of his book [Can90] to all those
that can understand French.
Sethuraman Ramalingam helped writing some of the equations included in this document. Gordon
Fru contributed all figures obtained by Direct Numerical Simulations. Further figures have been con-
tributed by Nico Krause. Thomas Hagemeier was an excellent proofreader of the book. Many thanks
to all of you!
Finally, let me thank also the developers of TEX and LATEX: without this wonderful tool, I would
never have been able to find enough time to write this document.
9
10 List of symbols
List of symbols
You will find here a unified and complete description of all notations and symbols used in the present
document.
Writing conventions
• Note that, throughout this document, bold symbolds (for example v) correspond to vector vari-
ables, while associated standard symbols (for example v) denote a scalar quantity. Tensors (to be
exact, second-order tensors) will be written with a so-called “Sans Serif” police, like for example
in τ .
• Concerning thermodynamic properties, we will stick to the classical convention stating that low-
ercase symbols correspond to specific quantities (i.e., per unit mass).
• The summation convention of Einstein will be used every time it is applicable. Thus, repeated
identical indices in a term must be interpreted as a summation over all possible values.
Symbol Signification
constant constant value
constant>0 strictly positive constant value
:= definition
≈ approximately equal to
∝ proportional to
× vector product
· scalar product
∪ adding surfaces or volumes
∇ nabla (fixed unit: 1/m)
[φ] unit of the variable φ
(R )φ for a constant value of φ
line (one-dimensional) integral
RR
RRR
surface (two-dimensional) integral
volume (three-dimensional) integral
11
12 List of symbols
Indices
Symbol Signification
∗ critical condition
⋆ non-dimensional value
• reference value
0 isentropic stagnation value
a related to air, to the atmosphere
b related to a body
f related to a fluid
g related to gravity
gas related to gas
i inflow condition
liq related to liquid
o outflow condition
p related to pressure
Non-dimensional numbers
Unit conversions
Conversion For
1 atm := 101 325 Pa pressure
1 bar := 100 000 Pa pressure
1 centiPoise := 0.01 Poise dynamic viscosity
(or 1 cP)
0 ◦ C := 273.15 K temperature
1 mole := 6.02 1023 molecules -
1 Poise := 0.1 Pa.s dynamic viscosity
16 List of symbols
Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter describes a few basic issues associated with fluid dynamics. Note that the concepts listed
alphabetically in the appendices might also be useful at this level, in particular for already experienced
readers.
17
18 Chapter 1. Introduction
Figure 1.1: A few examples of important problems and applications involving Fluid Dynamics. All
photos from FreeFoto apart hurricane (from Wikipedia).
a link between liquids and solids. Nevertheless, the threshold associated with the onset of deformation
is usually quite low, much below the corresponding threshold for a solid (limit of plastic deformation).
Therefore, the difference between such a liquid (fluid) and a solid (non-fluid) is still appearent.
Note, however, that the separation between a fluid and a solid might still be a subject of controversy
for some “exotic” cases. This is in particular the case for amorphous solids (like glass, which is claimed
to be able to flow under certain circumstances), for plasmas (a very special state of matter), or for some
polymer products. A funny video illustrating the unusual possibilities associated with Non-Newtonian
liquids can be found for instance under Efluids!
Continuum Assumption is employed. This means that, from the point of view of Fluid Dynamics, there
are no “molecular bricks” and no “holes” within a fluid: it is a continuum state of matter; all flow
variables can be defined at any point within this fluid.
How is it possible to move from physical reality (existence of well-seperated molecules at a very small
scale) to the Continuum Assumption? Simply by a specific averaging process in space! This means in
practice that, from the point of view of Fluid Dynamics, a “point” is associated with a finite volume, at
the difference of the rigorous, mathematical definition of a point (infinitely small, volume is necessarily
zero). A point for Fluid Dynamics, which will be called more usually a fluid element, is associated with
a volume Vc , very very small but nevertheless verifying Vc > 0! Indeed, the volume is chosen in such
a manner that a huge quantity of individual molecules are always contained within this volume. In
this manner, it is possible to “smooth out” the fast and chaotic variations associated with individual
molecules, and to obtain macroscopic fluid properties like density, pressure, temperature or velocity.
This is illustrated in figure 1.2, where the correct definition of local density ρ in the framework
of Fluid Dynamics is considered for the convective flow above a candle. In a thought experiment, a
control volume of varying extent is centered around a fixed point P. The corresponding volume ∆V is
measured together with the mass of the fluid contained within ∆V , written ∆M. The ratio ∆M/∆V
is expressed in kg/m3 and would be suitable to define the local fluid density. Now, the macroscopic size
of the control volume influences of course our “measure” of density, ∆M/∆V . If the control volume
is too large, very inhomogeneous flow conditions are found within the control volume. Cold air from
the surroundings is found within ∆V together with hot air from the candle plume. As a consequence,
the resulting “measured density” at point P varies with ∆V : this is obviously not acceptable. On the
other hand, if ∆V is chosen to be extremely small (near molecular scale), then it will contain only very
few molecules. Repeating the experiment several times with the same control volume, one would get
perhaps once 6 molecules, once 3, once 9 within ∆V . The corresponding “measured density” would
therefore appear to be different for each measure. This is again not acceptable! Fortunately, there is
a (in fact relatively large) region in-between, where a plateau would be found experimentally for our
“measured density”: this is where Fluid Dynamics is applied. This plateau extends down to a lower size
limit Vc , used from now on to delineate the continuum regime.
Let us further illustrate this point by considering air under standard thermodynamic conditions and
assuming that the volume Vc of a fluid element is typically (1µm)3 , the volume Vc being in this case
considered as a cube with a side length of 1 µm; clearly, this is extremely small compared to the human
scale! But what about molecules? Air being an ideal gas, it is one basic property that 1 mol (containing
6.02 1023 molecules, the Avogadro constant) will occupy roughly a volume of 22.4 dm3 (or liter) under
such conditions. By a simple proportionality rule, we obtain that the volume Vc contains roughly 27
millions of molecules! This is obviously sufficient, by averaging over all the individual properties of the
molecules, to obtain a “smooth” value for all needed fluid properties at macroscopic scale.
Obviously, the Continuum Assumption means also that Fluid Dynamics cannot describe accurately
effects that take place below the associated scale: microscopic effects must be described appropriately by
adding corresponding models to the equation.
Furthermore, the appropriate volume Vc of a fluid element will depend on the local flow conditions.
For example, when considering the upper atmosphere (a very diluted gas, corresponding to an extremely
low density), a volume Vc of several cubic meters or even more will be required to accumulate a sufficient
number of molecules. In order to define in a rigorous manner the boundary defining the validity of Fluid
Dynamics concepts, the Knudsen number is introduced. This is one major non-dimensional number
associated with Fluid Dynamics, and is defined as:
Λ
Kn := (1.1)
L
where Λ is the mean free path of the fluid particles (i.e., the mean travel distance of a molecule between
20 Chapter 1. Introduction
Control volume
Control volume: too large:
•Mass M Control volume
non-homogeneous
conditions!
•Volume V too small:
molecular effects!
P M
V density
Continuum
approximation: validity of
Fluid Dynamics!
Vc V
Figure 1.2: Defining in a thought experiment the fluid density ρ at a point P within a candle plume
using a control volume of varying size.
two collisions with another molecule) deduced from the kinetic theory and L is a characteristic (macro-
scopic) length scale of the considered flow. The mean free path can be computed for an ideal gas using
following equation:
kB T
Λ= √ (1.2)
2πd2 p
where all variables are standard and defined in the Nomenclature; in particular, kB is the Boltzmann
constant and d is the collision diameter of the considered gas particles.
Fluid Dynamics deal with problems corresponding to Kn≪ 1, sometimes up to Kn< 1, while statisti-
cal physics must be employed if Kn≥ 1; in the latter case, the typical scale of the problem is comparable
with the mean free path, so that individual particle movements at the molecular scale must be taken
into account.
Figure 1.3: Space shuttle just before landing (left) or at the beginning of atmospheric re-entry (right).
The left picture corresponds to a problem solvable by Fluid Dynamics (mean free path much be-
low typical flow scale). The right picture corresponds to a problem solvable by Statistical Physics
(mean free path roughly equal to typical flow scale, the black points representing gas molecules).
• and a variable describing the internal energy of the fluid, either in the form of the specific enthalpy
h or of the temperature T .
The fluid pressure p is the normal stress component within a fluid. It is a scalar quantity, since
pressure in a fluid is isotropic and thus acting equally in all directions. It is expressed in Pascal (Pa).
The fluid density ρ is the ratio between the total mass and the total volume of a fluid element, such
as defined in Section 1.3. It is therefore expressed in kg/m3 .
The fluid velocity v is the ratio between the total momentum and the total mass of a fluid element,
such as defined in Section 1.3. It is therefore expressed in m/s.
The fluid specific enthalpy h is related to the fluid specific internal energy e by the fundamental
relation
p
h := e + (1.3)
ρ
Temperature T (expressed in Kelvin, K) is a thermodynamic notion, which is directly connected to the
specific internal energy e of the considered fluid.
It is now possible to classify the different applications we will consider in this document by looking at
the important variables for this case. We will begin applications by considering in Chapter 5 Hydrostatics
and Aerostatics, i.e. “non-flowing flows”. In the case of Hydrostatics, only the fluid pressure p will be
variable, all other variables being constant. For aerostatics, pressure, density and temperature will
vary, while velocity will still be constant and equal to zero. After that, we will consider the Bernoulli
equation. In that case, we will consider only incompressible flows, and only pressure p and velocity
v will be important. When considering the forces induced by a fluid, or the Navier-Stokes equations,
all three variables, p, v and ρ will be considered variable. Finally, for the most complex applications
(compressible flows), all variables introduced previously will really vary. The situation is summarized
in table 1.1 and in figure 1.4.
Considering a flow perpendicular to a given cross-section A associated with an area A, the flow
velocity v (of magnitude v) and fluid density ρ introduced previously can be readily combined to
compute the mass flow-rate ṁ, expressed in kg/s through:
ṁ := ρvA (1.4)
22 Chapter 1. Introduction
Table 1.1: Important flow variables for different domains of application with a growing level of complexity
pa pressure
0
depth
xit y
comple
problem
Figure 1.4: Two flow problems at a very different complexity level, from the hydrostatic pressure
distribution in a water volume at rest (photo from FreeFoto) to a starting space rocket of type Ariane
5 (photo from Arianespace).
Similarly, they can be employed to compute the volumetric flow-rate q̇, expressed in m3 /s through:
q̇ := vA (1.5)
ṁ = ρq̇ (1.6)
Chapter 2
Basic concepts
This chapter describes some basic concepts of Fluid Dynamics that will be used throughout this docu-
ment. Note that a much more complete list of useful concepts organized alphabetically is also proposed
in Appendix A.
5
Y [m]
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
X [m] −3
x 10
Figure 2.1: Instantaneous structure of a mildly turbulent non-premixed flame computed using Direct
Numerical Simulations. Left: density; right: velocity vectors.
2.1.1 Gradient
In Fluid Dynamics, the gradient will be introduced to quantify the variation of a function in space.
Typically, the gradient operates on a scalar quantity φ and delivers a vector quantity, written grad(φ)
23
24 Chapter 2. Basic concepts
By computing the gradient of a scalar quantity (figure 2.2), one obtains a vector field. By plotting this
vector field, one gets directly a very good feeling concerning the spatial evolution of φ: the resulting
vectors show the direction of fastest changes of φ; the magnitude of these vectors tells us how fast these
changes are.
Y [m]
4
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
X [m] −3
x 10
Figure 2.2: Instantaneous structure of a turbulent non-premixed flame computed using Direct Numerical
Simulations. Left: density; right: gradient of density.
2.1.2 Divergence
In Fluid Dynamics, the divergence will be mostly introduced to determine if vectors tend to “diverge”
(pointing in various directions starting from a common origin) or to “converge” (pointing onto the same
point starting from different origins). Mostly, we will compute the divergence of the flow velocity, the
vector quantity v, and we will obtain its divergence, a scalar quantity written div(v) or more often ∇ · v,
and defined as
∂vx ∂vy ∂vz
∇ · v := + + (2.2)
∂x ∂y ∂z
The divergence of the flow velocity (figure 2.3) is particularly interesting, since we will demonstrate later
that, for an incompressible flow local mass conservation can be simply written ∇ · v = 0.
Later, we will also consider the divergence of a tensor, resulting in a vector. This is simply the
result obtained when considering each line of the tensor (containing three components) as a vector and
computing the divergence as usual. Thus, each line leads to a scalar value (divergence of a vector).
Combining these 3 scalars, a vector is obtained as a final result.
One fundamental relation associated with the divergence reads, when considering the product of a
scalar ϕ with a vector φ:
∇ · (ϕφ) = ϕ∇ · φ + φ.∇ϕ (2.3)
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
1 Mathematical operators 25
5
Y [m]
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
X [m] −3
x 10
Figure 2.3: Instantaneous structure of a turbulent non-premixed flame computed using Direct Numerical
Simulations. Left: velocity; right: divergence of velocity.
2.1.3 Laplacian
In Fluid Dynamics, the Laplace operator or Laplacian will be mostly introduced to quantify diffusion
processes, in particular diffusive transport of momentum. The Laplacian (figure 2.4) acts mostly on a
scalar quantity φ and delivers again a scalar quantity, written ∆φ or more often ∇2 φ, and defined as
As can be seen, the Laplacian relies on the second partial derivatives in space, at the difference of all
other operators, employing only the first partial derivatives.
Figure 2.4: Instantaneous structure of a turbulent non-premixed flame computed using Direct Numerical
Simulations. Left: density; right: Laplacian of density.
The curl of the flow velocity (figure 2.5) is particularly interesting, since we will demonstrate later that
an irrotational flow, i.e., a flow verifying ∇ × v = 0 is always particularly simple.
5
Y [m]
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
X [m] −3
x 10
Figure 2.5: Instantaneous structure of a turbulent non-premixed flame computed using Direct Numerical
Simulations. Left: velocity; right: curl of velocity.
In order to quantify rotation, we introduce also the rotation vector Ω defined as:
1
Ω := ∇ × v (2.6)
2
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
• For Euler, a flow is nothing special, so that the time derivative should be defined there as for any
other field of physics. Therefore, the observer is “sitting” at a fixed position x within the fluid,
measures there the evolution of some interesting quantity with time, and just computes the time
derivative by deriving the resulting curve. This is just the standard partial derivative in time at
2 Time derivatives 27
position x! It will therefore be written as usual. The (Eulerian) time derivative of a variable φ is
simply written !
∂φ
(2.7)
∂t x=constant
or simply
∂φ
(2.8)
∂t
• For Lagrange, the key property of a flow is that. . . it flows! Therefore, Lagrange chooses an observer
moving with the flow, and therefore behaving himself like a fluid element. While moving with the
flow, this observer again measures the evolution of some interesting quantity with time, and now
computes the time derivative by deriving the resulting curve. It is probably obvious for you that
the resulting time derivative at the same position and at the same time will nevertheless not be
the same, since the frame of reference is different! Therefore, this alternative definition of the time
derivative will be written differently, as
Dφ
(2.9)
Dt
This time derivative is called either Lagrangian time derivative, substantial time derivative or
total time derivative. For this approach, the important point is not the current position of the
fluid element, point x, but its origin at the beginning of the observation, point X in space. As a
consequence, one can also state that, for a Lagrangian observer, the time derivative is computed
for a fixed origin of the movement, point X. This is expressed by following equivalence:
!
Dφ ∂φ
= (2.10)
Dt ∂t X=constant
• Even if both definitions (and therefore both derivatives) differ, it is nevertheless possible to relate
both results by using the flow velocity v. It is first clear that the local, instantaneous flow velocity
v at point x is nothing else that the time derivative of its position following the flow, as usual:
!
∂x
v= (2.11)
∂t X=constant
Let us now consider an arbitrary function φ of space and time. This function might represent
equally well a scalar quantity, a vector or a tensor, even if it is written as a scalar for the following
proof. This arbitrary function can be equally well represented in an Eulerian frame, φ = φ(x, t)
and in a Lagrangian frame, φ = φ(X, t). For the same time t and the same instantaneous position,
both values are of course identical. For such conditions, where Euler and Lagrange meet at the
same point, one can therefore write:
The corresponding derivative is computed while the observer is moving with the flow, thus along
a trajectory x(X, t) with X = constant. Hence
!
Dφ ∂φ(x1 (X, t), x2 (X, t), x3 (X, t), t)
= (2.15)
Dt ∂t X
! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
∂φ ∂x1 (X, t) ∂φ ∂x2 (X, t) ∂φ ∂x3 (X, t) ∂φ ∂t
= + + +
∂x1 x
∂t X
∂x2 x
∂t X
∂x3 x
∂t X
∂t x
∂t X
Dφ ∂φ ∂φ ∂φ ∂φ
= v1 + v2 + v3 + 1 (2.16)
Dt ∂x1 ∂x2 ∂x3 ∂t
Reordering the right-hand side, the corresponding, very important relation reads finally:
Dφ ∂φ
= + (v · ∇)φ (2.17)
Dt ∂t
Dφ ∂φ ∂φ ∂φ ∂φ
= + vx + vy + vz (2.18)
Dt ∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z
It is very easy to demonstrate mathematically that the last term in Eq.(2.17), i.e., the convective
term can be replaced by introducing a gradient and a curl. For example, considering the flow velocity
v, it comes: !
v2
(v · ∇)v = ∇ + [(∇ × v) × v] (2.19)
2
• A pathline (or trajectory) corresponds to the line obtained in the three-dimensional space by
following an individual fluid particle during its displacement with time. It is sometimes described
also as a long-exposure “photograph” of one and the same particle. An infinity of different pathlines
can be defined, each associated to another fluid particle. Mathematically, if xp is the vector
containing the three components of the pathline position, the geometry of the pathline can be
obtained by integrating in time the vector relation
dxp
= v(xp , t) (2.20)
dt
starting from some chosen position xp0 and eliminating time t. This relation simply states that
the movement along the pathline is purely due to the instantaneous local flow velocity v(xp , t). In
order to compute a pathline, some finite time duration must be considered: a pathline is not an
instantaneous concept; time must elapse!
3 Characteristic flow structures 29
Figure 2.6: Streamlines (blue) computed by post-processing two-dimensional velocity fields measured
by Particle Image Velocimetry in the rotating impeller of a centrifugal pump.
• A streamline is a line that is at any point tangent to the local flow velocity v(t). It is quite easy
to draw a streamline by hand on top of a plotted field of instantaneous velocity v(t) (figure 2.6).
The mathematical definition of a streamline relies on the fact that the vector product between two
collinear (i.e. “tangential”) vectors is 0. Therefore, if xs defines the geometry of the streamline in
space, its computation is based on integrating the differential relation:
starting from some chosen position xs0 . This relation simply states that the displacement along
the streamline is tangent to the local instantaneous flow velocity v(xs , t). Component-wise, this
differential relation can be written as well under the form of three scalar relations:
A streamline is first an instantaneous concept. For any fixed time t, we can obtain a full set of
streamlines. Now, it is of course possible to compute the resulting streamlines for successive time
values and to assemble the resulting pictures to produce a video.
Using streamlines, it is easy to define also a streamtube (figure 2.8). For this purpose, we just need
to choose a closed one-dimensional curve C in the three-dimensional space. By joigning together all
the streamlines going at some point through this curve C, a streamtube is obtained. This notion is
particularly interesting, since the boundary of a streamtube cannot be crossed by any fluid particle
30 Chapter 2. Basic concepts
0.018
7
0.016
6
0.014
5
0.012
Y [m]
Y [m]
4 0.01
0.008
3
0.006
2
0.004
1
0.002
0 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.01 0.012 0.014 0.016 0.018 0.02
X [m] −3 X [m]
x 10
Figure 2.7: Instantaneous structure of a turbulent non-premixed flame computed using Direct Numerical
Simulations. Left: velocity; right: resulting streamlines.
(remember that the local direction of the fluid movement, i.e., the flow velocity, is per definition
tangential to the local streamline). Therefore, a streamtube is somehow similar to an internal
flow within a duct of variable cross-section (that of the streamtube). If the flow can furthermore
be considered non-viscous, the flow within the resulting streamtube is almost equivalent to the
corresponding internal flow.
C streamlines
• A streakline (also called emission line) associated with some user-chosen point P is the locus of all
fluid elements having passed through point P at some previous time instant. The denomination
“emission line” is indeed quite clear: in order to obtain a streakline, a dye tracer will be in practice
injected into the flow at a fixed point P. Taking a picture of the resulting dye distribution somewhat
later, the emission line associated with point P can be obtained.
As such, the concept of emission line is an instantaneous concept (the picture shows the instan-
taneous dye distribution) but necessitates a finite time duration in the past. The dye particles
visible on the photograph all went through point P, some of them 30 seconds ago, some of them
10 seconds ago, some of them just 1 ms ago; the past history of the flow is made visible on the
instantaneous picture.
4 Control volume 31
Since the definitions of pathline, streamline and streakline are different, the resulting lines will usually
differ, too. Nevertheless, for a steady flow (and only for such a flow) the resulting geometrical lines will
look identical when plotted.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
Outer surface Ac
n
w
Control volume Vc
dA
n dV
w w
n
flow velocity v
Up to now, the concept we have introduced is a generic control volume Vc . Two specific sub-families
must now be introduced:
1. a fixed control volume Vc f is a control volume that does not move, i.e., with w = 0 (figure 2.10).
As a consequence, the geometry of such a control volume cannot change with time; if the control
volume is a sphere at the start of time, it will remain a sphere all the time, with fluid entering and
leaving freely through the outer surface Acf .
2. a material control volume Vcm is a control volume containing always the same fluid elements; if
a fluid element is contained within Vcm at the beginning of time, it will remain within it all the
time; if it is outside of Vcm at the beginning, it can never enter it. How is this possible, since we
stated previously that, in principle, fluid can freely enter and leave a control volume? Simply by
adapting the velocity of the control volume, w, to the local fluid velocity, v. By choosing w = v
at any point of the material control volume Vcm , we make sure that fluid elements cannot enter
32 Chapter 2. Basic concepts
or leave any more the control volume. Since the material control volume follows the flow (figure
2.10), it will usually change its geometrical appearance during time. In a turbulent flow, it might
indeed evolve to an extremely complex geometry within a short time! Note furthermore that, in
order to define such a material control volume in a proper manner, we in fact have to neglect the
influence of diffusion compared to the influence of convection (flow velocity).
Outer surface Af
Control volume Vf
dA
n dV
n
flow velocity v
Outer surface Am
n w
Control volume Vm
dA w
n dV
w
n
flow velocity v
Figure 2.10: Fixed (top) and material (bottom) control volume in a fluid.
5 Transport theorem 33
Though it is possible of course to develop a rigorous relation, we will just here consider physical in-
terpretations leading to the final solution. What are possible reasons explaining that this integral will
change in time? In fact, two very different possibilities must be taken into account:
1. first, the variable φ (perhaps the density, or velocity) may change with time in an unsteady flow
(φ = φ(t)). Such a change might of course change the value of the integral, and must be taken
into account! This contribution obviously disappears in a steady flow.
2. a second, indirect possibility must also be taken into account. Remember that a control volume Vc
may freely move within the fluid with a velocity field w; it might therefore freely expand, shrink,
incorporate a changing amount of variable φ. . . This movement of the control volume can therefore
be also responsible for a change of the considered integral quantity. This contribution obviously
disappears for a fixed control volume.
Taking into account both effects leads finally to the transport theorem:
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
d ∂φ(x, t)
φ(x, t)dV = dV + φ(x, t)(w · n)dA (2.26)
dt Vc Vc ∂t Ac
In this equation, all symbols are standard and can be found in the Nomenclature. In particular, the
vector n is the unity vector normal to the outer surface Ac of the control volume and pointing toward
the outside. The scalar product w.n appearing in the last term is necessary, since a movement of the
control volume tangential to its own surface Ac locally does not lead to any change of the integrated
quantity; only the movement normal to the surface must be taken into account, hence explaining the
appearance of the term w.n.
The generic form of the transport theorem can be simplified for specific control volumes. For a fixed
control volume Vcf , since w = 0, one obtains simply:
d Z Z Z Z Z Z
∂φ(x, t)
φ(x, t)dV = dV (2.27)
dt Vc f Vc f ∂t
For a material control volume Vcm , since w = v (the local fluid velocity), one obtains:
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
d ∂φ(x, t)
φ(x, t)dV = dV + φ(x, t)(v · n)dA (2.28)
dt Vc m Vc m ∂t Ac m
34 Chapter 2. Basic concepts
Chapter 3
Mass conservation
3.1 Introduction
In order to obtain the universal equation describing conservation of mass, we will now employ the
concepts introduced in the previous chapter. Mass is indeed a conserved quantity, which means that it
does not change for an isolated system, without any exchange with its surroundings. If fluid elements
are exchanged with the surroundings, the mass of the considered system can obviously change!
We start by choosing an arbitrary material control volume within a fluid. The evolution of the total
mass M contained within this control volume Vcm vs. time will be quantified. This total mass can be
computed by integrating the mass contained by an elementary volume element, dV ; the density ρ(x, t)
being the ratio between mass and volume, the elementary mass is ρ(x, t)dV , and the total mass is thus:
Z Z Z
M= ρ(x, t)dV (3.1)
Vcm
This problem will be solved by considering successively basic results of physics and of mathematics.
35
36 Chapter 3. Mass conservation
The right-hand side of Eq.(3.2) is indeed identical with the left-hand side of Eq.(3.4) when taking φ = ρ.
It comes therefore:
Z Z Z
dM d
= ρ(x, t)dV (3.5)
dt dt Vcm
Z Z Z Z Z
∂ρ(x, t)
= dV + ρ(x, t)(v(x, t) · n)dA (3.6)
Vc m ∂t Ac m
Z Z Z Z Z
∂ρ(x, t)
dV + ρ(x, t)(v(x, t) · n)dA = 0 (3.7)
Vc m ∂t Ac m
This is indeed the integral formulation of mass conservation, written for an arbitrary material control volume
Vcm .
In order to solve practical problems, it is often useful to write this integral formulation of mass
conservation for a fixed control volume Vcf . The procedure is similar to that described previously. From
the point of view of mathematics, the transport theorem is now given by Eq.(2.27).
Z Z Z Z Z Z
d ∂ρ(x, t)
ρ(x, t)dV = dV (3.8)
dt Vc f Vc f ∂t
From the point of view of physics, the change of fluid mass contained within the fixed control volume
Vc f due to an exchange with the surroundings is simply written as a flux of mass through the volume
boundary, Acf : Z Z
− ρ(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA (3.9)
Ac f
where the minus sign is in fact associated with −n, since fluid is entering the control volume Vcf when
− (v(x, t) · n) > 0 and leaving it when − (v(x, t) · n) < 0.
Finally, the integral formulation of mass conservation written for an arbitrary fixed control volume
Vcf reads
Z Z Z Z Z
∂ρ(x, t)
dV + ρ(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA = 0 (3.10)
Vcf ∂t Ac f
Note that it is a posteriori trivial to evolve from Eq.(3.7) to Eq.(3.10): it is sufficient to assume that the
fixed control volume Vcf coincides with the material control volume Vcm at time t; both formulations
are indeed identical.
This can be easily solved by using the divergence theorem, an extremely famous relation called also
integral rule or theorem of Gauß, of Ostrogradsky, of Gauß-Ostrogradsky or of Green-Ostrogradsky.
With so many possible fathers, you immediately understand the importance of this theorem, allowing
a direct relation between a volume integral on an arbitrary volume Vc and a surface integral on the
associated boundary Ac ! Using the first formulation of the divergence theorem (Eq. C.5), it is possible
to replace the second, surface integral in Eq.(3.7), leading to:
Z Z Z Z Z Z
∂ρ(x, t)
dV + ∇ · (ρ(x, t)v(x, t))dV = 0 (3.11)
Vcm ∂t Vcm
Remember that this relation is valid for an arbitrary material control volume, and thus for an infinite
number of different volumes in the fluid! How is it possible to integrate some quantity (that between
the [ ] in Eq.3.12) over an infinite number of different volumes, gettingh always 0 as a result? Onlyi if the
integrated quantity is equal to 0 at every point! Hence, the quantity ∂ρ(x,t)
∂t
+ ∇ · (ρ(x, t)v(x, t)) must
be identically nil at every point in space.
Finally, the local mass conservation equation (also called sometimes continuity equation) can be
written:
∂ρ
+ ∇ · (ρv) = 0 (3.13)
∂t
This is one of the most fundamental relations of Fluid Dynamics and we will use it many times in this
document.
∇ · (ρv) = ρ∇ · v (3.16)
Finally, the local mass conservation equation (or continuity equation) can be simply written for an
incompressible flow:
∇·v =0 (3.17)
38 Chapter 3. Mass conservation
Chapter 4
4.1 Introduction
Now that the mass conservation equation (Eq. 3.13) has been established, it is necessary to derive the
corresponding conservation equation for momentum (to be exact, for linear momentum). Momentum
is indeed, like mass, a conserved quantity, which means that it does not change for an isolated system,
without any interaction with its surroundings. If interaction with the surroundings does take place
(for example, when external forces act on the fluid elements of the considered system), momentum can
indeed change.
We start by choosing again an arbitrary material control volume within a fluid. The evolution of
the total momentum P contained within this control volume Vcm vs. time will be quantified. This total
momentum can be computed by integrating the momentum contained within an elementary volume
element, dV , i.e., ρ(x, t)v(x, t)dV , and the total momentum is thus:
Z Z Z
P= ρ(x, t)v(x, t)dV (4.1)
Vc m
This problem will be solved again by considering successively basic results of physics and of mathematics,
in a similar manner to that employed in the previous chapter for mass conservation. This time, we will
start with mathematical considerations.
Nevertheless, it is in the present case even more useful to introduce first a specific variation of the
transport theorem, called theorem of Reynolds. Starting from the standard version of transport theorem,
39
40 Chapter 4. Euler equation: conservation of momentum in a non-viscous flow
Eq.(4.3), one starts by using the first formulation of the divergence theorem (Eq. C.5), in order to replace
the last, surface integral in Eq.(4.3), leading to:
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
d ∂φ(x, t)
φ(x, t)dV = dV + ∇ · (φ(x, t)v(x, t)) dV
dt Vcm Vcm ∂t Vcm
Z Z Z " #
∂φ(x, t)
= + ∇ · (φ(x, t)v(x, t)) dV (4.4)
Vc m ∂t
We now consider a specific case; the variable φ(x, t) is assumed to be written in the form ρ(x, t)ϕ(x, t),
with ρ(x, t) the fluid density, as usual:
Z Z Z Z Z Z " #
d ∂(ρ(x, t)ϕ(x, t))
ρ(x, t)ϕ(x, t)dV = + ∇ · (ρ(x, t)ϕ(x, t)v(x, t)) dV (4.5)
dt Vcm Vcm ∂t
The partial derivative and divergence on the right-hand side may now be separated in two contributions:
I
( z" }| #{
Z Z Z Z Z Z
d ∂ρ(x, t)
ρ(x, t)ϕ(x, t)dV = ϕ(x, t) + ∇ · (ρ(x, t)v(x, t))
dt Vcm Vcm ∂t
" #)
∂ϕ(x, t)
+ρ(x, t) + (v(x, t) · ∇) ϕ(x, t) dV (4.6)
∂t
using the classical vector relation (Eq. 2.3) for the divergence appearing in the last term on the right-
hand side of Eq.(4.5). Now, it is easy to recognize that the term marked I in Eq.(4.6) is equal to 0, as
demonstrated by the local mass conservation equation (Eq. 3.13) derived in the previous chapter.
Finally, one obtains the theorem of Reynolds:
Z Z Z Z Z Z
d Dϕ(x, t)
ρ(x, t)ϕ(x, t)dV = ρ(x, t) dV (4.7)
dt Vcm Vcm Dt
introducing the total derivative of ϕ (Eq. 2.17) in the last term on the right-hand side of Eq.(4.6).
The right-hand side of Eq.(4.2) is indeed identical with the left-hand side of Eq.(4.7) when taking
ϕ = v (remember that ϕ represents an arbitrary variable, and might therefore be in principle a scalar
as well as a vector or a tensor). It comes therefore:
Z Z Z
dP d
= ρ(x, t)v(x, t)dV (4.8)
dt dt Vcm
Z Z Z
Dv(x, t)
= ρ(x, t) dV (4.9)
Vcm Dt
• Throughout this document, the only non-contact force that will be taken into account is the
gravitational force Fg induced by earth gravity, associated with the acceleration vector g, assumed
constant (k g k= g = 9.81 m/s2 ). The action of gravity on an elementary fluid volume dV is then
simply ρ(x, t)gdV , ρdV being the mass of the fluid element. The resulting gravitational force for
the full material control volume Vc m reads
Z Z Z
Fg = ρ(x, t)gdV (4.10)
Vc m
• Throughout this document, the only real contact force that will be taken into account is the
pressure force Fp . This is indeed the only important contact force for a non-viscous flow. Note
that we will introduce later a viscous force Ff as a further contact force, but this is only a helpful
(though controversial) simplification; this so-called “viscous force” is in fact nothing else than the
diffusion term for momentum, neglected up to now. But let us first skip this issue, and consider
the pressure force as only contact force, assuming a non-viscous flow. The pressure force acts in a
very simple way; its direction is normal to the plane on which the force is acting, its magnitude is
simply the product of local pressure p and surface area A. The action of pressure on an elementary
element dA of the surface Acm of our material control volume is then simply −n(p(x, t)dA), where
the magnitude pdA and the direction −n can be easily recognized. The vector n is as usual the
unity vector normal to the surface Acm and pointing toward the outside. Since we consider in
this analysis the force exerted by the surroundings on our material control volume, the suitable
direction is indeed −n; the surrounding fluid presses onto the fluid within our control volume Vc m .
The resulting, global pressure force working on the full material control volume Vcm reads
Z Z
Fp = − p(x, t)ndA (4.11)
Ac m
Finally, the answer given by physics to the question contained in Eq.(4.2) reads, following the second
law of Newton:
dP
= Fg + Fp (4.12)
dt Z Z Z Z Z
= ρ(x, t)gdV − p(x, t)ndA (4.13)
Vc m Ac m
This is indeed the integral formulation of momentum conservation (in fact, linear momentum), written
for an arbitrary material control volume Vcm and valid for any non-viscous flow.
It is equally possible to use the standard formulation of the transport theorem, Eq.(2.28) instead of
the theorem of Reynolds (Eq. 4.7), as done previously. In that case, Eq.(4.14) is now:
Z Z Z Z Z
∂ (ρ(x, t)v(x, t))
dV + ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA =
Vcm ∂t A
Z Z Z cm Z Z
ρ(x, t)gdV − p(x, t)ndA (4.15)
Vcm Ac m
42 Chapter 4. Euler equation: conservation of momentum in a non-viscous flow
It is acceptable to assume that a fixed control volume Vcf coincides with the considered material
control volume Vcm at time t, allowing to rewrite:
Z Z Z Z Z
∂ (ρ(x, t)v(x, t))
dV + ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA =
Vcf ∂t Ac f
Z Z Z Z Z
ρ(x, t)gdV − p(x, t)ndA (4.16)
Vcf Ac f
Observing that all forces acting on the fluid contained within the fixed control volume Vcf are now
appearing on the right-hand side of this equation, the developed formulation will be used later in Chapter
7 to compute the force induced by a flow.
Remember that this relation is valid for an arbitrary material control volume, and thus for an infinite
number of different volumes in the fluid! How is it possible to integrate some quantity (that between
the [ ] in Eq.4.19) over an infinite number of different volumes, getting
always 0 as a result? Only if the
integrated quantity is equal to 0 at every point! Hence, the quantity ρ(x, t) Dv(x,t)
Dt − ρ(x, t)g + ∇p(x, t)
must be identically nil at every point in space.
Finally, the local conservation equation for linear momentum can be written for a non-viscous flow:
Dv
ρ = ρg − ∇p (4.20)
Dt
This relation, also called Euler equation, is one of the most fundamental relations of Fluid Dynamics and
we will use it many times in this document. Later, we will add a diffusion term (also called improperly
“viscous force”) to this equation, leading to an even more general formulation.
6 Local momentum conservation for an incompressible flow 43
Finally, the local conservation equation for momentum can be written for an incompressible flow:
!
Dv p
= g−∇ (4.23)
Dt ρ
Writing r the vector connecting the (fixed) pivot P and the (variable) position of the integration point,
this relation is simply modified by introducing a vector product in each integral:
Z Z Z " # Z Z
∂ (ρ(x, t)v(x, t))
r× dV + r × [ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n)] dA =
Vcf ∂t Acf
Z Z Z Z Z
r × [ρ(x, t)g] dV − r × [p(x, t)n] dA (4.25)
Vc f Ac f
5.1 Introduction
In this chapter we consider the simplest of all possible flows, i.e., those, that do not flow at all! Consider-
ing back the variable-based classification proposed in the introduction, such flows can be fully described
using only one of the main flow variables: the pressure p within the fluid. The velocity is everywhere
equal to zero and is therefore not an unknown of the problem. Even if this fact might seem quite
disappointing at first, you will probably soon realize how important such configurations are in practice.
The results obtained in this chapter will therefore be very useful for many practical cases. To list a few:
• You will finally understand why it is safe to use the next swimming-pool, since we will be able to
compute forces exerted by a static fluid on a body;
• You will be able to determine if a ship has been wisely laid out, since we will consider in the
following part the stability of partially-immersed bodies;
• You will unterstand how hot-air or helium balloons might be working, since they rely on aerostatic
concepts. In the same context, you will get a first idea of pressure and density variations within
the earth’s atmosphere.
Moreover, such “non-flowing flows” are of course particularly simple, and therefore appropriate to con-
sider first applications at a basic level. To begin with, we will derive the fundamental equation of hydro-
and aerostatics.
∂ρ
+ ∇ · (ρv) = 0
∂t
Dv
ρ = ρg − ∇p
Dt
Note that it is equally possible to consider as a starting point the Navier-Stokes equation and not the
Euler equation to describe conservation of momentum, without changing anything to the results obtained
afterwards. This is due to the fact that the so-called viscous forces, describing the diffusion of momentum, are
always expressed based on velocity gradients. Since, in the present case, velocity is always zero everywhere,
45
46 Chapter 5. Hydrostatics and Aerostatics
the same applies to all possible velocity gradients, so that viscous forces are exactly equal to zero. Considering
these viscous forces as a diffusion process for momentum, this is also physically logical, since there cannot be
a diffusion flux for a quantity that is everywhere the same (here, momentum is everywhere zero).
We can now take into account the fundamental properties of hydro- and aerostatics. As the name
“statics” implies, nothing is moving, nothing in changing, in such “non-flowing flows”. This means in
practice that:
1. the flow velocity v is everywhere and at any time equal to 0;
∂Φ
2. the flow is steady, meaning that the partial time derivative of any variable Φ is also 0: = 0.
∂t
To be exact, this last result is only true for hydro- and aerostatics when requiring that the flow boundary
conditions are also constant in time and that the initial configuration is stable (and not an unstable water/oil-
emulsion, for example). In that case, a zero flow velocity leads indeed directly to the fact that the flow
properties must be constant in time: the flow is steady.
Using these results first in the standard mass conservation equation (3.13)
∂ρ
+ ∇ · (ρv) = 0
∂t
∂ρ
we obtain due to the second hypothesis that = 0 and due to the first hypothesis that ρv = 0 so that
∂t
equally ∇ · (ρv) = 0. Finally, the equation describing conservation of mass reads in this specific case
0=0
a fact which is clearly true but does not give any useful information about that flow! This shows that
mass conservation is automatically fulfilled for all applications involving hydro- and aerostatics, we never
have to care about that.
Looking now at the Euler equation (4.20)
Dv
ρ = ρg − ∇p
Dt
Dv
the left-hand term ρ is again clearly equal to 0 since v = 0, but both terms appearing on the right-
Dt
hand side are not modified by the hypotheses underlying hydro- and aerostatics. This means that the
Euler equation reduces in this case to
∇p = ρg (5.1)
the fundamental equation of hydro- and aerostatics. This equation states that the pressure gradient is
equal to the action of gravity on the fluid, ρg. Note that it is equally possible to take into account within
equation (5.1) any further non-contact force, expressed as ρk with k the acceleration vector associated with
the force acting on the fluid per unit mass, as long as this force is conservative, meaning that it is possible to
find a scalar potential φ(x) verifying k = −∇φ. This is equivalent to saying that the work associated with
the action of this force is independant from the way followed during the movement, but only depends on the
starting point and endpoint of this displacement. All the non-contact forces considered in this document are
conservative, so that equation (5.1) can be easily extended to take these forces into account if needed. It
is sufficient to add the action of these supplementary mass forces on the right-hand side of equation (5.1),
leading to something like
∇p = ρg + ρk (5.2)
It is now possible to consider the first application of equation (5.1): the variation of pressure within a
static liquid.
3 Pressure variation within an incompressible, static fluid 47
pa
za
x
y
This problem can easily be solved by considering and integrating equation (5.1):
∇p = ρg
Using our standard coordinate system and taking gravity as the only mass force acting on the fluid
(we have explained in the previous section how to take into account further mass forces if needed), we
logically start by splitting the vector equation (5.1) into 3 scalar equations, reminding that the gravity
force is pointing towards the direction (−z):
∂p
= 0
∂x
∂p
= 0
∂y
∂p
= −ρg (5.3)
∂z
The first two equations can be directly integrated and show that the pressure does not depend on
the x and y spatial directions. Thus, the pressure variable can be given as p(z) instead of p(x): the
only pressure variation will take place in the z-direction, which is logical, since the only mass force
48 Chapter 5. Hydrostatics and Aerostatics
considered in this example also acts only in this direction. The last equation of (5.3) can be easily
integrated considering that the density ρ is constant (incompressible fluid), and that the same applies
of course to the magnitude of the gravity vector g at ground level: thus, the right-hand side of equation
(5.3) is a constant, allowing a direct integration:
If the total height of the fluid column in the container is equal to H, this means that the pressure
difference between the surface of the fluid and the bottom of the container is equal to ρgH, with a
pressure level growing linearly with the depth within the fluid (figure 5.2), while it is constant in an
horizontal plane, since p neither depends on x nor on y.
in gas
za
in liquid
g
H
pa pa+ ρ gH p
In order to determine the constant in equation (5.4), we need to know the value at the top surface
of the fluid. In the present problem, we have stated that the container is open, so that the fluid in the
container has a free surface in direct contact with the surrounding air, at an air pressure denoted with
pa . Since this free surface is horizontal and not moving (statics), this shows that the forces acting on
the interface are equal and opposed to each other: the pressure force acting on the interface from the
liquid side is thus equal and opposite to the pressure force acting on the interface from the air side.
As a consequence, the pressure at the free surface within the fluid must be equal in magnitude to the
external pressure in the air, pa , so that we obtain in the liquid:
p(z = za ) = pa (5.5)
= constant − ρgza (5.6)
4 Force exerted by an incompressible, static fluid, on a fully immersed body 49
If, for some reason, the free surface of the fluid is not planar, a pressure difference will be observed between
both sides of the interface, resulting from the existence of a surface tension σ between both fluids (for example
water in the container, air above the free surface).
Considering equation (5.6), the final solution for the pressure distribution in the fluid is thus
showing again the linear growth of the pressure with the depth (−z) within the container. At the bottom
of the container, the pressure level is pa + ρgH, or ρgH above the pressure at the container surface.
The fact that the pressure in the container only depends on the local depth of the fluid is completely
independent from the form of the container, as observed for instance in a U-tube manometer. There is
no need for a direct contact between the fluid particles at a certain depth to ensure pressure homogeneity
at this same depth. It is sufficient that the different fluid “compartments” communicate at a single level
or fulfill the same pressure boundary condition at the free surface to ensure this fact.
Now, the question remains: what happens within the air above the liquid tank? We will deal with
this point in more details later on when considering aerostatics. Let us just briefly mention that, in
principle, the same applies to the air as long as its density might be considered to be constant. Since we
might safely consider that the air density does not vary noticeably within a few meters under normal
conditions, so that ρa ≈ constant for such a thin air sheet, we obtain the same result as equation (5.4):
so that the pressure in the air diminishes linearly with the elevation. The (considerable!) difference with
the previous equation (5.4) is of course that, here, the density of the air ρa is used (typically ρa ≈ 1.2
kg/m3 under usual conditions) and not the density of an incompressible fluid (i.e., typically a liquid like
water with ρwater ≈ 1000 kg/m3 ), so that the pressure variation with the z-coordinate is roughly 1000
times slower in air compared to water (figure 5.2)!
1. the gravity force, pointing towards (−z) with a magnitude Mb g, leading to F g = Mb g = −Mb gez ;
50 Chapter 5. Hydrostatics and Aerostatics
Outer surface A z
g
dA Body V
n p
Gravity Mbg
x
y
2. the total pressure force F p resulting from the integration of all local pressure forces existing at
each contact point between the body and the surrounding liquid.
In order to compute this total pressure force caused by the liquid on the body, we just need to recall
the properties of the pressure force introduced in the previous chapter (figure 5.3):
• the magnitude of the local pressure force is equal to the local pressure value in the fluid multiplied
by the local body surface area on which the force is acting;
• the pressure force is always perpendicular to the body surface and points away from the fluid
responsible for this force (i.e., in the present case, towards the interior of the body).
Writing as usual n the local unit vector, normal to the body surface and pointing towards the outside of
the body, the local pressure force exerted by the liquid on the body is therefore once again f p = −pndA.
Finally, the total pressure force induced by the liquid on the body is thus:
Z Z
Fp = (−pn) dA (5.10)
A
It is now possible to switch from a surface to a volume integral in the same manner as in the previous
chapter. For this, we employ again the powerful divergence theorem, in its second formulation, leading
to:
Z Z Z
Fp = (−∇p) dV (5.11)
V
In order to conclude, we just need to employ again the fundamental equation of hydro- and aerostatics
(5.1):
∇p = ρg
4 Force exerted by an incompressible, static fluid, on a fully immersed body 51
in order to replace the pressure gradient in the fluid by the gravity term, leading finally to:
Z Z Z
Fp = (−ρg) dV (5.12)
V
It is worth reminding here that the density ρ appearing in this equation is the fluid density, and not
the density of the body! In order to use the last relation, we must assume that the fluid conditions are not
modified at all due to the presence of the body, which is not always as obvious as it might appear here. First,
this is only true for a non-moving body, but we have already accepted this assumption before. Second, if
some interactions (i.e., forces) exist between the body material or surface and the surrounding fluid particles,
they must be taken into account for a refined analysis. This is not considered further in what follows. The
famous result of Archimedes can be easily deduced from equation (5.12), since both the density ρ of the
incompressible fluid and the earth gravity acceleration g at ground level are constant:
Z Z Z
F p = −ρg dV
V
or
F p = −ρVb g (5.13)
with Vb the volume of the body. What is now ρVb ? This is the density of the fluid multiplied by the
body volume, and hence the weight of the fluid that would occupy the place of the body when removing
it. Therefore, equation (5.13) just describes the famous principle of Archimedes:
“The magnitude of the buoyant force (or buoyancy) is equal to the weight of the displaced
fluid. Its direction is opposed to the direction of gravity.”
• First, buoyancy is nothing else than a pressure force! In what follows, we only use the name
of buoyancy because it is traditionally employed for the present purpose. But this is indeed a
superfluous concept, which is not really needed.
• Second, buoyancy is somewhat magical. In the present case, gravity leads to a pressure increase for
a growing depth within the container. This pressure variation globally induces a resulting force,
buoyancy, acting against the gravity, since it is pointing towards the z-direction. To summarize,
one can conclude that, in this specific configuration, gravity is indirectly leading to an upward-
pointing force. This is clearly a very unusual statement!
• Third, buoyancy and gravity are directly connected to each other. Without gravity, no pressure
variation within the incompressible fluid, and therefore no buoyancy!
• Fourth, the magnitude of the buoyant force does not depend on the depth of the body within the
liquid, but is constant. It will therefore be easy in what follows to identify a stable position.
• Finally, it is clear that this buoyant force is only a result of the pressure variation induced by the
mass forces acting on the fluid (see 5.2). If forces other than gravity are present, the buoyant force
will be modified accordingly, and can include a component in the horizontal direction, for example
when rotating the container around its axis. This principle could be for example employed in order
to separate liquids with different densities using centrifugal forces.
It is now easy to determine the stable position of a body immersed in a fluid. Two forces are acting on
this body in the standard configuration. Gravity, expressed as F g = Mb g = −Mb gez or F g = −ρb Vb gez
introducing the mean body density ρb defined as ρb := Mb /Vb . And buoyancy (or pressure force),
52 Chapter 5. Hydrostatics and Aerostatics
expressed as F p = −ρVb g = ρVb gez . Both expressions contain identically the acceleration vector of
gravity, g, as well as the body volume Vb . As a consequence, only the difference between the fluid
density ρ and the body density ρb must be taken into account in order to identify the stable position of
the body. Three cases can be found (figure 5.4):
1. ρ = ρb : in that case, the body stays in its present position, perhaps in the middle of the container,
without any movement. This is quite an unstable configuration, since it requires that both density
values are exactly equal. But it corresponds for example to the situation observed. . . when removing
the body! In that case the volume V is occupied by water, with exactly the same density as the
neigbouring liquid (of course). And, since we consider a static fluid, this volume of water must be
at rest, which is indeed obtained for this case.
2. ρb > ρ: in that case the magnitude of the gravity force is larger than the magnitude of buoancy.
The body moves therefore towards the direction −z and reaches a stable position when touching
the bottom of the container. This is the standard case of a stone thrown into a water pond.
3. ρb < ρ: then, the magnitude of buoyancy is larger than the magnitude of the gravity force. The
body will move upward and reach a stable position at the surface of the liquid (see next section).
This is the classical example of an icicle floating on a glass of water (since ice has a lower density,
roughly 920 kg/m3 , compared to liquid water, which is indeed a very unusual property).
= b > b < b
As a practical example of these equilibrium conditions, let us consider the thermometer of Galileo Galilei,
shown in figure 5.5.
This is one of the first technical realizations allowing reliable (but not very accurate) temperature
measurements. It relies on the principle of Archimedes, combined with the observation that the density
of water is indeed not perfectly constant, but decreases slightly for an increasing water temperature
(Table 5.1).
The thermometer consists of a water column containing a number of solid spheres, all with the same
volume Vb but with a slightly different mass, so that each sphere is associated to a different density ρb ,
varying typically between 1000 and 990 kg/m3 for measuring usual temperatures. When leaving this
thermometer in a room, the water temperature will be identical to the temperature of the surrounding
air (unfortunately, this can take some time: the thermometer of Galileo Galilei is not suited to measure
rapidly varying temperatures). This specific temperature (say 25 ◦ C) corresponds to a given water
density (in this case 997 kg/m3 , see Table 5.1). All spheres with a density larger than this value will
4 Force exerted by an incompressible, static fluid, on a fully immersed body 53
Table 5.1: Density of pure water as a function of temperature. See for instance Wikipedia for comple-
mentary information.
sink to the bottom of the container, all spheres with a density lower than 997 kg/m3 will float on the
water surface. If there is a sphere with a density exactly equal to 997 kg/m3 , it will stay somewhere
in the middle. By marking the spheres with a specific label, it is possible in this manner to measure
the water (and thus the air) temperature. Nevertheless, in order to obtain an accurate measurement, it
would be nessary to control the density of the spheres with a precision of at least 1%, which is indeed
a difficult technical task. . .
Finally, let us consider an essential question: is it safe for a human being to use a swimming-pool?
Most people have never considered this important point, since they have been accustomed to swimming-
pools as a small child, or even as a baby. But, in principle, there is nothing to prove that this is always
safe! We know now how to answer this question: it is sufficient to check the respective densities of water
and of a human being. As we already know (Table 5.1), standard water at room temperature corresponds
to a density of roughly 1000 kg/m3 . But what about human beings? With some difficulty, the human
density can be found in medical documents, and lies typically around 890-900 kg/m3 , this value being
remarkably constant for most humans (since people with a large volume are typically associated with a
high weight, and vice-versa!). Note that this value corresponds typically to a human body at the end of an
inhalation (breathing) cycle. Removing all the air from the lungs leads to a human density usually very close
to 1000 kg/m3 , almost equal to the water density. Since the (breathing) human density is lower than
the density of water, you may now safely use any swimming-pool: following the rule stated above, your
54 Chapter 5. Hydrostatics and Aerostatics
stable position will be floating on the surface of this pool. Note, for the same reason, that it would be
very dangerous to jump into any man-height container filled up with pure alcohol (density around 790
kg/m3 ): the stable position for this case would be. . . sitting on the bottom of this container, a clearly
very uncomfortable configuration! Getting back to the (usual) case of a swimming-pool filled up with
water, it is now time to check one last point: since the stable position corresponds to a case where your
body is not completely immersed, will that change anything to the principle of Archimedes, established
in the present section for a fully immersed body?
Agas
Vgas ρa
Vliq
Aliq z
ρ g
x
y
Figure 5.6: Forces acting on a partially immersed body: configuration.
Since the body is floating on the liquid surface, the upper part of this body is surrounded by air.
As always in this chapter, we consider both the liquid and the air to be at rest (statics). In order to
determine the resulting forces, we consider exactly the same reasoning as in the preceeding section 5.4.
The body is again submitted solely to the action of gravity, like in the previous section, and to the
action of pressure (viscous forces disappear when the system is at rest). But the global pressure force
acting on the body is now the sum of a pressure force exerted by the liquid along the lower part of the
body, plus a pressure force exerted by the gas on the upper part of this body.
Z Z
Fp = (−pn) dA
A
= F p,liq + F p,gas
Z Z Z Z
= (−pn) dA + (−pn) dA (5.14)
Aliq Agas
where we have separated the external surface of the body into the part in contact with the liquid (Aliq)
and in contact with the gas (Agas ), with of course A = Aliq ∪ Agas . Using these two surfaces plus a
cut through the body at the level of the liquid surface, it is possible to define two corresponding, closed
6 Stability of a partially immersed body 55
volumes Vliq and Vgas , in contact with each other, and verifying V = Vliq ∪ Vgas . We may now safely use
the integration rule of Gauß on each of these closed volumes, leading to:
Z Z Z Z Z Z
Fp = (−∇p) dV + (−∇p) dV (5.15)
Vliq Vgas
In order to conclude, we just need to employ again the fundamental equation of hydro- and aerostatics
(5.1), once again separately on each volume, leading to:
Z Z Z Z Z Z
Fp = (−ρg) dV + (−ρa g) dV
Vliq Vgas
Note that, in this equation, the first integral is built with the liquid density ρ, while the second contains
the gas density ρa . We have already assumed the liquid density to be constant. Using the same
hypothesis for the gas (ρa = constant), which means in particular neglecting any temperature effect (see
later section 5.7) allows us to easily compute both integrals, leading to the final result:
F p = F p,liq + F p,gas ,
= −ρVliq g − ρa Vgas g (5.16)
This result is in fact not surprising at all. There are now two contributions to the buoyant force, one
coming from the liquid, one from the gas. The principle of Archimedes still applies without the slightest
modification: the magnitude of the buoyant force is equal to the weight of the displaced fluid (comprising
liquid and gas), its direction is opposed to the direction of gravity. Since, in most practical cases (for
example for the iceberg mentioned previously), the largest part of the body volume is immersed, and
since furthermore the liquid density is typically several hundred times larger than the gas density, the
contribution of the second term in (5.16) can usually safely be neglected compared to the first one. This
explains why some textbooks do not mention at all the contribution of the gas side, which is indeed an
approximation of the exact result. But this approximation would for example not be very accurate for
a table tennis ball floating on the sea. . .
Buoyancy (-ρbVg)
Gravity Mbg z
g
x
y
Resulting torque: destabilizing
Buoyancy (-ρbVg)
Gravity Mbg z
g
x
y
Figure 5.7: Stability of a partially immersed body, unstable case. Top figure: starting position. Bottom
figure: perturbed (unstable) position.
everything is known: magnitude, direction and center for both gravity and buoyancy, so that a stability
analysis can easily be carried out by considering a small perturbation on top of the initial conditions. If,
for example due to a wind gust, the body gets slightly inclined, it appears clearly from figure 5.7 that a
torque will result and amplify the initial disturbance. As a consequence, the stable position of this body
will be. . . lying sideways on the liquid surface. On the contrary, for the case considered in figure 5.8,
the resulting torque brings the body back toward the unperturbed position, so that this configuration
is stable.
What is the difference between both? When the center of gravity lies higher than the center of
the buoyant force, this leads to an unstable situation. On the contrary, when the center of gravity is
6 Stability of a partially immersed body 57
Buoyancy (-ρbVg)
z
g
Gravity Mbg
x
y
Resulting torque: stabilizing
Buoyancy (-ρbVg)
z
g
Gravity Mbg
x
y
Figure 5.8: Stability of a partially immersed body, stable case. Top figure: starting position (stable).
Bottom figure: perturbed position.
deeper than the center of buoyancy, the body position is stable. As a consequence, it is advisable to
move all heavy weights toward the bottom of a ship in order to obtain a stable configuration. Since this
is typically not the case for a sailing-ship (sails and masts must be placed far above the sea surface),
stability must usually be improved by adding a heavy keel. This simple analysis relies on the hypothesis
that the center of gravity and buoyancy are not noticeably displaced as a result of the initial perturbation.
Another, considerably more difficult solution to obtain stability is to implement a dynamic technical process
where center of gravity and center of buoyancy are modified by the initial perturbation in such a way that
the resulting torque will lead back to the starting position.
58 Chapter 5. Hydrostatics and Aerostatics
5.7 Aerostatics
We now consider a static gas, and not any more a liquid. This might be for example the atmosphere,
if we may assume it to be at rest (v = 0), i.e., in particular without any wind. This is indeed a
strong assumption but will nevertheless lead to interesting results, in good agreement with experimental
observations.
The simplest possible analysis for aerostatics has already been briefly considered in section 5.3. If
it is possible to assume that the gas density does not change at all (case of a fully incompressible gas),
then all the results presented up to now remain exactly valid and involve the (constant) gas density ρa .
This would for example mean for the atmosphere that, assuming a pressure p0 = 1 atm = 101 325 Pa
(=1 atm) at ground level (z = 0 m), the pressure would decrease linearly with the elevation z in our
standard coordinate system, following:
How valid is this hypothesis? Clearly, it cannot be very good. Considering equation (5.17) and using
as standard values p0 = 101 325 Pa and ρa = 1.2 kg/m3 , this equation leads to a zero pressure at an
elevation of roughly 8.6 km. This would clearly be the upper limit of the atmosphere. Since experimental
observations lead to a typical atmosphere thickness of roughly 80 km (note, however, that it is difficult
to define clearly where the atmosphere really ends up), the above approximation is far from appropriate
and can only be used for a thin gas sheet, for which density variations can indeed be neglected, as done
in section 5.3.
The problem comes from the fact that the density of a gas can indeed be modified considerably
when varying the local thermodynamic conditions, in particular temperature and pressure. Assuming
ρa = constant is therefore not a very good idea. In order to obtain a more accurate result, it is necessary
to start again the analysis from the fundamental equation of hydro- and aerostatics (5.1),
∇p = ρg
which is still perfectly valid under the present conditions. We then start similarly with the reasoning
presented in section 5.3. In the standard coordinate system and since gravity is the only mass force
acting on the fluid here, we split this vector equation into 3 scalar equations, reminding that the gravity
force is pointing towards the direction (−z):
∂p
= 0
∂x
∂p
= 0
∂y
∂p
= −ρg (5.18)
∂z
The first two equations can be directly integrated and show that the pressure does not depend on the
x and y spatial directions. Thus, the pressure variable can be given as p(z) instead of p(x): the only
pressure variation will take place in the z-direction, which is logical, since the only mass force considered
in this example also acts only in this direction.
But, at the difference of section 5.3, it is not possible any more to integrate directly the third scalar
equation of this system, since ρ is now varying. Considering a displacement in the z-direction between
an elevation z1 and z2 , it is nevertheless possible to integrate equation (5.18) to obtain:
Z Z z2
z2 1 ∂p
dz = − gdz (5.19)
z1 ρ ∂z z1
7 Aerostatics 59
The term on the right-hand-side can readily be integrated, by still considering the norm of the acceler-
ation due to earth gravity g as a constant, leading finally to:
Z z2 1 ∂p
dz = (z1 − z2 )g (5.20)
z1 ρ ∂z
This equation can only be solved further if the behaviour of the density is known. This is in particular
the case when considering a barotropic fluid, i.e., a fluid for which density is directly known as a function
of pressure, ρ = ρ(p). In that case the resulting equation
Z z2 1 ∂p
dz = (z1 − z2 )g (5.21)
z1 ρ(p) ∂z
p = ρrT
= Cρ (5.22)
(z1 − z2 )g
ln p(z2 ) − ln p(z1 ) =
C
By taking the exponential of this equation, and choosing as reference condition at ground level (z = 0)
the atmospheric pressure pa = 101 325 Pa (1 atm), one obtains finally for the evolution of the pressure
gz
p(x) = p(z) = pa exp − (5.24)
rT
60 Chapter 5. Hydrostatics and Aerostatics
where the constant C has been replaced by its equivalent, rT . This shows that the pressure decreases
exponentially with the elevation z in this specific atmospheric model. Considering equation (5.23), the
same is also true for the atmosphere density, following:
pa gz
ρ(x) = ρ(z) = exp − (5.25)
rT rT
The corresponding behaviour (exponential decrease) corresponds quite well to experimental observations.
An even better result can be obtained when considering an isentropic ideal gas instead of an isothermal
evolution.
Once again, we use the fact that the acceleration vector associated with earth’s gravity, g, is a constant,
so that the previous equation can be rewritten:
Z Z Z
F p = −g ρdV (5.26)
V
RRR
Once again, what is V ρdV? This is the integral of the local fluid density (mass per unit volume)
multiplied with the local volume dV. Therefore, this is clearly nothing else than the weight of the fluid
that would occupy the place of the body V when removing it or, in other words, the weight of the displaced
fluid. This proves that the principle of Archimedes is equally valid for a gas and for a liquid, without
any change.
In analogy to our previous example concerning a swimming-pool: is it safe for a human being to
stay outdoors? Buoyancy might lead to an upward-pointing force transforming any human being in a
hot-air balloon! To answer this question, it is once again sufficient to check the respective densities of air
(roughly 1.2 kg/m3 at ground level) and of a human being (something like 890 kg/m3 ). Clearly, the stable
position of a human being in the atmosphere is. . . with both feet solidly on the ground! Nevertheless,
the buoyant force induced by the surrounding atmosphere at rest leads to an upward pointing force of
magnitude ρa Vb g. With ρa = 1.2 kg/m3 and for a human being with a typical volume of roughly 0.09
m3 , this means that you “feel” indeed about 100 g lighter than your real weight, thanks to buoyancy.
Chapter 6
Bernoulli equations
6.1 Introduction
After having considered in Chapter 5 the simplest of all possible flows, i.e., those that do not flow at
all, it is useful now to consider more usual flow conditions, associated with a non-zero flow velocity v!
This is the purpose of the present chapter, in which the different forms of the Bernoulli equation will
be progressively introduced.
Considering back the variable-based classification proposed in the introduction, such flows will now
still be associated with a change of pressure p, but also of velocity v. In order to limit the complexity
of the resulting cases, the present chapter will assume consistently that the considered flow is always an
incompressible flow. In this manner, the density ρ can be safely assumed to be constant throughout,
ρ = constant. Density is therefore not an unknown of this problem.
Furthermore, we will only consider steady flow conditions, so that all flow variables are constant in
time. Finally, the resulting flow can therefore be described by knowing only the fields of pressure p(x)
and velocity v(x).
In this chapter, we will consider first only non-viscous flows (but we will later introduce a correction
for viscous effects by using a side-door!).
Finally, any non-contact force associated with an acceleration vector k is assumed to be conservative,
meaning that it is possible to find a scalar potential φ(x) verifying k = −∇φ. All the non-contact forces
considered in this document are indeed conservative.
The starting point to obtain the Bernoulli equation is always the same: it is the Euler equation
describing conservation of momentum, equation (4.20), since we assume a non-viscous flow. Mass con-
servation must be additionally used in practice to solve completely the problem, but is not required to
derive the Bernoulli equation. Since different forms of the Bernoulli equation can be written depend-
ing on the underlying hypotheses, we will always state explicitly with each result the list of required
assumptions.
∂v
ρ + ρ(v · ∇)v = ρg − ∇p (6.2)
∂t
61
62 Chapter 6. Bernoulli equations
The second term on the left-hand side (convective term) can be replaced by using the mathematical
relation, equation (2.19). One obtains:
!
∂v v2
ρ + ρ∇ + ρ ((∇ × v) × v) = ρg − ∇p (6.3)
∂t 2
or, dividing by the density ρ (obviously non-zero):
!
∂v v2 1
+∇ + ((∇ × v) × v) = g − ∇p (6.4)
∂t 2 ρ
Considering the earth gravity field using the standard coordinate system, one obtains for this conservative
force
g = −gez = −∇φ (6.5)
for the following scalar field of potential energy:
φ(x) = φ(z) = gz (6.6)
Furthermore, since the flow is considered incompressible, the density ρ is constant and it is possible to
write !
1 p
∇p = ∇ (6.7)
ρ ρ
Introducing the last two relations in equation (6.4), it comes:
! !
∂v v2 p
+∇ + ((∇ × v) × v) = −∇φ − ∇ (6.8)
∂t 2 ρ
Moving all the terms to the left-hand side and grouping all three gradients together:
!
∂v p v2
+∇ + + φ + ((∇ × v) × v) = 0 (6.9)
∂t ρ 2
For a steady flow, as assumed here, we obtain then:
!
p v2
∇ + + φ + ((∇ × v) × v) = 0 (6.10)
ρ 2
If we furthermore assume first that the considered flow is irrotational, this equation finally simplifies to:
!
p v2
∇ + +φ =0 (6.11)
ρ 2
What is the meaning of this relation? Since the gradient of a quantity measures its variation in space
(it is simply built from the three partial derivatives in space), the fact that the gradient is 0 necessarily
means that the corresponding quantity is constant and does not vary spatially. We therefore obtain the
first Bernoulli equation, called from now on Bernoulli equation for irrotational flows:
p v2
+ + gz = constant in the complete flow (6.12)
ρ 2
where the potential φ has been replaced by its value for earth’s gravity. This equation is valid for a
steady, incompressible, non-viscous, irrotational flow with gravity as only non-contact force (or with
the formulation involving the generic value of φ for any conservative force). This is an extremely useful
relation to relate the values of pressure p and velocity v through the vertical position of the fluid element,
z. Unfortunately, irrotational flows are not found very often in practice. . . Therefore, this relation usually
cannot be used, and an alternative formulation valid for rotational flows would be even more attractive.
3 Link with hydrostatics 63
It is equally possible to multiple this equation with the (constant) flow density ρ, leading to:
This is indeed the result found in Chapter 5: the pressure decreases linearly with increasing height
z (or conversely increases linearly with increasing depth, −z).
We then multiply this vector equation (scalar product) with the unit vector s, tangential to the local
fluid velocity v; this is the vector giving the direction of the streamline. One obtains the scalar equation:
!
p v2
s·∇ + + φ + s · ((∇ × v) × v) = 0 (6.16)
ρ 2
It is now easy to prove that the second term on the left-hand side is equal to zero. For this purpose,
two essential properties of vector operations must be combined:
1. Concerning the vector product, the resulting vector is always perpendicular to the plane containing
the two starting vectors. Therefore, (∇ × v) × v is in particular perpendicular to v.
2. Concerning the scalar product, it is known that the scalar product between two orthogonal vectors
is automatically zero.
What is the meaning of this new relation? As explained in the previous section, the gradient of a
quantity measures its variation in space (it is simply built from the three partial derivatives in space).
The scalar product appearing in equation (6.17) means that this variation in space is only considered
(“projected”) along the direction of the unit vector s, i.e., along the direction of the streamline. Since
the gradient is zero along this specific direction, this necessarily means that the corresponding quantity
64 Chapter 6. Bernoulli equations
is constant and does not vary spatially when following the streamline. We therefore obtain the most
important form of the relations derived by Daniel Bernoulli, called from now on just Bernoulli equation:
p v2
+ + gz = constant along a streamline (6.18)
ρ 2
where the potential φ has been replaced by its value for earth’s gravity. This equation is valid for a
steady, incompressible, non-viscous flow with gravity as only non-contact force (or with the formulation
involving the generic value of φ for any conservative force). Note that this relation is still valid for a
rotational flow, as mostly found in practice! This is an essential equation to relate along a streamline
(figure 6.1) the values of pressure p and velocity v through the vertical position of the fluid element, z.
Figure 6.1: Streamlines (blue) computed by post-processing two-dimensional velocity fields measured
by Particle Image Velocimetry in the rotating impeller of a centrifugal pump.
2. the equally well-known potential energy of the fluid associated to gravity, gz;
6 Simplification of the Bernoulli equation for a gas flow 65
potential energy
gz
All these contributions have of course the right unit for a specific energy, i.e., J/kg. The so-called
pressure energy is the only new term; it is of course well-known that it is possible to generate work by
using a pressure difference (i.e., letting a pressure force work). But it is the first time that we associate
directly with the absolute pressure p in the fluid a contribution similar to a specific energy.
Beware! Please note that the possible exchanges between the three different forms of flow energy
illustrated in figure 6.2 are still associated with limitations! We will always assume in practice that the
lowest vertical position in the considered flow is associated with z = 0 per convention. This means that
the upper term in figure 6.2 (potential energy), is always positive: gz ≥ 0. It is furthermore obvious
that the kinetic energy term on the right is also positive: v2 /2 ≥ 0. Finally, the pressure term on the
left is also positive since pressure p and density ρ are both positive: p/ρ ≥ 0. As a consequence, when
equation (6.18) is used to illustrate the possible exchange between potential energy, kinetic energy and
pressure energy, it must be kept in mind that, during the exchange process, all three terms must always
remain positive! A flow for which one or more of these contributions would be negative is physically
impossible to realize.
Concerning the pressure term, the real physical condition is even more stringent, p/ρ > 0, due to a
phenomenon called cavitation.
atmospheric application). For all other standard engineering conditions, the Bernoulli equation for an
incompressible gas flow can be simplified as:
p v2
+ = constant along a streamline (6.19)
ρ 2
ρv2
p+ + ρgz = constant along a streamline (6.20)
2
Obviously, all three terms in this equation have the same unit, the unit of pressure (Pascal, Pa). More
specifically, the second term in this equation, ρv2 /2 will from now on also be called dynamic pressure q:
ρv2
q := (6.21)
2
If we neglect the contribution of potential energy, the meaning of this dynamic pressure is clear: starting
from a flow with conditions p for pressure and v for velocity, if this flow is decelerated until coming to
rest (i.e., v = 0, called stagnation conditions) the pressure will simultaneously increase by an amount
equal to the initially available dynamic pressure. This is illustrated in Table 6.1.
v −→ 0
ρv2
p −→ p +
2
Table 6.1: Change of flow pressure and flow velocity from starting conditions to stagnation conditions
an outflow cross-section A2 (figure 6.3). The identified streamline will connect (in an unknown manner)
the inflow and the outflow cross-section. Along this streamline, we might write equation (6.18):
p v2
+ + gz = constant (6.22)
ρ 2
or considering only the initial conditions (index 1) and final conditions (index 2) along this streamline:
p1 v1 2 p2 v2 2
+ + gz1 = + + gz2 (6.23)
ρ 2 ρ 2
It is in principle possible to repeat this process for all streamlines in this flow, therefore connecting all
fluid elements present along the inflow cross-section A1 with their corresponding state along the outflow
cross-section A2 (figure 6.3).
A1
A2
If we now average in space along the cross-section all corresponding equations, we obtain the averaged
Bernoulli equation:
p1 v12 p2 v22
+ + gz1 = + + gz2 (6.24)
ρ 2 ρ 2
where the indices 1 and 2 characterize again respectively the inflow and outflow cross-sections, A1 and
A2 , and where the symbols with overline correspond to spatially-averaged values along the corresponding
cross-section, for example: Z Z
1
p1 := p(x)dA (6.25)
A1 A1
If the flow is indeed one-dimensional along the inflow and outflow cross-sections, A1 and A2 , then
this averaging procedure is superfluous for flow pressure and flow velocity. In such a case, the pressure
and the velocity are constant along a cross-section, so that p1 = p1 , v12 = v12 , p2 = p2 and v22 = v22 .
Nevertheless, even in such a case, the vertical coordinate z must still be averaged (z1 6= z1 ), except
in the case where the pipe is running purely along the vertical direction, so that each cross-section
corresponds to a plane z = constant. In general, z is simply the z-coordinate of the geometrical center
of the corresponding pipe cross-section. For a circular pipe, this will be the value of z associated with
the pipe axis.
From now on, we will write the averaged Bernoulli equation without the overlines, leading simply to:
p1 v12 p2 v22
+ + gz1 = + + gz2 (6.26)
ρ 2 ρ 2
2. all terms appearing in this equation have been spatially averaged along each cross-section following
equation (6.25); or alternatively the flow is one-dimensional along the inflow and outflow cross-
sections and the value of z appearing in the equation is the z-coordinate of the geometric center
of the corresponding cross-section;
3. as usual, the flow is steady, incompressible, non-viscous, with gravity as only non-contact force
(or with the formulation involving the generic value of the potential φ for any conservative force).
On the other hand, it is not necessary to have an irrotational flow in order to apply equation (6.26).
And it is also not necessary to identify any streamline before using this equation!
Since the boundary of a streamtube cannot be crossed by any fluid particle, a streamtube is closely
similar to the internal flow within a duct of variable cross-section (that of the streamtube), as considered
up to now. The results presented in this section for an internal flow can therefore equally well be applied
to any streamtube, as long as the assumptions listed above are valid. Of course, in that case, it is your
responsibility to identify correctly the streamtube before applying equation (6.26) between the inflow
and outflow cross-sections.
Beware! If you have the feeling that you have been cheated during the developments presented in
this section, you are quite right! From a purely mathematical point of view, the so-called “averaging
process” introduced to develop equation (6.26) is certainly not a clean proof. . . It is indeed possible (but
relatively difficult) to prove that equation (6.26) is perfectly correct. The corresponding proof will be
added in a later version of this document.
Obviously, all terms in this equation have now the same unit as z, i.e., meter (m). All can therefore be
written as equivalent lengths. The sum of all three terms, being constant as shown by this equation, is
called from now on hydraulic head (sometimes also total head) and is written H:
p v2
H := + + z = constant (6.28)
ρg 2g
The three terms building up the (constant) hydraulic head are the pressure head p/(ρg), the dynamic
(or velocity) head v2 /2g and the elevation (or geodetic) head z. All these terms are expressed in meters.
It is now possible to use equation (6.28) to analyze graphically the evolution of the flow properties in a
practical installation, as shown schematically in figure 6.4. As already explained previously, it must of
course be kept in mind that all three separate contributions (elevation head, dynamic head and pressure
head) must always remain positive: this is obvious for the dynamic head; it is the result of the chosen
convention (z = 0 at the lowest point in the flow) for the elevation head; and it is even more stringent
(p/(ρg) > 0) for the pressure head due to cavitation.
10 Generalized Bernoulli equation with losses and energy exchange 69
hydraulic
h yd
draulic or total head H
pressure head
p2/( g)
pressure head
p1/( g)
velocity/dynamic
head v22/(2g)
velocity/dynamic
head v12/(2g)
1
“0” level 2
Figure 6.4: Graphical representation of a possible evolution for pressure head, dynamic head and eleva-
tion head for a constant total head and a constant pipe diameter (hence constant velocity v).
conservation equation for energy and entropy in the flow would be needed, together with a detailed
analysis of the local flow conditions in time and space. Even if this is possible in practice, this is too
complex for our present level of knowledge and for most practical applications.
Therefore, our purpose is now simply to model such losses in an appropriate manner, allowing a
sufficiently accurate (but not exact) determination of the resulting flow properties.
As we already know, there are three different possible units that can be used to write the averaged
Bernoulli equation: either all quantities are expressed as equivalent to pressure (unit: Pa), equivalent
to geodetic height (unit: m) or equivalent to specific energy (unit: J/kg). Equivalently, the head loss
appearing in the flow can be expressed as:
• equivalent energy loss (or dynamic head loss), written ∆e and measured in J/kg.
• equivalent pressure loss (or pressure head loss), written ∆p and measured in Pa.
• equivalent geodetic height loss (or elevation head loss), written ∆z and measured in m.
Per convention, all these losses will be considered as positive. It is of course very easy to convert one
expression to the other, using:
∆p ∆e
∆z = = (6.29)
ρg g
If we now write with an index f the losses associated to friction and with an index l all other losses (l
designates here a “localized” loss, since such a loss can be associated to a specific location in the flow;
note, however, that these losses are most commonly called “minor losses” in the international literature,
a somewhat misleading name, since they might indeed be quite large). Now, the friction loss (considered
globally for the complete flow) and a number of localized losses (numbered 1 to n in what follows, and
associated to localized flow modifications), can be taken into account in the Bernoulli equation, leading
to: " # " # n
p2 v22 p1 v12 X
+ + gz2 = + + gz1 − ∆ef − ∆el,j (6.30)
ρ 2 ρ 2 j=1
or equivalently
" # " # n
p2 v22 p1 v12 X
+ + z2 = + + z1 − ∆zf − ∆zl,j , (6.31)
ρg 2g ρg 2g j=1
" # " # n
ρv2 ρv12 X
p2 + 2 + ρgz2 = p1 + + ρgz1 − ∆pf − ∆pl,j (6.32)
2 2 j=1
Since we will always encounter such losses in practical flows, we must find a solution to compensate
them. This is simply realized by exchanging work with the fluid. If the user wants to increase the energy
level of the fluid, it will communicate work to it, typically using a pump, delivering a positive specific
work w > 0 to the fluid. Conversely, if the fluid is used to generate energy, the negative work w < 0
will be lost by the fluid and communicated to the surroundings, usually using a turbine. As you see, the
exchanged specific work w (expressed in J/kg) is always considered from the point of view of the fluid;
it is positive when increasing fluid energy, negative when fluid energy is reduced. Finally, if a certain
number m of such devices exchanging work with the fluid are found between the inflow cross-section A1
and the outflow cross-section A2 , the generalized Bernoulli equation can be written:
" # " m
#
n
p2 v22 p1 v12 X X
+ + gz2 − + + gz1 = wi − ∆ef − ∆el,j (6.33)
ρ 2 ρ 2 i=1 j=1
1. all terms appearing in this equation have been spatially averaged along inflow and outflow cross-
sections following equation (6.25); or alternatively the flow is one-dimensional along the inflow
and outflow cross-sections and the value of z appearing in the equation is the z-coordinate of the
geometric center of the corresponding cross-section;
2. the flow is steady, incompressible, with gravity as only non-contact force (or with the formulation
involving the generic value of the potential φ for any conservative force).
On the other hand, it is now not necessary to have a non-viscous flow, since the influence of viscous
losses appears in the equation (∆ef )! This equation can readily be used for a rotational flow, and it is
not necessary to identify any streamline before using this relation.
In order to solve any practical problem, the only remaining issue is now to determine exactly all terms
on the right-hand side, since the left-hand side is well-known, involving only classical contributions.
If needed, the relation between specific work w and associated power P is simply:
P = ṁw (6.36)
As we will discuss later, friction is indeed a result of gradients of flow momentum (or equivalently,
for an incompressible flow as considered here, gradients of flow velocity). There is therefore a resulting
connection between friction loss ∆ef and flow velocity v. As a consequence, it is very practical to express
the friction loss as a function of the available specific kinetic energy in the flow, v2 /2.
Finally, the measured friction loss depends of course on the considered flow configuration. Qualita-
tively, since we have stated previously that velocity gradients will be particularly large near the walls,
in the so-called boundary layer, the importance of friction loss will be considerable for flows in contact
with “a lot of” walls (micro-channels, heat exchangers) and quite negligible in the opposite case (smooth
straight tube with a very large diameter, without any insert).
In practice, cylindrical pipes are mostly encountered. Therefore, we will only give here results for
such a configuration: a straight cylindrical pipe of length l, diameter d, with a mean axial flow velocity v.
Systematic experiments show that the associated friction loss can be computed using following relation,
called Darcy-Weisbach equation:
l v2
∆ef = f (6.38)
d 2
where the dimensional parameter f appearing in this equation is called friction factor, as first introduced
by Darcy in the 19th century after carrying out a large amount of pipe flow measurements.
Apart from f , all quantities in this equation are already known (note that the norm of the flow
velocity k v k= v will in practice mostly be computed from the volumetric flow-rate, equation (1.5),
using v = q̇/A).
The friction factor has been measured experimentally in a highly systematic manner for a variety of
configurations. Corresponding contributions, mainly by Darcy, Weisbach, Nikuradse and Moody finally
lead to an expression of the friction factor depending from the Reynolds number Red of the flow and
from the relative wall roughness height ǫ/d:
ǫ
f = f Red , (6.39)
d
The Reynolds number will be discussed in detail in Chapter 10. Let us simply define it here. It is a
non-dimensional number computed as:
ρvd vd
Red := = (6.40)
µ ν
where the dynamic viscosity µ or kinematic viscosity ν can be equally well employed, taking into account
the relation ν = µ/ρ.
The functional dependency described by equation (6.39) is summarized in a well-known graphical
representation, called Moody chart (or Moody-Colebrook chart) (figure 6.5). The resulting value of the
friction factor is always well below unity (typically, f < 0.1).
Now, the final procedure to compute friction loss ∆ef in a straight cylindrical pipe is clear. First, the
mean velocity v must be known or computed, together will all geometrical characteristics including the
wall roughness height ǫ, a measure of the “smoothness” of this wall. Then, it is possible to compute the
Reynolds number Red from equation (6.40) and the relative wall roughness height ǫ/d. A large value of
ǫ/d means a very rough wall (pipe of bad quality), while a small value of ǫ/d means a higher smoothness
and therefore lower friction loss (it is clear from figure 6.5 that f , and therefore ∆ef , increases with
ǫ/d).
Knowing these two values, figure 6.5 is employed to determine f . The value of the friction factor is
then used in equation (6.38) in order to compute the final value of ∆ef .
Finally, remember that this procedure is just a sufficiently accurate approximation of the reality. The
value of f employed in the computation is probably not so accurate (an error of a few % is considered
10 Generalized Bernoulli equation with losses and energy exchange 73
as fully acceptable). And the value of ǫ entering the computation is not that well-known, may vary
spatially or in time (corrosion, particle deposition on the walls). The friction loss you determine in this
manner is only a relatively accurate estimation.
If the considered pipe is not a standard, cylindrical pipe, it is still possible to use the results pre-
sented in this section by replacing everywhere and in a systematic manner the diameter d by the
hydraulic diameter dh . This leads to an even higher error level, but allows to consider an arbitrary
geometry.
• For 4 000 ≤ Red ≤ 105 , the law of Blasius is mostly employed and gives directly the value of f :
• For Red > 2 300, the (implicit) relation of Prandtl-Kármán can be used instead, usually requiring
iterations to identify f : q
1
√ = 2 log f Red − 0.8 (6.43)
f
• For highly turbulent conditions (Red > 105 ), the direct relation of Nikuradse can be used instead:
• With a slightly lower precision, but allowing a direct estimation of f , the law of Swamee-Jain can
be used instead: " !#−2
5.74 ǫ
f = 0.25 log + (6.46)
Re0.9
d 3.7d
Configuration K
Tee, flanged, line flow 0.1 − 0.2
Tee, flanged, branched flow 0.5 − 1.0
Union, threaded ≈ 0.08
Elbow, flanged regular 90◦ 0.3 − 0.5
Return bend, flanged 180◦ ≈ 0.2
Globe valve, fully open 6 − 10
Angle valve, fully open ≈2
Gate valve, fully open ≈ 0.15
Gate valve, 1/4 closed ≈ 0.26
Gate valve, 1/2 closed ≈ 2.1
Gate valve, 3/4 closed ≈ 17
Diaphragm valve, open ≈ 2.3
Diaphragm valve, half open ≈ 4.3
Diaphragm valve, 1/4 open ≈ 21
Water meter ≈7
Figure 6.5: Approximate Moody chart based on the Swamee-Jain equation as drawn by S. Beck and R.
Collins, University of Sheffield, reprinted from Wikipedia.
Chapter 7
7.1 Introduction
In the previous chapter we have mainly considered the local evolution of the main flow variables (pressure
p and velocity v). Building on top of these results, it is now possible to determine the force and the
torque exerted by such a flow on its surroundings, considering a volume of fluid limited by an inflow
cross-section A1 and an outflow cross-section A2 ; the side surface (i.e., either the wall of the pipe
containing this flow or the corresponding outside surface of the associated streamtube) will be written
Σ. Considering this configuration (figure 7.1), the surface constituted by assembling A1 , A2 and Σ is a
fixed, closed surface in the fluid (Acf = A1 ∪ A2 ∪ Σ) and can be used to define a fixed control volume
Vcf , contained within the surface Acf and always filled up with fluid.
n
Outer surface Σ n2
p2 v2
ρ2 s2
A2
Control volume V
v1
A1 p1
ρ1
n
n1 s1
Figure 7.1: Configuration to compute the force exerted by a flow on the side boundary Σ.
In order to compute the force and torque exerted by the corresponding flow, we will only consider
steady flow conditions, so that all flow variables are constant in time. As a supplementary assumption,
we will consider only one-dimensional flows along the inflow and outflow cross-sections, A1 and A2 .
Furthermore, we will consider first only non-viscous flows (but we will later show that the obtained
results are equally valid for viscous flows!).
77
78 Chapter 7. Force and torque exerted by a flow
Beware! The results obtained in this Chapter do not require at all an incompressible flow. The density
ρ of the fluid may change in any manner (or stay constant), this will not affect the results presented
later in this Chapter. This is one further attractive feature of the findings presented in what follows:
they stay equally valid for a variety of different flow configurations.
Remember that Acf = A1 ∪ A2 ∪ Σ, so that each corresponding integral on Acf can be written as the
sum of three integrals on A1 , A2 and Σ respectively. We will also use, as already done several times
previously in the Chapters 3 to 6, the unit vectors n (perpendicular to the local external surface Acf
and pointing toward the outside, appearing already in Eq.(7.1) and s (colinear, i.e., parallel to the local
flow velocity v). From the geometrical construction of the control volume Vcf , it can easily be seen
that along the inflow cross-section A1 one obtains n1 = −s1 , while along the outflow cross-section A2 ,
n2 = s2 .
The last integral involving the pressure force in Eq.(7.1) can now be rewritten as
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
p(x, t)ndA = p(x, t)ndA + p(x, t)ndA + p(x, t)ndA (7.2)
Ac f Σ A1 A2
The first term on the right-hand side of this equation (integration over the side section Σ) is directly the
pressure force exerted by the fluid on its surroundings, denoted from now on Fp : this is exactly what
we want to determine here!
The second term can be easily computed, since the flow has been assumed one-dimensional along
the inflow cross-section A1 , leading to:
Z Z Z Z
p(x, t)ndA = p1 n1 dA (7.3)
A1 A1
Z Z
= p1 n1 dA (7.4)
A1
= p1 n1 A1 (7.5)
= −p1 s1 A1 (7.6)
where A1 is the area of A1 . In the same manner, the last integral in Eq.(7.2) can be written:
Z Z
p(x, t)ndA = p2 n2 A2 (7.7)
A2
= p2 s2 A2 (7.8)
with A2 the area of A2 . Finally, one gets:
Z Z
p(x, t)ndA = Fp − p1 s1 A1 + p2 s2 A2 (7.9)
Acf
Following a similar technique, the first integral on the left-hand side in Eq.(7.1) can be split into
three parts:
Z Z
ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA =
Ac f
2 Force exerted by a flow on its surroundings 79
Z Z
ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA
Z ΣZ
+ ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA
A1
Z Z
+ ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA (7.10)
A2
Along Σ (the pipe wall or the side section of a streamtube), one observes necessarily a flow velocity v
locally tangential to Σ (the flow cannot cross in any manner the surface Σ). As a consequence, the flow
velocity v (parallel to Σ) and the normal vector n (normal to Σ) are perpendicular to each other. Due to
the fundamental properties of the scalar product, the corresponding contribution is then automatically
0: Z Z
ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA = 0 (7.11)
Σ | {z }
=0
introducing the mass flow-rate in the inflow cross-section A1 , ṁ1 = ρ1 v1 A1 . Similarly, one obtains along
the outflow cross-section A2 ,
Z Z
ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA = ṁ2 v2 s2 (7.18)
A2
Since the flow is steady, mass conservation implies the conservation of the mass flow-rate in any cross-
section, so that
ṁ1 = ṁ2 = ṁ (7.19)
One can therefore write finally:
Z Z
ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA = −ṁv1 s1 + ṁv2 s2 (7.20)
Ac f
The first integral on the right-hand side of Eq.(7.1), describing the influence of gravity, can be very
easily computed in a direct manner, remembering that the acceleration vector g can be assumed to be
constant for practical applications on the earth’s surface:
Z Z Z Z Z Z
ρ(x, t)gdV = g ρ(x, t)dV (7.21)
Vcf Vcf
= Mg (7.22)
where M is the total mass of the fluid contained within the fixed control volume Vcf , as already shown
in Eq.(3.1).
80 Chapter 7. Force and torque exerted by a flow
We define a new scalar quantity along each cross-section A in the flow, called impulsion, written F and
expressed in N (like a force), by:
F := ṁv + pA (7.25)
It is then possible to give the expression of the force exerted by the fluid on its surroundings through
the separation surface Σ as:
Fp = F1 s1 − F2 s2 + Mg (7.26)
This relation giving the total force exerted by the fluid between the inflow cross-section A1 and outflow
cross-section A2 is valid for a steady non-viscous flow, assumed moreover one-dimensional along the
inflow and outflow cross-sections, A1 and A2 .
It must be noticed here that the force exerted by a volume of fluid (that contained within the fixed
control volume Vcf ) can be computed by knowing only the main flow parameters in the inflow and
outflow cross-sections (change of impulsion F and/or of flow direction s); it is not necessary to know the
details of the flow within Vcf , only start and end flow conditions are sufficient to compute the resulting
force. This is an extremely powerful formulation, and it can be used to obtain a wealth of essential
results in practical applications!
Note that, for most practical cases, the contribution associated to the weight of the fluid (Mg, last
term in Eq.7.26) can usually be safely neglected when considering a gas flow, since gas densities are quite
low. On the other hand, it must be taken into account for a liquid, since it might lead to considerable
values.
At the present level, the results of Eq.(7.26) are equally valid for the flow in a pipe (pipe wall Σ) or
for the flow within a streamtube, in which case Σ is just a geometrical surface in the fluid separating in
a purely theoretical manner different fluid elements.
where the minus sign denotes the fact that this pressure force is acting towards the inside of the control
volume, i.e., towards −n.
3 Force exerted by a flow on a pipe wall surrounded by a fluid at constant pressure 81
n
Outer surface Σ n2
pa p2 v2
ρ2 s2
A2
pa
Control volume V
v1
A1 p1 pa
ρ1
n
n1 s1
pa
Figure 7.2: Configuration to compute the force exerted by a flow on the pipe wall Σ taking into account
the constant and uniform external pressure pa .
Let us consider the same integral but integrating now over the complete, closed outer surface of the
considered, fixed control volume Vcf , i.e., the surface Acf = A1 ∪ A2 ∪ Σ.
One gets first: Z Z Z Z
pa ndA = pa ndA (7.28)
Ac f Ac f
Now, using the second formulation of the divergence theorem (Eq. C.6), it is possible to replace this last
integral, leading to: Z Z Z Z Z
ndA = (∇1)dV (7.29)
Ac f Vcf
Obviously, the gradient of a constant scalar (here 1) is zero. This demonstrates a well-known result:
when integrating the normal unit vector n over any closed geometrical surface, one obtains always
identically 0. Finally, this demonstrates that:
Z Z
pa ndA = 0 (7.30)
Ac f
Z Z Z Z Z Z
= pa ndA + pa ndA + pa ndA (7.31)
Σ A1 A2
Or Z Z Z Z Z Z
− pa ndA = pa ndA + pa ndA (7.32)
Σ A1 A2
Finally, the total pressure force exerted simultaneously by the internal flow and by the external pressure
pa , written in what follows Fp,pa , reads:
Z Z
Fp,pa = F1 s1 − F2 s2 + Mg − pa ndA (7.33)
Σ
Z Z Z Z
= F1 s1 − F2 s2 + Mg + pa ndA + pa ndA (7.34)
A1 A2
Z Z Z Z
= F1 s1 + pa ndA − F2 s2 + pa ndA + Mg (7.35)
A1 A2
82 Chapter 7. Force and torque exerted by a flow
Z Z Z Z
= F1 s1 + pa n1 dA − F2 s2 + pa n2 dA + Mg (7.36)
A1 A2
= F1 s1 + pa n1 A1 − F2 s2 + pa n2 A2 + Mg (7.37)
= (F1 s1 − pa A1 s1 ) − (F2 s2 − pa A2 s2 ) + Mg (7.38)
Introducing now along each cross-section A in the flow the relative impulsion, written F ′ and ex-
pressed in N (like a force), by:
F ′ := ṁv + (p − pa )A (7.39)
it is then possible to give the expression of the force exerted by the internal fluid on the pipe wall Σ
taking into account the external pressure pa by:
Fp,pa = F ′ 1 s1 − F ′ 2 s2 + Mg (7.40)
This relation is valid for a steady non-viscous flow, assumed moreover one-dimensional along the inflow
and outflow cross-sections, A1 and A2 .
Note that, for most practical cases, the contribution associated to the weight of the fluid (Mg, last
term in Eq.7.40) can be safely neglected when considering a gas flow, since gas densities are quite low.
Remember that Acf = A1 ∪A2 ∪Σ, so that each corresponding integral on Acf can be written as the sum
of three integrals on A1 , A2 and Σ respectively. Here, we employ again the unit vector n (perpendicular
to the local external surface Acf and pointing toward the outside, appearing already in Eq.7.41) and s
(colinear, i.e., parallel to the local flow velocity v). From the geometrical construction of the control
volume Vcf , it can easily be seen that along the inflow cross-section A1 one obtains n1 = −s1 , while
along the outflow cross-section A2 , n2 = s2 .
The last integral involving the pressure force in Eq.(7.41) can now be rewritten as
Z Z
r × [p(x, t)n] dA =
Ac f
Z Z Z Z Z Z
r × [p(x, t)n] dA + r × [p(x, t)n] dA + r × [p(x, t)n] dA (7.42)
Σ A1 A2
The first term on the right-hand side of this equation (integration over the side section Σ) is directly
the torque exerted by the fluid pressure on its surroundings, denoted from now on Tp : this is what we
want to determine here!
The second term can be easily computed, since the flow has been assumed one-dimensional along
the inflow cross-section A1 , leading to:
Z Z Z Z
r × [p(x, t)n] dA = r × [p1 n1 ] dA (7.43)
A1 A1
4 Torque exerted by a flow on its surroundings 83
Outer surface Σ s2
v2
G2
Control volume V A2
G
s1 v1
A1
G1
r
r1
r2
P
Figure 7.3: Configuration to compute the torque exerted by a flow on the side boundary Σ by reference
to the pivot P.
Z Z
= rdA × (p1 n1 ) (7.44)
A1
Z Z
= − rdA × (p1 s1 ) (7.45)
A1
The integral appearing in this relation, leading to the mean value of r when covering all the inflow
surface A1 , reads simply: Z Z
rdA = r1 A1 (7.46)
A1
where A1 is the area of A1 and r1 = PG~ 1 is the vector connecting the pivot P with the geometrical
center G1 of A1 .
Finally, one gets: Z Z
r × [p(x, t)n] dA = −r1 × (p1 A1 s1 ) (7.47)
A1
Finally:
Z Z
r × [p(x, t)n] dA = Tp − r1 × (p1 A1 s1 ) + r2 × (p2 A2 s2 ) (7.50)
Ac f
Following a similar technique, the first integral on the left-hand side in Eq.(7.41) can be split into
three parts:
Z Z
r × [ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t).n)] dA =
Ac f
Z Z
r × [ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t).n)] dA
Z ΣZ
+ r × [ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t).n)] dA
A1
Z Z
+ r × [ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t).n)] dA (7.51)
A2
Along Σ (the pipe wall or the side section of a streamtube), one observes necessarily a flow velocity v
locally tangential to Σ (the flow cannot cross in any manner the surface Σ). As a consequence, the flow
velocity v (parallel to Σ) and the normal vector n (normal to Σ) are perpendicular to each other. Due to
the fundamental properties of the scalar product, the corresponding contribution is then automatically
0:
Z Z
r×
ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA = 0 (7.52)
Σ | {z }
=0
Along the inflow cross-section A1 , the one-dimensional assumption leads again to
Z Z
r × [ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n)] dA
A1
Z Z
= r × [ρ1 v1 (v1 · n1 )] dA (7.53)
A
Z Z 1
= rdA × (ρ1 v1 (v1 · n1 )) (7.54)
A1
The integral appearing in this equation can be again computed using Eq.(7.46), leading finally to
Z Z
r × [ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n)] dA
A1
= −r1 × ρ1 v12 A1 s1 (7.57)
= −r1 × (ṁ1 v1 s1 ) (7.58)
introducing the mass flow-rate in the inflow cross-section A1 , ṁ1 = ρ1 v1 A1 . Similarly, one obtains along
the outflow cross-section A2 ,
Z Z
r × [ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n)] dA
A2
= r2 × (ṁ2 v2 s2 ) (7.59)
4 Torque exerted by a flow on its surroundings 85
As already explained previously, since the flow is steady, mass conservation implies the conservation of
the mass flow-rate in any cross-section, so that
The integral appearing on the right-hand side (mean value of ρr over the complete fixed control volume
Vcf ) is precisely the integral used to define the center of mass of the fluid contained within Vcf , so that
Z Z Z
ρ(x, t)rdV = Mrg (7.63)
Vc f
where M is the total mass of the fluid contained within the fixed control volume Vcf , as already shown
~ connects the pivot P with the center of mass of the fluid within Vcf (point G).
in Eq.(3.1), and rg = PG
One obtains thus: Z Z Z
r × [ρ(x, t)g] dV = rg × (Mg) (7.64)
Vc f
Using again the impulsion F = ṁv + pA it is now possible to give the expression of the torque exerted
by the fluid on its surroundings through the separation surface Σ by reference to a pivot P as:
This relation giving the total torque exerted by the fluid between the inflow cross-section A1 and outflow
cross-section A2 is valid for a steady non-viscous flow, assumed moreover one-dimensional along the
inflow and outflow cross-sections, A1 and A2 . It is practically identical to the expression giving the total
force, Eq.(7.26), when considering for each contribution the vector product with the associated lever
arm rg (resp. r1 , r2 ) connecting the pivot P with the corresponding center of mass G (resp. geometric
center G1 , G2 )
Again, the torque exerted by a volume of fluid (that contained within the fixed control volume Vcf )
can be computed by knowing only the main flow parameters in the inflow and outflow cross-sections;
it is not necessary to know the details of the flow within Vcf , only start and end flow conditions are
sufficient to compute the resulting torque. This is an extremely powerful formulation!
86 Chapter 7. Force and torque exerted by a flow
Note that, for most practical cases, the contribution associated to the weight of the fluid (Mg, last
term in Eq.7.67) can usually be safely neglected when considering a gas flow, since gas densities are quite
low. On the other hand, it must be taken into account for a liquid, since it might lead to considerable
values.
Equation (7.67) is equally valid for the flow in a pipe (pipe wall Σ) or for the flow within a streamtube,
in which case Σ is just a geometrical surface in the fluid separating in a purely theoretical manner different
fluid elements.
Outer surface Σ pa s2
v2
G2
Control volume V A2
pa
G
s1 v1 pa
A1
G1
r
r1
r2
P
Figure 7.4: Configuration to compute the torque exerted by a flow on the pipe wall Σ taking into account
the constant and uniform external pressure pa .
The torque exerted by the internal flow on the pipe wall, Σ, has been determined in the previous
section and is given by Eq.(7.67).
The supplementary pressure torque exerted by the constant and homogeneous external pressure pa
5 Torque exerted by a flow on a pipe wall surrounded by a fluid at constant pressure 87
This relation is valid for a steady non-viscous flow, assumed moreover one-dimensional along the inflow
and outflow cross-sections, A1 and A2 .
Again, for most practical cases, the contribution associated to the weight of the fluid (Mg, last term
in Eq.7.69) can be safely neglected when considering a gas flow, since gas densities are quite low.
88 Chapter 7. Force and torque exerted by a flow
Chapter 8
8.1 Introduction
In the present chapter, we will consider the infinitesimal movement of a material control volume Vcm ,
i.e., one control volume containing always the same fluid elements. We will decompose this movement
in several elementary steps, useful to understand the global change in position and shape of such an
arbitrary material control volume Vcm .
y y
Time
(t0+dt) D
Time t0 Time t0
D D
A A
x x
Figure 8.1: Configuration employed to investigate the movement of a material control volume.
We will determine the new position of this material control volume Vcm at a slightly later time,
(t0 + dt). For our present purpose, it is sufficient to trace the movements of point A and of point D,
89
90 Chapter 8. Movement of a material control volume
constituting the diagonal direction. The velocity of point A, vA is assumed to be known at time t0 ,
together with its spatial derivatives:
vA (t0 ) = (vAx , vAy ) (8.1)
At time t0 , the position of point A is defined as (xA , yA). The movement of any point belonging to
the material control volume until the later time (t0 + dt) is the result of the fluid movement, starting
from its initial position and following the local flow velocity. For point A at t0 , one therefore obtains:
Now, how is it possible to determine, at least in an approximate manner, the velocity vD at point D?
Since the dimensions (dx, dy) have been assumed very small, this is readily possible using a Taylor expansion,
since we know the flow velocity and its derivatives at point A! Retaining only a first-order Taylor expansion,
one obtains for vD :
∂vAx ∂v
vDx ≈ vAx + dx + Ax dy (8.5)
∂x ∂y
∂vAy ∂vAy
vDy ≈ vAy + dx + dy (8.6)
∂x ∂y
By replacing this expression in Eq.(8.4), one obtains (assuming from now on an exact relation and not
an approximation):
It is finally possible to rewrite the coordinates giving the new position of point D at time (t0 + dt) in a
somewhat different, but perfectly identical manner:
! !
∂v 1 ∂vAx ∂vAy 1 ∂vAy ∂vAx
xA + dx + vAx dt + Ax dxdt + + dydt − − dydt (8.8)
∂x 2 ∂y ∂x 2 ∂x ∂y
! !
∂vAy 1 ∂vAx ∂vAy 1 ∂vAx ∂vAy
yA + dy + vAy dt + dydt + + dxdt − − dydt (8.9)
∂y 2 ∂y ∂x 2 ∂y ∂x
2 Movement of a material control volume 91
Apart from the (arbitrary) initial position of point D (xA + dx, yA + dy), which could be assumed to be
(0, 0) without impacting the rest of the analysis, all the other contributions in Eqs.(8.8) and (8.9) can
be identified as different, well-defined movements as follows (considering here only the x-direction):
! !
∂v 1 ∂vAx ∂vAy 1 ∂vAy ∂vAx
vAx dt + Ax dxdt + + dydt − − dydt (8.10)
| {z } | ∂x {z } 2 ∂y ∂x 2 ∂x ∂y
I | {z } | {z }
II III IV
1. The first term (I) corresponds to a simple, rigid translation movement, also called convection in
Fluid Dynamics. If this is the only contribution appearing here, this would mean that the material
control volume is moving without changing its shape nor its orientation following the (in this case)
uniform flow velocity (figure 8.2).
y y
Time
(t0+dt)
D
Time t0 Time t0
D D
A A
x x
Figure 8.2: Translation movement.
2. The second term (II) is a dilatation term (figure 8.3). If its value is zero, then there is no dilatation
of the control volume. This term appears when the derivative of a velocity component along its
own direction is non-zero.
3. The third term (III) is a shear deformation term, (figure 8.4) that will be considered extensively
next, Section 8.3. If its value is zero, then there is no deformation of the control volume. This
term appears when the derivative of a velocity component along the other directions is non-zero.
Typically, this term will lead to a change of shape for the material control volume.
4. Finally, the last term (IV) is a rotation term, that will also be considered extensively next, Section
8.4. If its value is zero, then there is no rotation of the control volume. This term appears again
when the derivative of a velocity component along the other directions is non-zero, but involves
the differences and not the sum of these derivatives, at the difference of the deformation term.
Typically, this term will lead to a rotation of the material control volume (figure 8.5) without
changing its shape.
92 Chapter 8. Movement of a material control volume
y y
Time t0
D Time t0 D
D
Time
(t0+dt)
A A
x x
Figure 8.3: Dilatation movement.
y y
Time t0
D Time t0 D
D
Time
(t0+dt)
A A
x x
Figure 8.4: Shear (or angular) deformation movement.
These results, obtained for a generic movement of a material control volume in two dimensions, are
of general validity, also in a three-dimensional space. We conclude that the movement of a material
control volume can always be decomposed as individual contributions corresponding to (translation +
dilatation + shear deformation + rotation).
3 Deformation tensor d 93
y y
D
Time t0
D Time D
(t0+dt)
Time t0
A A
x x
Figure 8.5: Rotation movement.
and each component can be computed from the fluid velocity v following:
!
1 ∂vi ∂vj
dij := + (8.12)
2 ∂xj ∂xi
Obviously, the components of this tensor are in unit 1/s (inverse of a time).
Using as velocity components (v1 , v2 , v3 ) and coordinates (x1 , x2 , x3 ), one would obtain:
! !
∂v1 1 ∂v1 ∂v2 1 ∂v1 ∂v3
+ +
∂x1 ! 2 ∂x2 ∂x1 2 ∂x3 ∂x1 !
1 ∂v2 ∂v1 ∂v2 1 ∂v2 ∂v3
d= + + (8.13)
2 ∂x1 ∂x2 ! ∂x2 ! 2 ∂x3 ∂x2
1 ∂v3 ∂v1 1 ∂v3 ∂v2 ∂v3
+ +
2 ∂x1 ∂x3 2 ∂x2 ∂x3 ∂x3
94 Chapter 8. Movement of a material control volume
It is possible to use different notations for the velocity components. As an often found alternative,
writing the velocity components (vx , vy , vz ) and coordinates (x, y, z), one obtains:
! !
∂vx 1 ∂vx ∂vy 1 ∂vx ∂vz
+ +
∂x ! 2 ∂y ∂x 2 ∂z ∂x !
1 ∂vy ∂vx ∂vy 1 ∂vy ∂vz
d= + + (8.14)
2 ∂x ∂y ! ∂y ! 2 ∂z ∂y
1 ∂vz ∂vx 1 ∂vz ∂vy ∂vz
+ +
2 ∂x ∂z 2 ∂y ∂z ∂z
Considering the definition of the components, Eq.(8.12), it is obvious that the deformation tensor is
symmetric, i.e.,
dij = dji (8.15)
for any pair (i, j). Therefore, it is sufficient to know the three diagonal terms and three off-diagonal
terms (either the upper right triangle or the lower left triangle) to know all the tensor: it involves only
6 unknown components.
and each component can be computed from the fluid velocity v following:
!
1 ∂vi ∂vj
Ωij := − (8.17)
2 ∂xj ∂xi
Obviously, the components of this tensor are in unit 1/s (inverse of a time). Note that the only difference
between the rotation tensor and the deformation tensor introduced in the previous section is the minus
sign in Eq.(8.17)! This apparently small difference leads indeed to a completely different result.
Using as velocity components (v1 , v2 , v3 ) and coordinates (x1 , x2 , x3 ), one would obtain:
! !
1 ∂v1 ∂v2 1 ∂v1 ∂v3
0 − −
! 2 ∂x2 ∂x1 2 ∂x3 ∂x1 !
1 ∂v2 ∂v1 1 ∂v2 ∂v3
Ω= − 0 − (8.18)
2 ∂x1 ∂x2 ! ! 2 ∂x3 ∂x2
1 ∂v3 ∂v1 1 ∂v3 ∂v2
− − 0
2 ∂x1 ∂x3 2 ∂x2 ∂x3
As an alternative concerning notations, considering the velocity components (vx , vy , vz ) and coordinates
4 Rotation tensor Ω 95
Considering the definition of the components, Eq.(8.17), it is obvious that the rotation tensor is anti-
symmetric, i.e.,
Ωij = −Ωji (8.20)
for any pair (i, j). This is the reason why all three diagonal terms must obviously be zero. Furthermore,
it is sufficient to know three off-diagonal terms (either the upper right triangle or the lower left triangle)
to know all the tensor: it involves only 3 unknown components. Since three components are sufficient to
build a vector, the movement of rotation can indeed equivalently be described by a vector, the rotation
vector Ω, already introduced previously (Eq. 2.6) as
1
Ω := ∇ × v (8.21)
2
The components of this vector are indeed the three unknown components of the rotation tensor!
96 Chapter 8. Movement of a material control volume
Chapter 9
9.1 Introduction
We have been able to analyze many useful flows up to now without considering in detail the influence
of viscosity. The purpose of the present chapter is to fill the gap between viscous and non-viscous
flows, introducing momentum diffusion. Following the traditional approach, we will take into account
momentum diffusion through an hypothetical friction force, since it might be helpful from the point of
view of a simple engineering feeling. We will later show that both derivations (through impulse diffusion
or through a friction force) are indeed equivalent.
The methods employed in this Chapter are of course identical to that underlying Chapter 4, at least
at the beginning. It would be helpful to re-read this Chapter now if you have forgotten its content.
We thus start by choosing again an arbitrary material control volume within a fluid. The evolution of
the total momentum P contained within this control volume Vcm vs. time will be quantified. This total
momentum can be computed by integrating the momentum contained within an elementary volume
element, dV , i.e., ρ(x, t)v(x, t)dV , and the total momentum is thus:
Z Z Z
P= ρ(x, t)v(x, t)dV (9.1)
Vc m
This problem will be solved again by considering successively basic results of physics and of mathematics,
in a similar manner to that employed in the previous Chapters 3 and 4. We will start with mathematical
considerations.
97
98 Chapter 9. Navier-Stokes equation: conservation of momentum in a viscous flow
• Throughout this document, the only non-contact force that will be taken into account is the
gravitational force Fg induced by earth gravity, associated with the acceleration vector g, assumed
constant (k g k= g = 9.81 m/s2 ). The action of gravity on an elementary fluid volume dV is then
simply ρ(x, t)gdV , ρdV being the mass of the fluid element. The resulting gravitational force for
the full material control volume Vc m reads
Z Z Z
Fg = ρ(x, t)gdV (9.4)
Vcm
• Throughout this document, the only real contact force that will be taken into account is the pres-
sure force Fp . This is indeed the only important contact force for a non-viscous flow. Additionally,
we will now introduce also a so-called viscous force Ff as a further contact force. Note that, in
reality, this viscous force is only a helpful (though controversial) representation of a diffusion term
for momentum, neglected up to now. But let us first skip this issue, and consider viscous effects
as being represented by a viscous force Ff .
All contact forces can be indeed advantageously be represented instead by a stress t, i.e., the ratio
between the force and the area A of the geometrical surface A on which the force is acting. This stress
is therefore a vector quantity with a magnitude expressed in Pa. For the pressure force, we already
know that the corresponding stress is a purely normal component (normal stress). Obviously, this will
usually not be the case for a friction force and an arbitrary control volume. One expects a friction force
to act completely or at least partly in the tangential plane of the associated surface A (shear stress).
In order to define the direction of the corresponding stress, it is even more interesting in practice to
introduce a generic stress tensor T. The stress associated to the force acting on the geometrical surface
A, characterized as always by a unit normal vector n pointing to the outside of the control volume, will
then simply be given by:
t = Tn (9.5)
The tensor-vector product on the right-hand side (equivalent to a matrix-vector product) will indeed
deliver a vector, the expected stress.
In Fluid Dynamics, the stress tensor is conventionally written σ.
the local pressure force (a contact force) acting from the surroundings on the fluid elements within the
considered material control volume reads locally (see Eq.4.11) −p(x, t)ndA. The associated stress is
obtained simply by dividing with the surface (here dA) so that the pressure stress is:
How is it possible to relate Eq.(9.6) with Eq.(9.5)? This is indeed extremely simple, just by taking:
Tp := −pI (9.7)
• the same is also true for a fluid involving a uniform velocity field v = constant in space. In
that case, there are again no velocity differences within the fluid, and no friction force could be
observed.
The idea of Newton is therefore, as done in usual mechanics, to associate the friction tensor τ with
velocity “differences” within the fluid. From a mathematical point of view, such velocity differences are
simply quantified by the velocity gradients within the fluid, measuring the deformation of this fluid.
Indeed, all the different possible velocity gradients within the fluid (involving three velocity components
and three spatial directions) appear in the deformation tensor d introduced in section 8.3 (see Eq. 8.12).
Finally, Newton assumes the simplest possible relation between the friction tensor τ and the defor-
mation tensor d: a simple proportionality!
Since, for a flow with a uniform velocity field (v = 0 or some constant value v0 ) the deformation
tensor d is obviously 0, the friction tensor (and therefore the friction force) will obviously also disappear
in such conditions, verifying the already discussed experimental observations.
100 Chapter 9. Navier-Stokes equation: conservation of momentum in a viscous flow
This proposition of Newton later proved to be perfectly suitable for a large variety of fluids (but
not for all)! All fluids verifying Eq.(9.10) are now called Newtonian fluids, and include in particular
water, many “simple” liquids, air, and all ideal gases. Therefore, a wealth of practical applications can
be considered for such Newtonian fluids. We will hence only consider Newtonian fluids in the rest of
this document.
The proportionality rule proposed by Newton must be corrected when it is necessary to take into
account compressibility effects, i.e., for high-speed gas flows. This leads to the last, correction term in
Eq.(9.10), that finally reads:
2
τ = 2µd − µ (∇ · v) I (9.10)
3
For an incompressible flow, mass conservation leads directly to the condition ∇ · v = 0 (see Eq.3.17)
and the last term in Eq.(9.10) automatically disappears.
The factor µ appearing in Eq.(9.10) is a measurable fluid quantity, the dynamic viscosity (also just
called “viscosity”). The magnitude of the viscous tensor (and thus of the viscous force Ff ) will then
increase proportionally to this fluid viscosity, as expected from the start.
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
Dv(x, t)
ρ(x, t) dV = ρ(x, t)gdV − p(x, t)ndA + τ ndA (9.17)
Vcm Dt Vcm Acm Acm
This is indeed the integral formulation of momentum conservation (in fact, linear momentum), written
for an arbitrary material control volume Vcm and valid for any flow, even in the presence of viscous
forces.
5 Local formulation of momentum conservation 101
It is equally possible to use the standard formulation of the transport theorem, Eq.(2.28) instead of
the theorem of Reynolds (Eq. 4.7), as done previously. In that case, Eq.(9.17) reads:
Z Z Z Z Z
∂ (ρ(x, t)v(x, t))
dV + ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA =
Vcm ∂t
Z Z Z
Ac m
Z Z Z Z
ρ(x, t)gdV − p(x, t)ndA + τ ndA (9.18)
Vc m Ac m Ac m
It is now possible to assume that a fixed control volume Vcf coincides with the considered material
control volume Vcm at time t, allowing to rewrite:
Z Z Z Z Z
∂ (ρ(x, t)v(x, t))
dV + ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA =
Vc f ∂t Ac f
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
ρ(x, t)gdV − p(x, t)ndA + τ ndA (9.19)
Vc f Ac f Ac m
Observing that all forces acting on the fluid contained within the fixed control volume Vcf are now
appearing on the right-hand side of this equation, the developed formulation can be used in Chapter 7
to compute the force induced by a flow.
Using now the first formulation of the divergence theorem (Eq. C.5), it is possible to replace the surface
integral associated with viscous effects in Eq.(9.17), leading here to:
Z Z Z Z Z
τ ndA = ∇ · τ (x, t)dV (9.22)
Ac m Vc m
Remember that this relation is valid for an arbitrary material control volume, and thus for an infinite
number of different volumes in the fluid! How is it possible to integrate some quantity (that between
the [ ] in Eq.9.24) over an infinite number of different volumes, getting always 0 as a result? Only if the
integrated quantity is equal
to 0 at every point!
Hence, the quantity ρ(x, t) Dv(x,t)
Dt − ρ(x, t)g + ∇p(x, t) − ∇ · τ (x, t) must be identically nil at every
point in space.
Finally, the local conservation equation for linear momentum can be written for a viscous flow:
Dv
ρ = ρg − ∇p + ∇ · τ (9.25)
Dt
This relation, also called Navier-Stokes equation, is one of the two most fundamental relations of Fluid
Dynamics (together with mass conservation, Eq.3.13) and we will use it many times in this document.
It is perhaps helpful to write also this equation as three scalar equations. For this purpose, it is
important to recognize that the divergence of a tensor (here ∇ · τ ) is simply the divergence obtained
when considering each line of the tensor (three components) as a vector, and computing its divergence.
This leads to the set of equations:
Of course, the symmetry of the tensor τ (i.e., τij = τji ) can be used to simplify this equation system.
Dv 1 1
= g − ∇p + ∇ · τ (9.29)
Dt ρ ρ
Furthermore, the density, being constant, can be pulled into the gradient and divergence operators.
Finally, the local conservation equation for momentum can be written for an incompressible flow:
! !
Dv p τ
=g−∇ +∇· (9.30)
Dt ρ ρ
7 Local formulation of momentum conservation for a non-Newtonian fluid 103
Dv µ
ρ = ρg − ∇p + µ∇2 v + ∇ (∇ · v) (9.32)
Dt 3
∇·v =0 (9.33)
104 Chapter 9. Navier-Stokes equation: conservation of momentum in a viscous flow
the last term in Eq.(9.32) obviously disappears. As a consequence, the local formulation of momentum
conservation can be simply rewritten for an incompressible flow of a Newtonian fluid (for example water)
as:
Dv
ρ = ρg − ∇p + µ∇2 v (9.34)
Dt
This is the simplest form of the Navier-Stokes equation, and it will therefore be used quite often in what
follows!
It is perhaps helpful to write again this final equation as three scalar equations, developing all the
terms involved (including the substantial time derivative on the left-hand side):
! !
∂vx ∂vx ∂vx ∂vx ∂p ∂ 2 vx ∂ 2 vx ∂ 2 vx
ρ + vx + vy + vz = ρgx − +µ + + (9.35)
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2
! !
∂vy ∂vy ∂vy ∂vy ∂p ∂ 2 vy ∂ 2 vy ∂ 2 vy
ρ + vx + vy + vz = ρgy − +µ + + (9.36)
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z ∂y ∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2
! !
∂vz ∂vz ∂vz ∂vz ∂p ∂ 2 vz ∂ 2 vz ∂ 2 vz
ρ + vx + vy + vz = ρgz − +µ + + (9.37)
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z ∂z ∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂z 2
As an alternative, it is obviously possible to divide each term by the (non-zero) fluid density ρ. In this
manner, the dynamic viscosity µ is replaced in the last term by the kinematic viscosity ν := µ/ρ.
10.1 Introduction
The general conservation equations introduced previously for mass (Eq. 3.13) and for momentum
(Eq. 9.25) are the mathematical form of fundamental physical laws and properties, and are therefore
valid for any conditions!
The same is not true for the units employed for the quantities appearing in these equations: you
might work equally well when expressing a length in thumb, foot or meter units; as long as the employed
system is coherent, the resulting equations will deliver meaningful results. This means that, while the
equations are intrinsically important, the employed unit conventions are completely arbitrary: you might
use any unit system you want! In other words, from the point of view of nature, only non-dimensional
quantities are meaningful. Therefore, it would be useful to get conservation equations for mass and
momentum without any unit. This is the purpose of the next section.
105
106 Chapter 10. Dimensional analysis and similarity conditions
The coordinates of the system in space and time will be transformed in the same manner:
x
x⋆ := (10.4)
l•
t
t⋆ := (10.5)
t•
by considering a reference length l• (the same for all directions, expressed in m) and a reference time t•
(in s).
Obviously, it is possible to invert all these relations in order to express the (usual) dimensional flow
variable as a product of the constant reference quantity with the non-dimensional flow variable:
For example:
v(x, t) = v• v⋆ (x, t) (10.7)
or
p(x, t) = p• p⋆ (x, t) (10.8)
Since the conservation equations involve time-derivatives and space-derivatives, those must also be
modified to remove any dimension. For example, the time-derivative must be modified following:
∂φ ∂φ
= (10.9)
∂t ∂(t• t⋆ )
1 ∂φ
= (10.10)
t• ∂t⋆
recognizing that t• is a constant value, and may thus be extracted out of the derivative operator. This
relation states that the standard time-derivative can be replaced by the non-dimensional time-derivative
(deriving by reference to t⋆ ) simply by multiplying the latter by the constant 1/t• .
Exactly the same relation is found for spatial derivatives:
∂φ ∂φ
= (10.11)
∂x ∂(l• x⋆ )
1 ∂φ
= (10.12)
l• ∂x⋆
The standard space-derivative can be replaced by the corresponding non-dimensional space-derivative
(deriving by reference to x⋆ ) simply by multiplying the latter by the constant 1/l• . Since gradient,
divergence and curl all involve simply such first-order spatial derivatives, the same relation applies:
1
∇φ = ∇⋆ φ (10.13)
l•
1
∇·φ = ∇⋆ · φ (10.14)
l•
1
∇×φ = ∇⋆ × φ (10.15)
l•
2 Non-dimensional conservation equations 107
Finally, the Laplace operator, involving second derivatives in space, will require successively twice the
above transformation, leading to:
1
∇2 φ = 2 ∇2⋆ φ (10.16)
l•
We are now able to start removing all the units from the standard conservation equations established
previously. In order to simplify the developments, we will consider (arbitrarily) an incompressible flow
in what follows. The same method can be applied as well for flows with a variable density.
Dv
ρ = ρg − ∇p + µ∇2 v (10.21)
Dt
The procedure is the same as employed previously; we just need to replace each dimensional term
appearing in this equation by the corresponding non-dimensional alternative, following all the results
listed above. Obviously, this equation is much more complex than Eq.(10.17), so that it is this time a
somewhat tedious job. . .
108 Chapter 10. Dimensional analysis and similarity conditions
As a first step, it is advantageous to split the Lagrange derivative appearing on the left-hand side
in its two standard sub-components, the (standard or Euler) time-derivative and the convective term,
following Eq.(2.17). One obtains:
∂v
ρ +ρ(v · ∇)v = ρg − ∇p + µ∇2 v (10.22)
∂t
| {z }
I
We will just illustrate the transformation procedure for the first term (marked I in Eq.10.22). A
similar method is used for each term appearing in this equation. Concerning term I, one obtains
successively:
∂v 1 ∂ (v• v⋆ )
ρ = (ρ• ρ⋆ ) (10.23)
∂t t• ∂t⋆
" #
ρ• v• ∂v⋆
= ρ⋆ (10.24)
t• ∂t⋆
Note that we have separated in the results one group between normal parentheses () on the left side
and one group between square parentheses [] on the right side. The left group contains only dimensional
reference quantities (index • ), while the right group contains only non-dimensional variables (index ⋆ ).
Therefore, the term on the right is already fully non-dimensional; the only units appearing there are
contained in the left group, between ().
The same procedure is now applied to each term appearing in the starting equation, Eq.(10.22).
Multiplying the resulting equation by the constant term l• /(ρ• v•2 ), one gets finally,
!" # ! ! !
l• ∂v⋆ l• g • p• µ• h
2
i
ρ⋆ + [ρ⋆ (v⋆ · ∇⋆ )v⋆ ] = [ρ⋆ g ⋆ ] − [∇ ⋆ p ⋆ ] + µ ⋆ ∇ ⋆ v⋆ (10.25)
v• t• ∂t⋆ | {z } v•2 ρ• v•2 ρ• v• l•
| {z } II | {z } | {z } | {z }
I III IV V
where the same convention has again been employed. For each of the five terms (I to V ) appearing in
this equation, the left group, between (), contains only dimensional reference quantities (index • ), while
the right group, between [], contains only non-dimensional variables (index ⋆ ).
The second term in this equation (term II) contains only non-dimensional quantities. It is therefore
fully non-dimensional. Since all the terms appearing in this equation obviously must have the same
dimension, the same is therefore true for all the terms. We have therefore been successful; this is indeed
the requested non-dimensional equation!
But there are still groups of terms, between (), containing dimensional reference quantities. How can
this be? Simply, even if each individual reference quantity is indeed dimensional, the groups appearing
in Eq.(10.25) are globally non-dimensional. These groups are key concepts in Fluid Dynamics. They are
called non-dimensional parameters (or dimensionless parameters) and they will be discussed in detail in
the next section.
combining an upper-case letter with a following lower-case letter, both being related to the name of
a scientist that has delivered a noticeable contribution to the related issue. This is here the case of
Vincenc Strouhal, and the Strouhal number reads:
l• l• f•
St := = (10.26)
v• t• v•
where either the reference time t• or the corresponding reference frequency f• := 1/t• may be employed.
Of course, the Strouhal number is non-dimensional. This can easily be checked:
m
[St] = m = [1] (10.27)
ss
The Strouhal number appears as a factor of the only time-derivative involved in Eq.(10.25). As such, it
is clear that the Strouhal number quantifies the importance of unsteady effects in the flow, in the form:
unsteady acceleration
St = (10.28)
convective acceleration
Following this relation, a large value of St corresponds to a flow with large unsteady effects, a small
value of St corresponds to a flow dominated by purely convective acceleration. The Strouhal number will
play a key role for all applications involving time-dependent instabilities and structures, characteristic
frequencies, vibrations.
Further information can be found under Wikipedia.
contribution of pressure
Eu = (10.33)
contribution of dynamic pressure (convective effect)
Following this relation, a small value of Eu corresponds to a flow with small pressure effects, a large
value of Eu corresponds to a flow with considerable pressure effects.
Note that you may often find in the literature definitions of Eu without the factor 1/2, introduced
here to show directly the link with the dynamic pressure.
The Euler number can also be built by considering as reference quantity the pressure change (∆p)• in-
stead of the pressure itself. Therefore, you might for example find in many textbooks Eu:= (∆p)• /(ρ• v•2 ).
Finally, let us note that the Euler number typically plays a minor role in the flow analysis, as
exemplified later. The only case where the Euler number is really meaningful is when considering liquid
flows with cavitation, an issue that will not be discussed further. For all other configurations, the Euler
number will typically be replaced by non-dimensional force cofficients (see later), containing also the
influence of pressure forces and much more useful for practical considerations.
Further information can be found under Wikipedia.
For reasons that we will better understand in the Chapter concerning turbulence, Chapter 14, this
is equivalent to state that a small value of Re corresponds to a flow with minor turbulent effects (a
laminar flow), while large values of Re correspond to turbulent flows.
The Reynolds number is clearly the most important non-dimensional parameter of Fluid Dynamics.
Everybody should know its definition, since it will play a key role for a countless number of practical
applications. This is the only non-dimensional parameter that we already know: it has been introduced
in Chapter 6 to compute the friction factor.
Further information can be found under Wikipedia.
flow velocity
M= (10.38)
speed of information transfer
As such, the Mach number Ma quantifies the importance of compressibility effects, as demonstrated
in Chapter 11 (see for instance figure 11.3). A flow with small values of M is nearly incompressible,
while a flow with large values of M is associated with considerable compressibility effects, in particular
large density changes. In practice, the Mach number will appear in the analysis of high-speed gas flows.
Further information concerning the Mach number can be found under Wikipedia.
Furthermore, the forces exerted by a flow on an object placed in this flow can be converted into
non-dimensional coefficients as well. Conventionally, these forces are separated as drag force Fd , in the
direction opposed to the relative movement of the object, and lift force Fl , perpendicular to the direction
of the relative movement. A force, expressed in N, can be easily transformed into a non-dimensional
coefficient by normalizing it using the product of a pressure and a surface (Pa.m2 = N). In this manner,
the non-dimensional drag coefficient Cd and lift coefficient Cl are defined as:
k Fd k
Cd := (10.39)
1 2
ρv A
2
k Fl k
Cl := (10.40)
1 2
ρv A
2
112 Chapter 10. Dimensional analysis and similarity conditions
with A the projected area of the object in the direction of the incident flow. These non-dimensional
force coefficients take into account both pressure and friction forces and will usually be employed instead
of the Euler number.
Further non-dimensional parameters of Fluid Dynamics can be found in Appendix A.
∇⋆ · v⋆ = 0 (10.41)
" #
∂v⋆ 1 1 1 h i
St ρ⋆ + [ρ⋆ (v⋆ · ∇⋆ )v⋆ ] = [ρ⋆ g⋆ ] − Eu [∇⋆ p⋆ ] + µ⋆ ∇2⋆ v⋆ (10.42)
∂t⋆ Fr 2 Re
What is the consequence of this system of equations, useful for a first understanding of the similarity
conditions? When keeping the same boundary conditions for a given flow configuration (for instance,
the flow around a model inside a water-tunnel), then the flow solution depends only on the values of the
non-dimensional parameters St, Fr, Eu, Re! If we consider the “same”conditions at two different scales
(multiplying for example all dimensions of the first model by a factor 2), but keeping the same values
for St, Fr, Eu, Re, then the non-dimensional flow (described by the non-dimensional variables v⋆ and
p⋆ ) will be identical in both configurations.
This is indeed the first statement of the similarity theory: if the geometry of a model is kept identical
while changing its scale, so that the boundary conditions are also preserved, the obtained flow is identical
(in the sense of non-dimensional flow variables) if and only if the non-dimensional parameters of Fluid
Dynamics are identical for both conditions.
The procedure used in this section is logical and interesting, but quite tedious for practical applica-
tions. It requires first the identification of the suitable conservation equations, the definition of reference
quantities, the transformation into a non-dimensional equation system, and finally the identification of
the resulting non-dimensional parameters; this is quite time-consuming. In an effort to speed-up the
analysis, two physicist have introduced at the beginning of the twentieth century a short-cut toward the
solution of this problem: the Π-theorem.
4 A faster solution: the Π-theorem 113
If needed, further information concerning the Π-theorem can be found under Wikipedia.
Now, what are the fundamental physical scales appearing in the Π-theorem? Those are the measure-
ment scales (or units) that cannot be obtained as a combination from other scales, and are therefore of
fundamental importance. For instance, the SI unit of pressure, Pa, can be derived as
N kg.m kg
Pa = 2
= 2 2 = (10.44)
m s .m m.s2
Therefore, it can be seen that a pressure scale is nothing but the ratio between a mass scale and the
product of a length scale with a time scale squared. The pressure unit is therefore not a fundamental
unit, but only a derived unit.
In practice, what are the fundamental units or physical scales for Fluid Dynamics? These are simply
mass (SI: kg), length (SI: m), time (SI: s), and temperature (SI: K). As a whole, there are thus 4
fundamental scales for Fluid Dynamics, so that we will always obtain m ≤ 4.
If needed, further information concerning the fundamental physical scales can be found under
Wikipedia.
Hence, the Π-theorem will be applied in practice to obtain the number of controlling non-dimensional
parameters, built from the n relevant dimensional variables. Note that the Π-theorem does not give
explicitly these non-dimensional parameters; you will have to do that! There are some mathematical
methods that would allow a systematic derivation of these parameters. In practice, this is never needed.
The best solution is to directly identify from the n relevant dimensional variables the subset of usual
non-dimensional parameters associated with Fluid Dynamics problems. So, you will try to see if it is
possible to build a Reynolds number, a Froude number, a drag force coefficient. . . from the n listed
values. With some experience, this will be quite easy!
Two key rules will help you and prevent most possible errors:
• each of the n relevant dimensional variables appearing in the list must be used at least once when
building the non-dimensional parameters Πk . If one of these variables appear nowhere at all, then
there is something wrong.
114 Chapter 10. Dimensional analysis and similarity conditions
Finally, what is the only difficulty associated with the Π-theorem? It is the first step; finding the right
set of dimensional variables controlling the considered physical process. This issue will be discussed in
the next section.
1. The first element of this list is the only one that must appear in the list. All the further ones are
optional, but not the quantity you are looking for! If you want at the end some information on the
flow velocity, then it must appear in the list. Alternatively, if you are looking for the drag force,
then include in the list!
2. In most cases, one or several dimensional variables describing the strength or intensity of the
flow will also appear in the list. This will be typically expressed in the form of a mean velocity,
volumetric or mass flow-rate.
6 Similarity conditions in Fluid Dynamics 115
3. It is also very common to find in the list one or several fluid properties. For instance, if you
consider friction effects, the viscosity will be obviously important. For problems involving heat
exchange, thermal conductivity of specific heat capacity might appear. And so on. . .
4. In many cases, one or more geometrical parameters influencing the flow will appear. Be careful
here! You should not take in the list all the typical dimensions of the object you are considering!
The geometrical similarity must be preserved any way and will be discussed separately in the next
section. Here, you only need (possibly) a few, key geometrical parameters, which will change the
considered flow features, and nothing else.
5. Finally, some external physical processes might appear in the list. For Fluid Dynamics applications,
this is in practice only the magnitude of gravity acceleration g, which should be considered in the
list every time gravity is important for the considered flow.
1. the geometry (and hence also the boundary conditions) are identical at both scales, meaning that
all the appearing dimensions must be multiplied by the same scaling factor Σ. This is called
geometrical similarity.
2. simultaneously, all but one of the non-dimensional parameters controlling the flow solution
(as obtained by the Π-theorem) must be identical for both flows. This is called dynamic
similarity Note that the last non-dimensional parameter is then automatically also identical for
both flows, due to Eq.(10.43). Therefore, all non-dimensional parameters are indeed identical for
both flows.
Geometrical similarity and dynamic similarity must both be enforced simultaneously. Then, the non-
dimensional flow variables v⋆ , p⋆ , ρ⋆ , . . . are identical in both flows.
As already stated previously, only non-dimensional flow variables v⋆ , p⋆ , ρ⋆ . . . are (quantitatively)
identical for both flow conditions. This is nevertheless sufficient to get back to the quantitative value
for the application at real scale. Remember Eq.(10.6):
For instance:
v(x, t) = v• v⋆ (x, t) (10.46)
Now, assume you have been able to measure the dimensional velocity field vm on a model at reduced
scale, where index m denotes model values. How can you get the dimensional velocity field for the real,
large scale applications (index a )? Simply start by computing the non-dimensional velocity field for the
model:
vm (x, t)
v⋆m (x, t) = (10.47)
v•m
Since you have of course respected the similarity conditions, you know that v⋆ is identical in the model
and in the full-scale application. Hence
vm (x, t)
v⋆a (x, t) = v⋆m (x, t) = (10.48)
v•m
116 Chapter 10. Dimensional analysis and similarity conditions
But you want indeed the dimensional solution for the full-scale application! No problem, you just need
to multiply with the corresponding reference velocity for the full-scale application:
Figure 11.1: Two out of many applications involving compressible flows: A380 aircraft (photo from
Airbus) and Ariane 5 space rocket (photo from Arianespace).
Since adding the density ρ as a variable increases of course the complexity of the flow description
117
118 Chapter 11. One-dimensional isentropic compressible flows
(see again the variable-based classification presented in the introduction), supplementary simplifying
assumptions must be introduced to obtain a system of acceptable complexity. In the present chapter,
we will therefore use throughout following hypotheses:
2. the flow is considered one-dimensional; thus, all flow variables depend only on a single spatial
coordinate, x;
4. the flow does not exchange any heat with the surroundings (adiabatic process).
Mass conservation
For a steady flow bounded by a wall (internal flow) or equivalently contained within a streamtube the
mass conservation can be represented simply by the conservation of the mass flow-rate through any tube
cross-section of area A(x):
ṁ = ρ(x)A(x)v(x) = constant (11.1)
In what follows, we will usually not write explicitly the dependency on the spatial coordinate x, thus
obtaining
ṁ = ρAv = constant (11.2)
2 Generic relations, also valid for a real gas 119
This relation is the integral formulation of mass conservation. As often in fluid dynamics, a dif-
ferential form would be more useful. In the present case, since all quantities are always positive, a
logarithmic differentiation is even more relevant, leading finally to
dρ dA dv
+ + =0 (11.3)
ρ A v
Energy conservation
The conservation of energy can be derived from the First Law of Thermodynamics. For a compressible
gas, the most suitable description of the available internal energy is through the specific enthalpy h,
since it contains intrinsically the corresponding contribution due to pressure changes. One finally writes
that, for such an isolated adiabatic system (the considered fluid), the sum of internal energy and kinetic
energy (both per unit mass) is constant:
[v (x)]2
h(x) + = constant (11.4)
2
or, suppressing the x-dependency:
v2
h+ = constant (11.5)
2
In this formulation, the contribution of potential energy (and hence the action of gravity) have
been neglected, as we have always done in the past when considering a gas, for instance for the
Bernoulli equation in Chapter 6 (Eq. 6.19). Indeed, this contribution is negligible in all practical appli-
cations.
The constant value appearing in Eq.(11.4) will be from now on called isentropic stagnation enthalpy,
h0 :
v2
h0 := constant = h + (11.6)
2
Considering this relation, it is obvious that the local fluid enthalpy equals the stagnation enthalpy
if and only if the fluid would be at rest (v = 0), hence the adjective “stagnation”. If the fluid is flowing
(v > 0) the local enthalpy h is necessarily lower than the stagnation enthalpy h0 .
Knowing the local enthalpy h and the (constant) stagnation enthalpy h0 is of course sufficient to get
back the fluid velocity by q
v = 2 (h0 − h) (11.7)
Note that in the international literature, the isentropic stagnation enthalpy h0 may also be called
total enthalpy and is sometimes written ht (index t for total) or hi (index i for isentropic). In this
document, we will always use the index 0 to denote isentropic stagnation quantities.
Energy conservation can also immediately be rewritten in a differential form by simply differentiating
Eq.(11.4), leading to:
dh + v dv = 0 (11.8)
Conservation of momentum
The conservation of momentum will be obtained indirectly by considering the forces exerted by the
fluid on the boundaries of the small control volume dVc represented in figure 11.2, enclosed between the
side walls dΣ, the inflow section A and outflow section (A + dA). Since we consider an infinitesimal
volume, the wall dΣ can be considered to be straight at this scale, even if the wall boundary is curved
at macroscopic scale.
120 Chapter 11. One-dimensional isentropic compressible flows
x x+dx
A A+dA
Figure 11.2: Configuration for establishing conservation of momentum, with flow from left to right.
Using the results presented in Chapter 7 and valid here (steady one-dimensional internal flow), one
can directly write for the present case that the force exerted by the contained fluid on the side boundaries
dΣ is:
dF = −d [(ṁv + pA)s]
with s the unit vector giving the direction of the local flow velocity. In the present case (one-dimensional
flow), the direction of s is automatically the direction of the single spatial direction considered (x), so
that, s = ex . As usual for gas flows (see again the discussions in Chapter 7), the contribution of fluid
mass can be safely neglected here due to the very low density of usual gases.
By projecting this relation onto the x-axis, one thus obtains simply:
Due to mass conservation (ṁ = constant, see above), the second term of this relation is automatically
zero, and
dFx = −ṁdv − pdA − Adp (11.11)
As an alternative, it is possible to compute now directly the forces exerted by the fluid on the side
boundaries dΣ. We have assumed throughout that the flow is non-viscous, so that the corresponding
contribution disappears. Again, the contribution of fluid mass can be safely neglected here due to the
very low density of usual gases. Therefore, the only possible force exerted by the fluid on the side
2 Generic relations, also valid for a real gas 121
boundaries is the pressure force. By integrating the contribution of this force on all the boundary
(total surface dΣ), it can be seen that the contribution of this force is again only along the x-direction
(contributions along the direction perpendicular to the x-axis compensate when considering opposed
sides of the wall), with a magnitude
dFpx = −pdΣ cos α (11.12)
where cos α represents the contribution of the projection onto the x-axis. Considering the light green
triangle with dotted line in figure 11.2 and applying standard angular relations in a right triangle for it,
it is easy to write
cos α = dA/dΣ (11.13)
Finally, one obtains thus directly for the contribution of the pressure force
Since both equations (11.11) and (11.14) must deliver the same result, one finds by equating both:
Summary
Considering all these relations plus a suitable thermodynamic relation describing the behavior of the
considered gas, one obtains finally:
• Mass conservation
• Conservation of momentum
dp + ρvdv = 0 (11.18)
• Energy conservation
v2
h+ = constant (11.19)
2
• Entropy conservation
s = constant (11.20)
p = G(ρ, s) (11.21)
In principle, this set of equations could now be solved using a computer to obtain the corresponding
flow solution, knowing the exact thermodynamic behavior p = G(ρ, s).
122 Chapter 11. One-dimensional isentropic compressible flows
dp
+ vdv = 0 (11.22)
ρ
where the ratio between pressure variation and density variation corresponds to a thermodynamic change
of state for a constant specific entropy s. Why is it allowed to write such a relation? Simply because
the present flow is completely isentropic! As a consequence, any change of pressure and density from an
initial state (p1 , ρ1 ) to a final state (p2 , ρ2 ) within the flow occurs necessarily at constant specific entropy
s.
Now, Eq.(11.24) is very interesting because the definition of the speed of sound c appears directly in
the relation, since: !
2 dp
c := (11.25)
dρ s
Starting back from Eq.(11.24), one obtains now:
dp dρ
= c2 (11.26)
ρ ρ
dρ
c2 + vdv = 0 (11.27)
ρ
or equivalently (velocity v being non-zero, excluding aerostatics, since we only consider compressible
flows, i.e., flows at large Mach numbers, as demonstrated in a few seconds):
dρ dv
c2 + v2 =0 (11.28)
ρ v
Moving the second term on the right hand side and introducing the definition of the Mach number, ratio
between flow velocity v and speed of sound c,
v
M := (11.29)
c
dρ dv
= −M 2 (11.30)
ρ v
2 Generic relations, also valid for a real gas 123
M (dρ/ρ)/(dv/v) (in %)
0 0
0.1 1
0.2 4
0.3 9
0.4 16
0.5 25
1 100
Table 11.1: Ratio between the relative variation of density and the relative variation of velocity magni-
tude as a function of the Mach number M
As a function of the Mach number, the ratio between the relative variation of density and the relative
variation of velocity magnitude can then be directly computed, leading e.g. to Table 11.1.
Now, the threshold between a compressible flow and an incompressible flow can be defined more
clearly. If, as usual for engineering purposes, 10% is considered as some kind of “magical limit” under
which an effect can be neglected, then a Mach number of 0.3 (strictly speaking, of 0.333 . . .) corresponds
to the limit between incompressible (M ≤ 0.3) and compressible (M > 0.3) flows. If, for some reason,
the accuracy of the computation must be very high, so that only a maximal error of 1% can be tolerated,
then incompressible flows take place only up to M = 0.1. This is illustrated in figure 11.3.
sonic
subsonic supersonic
incompressible compressible
flow flow
Using this expression to replace the relative density variation in the equation describing conservation of
mass, Eq.(11.3):
dρ dA dv
+ + =0
ρ A v
one finally obtains a relation linking the relative change of flow velocity with the relative change of the
cross-section:
dv dA
1 − M2 + =0 (11.31)
v A
This fundamental relation is often called Hugoniot equation and involves the value of the Mach number
M compared to unity. Considering this relation, one can therefore distinguish following possibilities:
• For a subsonic flow (i.e., M < 1), one obtains obviously that (1−M 2 ) > 0. Under such conditions, a
reduction of the flow cross-section A (i.e., dA < 0) obviously leads to flow acceleration (i.e., dv > 0)
since both A and v are always positive in Eq.(11.31). An increase of flow cross-section, dA > 0
leads to flow deceleration (dv < 0).
• Conversely, for a supersonic flow (i.e., M > 1), one obtains (1 − M 2 ) < 0. Then, a reduction of the
flow cross-section A (i.e., dA < 0) now leads to flow deceleration (i.e., dv < 0), while an increase
of the flow cross-section, dA > 0, results in flow acceleration, dv > 0.
This situation is summarized in figure 11.4.
This figure contains also the associated evolution of pressure, which can be obtained by starting
again from the conservation of momentum, Eq.(11.16)
dp + ρvdv = 0
Dividing both terms by pressure p (obviously, p > 0) and artificially multiplying the second term by
v/v (obviously, v > 0 for compressible flows), as already done in Eq.(11.28), one obtains:
dp ρv 2 dv
+ =0 (11.32)
p p v
It is easy to combine this relation with the standard equation of Hugoniot, Eq.(11.31), in order to
eliminate the relative velocity variation dv/v. This leads finally to:
dp ρv 2 dA
M2 − 1 + =0 (11.33)
p p A
Since p, v 2 and A are obviously always positive, this relation is a direct link between the sign of dA and
the sign of dp, depending on the sign of (M 2 − 1). Corresponding evolutions are shown in figure 11.4.
Note that the obtained link between pressure and velocity (a pressure decrease for flow acceleration,
respectively a pressure increase for flow deceleration) is absolutely standard: we have found exactly the
same for incompressible flows when analyzing the Bernoulli equation in Chapter 6!
acceleration deceleration
v v
M<1
p
p
deceleration acceleration
v v
M>1
p p
Figure 11.4: Influence of a modification of the cross-section A.
p∗ = 1.5 bar and T∗ = 305 K, for instance). The flow cross-section for these conditions is similarly
written A∗ .
There is one exception to this definition: the critical Mach number M∗ is not a constant, scalar value
but a flow variable, depending on x. Indeed, the critical Mach number is defined as:
v(x)
M∗ (x) := (11.34)
c∗
This new flow variable can be used in practice to parametrize the local flow conditions, as explained
later.
Beware! Note that critical conditions can be usefully employed to solve compressible flow problems,
even if the condition M = 1 is not found anywhere in this flow! In that case, we can call these conditions
theoretical critical conditions, to mark the fact that they are not found in reality. Nevertheless, it is
always possible to imagine a related isentropic flow, in which the sonic state would be achieved at some
point: the flow conditions that would be found at that point are then the theoretical critical conditions,
and can be employed as well to understand the real flow.
Note that the critical speed of sound c∗ appearing in Eq.(11.34) can directly be deduced from the
stagnation temperature T0 defined later in Eq.(11.55), since:
q
c∗ := γrT∗
126 Chapter 11. One-dimensional isentropic compressible flows
T0 γ−1 2
= 1+ M
T 2
(11.35)
p>pa
pa
p
Figure 11.5: First step toward a Laval nozzle: the minimum nozzle.
range, the Mach number at the throat will be in the far subsonic range (M(x) ≪ 1), so that the final,
diverging part of the Laval-nozzle will lead to a strong flow deceleration (again in the subsonic range),
in agreement with the equation of Hugoniot (Eq. 11.31), summarized in figure 11.4: as a whole, the flow
will probably be slower when leaving the nozzle than when entering it; this is clearly not the purpose of
a properly-working Laval-nozzle! The missing condition will be explained in Section 11.3.7.
Finally, in a properly working Laval-nozzle (figure 11.6), the flow is initially subsonic, is accelerated
(while staying subsonic) until reaching the throat; at this level, it reaches the sonic condition and goes
on accelerating as a supersonic flow until leaving the nozzle. Therefore, this Laval-nozzle is indeed a
perfect way of accelerating a flow!
What about pressure? As explained in Section 11.2.3, a flow acceleration is always coupled to a
decrease of pressure. Therefore, the pressure is steadily decreasing throughout the Laval-nozzle, from
an initially “high” value to a “low” value. At present and considering the hypotheses retained in this
chapter, we have no solution to modify abruptly the pressure. Therefore, the value of p at the end of the
nozzle must be equal to the pressure in the surroundings, which we will write pa (atmospheric pressure).
Later, we will call such specific conditions an “adapted” or “ambient” Laval-nozzle.
Note that another, major advantage of the Laval-nozzle (figure 11.6) is that it does not require any
moving part. It is therefore relatively easy to conceive and can be very robust. This is essential, since
such a nozzle will usually encounter very high levels of pressure and possibly of temperature (for instance
in steam turbines or rocket engines, figure 11.7).
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
128 Chapter 11. One-dimensional isentropic compressible flows
pa
M=1
p>pmin
subsonic supersonic pa
A*
p = ρrT (11.38)
connecting pressure p, density ρ and temperature T through the specific gas constant r.
2. A perfect gas must furthermore be associated with a constant value of the specific heat,
cp = constant (11.39)
cv = constant (11.40)
Figure 11.7: Vulcain 2 rocket engine, main engine of the Ariane 5 space rocket (photo from
EADS Astrium, Space Propulsion). The diverging part of the Laval-nozzle is clearly visible, the
(smaller) converging part is hidden behind the gas supply systems.
is an exact connection between variation of specific enthalpy and temperature, it is easily possible
to integrate this relation for a constant value of cp , leading to
h = cp T (11.42)
or equivalently by taking the exponential of this equation and switching left and right side
p s
γ
= constant>0 · exp (11.44)
ρ cv
Both relations involve the (constant) heat capacity ratio γ. It is now very easy to determine the so-
called isentropic relations verified by a perfect gas. First comes, by setting s = constant in Eq.(11.44):
p
= constant (11.45)
ργ
Using the ideal gas law (Eq. 11.38) to eliminate either pressure p or density ρ from the above relation,
one obtains the equivalent formulations:
pγ−1
= constant (11.46)
Tγ
T
γ−1
= constant (11.47)
ρ
this quantity can now easily be calculated for a perfect gas. Since, for s = constant, Eq.(11.45) leads to
p = constant ργ (11.49)
where the second relation has been obtained by replacing p/ρ by rT thanks to the ideal gas law,
Eq.(11.38).
For air at ambient conditions, one obtains for example for the speed of sound
q √
c= γrT = 1.4 · 287 · 298.15 = 346.1 m/s = 1246 km/h (11.52)
v2
h0 = h + = constant (11.53)
2
3 Specific relations for a compressible flow of a perfect gas 131
T0 γ−1 2
=1+ M (11.62)
T 2
Considering that γ and T0 are constant values, this relation is a direct connection between the local
Mach number (M, or indeed M(x)) and the local temperature (T , or indeed T (x)).
Now, remembering that our compressible flow is fully isentropic, we can readily use the isentropic
relations (Eqs. 11.45 to 11.47) introduced in Section 11.3.2 for a change of thermodynamic state between
the (real or theoretical) stagnation state (zero velocity, stagnation enthalpy h0 , stagnation temperature
T0 , stagnation pressure p0 , stagnation density ρ0 , stagnation speed of sound c0 . . . ) and the local flow
conditions (velocity v(x), enthalpy h(x), temperature T (x), pressure p(x), density ρ(x), speed of sound
c(x). . . , for which the x-dependency will not be written explicitly to gain space), leading to:
p p0
γ
= (11.63)
ρ ρ0 γ
pγ−1 pγ−1
γ
= 0γ (11.64)
T T0
T T0
= (11.65)
ργ−1 ργ−1
0
132 Chapter 11. One-dimensional isentropic compressible flows
As for the stagnation temperature, the local value of the pressure, p(x) is necessarily lower than p0 , both
values being equal in theory for v = 0 (stagnation conditions).
Combining now Eq.(11.64) with Eq.(11.62), one obtains directly:
γ
γ−1
p0 T0
= (11.66)
p T
and therefore
γ
p0 γ−1 2 γ−1
= 1+ M (11.67)
p 2
This relation is again a direct connection between the local Mach number (M, or indeed M(x)) and
the local pressure (p, or indeed p(x)). In what comes, the inverse of this relation will be defined as the
function π, depending only on the Mach number, as
π(M) := p/p0 (11.68)
with π(M) ≤ 1.
In the same manner, combining Eq.(11.65) with Eq.(11.62), one obtains:
1
γ−1
ρ0 T0
= (11.69)
ρ T
where, as for all other stagnation values, the local value of the density, ρ(x) is necessarily lower than ρ0 ,
both values being equal in theory for v = 0 (stagnation conditions). As a consequence,
1
γ−1
ρ0 γ−1 2
= 1+ M (11.70)
ρ 2
This relation is again a direct connection between the local Mach number (M, or indeed M(x)) and the
local density (ρ, or indeed ρ(x)). Note that it is equally possible to obtain this last equation (Eq. 11.70)
by combining the two previous relations (Eqs. 11.62 and 11.67) with the ideal gas relation (Eq. 11.38).
To summarize, we have now relations connecting directly the local value of the Mach number, M(x)
with the local temperature, pressure and density, provided the (constant) stagnation values for temper-
ature (T0 ), pressure (p0 ) and density (ρ0 ) are known. Unfortunately, the local Mach number M(x) is
not known yet.
In order to solve this last issue, it is convenient to consider again mass conservation in our flow.
Starting from the definition of the mass flow-rate:
ṁ = ρAv (11.71)
it is possible to substitute the density by ρ = p/(rT ) (using the ideal gas law, Eq.11.38), as well as
to substitute the flow velocity by v = Mc = M(γrT )1/2 (using the definition of the Mach number,
Eq.11.61). This leads now to:
p
ṁ = AM(γrT )1/2 (11.72)
rT
γ 1/2
= AMp (11.73)
rT
Now, we introduce artificially the ratios p0 /p and T0 /T in this equation, by
! 1/2 1/2
p γ T0
ṁ = AMp0 (11.74)
p0 rT0 T
3 Specific relations for a compressible flow of a perfect gas 133
The ratios p/p0 and T0 /T can now be replaced by the inverse of Eq.(11.67) and by Eq.(11.62) respectively.
One gets:
−(γ+1)
γ 1/2
γ − 1 2 2(γ−1)
ṁ = AMp0 1+ M (11.75)
rT0 2
This relation can now identically be written for the critical conditions, associated with the critical value
of the cross-section, A∗ . Let us stress once again here that it is not absolutely necessary to have really
critical conditions at some position in the flow in order to use this relation; if not, the corresponding
conditions correspond to theoretical critical conditions, as already explained in Section 11.2.4, but can
nevertheless be used to ease problem resolution. One obtains, taking into account that M = 1 there,
1/2 −(γ+1)
γ γ+1 2(γ−1)
ṁ∗ = A∗ p0 (11.76)
rT0 2
Since mass conservation obviously leads to the relation ṁ = ṁ∗ , dividing the last two relations side by
side (on the left-hand side, leading just to 1) and re-arranging, one obtains easily the final equation:
" (γ+1)
# 2(γ−1)
A 1 2 γ−1 2
= 1+ M (11.77)
A∗ M γ+1 2
In what comes, this relation will also be used to define the function Σ, depending only on the Mach number,
by
A
Σ(M) := (11.78)
A∗
Considering again Eq.(11.76) and the fact that ṁ = ṁ∗ , it is also possible to write
p0 A∗
ṁ = C (11.79)
(rT0 )1/2
where C is simply a constant value, function of the heat capacity ratio γ, with
! γ+1
1/2 2 2(γ−1)
C := γ (11.80)
γ+1
For usual conditions (i.e., γ = 1.4), one obtains C = 0.6847. The relation (11.79) is by far the most
accurate relation to determine the mass flow-rate in such a compressible flow, since it involves only fluid
properties, geometrical data and stagnation quantities, which are mostly given as exact information at
the start of the problem.
The relation (11.79) explains also why Laval-nozzles (figure 11.6) are also used as mass flow-rate
controllers or as reference calibration for such systems. If the nozzle is working properly and if the
stagnation conditions and throat section are kept constant, the mass flow-rate through the Laval-nozzle is
constant as well, independently from the ambient pressure at the nozzle outlet! Hence, properly working
Laval-nozzles are typically employed to calibrate mass flow-rate measurement and control devices for
gas flow applications.
For usual conditions (i.e., γ = 1.4), the critical temperature is thus roughly 17% lower than the stag-
nation temperature (T∗ = 0.83 T0 ), while the critical pressure is about half the stagnation pressure
(p∗ = 0.53 p0 ).
1. first, the geometry of the system (i.e., the distribution of the available flow cross-section A(x) and
the corresponding throat A∗ for the case of the standard Laval-nozzle, figure 11.6) must of course
be known!
2. Using Eq.(11.77), it is now possible to determine in the full system the distribution of the
Mach number, M(x).
Beware! Note that Eq.(11.77), a relatively complex non-linear equation, leads in fact to two
different solutions for a given value of A/A∗ : one is always in the subsonic range (see later Appendix
E), one in the supersonic range (see later Appendix F). This is indeed necessary. If you look again
at figure 11.6, describing the correctly working, adapted Laval-nozzle, you see that you will have
on the left side of the throat a subsonic condition and on the right side of the throat a supersonic
condition, both for the same value of A/A∗ . Therefore, in order to connect the value of A/A∗ with
the local Mach number M(x), some user input is necessary: you must decide if a subsonic or a
supersonic value is expected!
3. Knowing now the complete distribution of M(x), you can get the temperature field T (x) from
Eq.(11.62) knowing the stagnation temperature, T0 .
Beware! This is of course only possible if you know the stagnation conditions. They are mostly
given values. If not, you must be able to compute these stagnation quantities from a flow section
for which both Mach number and temperature, pressure or density are known. . .
4. In the same manner, you can get the full pressure field p(x) from Eq.(11.67) knowing the stagnation
pressure, p0 .
5. Knowing temperature and pressure, the ideal gas law (Eq. 11.38) can be employed to compute the
density field, ρ(x).
6. Since the temperature is known everywhere, it is equally possible to compute the local speed of
sound using: q
c(x) = γrT (x) (11.84)
7. Finally, the velocity field can be determined from the definition of the Mach number:
At that point, all flow variables have been successfully determined: congratulations!
3 Specific relations for a compressible flow of a perfect gas 135
p0 = 1.893 pa (11.88)
For a real Laval-nozzle with an outflow cross-section Ao > A∗ , this condition is of course increasingly
difficult to determine and to fulfill. Equation (11.77) must first be inverted to obtain the corresponding
outflow Mach number, Mo . This value of Mo is then introduced into Eq.(11.67), leading to the minimum
stagnation pressure p0 associated with the corresponding geometry. Clearly, p0 ≥ 1.893pa is only the
minimum threshold, and the required value for p0 will increase rapidly when increasing the outflow
cross-section, Ao > A∗ !
• Solve directly the equations introduced previously (Eqs. 11.77, 11.62, 11.67. . . ). This is of course
by far the most accurate solution, and the only possible solution for a gas that does not verify
γ = 1.4.
• Use the Tables presented in Appendix E and F to solve the problem (requires γ = 1.4).
• Use the corresponding graphical representation as a function of the critical Mach number (see
sections 11.2.4 and 11.3.9; this requires again γ = 1.4).
v2 v 2 c2 2 c
2
T T T0
M∗ 2 = 2
= 2 2
= M 2
= M2 = M2 (11.89)
c∗ c c∗ c∗ T∗ T0 T∗
136 Chapter 11. One-dimensional isentropic compressible flows
Now, the two temperature ratios appearing last on the right-hand side can easily be replaced by us-
ing Eq.(11.62), once involving the local Mach number M, once involving the Mach number at critical
conditions (i.e., simply 1!), leading finally to:
(γ + 1)M 2
M∗ 2 = (11.90)
2 + (γ − 1)M 2
This relation can as well be inverted:
2M∗ 2
M2 = (11.91)
(γ + 1) − (γ − 1)M∗ 2
Introducing this last relation to replace the local Mach number M in all previously developed equations,
they can be rewritten as a function of the critical Mach number M∗ instead. For example, this leads for
Eq.(11.62) to the alternative, fully equivalent formulation:
!−1
T0 γ−1 2
= 1− M∗ (11.92)
T γ+1
The corresponding results can be represented compactly in a graphical manner (figure 11.8), since the
value of M∗ 2 remains bounded when M takes very large values. Therefore, this might be a practical
alternative to solve corresponding problems. Nevertheless, it must be recognized that a graphical solution
leads to a relatively large level of uncertainty. When a better precision is needed, the Tables presented in
the Appendix (Appendix E and F) might be used. Even better is of course a direct numerical solution of
the corresponding equations! This is the only possible solution if the heat capacity ratio γ is not equal
to 1.4.
11.4 Conclusions
Now, one-dimensional compressible flows can be solved very accurately as long as the associated trans-
formation is isentropic. More complex cases involving friction and heat exchange and leading therefore
to non-isentropic flows will be considered in the next chapter. All flows in the supersonic regime, will
be often strongly modified due to the occurrence of shock waves: this is the subject of Chapter 13.
4 Conclusions 137
2.45
2.4
2.2
2
p02/p01
1.8
1.6
A*/A
1.4
p1/p2
T/T0
Ma*
1.2
1
ρ/ρ0
p/p0
0.8
Ma/10
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
Figure 11.8: Graphical solution involving the critical Mach number M∗ , assuming γ = 1.4.
138 Chapter 11. One-dimensional isentropic compressible flows
Chapter 12
Figure 12.1: Example of applications for non-isentropic compressible flows involving heat exchange and
friction: ramjets used for propulsion of the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (left, photo from Wikipedia) and
pressurized gas pipelines (right, photo from Biofuels Energy).
Since adding the specific entropy s as an additional variable increases of course again the complexity
of the flow description, supplementary simplifying assumptions must be introduced to obtain a system
of acceptable complexity. In the present chapter, we will therefore use throughout following hypotheses,
partly similar to those considered in the previous Chapter 11:
1. The flow is steady;
2. The flow is considered one-dimensional; thus, all flow variables depend only on a single spatial
coordinate, x.
139
140 Chapter 12. Compressible flows with friction and heat exchange
On the other hand, friction is now taken into account and heat exchange with the surroundings is
considered possible. Hence, the flow is neither thermodynamically reversible any more, nor adiabatic.
In what comes, we will consider specifically an internal flow (flow within a duct). Note, however,
that most considerations obtained in this manner could also be used to describe the compressible flow
enclosed within a streamtube. The typical configuration corresponding to the present chapter for a duct
element is sketched in figure 12.2.
Mass conservation
In fact, mass conservation is not impacted by friction or heat exchange. For a steady flow bounded
by a wall (internal flow) or equivalently contained within a streamtube the mass conservation is thus
unchanged and can be represented simply by the conservation of the mass flow-rate through any tube
cross-section of area A(x):
ṁ = ρ(x)A(x)v(x) = constant (12.1)
Again, we will usually not write explicitly the dependency on the spatial coordinate x, thus obtaining
ṁ = ρAv = constant (12.2)
dρ dA dv
+ + =0 (12.3)
ρ A v
Energy conservation
As always, the conservation of energy is derived from the First Law of Thermodynamics. For a com-
pressible gas, the most suitable description of the available internal energy is again through the specific
enthalpy h, since it contains intrinsically the corresponding contribution due to pressure changes. In
the present case, the system is not adiabatic any more, the specific heat quantity dq (in J/kg) being ex-
changed with the surroundings. A positive value of dq means that heat is transferred to the fluid, dq < 0
means that heat is extracted out of the fluid. Hence, the differential form of the energy conservation is
slightly different from Eq.(11.8):
dh + v dv = dq (12.4)
2 Generic relations, also valid for a real gas 141
Conservation of momentum
Once again, the conservation of momentum will be obtained indirectly by considering the forces exerted
by the fluid on the boundaries of the small control volume dVc represented in figure 12.2 by dashed
blue lines, enclosed between the side walls dΣ, the inflow section A and outflow section (A + dA). The
friction force dF f is now included in the analysis. It is represented in an idealized manner in figure 12.2
by a near-wall contribution.
dq
n
x x+dx
A A+dA
Friction force dFf
Figure 12.2: Configuration for establishing conservation of momentum, with flow from left to right. The
contribution of the friction force appears through a near-wall contribution and the heat exchange with
the surroundings is represented with a dashed line.
Using the results presented in Chapter 7 and valid here (steady one-dimensional internal flow), one
can directly write for the present case that the force exerted by the contained fluid on the side boundaries
dΣ is:
dF = −d [(ṁv + pA)s]
with s the unit vector giving the direction of the local flow velocity. This relation is not modified in any
manner by the additional friction force, as discussed in Chapter 7.
In the present case (one-dimensional flow), the direction of s is automatically the direction of the
single spatial direction considered (x), so that, s = ex . As usual for gas flows (see again the discussions
in Chapter 7), the contribution of fluid mass can be safely neglected here due to the very low density of
usual gases.
142 Chapter 12. Compressible flows with friction and heat exchange
By projecting this relation onto the x-axis, one thus obtains simply:
Due to mass conservation (ṁ = constant, see above), the second term of this relation is automatically
zero, and
dFx = −ṁdv − p dA − Adp (12.7)
As an alternative, it is possible to compute now directly the forces exerted by the fluid on the side
boundaries dΣ. Again, the contribution of fluid mass can be safely neglected here due to the very low
density of usual gases. One force exerted by the fluid on the side boundaries is the pressure force. By
integrating the contribution of this force on all the boundary dΣ, it can be seen that the contribution of
this force is again only along the x-direction (contributions along the direction perpendicular to the x-
axis compensate when considering opposed sides of dΣ). The finally resulting magnitude of the pressure
force reads:
dFpx = −pdΣ cos α (12.8)
where cos α represents the contribution of the projection onto the x-axis. Considering the light green
triangle with dotted line in figure 12.2 and applying standard angular relations in a right triangle for it,
it is easy to write
cos α = dA/dΣ (12.9)
Finally, one obtains thus directly for the contribution of the pressure force
dFpx = −p dA (12.10)
In addition to the pressure force, it is now necessary to consider as well the friction force dF f . Once again,
due to the symmetry of the considered geometry, the resulting friction force has only one component
along the main flow direction, x, with a positive magnitude written dFf x .
Both approaches have been used to compute the force acting on the boundary. They must therefore
deliver the same result. One thus finds by equating the combination of pressure force and friction along
the x-direction (left-hand side) with the result of Eq.(12.7) on the right-hand side:
with
dFf x
dff x := (12.13)
A
the ratio between friction force and flow cross-section, expressed in Pa.
2 Generic relations, also valid for a real gas 143
Summary
Considering all these relations plus a suitable thermodynamic relation describing the behavior of the
considered gas, one obtains finally in differential form:
• Mass conservation
dρ dA dv
+ + =0 (12.14)
ρ A v
• Conservation of momentum
• Energy conservation
dh + v dv = dq (12.16)
p = G(ρ, s) (12.17)
In principle, this set of equations could now be solved using a computer to obtain the corresponding
flow solution, knowing the exact thermodynamic behavior p = G(ρ, s).
The first parenthesis is already known and is equal to c2 , see Eq.(11.25). We will accept! (it is possible
dp
to demonstrate this, but it would bring us too far) that the second parenthesis, is also always
ds ρ
positive. Therefore, it is possible to introduce a new parameter k and to define it similarly to Eq.(11.25)
through its square value: !
2 dp
k := (12.19)
ds ρ
It is easy to prove the validity of this hypothesis for a perfect gas. In that case, the specific entropy is
given by Eq.(B.10): !
p
s = cv ln γ + constant (12.20)
ρ
By differentiating this relation, one obtains:
ds dp dρ
= −γ (12.21)
cv p ρ
144 Chapter 12. Compressible flows with friction and heat exchange
Hence, !
dp p
= >0 (12.22)
ds ρ
cv
and
p
k2 = (12.23)
cv
in the case of a perfect gas.
Following this demonstration and to summarize, we therefore accept from now on that it is always
possible to write in a general manner, for any gas:
dp = c2 dρ + k 2 ds (12.24)
By combining this relation with Eq.(12.12) and eliminating dp:
c2 dρ + k 2 ds + ρvdv + dff x = 0 (12.25)
Now, dρ can be replaced by using the mass conservation equation (12.3), leading to:
dv dA
− c2 ρ − c2 ρ + k 2 ds + ρvdv + dff x = 0 (12.26)
v A
Let us remember the generic thermodynamic relation between specific enthalpy and specific entropy,
Eq.(B.4):
dp
dh = T ds + (12.27)
ρ
Replacing in the energy conservation equation (12.4), one obtains
dp
T ds + + v dv = dq (12.28)
ρ
By comparing this equation with that expressing conservation of momentum, Eq.(12.12), divided by ρ:
dp dff x
+ vdv = − (12.29)
ρ ρ
one recognizes immediately that both equations contain a similar group on the left-hand side, so that it
is now possible to write:
!
1 dff x
ds = + dq (12.30)
T ρ
This equation describes the two possibilities existing in such flows to modify specific entropy s, either
by 1) friction (df ) or 2) heat exchange (dq). In the absence of friction and of heat exchange, one would
obtain an isentropic compressible flow, as discussed extensively in the previous Chapter 11.
Now, reporting Eq.(12.30) into Eq.(12.26) to eliminate ds, one obtains:
!
dv dA k 2 dff x
2
− c ρ − c2 ρ + + dq + ρvdv + dff x = 0 (12.31)
v A T ρ
After dividing all the equation by ρc2 and rearranging, the generalized Hugoniot equation is obtained
as an extension of Eq.(11.31):
" ! #
2
dv dA 1 k2 k2
1−M + = 2 1+ dff x + dq (12.32)
v A ρc ρT T
2 Generic relations, also valid for a real gas 145
In the absence of friction (dff x = 0) and of heat release (dq = 0), the standard formulation (Eq. 11.31)
is obviously retrieved.
Looking at this relation, it is important to note that the coefficients of dA, dff x and dq are all strictly
positive. However, dA appears on the left-hand side, while dff x and dq appear on the right-hand side.
In the previous Chapter 11, the influence of a change in flow cross-section A on the flow velocity v has
been discussed extensively for isentropic conditions. It has been found that:
• For a subsonic flow (i.e., M < 1), one obtains obviously that (1 − M 2 ) > 0. Under such conditions,
a reduction of the flow cross-section A (i.e., dA < 0) obviously leads to flow acceleration (i.e.,
dv > 0). An increase of flow cross-section, dA > 0 leads to flow deceleration (dv < 0).
• Conversely, for a supersonic flow (i.e., M > 1), one obtains (1 − M 2 ) < 0. Then, a reduction of the
flow cross-section A (i.e., dA < 0) now leads to flow deceleration (i.e., dv < 0), while an increase
of the flow cross-section, dA > 0, results in flow acceleration, dv > 0.
This situation has been previously summarized in figure 11.4.
Now, considering the coefficients of dA, dff x and dq in Eq.(12.32), a qualitative analogy can be
drawn when trying to find the impact of friction (dff x > 0) or heat addition (dq > 0) onto the velocity
magnitude v in a compressible flow: it will be the same as the impact of a reduction of the cross-section
(dA < 0)! Hence, we can state here in a qualitative manner:
• Friction leads to modifications of the flow velocity similar to a reduction of flow cross-section;
• Heat addition leads to modifications of the flow velocity similar to a reduction of flow cross-section;
• Heat extraction leads to modifications of the flow velocity similar to an increase of flow cross-
section.
These findings are summarized in Figure 12.3. This figure contains also the associated evolution of
pressure, as obtained from the next section. The obtained link between pressure and velocity (a pressure
decrease coupled to flow acceleration, respectively a pressure increase for flow deceleration) is absolutely
standard.
It is too complex trying to consider further analytically the combined influence of a change in flow
cross-section, of friction, and of heat exchange with the surroundings. It is only possible to consider one
process at a time, neglecting the two further ones.
The influence of a modification of the flow cross-section A(x) without friction and heat exchange has
been considered in section 11.2.3. Now, the influence of heat exchange and of friction will be considered
separately, keeping a constant flow cross-section A.
acceleration deceleration
v v
M<1
or friction,
or heat extraction
heat addition
p decreases p increases
deceleration acceleration
v v
M>1
Figure 12.3: Influence of a modification of the cross-section A, of friction and of heat exchange.
Both coefficients between parenthesis are strictly positive. Considering separately friction (dff x > 0) or
heat addition (dq > 0), it follows that those lead to a pressure decrease in a subsonic flow (since M 2 −1 <
0), respectively to a pressure increase in a supersonic flow (since M 2 − 1 > 0). The opposite applies
2 Generic relations, also valid for a real gas 147
when considering heat removal (dq < 0). Therefore, the obtained link between pressure and velocity
corresponds to that already presented in figure 12.3 (a pressure decrease coupled to flow acceleration,
respectively a pressure increase for flow deceleration): this is absolutely standard!
v1 v2
A1 A2
Figure 12.4: Typical configuration considered for heat exchange with the surroundings.
It is important to keep in mind that the flow cross-section A is now considered to be constant:
A1 = A2 = A = constant (12.40)
Under such conditions, and in the absence of friction, the conservation equations listed previously can
be simplified considerably.
Comparing the flow conditions when entering and leaving the domain of interest, it comes simply:
ρ1 v1 = ρ2 v2 (12.43)
This relation is still valid in the present case, since it is only a relation between local flow conditions, and
is therefore not impacted by global entropy variations between inflow section A1 and outflow section A2 .
For the same reason, the ratios A/A∗ appearing in Eq.(12.59) can be expressed by the function Σ(M)
defined in Eq.(11.78) for isentropic compressible flows in Chapter 11:
A
Σ(M) = (12.61)
A∗
The pressure ratio, first term on the right-hand side, is the only one that still should be replaced in order
to obtain the final solution. For this purpose, the suitable starting point is the conservation equation
for momentum, Eq.(12.64). It can be rewritten successively:
!
ρv 2
p + ρv 2 = p 1+
p
!
γρv 2
= p 1+
γp
!
v2
= p 1+γ
γp/ρ
!
v2
= p 1+γ 2
c
= p 1 + γM 2 (12.63)
Hence, conservation of momentum can be rewritten for a configuration without friction and for a constant
cross-section A as:
p 1 + γM 2 = constant (12.64)
Applying this relation to both sides of Eq.(12.48), one obtains:
p1 1 + γM12 = p2 1 + γM22 (12.65)
Finally, the pressure ratio between inflow and outflow can be rewritten as:
p2 1 + γM12
= (12.66)
p1 1 + γM22
All the terms appearing on the right-hand side of Eq.(12.67) can be directly computed or read from
the Tables in Appendix E or Appendix F (provided that γ = 1.4), as long as the local Mach number is
known. Defining as new function:
Φ(M) := 1 + γM 2 π(M)Σ(M) (12.68)
2 Generic relations, also valid for a real gas 151
!2
T02 Φ(M1 )
= (12.69)
T01 Φ(M2 )
• Knowing the starting conditions before heat exchange (index 1), compute Φ(M1 ) and T01 ;
• Using the energy conservation equation (12.55) and the heat exchanged q, deduce T02 ;
• Knowing now the ratio T02 /T01 and Φ(M1 ), deduce Φ(M2 ) from Eq.(12.69);
• Knowing now the Mach number M2 after heat exchange, all other flow quantities can be directly
deduced! For instance, the pressure p2 is obtained from the Mach numbers and p1 using Eq.(12.66).
The temperature T2 is obtained from T02 and M2 thanks to Eq.(11.62). And so on. . .
2.4
2.2
2
Function Phi
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4
Mach number
Table 12.1: Evolution of the main flow quantities for heat addition (q > 0) without friction and for a
constant cross-section A, including limit values for the Mach number
A. Using this analogy and possibly computing all resulting quantities following the explanations of the
previous section, it is possible to summarize the corresponding impact for heat addition (q > 0), this
being probably the most usual application (Table 12.1).
The question mark appearing for the temperature T when starting from subsonic conditions might
be surprising. Indeed, it is possible to “cool down” a compressible flow by heat addition! To understand
this point, let us start again from the mass flow-rate:
ṁ = ρAv (12.70)
The density might be replaced by p/(rT ) using the ideal gas law,
√ Eq.(B.8). From the definition of the
Mach number, Eq.(11.29), it is easy to replace v by (Mc) = (M γrT ). Finally, it comes in this manner:
r
γ pM
ṁ = A √ (12.71)
r T
Since all terms in the first parenthesis (γ, r, A) are here constant, and since the mass flow-rate is also
constant, it ensues that the last ratio on the right hand-side must be constant as well:
pM
√ = constant (12.72)
T
Using logarithmic differentiation, one obtains:
dp dM 1 dT
+ − =0 (12.73)
p M 2 T
Or alternatively:
dT dp dM
=2 +2 (12.74)
T p M
Using again logarithmic differentiation starting from Eq.(12.64), one obtains now:
dp 2γM dM
+ =0 (12.75)
p 1 + γM 2
dT dM 4γM dM
= 2 −
T M 1 + γM 2
2dM
2 2
= 1 + γM − 2γM
M (1 + γM 2 )
2 Generic relations, also valid for a real gas 153
Finally:
dT 2dM 1 − γM 2
= (12.76)
T M 1 + γM 2
This explains the question mark in Table 12.1. Indeed, heat addition (q > 0) in a subsonic flow (M1 < 1,
√
so that dM > 0) leads to a temperature increase (dT > 0) as long as M1 < 1/ γ, which is probably
√
intuitive. However, the same heat addition just before reaching sonic conditions (for 1/ γ ≤ M1 ≤ 1)
now leads to cooling: T2 < T1 ! Physically, this is due to the fact that both contributions in the energy
conservation equation (12.52), interact with each other. While it is directly clear that T0 , a measure for
the total energy, will increase in case of heat addition (Eq. 12.53), this is not necessarily so for T , which
is only a measure of the internal energy of the fluid.
v1 v2
A1 A2
Figure 12.6: Typical configuration considered when taking into account friction.
into account in a subsonic flow leads to flow acceleration, which appears to be clearly counter-intuitive:
systems with friction are usually slower, not faster, than comparable friction-free conditions!
Let us explain this apparent contradiction. For this purpose, the conservation equations will be first
specified for the conditions considered presently.
ρv = constant (12.78)
The logarithmic differential form of this relation will be even more useful:
dρ dv
+ =0 (12.79)
ρ v
Comparing the flow conditions when entering and leaving the domain of interest, it comes simply:
ρ1 v1 = ρ2 v2 (12.80)
v2
h+ = constant (12.82)
2
In differential form, one obtains:
dh + vdv = 0 (12.83)
Comparing again the flow conditions when entering and leaving the domain of interest, it comes simply:
v1 2 v2 2
h1 + = h2 + (12.84)
2 2
From this relation, it is clear that the observed acceleration (dv > 0) for a subsonic flow (M < 1)
involving friction (dff x > 0) is indeed simply a consequence of pressure loss, dp < 0, and therefore
nothing surprising. In the same manner, a supersonic flow (M > 1) with friction (dff x > 0) will lead
to a deceleration (dv < 0) coupled to a pressure increase (dp > 0). Such combinations are absolutely
standard: we have found exactly the same for incompressible flows when analyzing the Bernoulli equation
in Chapter 6!
dp dx v2
+ vdv + f =0 (12.88)
ρ d 2
with f the friction factor.
156 Chapter 12. Compressible flows with friction and heat exchange
vdv = −dh
= −cp dT
(12.97)
Considering Eq.(11.37): s
γ
c∗ = 2 rT0 (12.106)
γ+1
the second term in the parenthesis of Eq.(12.105) reads:
γrT γ+1
= γrT
c2∗ 2γrT0
γ+1 T
= (12.107)
2 T0
dx γM∗2
γ+1 T dM∗
M∗2 − +f =0 (12.108)
2 T0 M∗ d 2
12.5 Conclusions
Now, one-dimensional compressible flows can be solved accurately even with friction or heat exchange.
Such flows, when in the supersonic regime, will be often strongly modified due to the occurrence of
shock waves: this will be the subject of the next chapter.
2 Generic relations, also valid for a real gas 159
Table 12.2: Evolution of the main flow quantities for friction without heat exchange and for a constant
cross-section A, including limit values for the Mach number
160 Chapter 12. Compressible flows with friction and heat exchange
Chapter 13
Shock waves
13.1 Introduction
In many practical supersonic flows, discontinuities are observed. This means that the parameters de-
scribing the flow will vary strongly and over very short distances, typically of the order of magnitude
of the mean free path. Under such conditions, the hypotheses underlying the continuum assumption
discussed in Section 1.3 are not valid any more. It is thus impossible to use the conservation equations
developed previously to investigate the inner structure of such discontinuities. However, it is still possi-
ble to relate the flow conditions encountered in front of and behind such discontinuities, as will be done
in what follows. This is in practice sufficient to solve most relevant problems. If the solution within
the discontinuity is of interest, a specific description based on Statistical Physics must be used for this
purpose.
Figure 13.1: Example of shock waves in practical flows: attached to a plane breaking the sound barrier
(left, photo from RC Clubs); behind an engine of the Space Shuttle at start (center, photo from NASA);
when firing a bullet (right, photo from Subtopia).
The only discontinuities we will consider in this document are shock waves (Figure 13.1). Two
different kinds of shock waves will be solved for. In a first step, the normal shock wave, perpendicular
to the main flow direction, will be described in detail. The obtained results will then be extended
towards the oblique shock wave, inclined towards the main flow direction. Note that only straight shock
waves will be accepted. In practice, curved shock waves can also be found, but this is a less relevant
configuration that can hardly be solved by analytical means.
161
162 Chapter 13. Shock waves
v1 v2
p1 p2
1 2
T1 T2
Figure 13.2: Configuration employed for the analysis of a fixed, normal shock wave (shown in red),
together with the control volume (in green) used to derive the conservation equations.
The hypotheses underlying the analysis are as follows, and correspond indeed quite well to the
physical reality:
• The shock wave is a discontinuity without inner structure, separating the upstream flow (with
conditions marked by an index 1) from the downstream flow (with conditions marked by an index
2);
• The shock wave is a straight structure, normal to the flow direction; hence, all streamlines are
parallel to each other and perpendicular (or normal) to the shock wave;
• The configuration is steady.
Mass conservation
For the steady flow bounded by the streamtube shown in green in figure 13.2 the mass conservation
is represented simply by the conservation of the mass flow-rate through any tube cross-section of area
A(x):
ṁ = ρ(x)A(x)v(x) = constant (13.1)
Here, all streamlines are parallel to each other and horizontal, so that the cross-section of the streamtube
is constant, A(x) = A1 = A2 = constant.
Hence, the mass conservation relating upstream and downstream conditions simply reads:
ρ1 v1 = ρ2 v2 (13.2)
Conservation of momentum
The developments in this section follow closely those presented when considering heat exchange in a
compressible flow, see Section 12.3.2.
Friction plays obviously no role for the configuration considered in figure 13.2, since there is no
velocity gradient upstream and downstream of the discontinuity (homogeneous flow conditions). In the
absence of friction, conservation of momentum in a compressible flow reads as usual in differential form
(see also Eqs. (11.16) and (12.44)):
dp + ρvdv = 0 (13.3)
But, again due to the fact that A = constant, it is now possible to obtain an integrated form of this
differential relation, as demonstrated in Section 12.3.2:
p + ρv 2 = constant (13.4)
Finally, conservation of momentum through the normal shock wave simply reads:
Energy conservation
The conservation of energy is again simply derived from the First Law of Thermodynamics. For such an
isolated adiabatic system, the total energy is constant, which can be written when neglecting as usual
the contribution of potential energy for this gaseous flow:
v12 v2
h1 + = h2 + 2 (13.6)
2 2
• Energy conservation:
v12 v2
cp T1 + = cp T2 + 2 (13.9)
2 2
which might also be rewritten using the stagnation temperature T0 that takes into account both
the internal energy and the kinetic energy of the fluid:
Since cp = constant, it is thus again clear that, in this adiabatic flow, the stagnation temperature T0
is the same upstream and downstream of the shock wave. This simple observation will be very
useful to solve the problem:
T01 = T02 (13.11)
T01 γ−1 2
= 1+ M1 (13.12)
T1 2
T02 γ−1 2
= 1+ M2 (13.13)
T2 2
Dividing now the first equation by the second one and keeping in mind that T01 = T02 , one obtains
simply the relation quantifying the temperature jump through the normal shock:
γ−1
T2 1+ 2
M12
= γ−1 (13.14)
T1 1+ 2
M22
Reminding now Eq.(12.64), an alternative form of the conservation of momentum (Eq. 13.5) in the
absence of friction and for a constant cross-section A, both hypotheses being valid as well in the present
case, it is possible to relate upstream and downstream conditions by:
p1 1 + γM12 = p2 1 + γM22 (13.15)
Hence, the relation quantifying the pressure jump through the normal shock is simply:
p2 1 + γM12
= (13.16)
p1 1 + γM22
Using now the ideal gas relation (Eq. 11.38), one obtains directly for the density jump through the
normal shock:
p2
ρ2 rT2 p2 T1
= p1 = (13.17)
ρ1 rT1
p1 T2
ρ2 v1 M1 c1
= = (13.19)
ρ1 v2 M2 c2
On the left-hand side, the density jump is replaced using Eq.(13.17). On the right-hand side, the
speed of sound c is replaced using Eq.(11.51), obtaining finally:
√
p2 T1 M1 γrT1
= √ (13.20)
p1 T2 M2 γrT2
Simplifying γ and r and lumping together the temperature jumps on the left and right side of the
equation, it comes: s
p2 M1 T2
= (13.21)
p1 M2 T1
Replacing the pressure jump and temperature jump appearing in this equation using Eqs.(13.16) and
(13.14), one obtains finally: v
1 + γ−1
u
1 + γM12
M1 u 2
M12
= t (13.22)
1 + γM22 M2 1 + γ−12
M22
Taking the whole equation to the square and rewriting it using M1 as a known value and M2 as the
unknown, one recognizes finally a simple quadratic polynomial equation involving M22 as unknown value,
in the form:
aM24 + bM22 + c = 0 (13.23)
It is easy to show that this equation delivers two possible solutions for M22 and, reminding that both
M1 and M2 must be positive values, the two solutions correspond simply to:
1. The case with no shock at all, M2 = M1 ! Reporting in all jump relations derived in the previous
section, this leads of course to T2 = T1 , p2 = p1 , ρ2 = ρ1 . . . This should not be a surprise: the shock
wave represented in figure 13.2 cannot be forced to be there. In other words, the case without
a shock wave is also a physically possible solution. In that case, the flow remains obviously
unchanged. We will not consider further this case in the rest of this chapter.
2. The really interesting case, i.e., that with a normal shock wave, corresponds to the second solution
of the quadratic equation, which reads:
v
u
u 2 + (γ − 1) M12
M2 = t (13.24)
2γM12 + 1 − γ
166 Chapter 13. Shock waves
Figure 13.3 shows the relation between M1 and M2 for a supersonic upstream condition (M1 ≥ 1),
since this is the only relevant case, as will be shown later. In this figure, it is clearly observed that, for
M1 ≥ 1, one obtains M2 ≤ 1, so that the normal shock wave separates a supersonic region (upstream)
from a subsonic region (downstream of the normal shock). When increasing M1 , the value of M2 ,
the Mach number downstream of the normal shock, decreases monotonically. Additionally, as directly
visible from Eq.(13.24), there is a minimum value for M2 at very high incoming Mach number M1 :
s
γ−1
M2 lim = lim M2 = (13.25)
M1 →∞ 2γ
1
Mach number M behind shock
0.9
0.8
2
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
1 2 3 4 5
Mach number in front of shock wave M 1
Figure 13.3: Relation between the Mach numbers upstream and downstream of the normal shock.
30
25
1
Pressure jump p /p
2
20
15
10
0
1 2 3 4 5
Mach number in front of shock wave M
1
Figure 13.4: Pressure jump through the normal shock wave as a function of the upstream Mach number
M1 . The dashed blue line denotes the level p2 /p1 = 1.
M1 , showing that a normal shock wave typically leads to a large increase in temperature. The value of
T2 tends toward infinity when M1 → ∞.
6
1
Temperature jump T /T
5
2
1
1 2 3 4 5
Mach number in front of shock wave M
1
Figure 13.5: Temperature jump through the normal shock wave as a function of the upstream
Mach number M1 .
Following Eq.(13.17), it is now sufficient to divide Eq.(13.26) by Eq.(13.27) to obtain the density
jump, leading to:
ρ2 (γ + 1)M12
= (13.28)
ρ1 2 + (γ − 1)M12
The corresponding evolution of the density jump is shown in figure 13.6 as a function of the upstream
Mach number M1 for M1 ≥ 1. Relatively large values are found for ρ2 /ρ1 when increasing M1 , showing
that a normal shock wave typically leads to a large increase in density.
Using mass conservation, Eq.(13.2), it follows immediately that:
v1 ρ2
= (13.29)
v2 ρ1
so that the velocity jump is given by:
v2 2 + (γ − 1)M12
= (13.30)
v1 (γ + 1)M12
2 Normal shock wave 169
5
1
Density jump ρ /ρ
2
1
1 2 3 4 5
Mach number in front of shock wave M 1
Figure 13.6: Density jump through the normal shock wave as a function of the upstream Mach number
M1 .
The obtained curve illustrating the deceleration observed in a normal shock wave (v2 ≤ v1 ) behaves in
opposite manner to that shown in figure 13.6, and is shown in figure 13.7.
Looking at the last two equations, it is also obvious that density and velocity jump converge to a
limit value when increasing M1 :
ρ2 v1 γ+1
lim = lim = (13.31)
M1 →∞ ρ1 M1 →∞ v2 γ −1
For γ = 1.4, one obtains therefore limM1 →∞ ρρ12 = 6 and limM1 →∞ vv12 = 1/6 = 0.1667.
The change in stagnation pressure through the normal shock wave can be directly computed by
writing:
p02 p02 p2 p1
= (13.32)
p01 p2 p1 p01
On the right-hand side of this equation, the first and third ratios correspond to the local relation between
pressure and stagnation pressure, discussed extensively in Chapter 11 and defined by Eq.(11.67) as the
inverse of function π, see Eq.(11.68). The second ratio on the right-hand side of the previous equation
is the pressure jump through the normal shock wave, already given by Eq.(13.26). Hence, it comes:
" γ # " γ #
2γM12 − γ + 1
−
p02 γ−1 2 γ−1 γ−1 2 γ−1
= 1+ M2 1+ M1 (13.33)
p01 2 γ+1 2
170 Chapter 13. Shock waves
0.8
2 1
Velocity jump v /v
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
1 2 3 4 5
Mach number in front of shock wave M 1
Figure 13.7: Velocity jump through the normal shock wave as a function of the upstream Mach number
M1 .
Recognizing now in the first parenthesis the temperature jump T2 /T1 , see Eq.(13.14), it is possible to
reformulate this parenthesis using Eq.(13.27). Simplifying all similar terms with each other, one obtains
finally:
" ! !γ #− 1
p02 2γ γ−1 γ−1 2 γ−1
= M12 − + (13.35)
p01 γ+1 γ+1 γ + 1 (γ + 1)M12
The corresponding evolution of the jump in stagnation pressure through the normal shock wave is shown
in figure 13.8 as a function of the upstream Mach number M1 for M1 ≥ 1. The stagnation pressure is
lower behind the shock, showing that the normal shock is a dissipative structure.
Now, one last question remains: why have we decided to plot figures 13.4 to 13.8 only for a supersonic
upstream condition, M1 ≥ 1? This will be justified in the next section.
2 Normal shock wave 171
01 1
Jump of total pressure p /p
02
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
1 2 3 4 5
Mach number in front of shock wave M 1
Figure 13.8: Jump in stagnation pressure through the normal shock wave as a function of the upstream
Mach number M1 .
of values for M1 is considered, also for subsonic upstream conditions! As can be seen, cases with
M1 > 1 correspond to an increase in entropy, s2 > s1 , which is fully OK. However, cases with a subsonic
upstream condition, M1 < 1 would lead to a decrease in entropy, which would directly violate the
Second Law of Thermodynamics for the isolated system we are considering. Therefore, it is absolutely
impossible to observe a steady normal shock wave in a subsonic flow. This explains why we have only
considered the range M ≥ 1 for all figures 13.4 to 13.8: this is the only valid range for a fixed, steady
normal shock!
2
v
Entropy difference (s −s )/c
1
1
2
−1
−2
0 1 2 3 4 5
Mach number in front of shock wave M
1
Figure 13.9: Change in specific entropy through a normal shock wave as a function of the upstream
Mach number M1 .
Beware! This does not mean that a shock cannot exist in a subsonic flow, or even under quiescent
conditions! But, in that case, the shock cannot remain steady and must propagate, so that the upstream
velocity relative to the propagating shock is indeed in the supersonic range. This issue will be discussed
later in Section 13.2.14.
Quantity Evolution
T0 T01 = T02
M (from M1 ≥ 1) ց (M2 ≤ 1)
M∗ (M∗1 ≥ 1) ց [M∗2 = (1/M∗1 )] ≤ 1
v v1 ց v2
p p1 ր p2
p0 p01 ց p02
T T1 ր T2
s s1 ր s2
Table 13.1: Evolution of the main flow quantities through a normal shock wave
consequence, it is possible to write using the critical Mach number defined in Eq.(11.34):
v2 v2 /c∗2 M∗2
= = (13.39)
v1 v1 /c∗1 M∗1
At the same time, comparing Eq.(13.30) with Eq.(11.90) demonstrated at the end of Chapter 11, it is
immediately clear that
v2 1
= 2 (13.40)
v1 M∗1
Hence, it comes by equating the last two relations:
1 M∗2
2
= (13.41)
M∗1 M∗1
leading directly to the useful shock relation of Prandtl for normal shock waves:
13.2.11 Solution and graphical representation using the critical Mach number
Since there is a direct connection between the Mach number and the critical Mach number (Eqs. 11.90
and 11.91), as shown in Section 11.3.9 (see Chapter 11 for further details), all the relations established
previously as function of the Mach number can be simply rewritten as function of the critical Mach number.
The shock relation of Prandtl (Eq. 13.42) can also be used for this purpose. Finally, one obtains an
alternative set of solution equations describing pressure jump, temperature jump, density jump. . . , as
function of the critical Mach number M∗1 upstream of the normal shock.
Since a graphical representation cannot be overloaded, only the pressure jump and the jump of
stagnation pressure have been represented as function of critical Mach number M∗ (meaning here M∗1 )
in figure 11.8.
ρ2 (γ + 1)M12
= (13.45)
ρ1 2 + (γ − 1)M12
After simplification, one obtains a relation where M1 does not appear any more:
ρ2 (γ + 1) pp12 + γ − 1
= (13.46)
ρ1 (γ − 1) pp12 + γ + 1
We finally invert this relation to obtain the pressure jump p2 /p1 as function of ρ1 /ρ2 . This delivers the
Rankine-Hugoniot relation, valid for any normal shock wave:
γ + 1 ρ1
−
p2 γ − 1 ρ2
= (13.47)
p1 γ + 1 ρ1
−1
γ − 1 ρ2
The corresponding relation is displayed graphically as a red curve in figure 13.10. It is an hyperbolic
curve. Any normal shock (for γ = 1.4) will correspond to a single point along this red curve.
The evolution corresponding to an isentropic process is shown as a black dashed line in the same
figure. Obviously, while the Rankine-Hugoniot relation only exists for p2 ≥ p1 and ρ2 ≥ ρ1 (as found in a
normal shock), the isentropic evolution covers the whole set of density ratio ρ1 /ρ2 , since it can describe a
compression as well as an expansion process. Confirming the results presented in figure 13.9, it appears
2 Normal shock wave 175
30
Rankine−Hugoniot relation
25 Isentropic relation
Rayleigh line (M =4)
1
1
pressure ratio p /p
2
20
15
10
0
0 0.5 1 1.5
inverse density ratio ρ1 /ρ2
Figure 13.10: Relation of Rankine-Hugoniot for γ = 1.4, valid for any normal shock (red line), compared
with an Isentropic evolution (dashed black line). Additionally, the Rayleigh line for a specific shock (here,
M1 = 4) is shown as a straight blue line.
again that a weak shock (i.e., a shock for M1 ≃ 1, or in other words p2 ≃ p1 is nearly isentropic: the red
and black curves in 13.10 cannot be distinguished in this region, left of the point (1,1).
However, this is not true any more for a strong shock (M1 ≫ 1, or p2 ≫ p1 )! In this part of the
diagram, the two curves lie far from each other, and the pressure increase is much more considerable in
the normal shock for the same density variation.
Considering mass conservation, Eq.(13.2), the ratio ρρ12 vv12 within the parenthesis is equal to unity and
therefore disappears. For the same reason, the last ratio in the parenthesis, v2 /v1 , can be immediately
replaced by ρ1 /ρ2 , finally leading to:
!
ρ1
p2 − p1 = ρ1 v12 1− (13.51)
ρ2
Now, on the right-hand side, the combination γp1 /ρ1 appears, which is equal to c21 considering Eq.(11.51):
!
p2 γv 2 ρ1
− 1 = 21 1 − (13.54)
p1 c1 ρ2
Replacing on the right-hand side the ratio v1 over c1 by the Mach number M1 considering Eq.(11.29),
the equation of the Rayleigh line is finally obtained:
!
p2 ρ1
− 1 = γM12 1 − (13.55)
p1 ρ2
The point (1,1) obviously always belongs to the Rayleigh line. Since the equation of this straight line
still contains the Mach number M1 , it is only valid for a specific normal shock, that occurring for an
upstream Mach number equal to M1 . Plotting the Rayleigh line in the same graph as the Rankine-
Hugoniot relation, as done exemplarily in figure 13.10 for M1 = 4 (straight blue line), the intersection
between the blue line (Rayleigh) and the red curve (Rankine-Hugoniot) delivers the pressure and density
jumps really found for this specific normal shock. Looking at figure 13.10, one reads p2 /p1 ≈ 18 and
ρ1 /ρ2 ≈ 0.2, which corresponds well to the true values that can be read in Appendix F for the same
conditions: p2 /p1 = 18.5 and ρ1 /ρ2 = 0.219. The graphical representation shown in figure 13.10 can
therefore be used to obtain graphically pressure and density jump through a normal shock.
Figure 13.11: Shock wave during the first test of a nuclear bomb in the USA in July 1945 (photo from
The Atlantic).
change in reference frame: when the observer is moving together with the shock wave, then the situation
is exactly similar to that we have considered up to now (figure 13.2). Figure 13.12 explains the different
steps needed to convert the analysis from a real explosion to the system finally considered in what
follows.
The conditions found in the quiescent atmosphere, and thus upstream of the (propagating) normal
shock, are as usual denoted with the index 1: p1 , T1 , ρ1 . . . Similarly, the conditions observed after passing
through the normal shock are indexed 2: p2 , T2 , ρ2 . . . The propagation speed of the normal shock in
the quiescent atmosphere is denoted ∆. Using ∆ and the speed of sound upstream of the shock c1 , it is
possible to build the Mach number of the shock wave M1 by:
∆
M1 := (13.56)
c1
Looking closely at figure 13.12, M1 is the exact equivalent of M1 for the standard configuration described
in figure 13.2. All the other equations and properties described previously apply as well. For instance,
the conservation equations now read:
• For mass:
ρ1 ∆ = ρ2 (∆ − v2 ) (13.57)
• For momentum:
p1 + ρ1 ∆2 = p2 + ρ2 (∆ − v2 )2 (13.58)
178 Chapter 13. Shock waves
p1
p1
1
1 v2 p2 T1
T1
2
T2
a)
p1
1
p2
T1
2
v2
T2
b)
-v2
p1 p2
1 2
T1 T2
c)
Figure 13.12: Process allowing to analyze the propagating shock wave produced by an explosion: a)
Explosion process; b) Converting to a propagating, locally straight normal shock wave, as a local ap-
proximation of the expanding shock by zooming using the magnifying class of subfigure (a); c) Change
of reference frame, using the observer traveling with the shock wave depicted in subfigure (b), allowing
to obtain a fixed normal shock wave and get back to the configuration considered in figure 13.2.
3 Why shock waves? 179
• For energy:
∆2 (∆ − v2 )2
cp T1 + = cp T2 + (13.59)
2 2
∆2 v22
= cp T2 + + − v2 ∆ (13.60)
2 2
This last equation simplifies also to:
v22
cp T1 = cp T2 + − v2 ∆ (13.61)
2
All the other equations derived for a fixed normal shock can readily be applied to the current problem
of a moving shock by considering the change in reference frame described in figure 13.12. In particular,
the pressure jump through the shock, p2 /p1 , also written Π, can be computed as:
p2
= Π (13.62)
p1
2γM21 − γ + 1
= (13.63)
γ+1
which is identical to Eq.(13.26) when replacing M1 by M1 . In the same manner, it comes for the density
jump:
ρ2 (γ + 1)M21
= (13.64)
ρ1 2 + (γ − 1)M21
When analyzing an explosion, it is also useful to invert those relations in order to derive all important
quantities as function of the pressure jump Π. When doing so, one obtains in particular for the shock
Mach number:
(γ + 1)Π + γ − 1
M1 = (13.65)
2γ
The density ratio is given by Eq.(13.46), already obtained when demonstrating the Rankine-Hugoniot
relation:
ρ2 (γ + 1)Π + γ − 1
= (13.66)
ρ1 (γ − 1)Π + γ + 1
The solution process is then typically as follows: knowing explosive type and quantity, it is possible
to assess the value of p2 . Together with the value of p1 = pa , this is sufficient to determine the other
properties of the normal shock, in particular its propagation speed ∆.
Sometimes, the analysis goes the other way round. Knowing, for instance from high-speed images,
the propagation speed of the shock, the value of p2 can be determined from Eq.(13.63).
• at micro-scale, the pressure is homogeneous and isotropic, so that it is impossible to get pressure
differences at distances below that characterizing a fluid element;
• again at micro-scale, there is a single flow velocity for a fluid element, so that it is impossible to
observe velocity differences at such scales.
Finally, this explains why shock waves are needed and will indeed appear: this is the only solution
we know allowing to separate in a physically correct manner regions with an abrupt change in pressure
and/or velocity!
p1 p1
p2>> p1 p2>> p1
v2 v2
v1 v1
v1 v2 v1 v2
impossible possible
Figure 13.13: Compatibility conditions at micro-scale for a fluid considered as a continuum. The shock
wave is the only solution to separate in a physically correct manner regions with an abrupt change in
pressure and/or velocity. The corresponding shock wave (normal or oblique) is sketched as a thick red
line.
• The shock wave is a discontinuity without inner structure, separating the upstream flow (with
conditions marked by an index 1) from the downstream flow (with conditions marked by an index
2);
4 Oblique shock wave 181
• The shock wave is a straight structure, with an inclination angle ǫ compared to the upstream flow
direction (given by v1 );
• All streamlines are parallel to each other before the shock wave, and after the shock wave;
The corresponding configuration is shown in figure 13.14. Flow deflection might be due to the
geometry of the system, for instance if the lower wall of a straight duct is indeed turned by an angle
δ. In that case, an oblique shock wave will appear in a supersonic flow, as discussed below, leading
additionally to changes in pressure, density, temperature. . . Looking back at figure 13.13, the shock
wave is needed here to fulfill compatibility conditions in terms of velocity.
v2
v1
n
n p2
p1 n
n 2
1
T2
T1
n
n
vn1 vt1 vn2 vt2
90°
x
Figure 13.14: Configuration employed for the analysis of a fixed, oblique shock wave (shown in red),
together with the control volume (in green) used to derive the conservation equations. The angle δ is
the deflection angle, the angle ε the shock angle. Here, the shock wave is needed to ensure compatibility
in terms of velocity.
Alternatively, an oblique shock wave might appear in order to fulfill compatibility conditions in terms
of pressure, for instance at the end of an overexpanded Laval nozzle (figure 13.15). In that case, a change
in velocity direction and magnitude will be the result. Both configurations are of course solved in the
same manner. For the developments presented in this section, the configuration shown in figure 13.14
has been chosen.
182 Chapter 13. Shock waves
pa
je t b o u
ndary
v1
p2=pa
p1
2
1 v2
T2
T1
pa
Figure 13.15: Oblique shock wave (shown in red) appearing at the end of an overexpanded Laval nozzle
(i.e., , p1 < pa at the end of the nozzle). Here, the shock wave is needed to ensure compatibility in terms
of pressure.
• Additionally, the top and bottom horizontal boundaries of the control volume are identical in
length, and exactly the same fluid properties will be found when following those boundaries.
However, there is one important difference: the normal vector n, pointing always towards the
outside of the control volume, is opposed along both lines (figure 13.14).
• The left and right lines bounding the control volume have been chosen parallel to the oblique shock
wave itself. They therefore do not follow the horizontal or vertical direction. Please keep in mind
this unusual convention.
4 Oblique shock wave 183
• In the same manner, the coordinate system is different from our usual choice: the y-direction
follows again the oblique shock wave; the x-direction is of course perpendicular to the y-axis and
roughly in flow direction, but it is not horizontal.
• In order to account for this unusual axis system, the flow velocity v has been decomposed into
its normal component vn , normal to the oblique shock wave, and its tangential component vt ,
parallel to the oblique shock wave. The corresponding vector relation simply reads:
v = vn + vt (13.67)
Now, using the Pythagorean theorem in the right triangle formed by v, vn , vt , one obtains:
Additionally, looking back at figure 13.14, it is easy to recognize that the angle between v and vn is
a complementary angle to the shock angle ε. Therefore, using the standard angular relations in a right
triangle, it is possible to write successively:
Mass conservation
For the steady flow bounded by the streamtube shown in green in figure 13.2 the mass conservation is
again represented simply by the conservation of the mass flow-rate (ṁ = constant) through any tube
cross-section.
Here, all streamlines are parallel to each other, so that the cross-section of the streamtube is constant
in spite of the flow deflection (angle δ between inflow and outflow directions), A(x) = A1 = A2 =
constant.
There is no fluid leaving or entering the control volume through the horizontal boundaries. On the
left and right side, the boundaries being parallel to the oblique shock wave, only the normal velocity
component vn must be taken into consideration. The tangential velocity component vt , being parallel
to the boundaries of the control volume, does not lead to any exchange of fluid with the surroundings.
Hence, the mass conservation relating upstream and downstream conditions simply reads:
Conservation of momentum
Friction plays obviously no role for the configuration considered in figure 13.14, since there is no velocity
gradient upstream and downstream of the discontinuity (homogeneous flow conditions). Therefore, the
suitable expression for conservation of momentum in this two-dimensional, steady compressible flow is
that introduced in Chapter 4 (Eq. 4.17):
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
ρ(x, t)v(x, t) (v(x, t) · n) dA = ρ(x, t)gdV − p(x, t)ndA (13.75)
Ac f Vc f Ac f
184 Chapter 13. Shock waves
As usual for a gas flow, the contribution of gravity will be completely neglected due to the low density
of gases, even at relatively high pressure. This vector relation will be written instead using two scalar
relations along the direction x (normal to the shock wave) and y (tangential to the shock wave).
It is clear that all contributions along the horizontal boundaries of the control volume are zero (for the
velocity term, due to the fact that (v · n) = 0) or compensate each other exactly (for the pressure term,
due to the opposite directions of n along the top and bottom boundaries). Therefore, the only remaining
contributions in Eq.(13.75) are found along the left and right boundaries. Along the x-direction, those
terms involve only the normal velocity component, both in v and in the scalar product (v · n). One thus
obtains for momentum conservation along x:
2 2
p1 + ρ1 vn1 = p2 + ρ2 vn2 (13.76)
Considering now the y-direction for the terms along the left and right boundaries, v now involves only
vt while the scalar product (v · n) still delivers vn , so that the momentum conservation along y finally
reads:
ρ1 vn1 vt1 = ρ2 vn2 vt2 (13.77)
Dividing now Eq.(13.77) by Eq.(13.74), one obtains immediately the important relation:
The tangential velocity component vt remains unchanged when crossing the oblique shock wave!
Energy conservation
The conservation of energy is again simply derived from the First Law of Thermodynamics. For such an
isolated adiabatic system, the total energy is constant, which can be written when neglecting as usual
the contribution of potential energy for this gaseous flow:
v12 v2
h1 + = h2 + 2 (13.79)
2 2
It is identical to that obtained for the normal shock wave.
• Energy conservation:
v12 v2
cp T1 + = cp T2 + 2 (13.83)
2 2
On one hand, this relation can be transformed in a manner similar to that done for the normal shock
wave, replacing temperature and kinetic energy together using the stagnation temperature T0 ,
leading to:
cp T01 = cp T02 (13.84)
Since cp = constant, it is thus again clear that, in this adiabatic flow, the stagnation temperature T0
is the same upstream and downstream of the oblique shock wave:
On the other hand, it is also possible to rewrite Eq.(13.83) using again the Pythagorean theorem
v 2 = vn 2 + vt 2 and simplifying the tangential component vt since vt1
2 2
= vt2 , leading finally to:
2
vn1 v2
cp T1 + = cp T2 + n2 (13.86)
2 2
Summarizing, the final conservation equations for mass, momentum (in x-direction) and energy read as
a whole:
Comparing these equations to those obtained for the normal shock (i.e., comparing Eq.(13.87) to
Eq.(13.7), comparing Eq.(13.88) to Eq.(13.8) and comparing Eq.(13.89) to Eq.(13.9)), it is easy to
see that both equation sets are identical, provided that the velocities v are replaced everywhere by the
respective normal components of the same velocity, vn .
This therefore delivers the practical solution for our problem. When considering an oblique shock, a
decomposition of the flow field in directions normal (index n) and tangential (index t) to the shock will
be first realized. Then:
• In the tangential direction, the velocity remains unchanged by the shock: vt1 = vt2 .
• In the normal direction, i.e., when considering only the normal components of the velocity, the
oblique shock behaves exactly like the normal shock considered in Section 13.2. There is no need
to develop a special solution for this problem.
Beware! Unfortunately, this statement does not necessarily apply for relations involving several inter-
mediate steps and dynamic flow properties, switching back and forth between velocity magnitude and
normal velocity, or between Mach number and normal Mach number. . . For instance, the shock relation
of Prandtl (see Eq.13.42) cannot directly be transformed into a form valid for oblique shocks; in order
to derive a suitable equation, the tangential velocity component must be taken into account as well,
limiting its applicability.
186 Chapter 13. Shock waves
p2 2γM12 − γ + 1
= (13.90)
p1 γ+1
Now, the flow velocity v does not appear in this equation, so it would be possible to believe that there
is nothing to do. This is indeed misleading. The right answer is that the flow velocity v does not
appear directly. But, considering the definition of the Mach number M = v/c, it is clear that the flow
velocity is contained as well within M, every time the Mach number appears. Therefore, it is necessary
to reformulate slightly the rule mentioned previously:
All the direct relations derived for the normal shock wave can immediately be used for the
oblique shock wave as long as the normal velocity components vn are used instead of the
velocity magnitude v. This rule applies as well to the Mach number, which must be replaced
by the normal Mach number Mn defined as:
vn
Mn := (13.91)
c
As a first step, the relation between the normal Mach numbers upstream and downstream of the
shock wave is simply: v
u 2
u 2 + (γ − 1) Mn1
Mn2 = t 2
(13.92)
2γMn1 +1−γ
All the jump relations can be readily obtained for the oblique shock using this same rule. One obtains
successively:
It is not necessary to plot again the corresponding evolutions, since they would be identical to figures
13.4 to 13.7 when replacing M1 by Mn1 along the x-axis. The qualitative statements remain the same:
the jump in pressure is the most noticeable effect of an oblique shock; pressure and temperature jump
4 Oblique shock wave 187
tend toward infinity when increasing the upstream normal Mach number, while density and velocity
jump tend toward a finite limit value.
The analogy can be pursued in a similar manner concerning the stagnation pressure and specific entropy.
Concerning in particular this last quantity, it has been demonstrated in Section 13.2.7 that a normal
shock can only exist for an upstream Mach number M1 ≥ 1. Using the rule derived previously, the
condition on specific entropy connected to the Second Law of Thermodynamics for the oblique shock
now reads Mn1 ≥ 1.
In order to really understand the meaning of this relation, it is necessary to look back at figure 13.14.
Due to geometrical considerations, we have already written Eq.(13.70):
Similarly, behind the oblique shock wave, Eq.(13.72) relates normal velocity and velocity magnitude by
vn2 = v2 sin(ε − δ), so that the normal Mach number behind the oblique shock is:
The conditions found in Section 13.2.7 for the normal shock (M1 ≥ 1 before the normal shock, and
therefore M2 ≤ 1 after the normal shock) are therefore written for the oblique shock: Mn1 ≥ 1 and
Mn2 ≤ 1. Taking into account the angular relations written above, one obtains finally upstream of the
oblique shock
M1 sin ε ≥ 1 (13.100)
Since (sin ε) is obviously below 1, this relation therefore necessitates as well M1 ≥ 1. As a consequence,
the statement listed in Section 13.2.7 for the normal shock remains valid: a steady oblique shock can
only exist in a supersonic flow.
The situation is different after the oblique shock. The corresponding condition reads:
M2 sin(ε − δ) ≤ 1 (13.101)
But, since again sin(ε − δ) is obviously below 1, this condition does not necessitate M2 ≤ 1. As a
consequence and as will be shown later, the Mach number M2 behind the oblique shock can be either
supersonic or subsonic. In practice, the supersonic regime is often found, though the subsonic regime
exists as well. Finally, there is no clear rule concerning the value of M2 behind the oblique shock, apart
from the fact that M2 must be always smaller than M1 (deceleration induced by the shock wave).
Quantity Evolution
T0 T01 = T02
M (from M1 ≥ 1) ց (M2 : subsonic or supersonic)
v v1 ց v2
p p1 ր p2
p0 p01 ց p02
T T1 ր T2
s s1 ր s2
Table 13.2: Evolution of the main flow quantities through an oblique shock wave
Therefore, the tabulated values listed in Appendix F for the normal shock (in the case γ = 1.4)
can be used for the oblique shock, provided the normal Mach number Mn1 = M1 sin ε (and not the
Mach number!) is used to enter the Table in the first column (entitled M). Then:
• the eighth column gives the normal Mach number Mn2 = M2 sin(ε − δ) downstream of the shock
wave (and not M2 !);
• the ninth column gives the pressure jump through the oblique shock;
Using now Eq.(13.72) with Eq.(13.73), one obtains in the same way:
Using Eq.(13.95) to replace the density jump and exchanging left-hand and right-hand side, it comes:
Hence, providing a value for the deflection angle δ and the upstream Mach number M1 , Eq.(13.109) can
be used to compute the corresponding value of the shock angle ε. This has been done in figure 13.16,
where even more information has been shown:
• Only the lower part of the diagram, plotted in solid red and blue lines, should be considered. It
corresponds to so-called weak solutions, and those are the ones we are presently computing. The
upper part, associated to strong oblique shock waves, is far less relevant for practical purposes and
will not be further discussed.
• Following now one line M = constant, a turning point is observed for some value of the deflection
angle, δ = δmax (M). The corresponding value is marked in figure 13.16 with ∗. The existence of
δmax (M) shows that there is a maximum possible deflection in any supersonic flow leading to an
oblique shock wave as shown in figure 13.14. When trying to deflect such a supersonic flow by
an angle δ > δmax (M), a different physical solution will appear. Since this is not often found in
practice, such a configuration will not be further considered in what follows.
• Finally, following again one line M = constant, a + symbol is plotted slightly below the ∗ symbol.
This is the limit beyond which a subsonic flow (M2 < 1) will be found after the oblique shock. For
values of ǫ below the + symbol, the flow beyond the oblique shock wave is supersonic (M2 > 1).
In-between the + and the ∗ symbol, subsonic conditions are found downstream of the oblique
shock (M2 < 1).
190 Chapter 13. Shock waves
48
20
810
44
6
5
40
4.5
4
3.6
36
3.4
3.2
Deflection angle δ (in °)
3
2.8
32
2.6
2.4
28
2.2
24
2
1.9
20
1.8
1.7
16
1.6
12
1.5
1.45
1.4
8
1.35
1.3
1.25
4
1.2
1.15
1.1
1.05
0
1
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Shock angle ε (in °)
Figure 13.16: Graphical relation between the deflection angle δ (x-axis) and the shock angle ε (y-axis) as
a function of the upstream Mach number M1 (lines), corresponding to the solution of Eq.(13.109). Only
the lower part of the diagram, shown alternatively with solid red and blue lines, should be considered.
4 Oblique shock wave 191
• The resulting upstream velocity vector v1 , which is constant in the present case, is now used to
define the x-axis of the graphical representation. The retained origin for this vector, written Ω, is
the origin of the coordinate system and will be chosen as well as origin to plot all other vectors in
this figure. Note also that there is no need to extend the x-axis beyond v1 , since it corresponds
to the maximum downstream velocity for any possible shock in this flow.
• Now, the only remaining task is to plot in this same coordinate system the downstream conditions
for all shocks possibly occurring in this flow for the same gas, Mach number M1 and upstream
temperature T1 . Let us begin with the case where the shock does not lead to any deflection, δ = 0.
This means that the velocity vector v2 downstream of the shock is simply parallel to v1 and will
therefore itself be part of the x-axis. There are two possible shock solutions without deflection:
◦ The Mach wave, or “invisible shock’’, leading to no modification at all of the flow. In that
case, one obtains directly v2 = v1 .
192 Chapter 13. Shock waves
◦ The normal shock discussed in Section 13.2. In that case, the downstream velocity is given
by Eq.(13.30), which has been used to compute the velocity magnitude v2 in figure 13.17:
v2 2 + (γ − 1)M12
= (13.113)
v1 (γ + 1)M12
• Finally, let us consider all further oblique shocks with a real deflection, δ > 0. In that case, the
direction of the vector v2 is already known (angle δ between the x-axis, i.e., the vector v1 and
the downstream velocity vector v2 ). Only the magnitude is now needed. The computation of v2
involves several successive steps:
◦ Knowing M1 and δ, determine the shock angle ε, either graphically from figure 13.16 or
numerically from Eq.(13.109);
◦ Then, compute the normal Mach number Mn1 = M1 sin ε;
◦ The normal Mach number Mn2 downstream of the shock is given by Eq.(13.92):
v
u 2
u 2 + (γ− 1) Mn1
Mn2 = t
2
(13.114)
2γMn1 +1−γ
◦ Knowing now M2 and T2 , the downstream velocity magnitude can be again directly computed
using Eqs.(11.29) and (11.51): q
v2 = M2 γrT2 (13.116)
◦ Knowing angle and magnitude, the downstream velocity vector v2 can be finally plotted in
figure 13.17.
• Repeating this process for any possible deflection angle δ ≤ δmax (see also figure 13.18), the polar
curve is obtained, as presented in figure 13.17.
Keeping in mind the condition vt1 = vt2 (Eq. 13.78), the polar curve can also be used a posteriori
to determine graphically the shock angle ε (see now figure 13.18). For this purpose, it is sufficient to
first draw the straight line connecting the tip of the upstream velocity vector v1 with the tip of the
downstream velocity vector v2 . Drawing now the straight line starting from Ω and perpendicular to the
first line, it is clear that this second line gives the direction of the oblique shock, since the projections of
v1 and v2 onto this line, which represent the tangential part of those vectors, are equal, hence fulfilling
the condition vt1 = vt2 , as written in figure 13.18.
Along the polar curve, the oblique shock waves leading to a supersonic downstream flow are shown
in red, while those leading to subsonic downstream conditions are in blue in figure 13.17. It is again
visible that most cases lead to supersonic flows behind the oblique shock.
The maximum possible deflection angle δmax is also directly visible from figure 13.18 (last solution
leading to an oblique shock, i.e., last point along the polar curve – that associated to the lowest velocity
v2 ).
The Busemann diagram is that obtained when representing on the same figure the polar curves for a
variety of upstream flow conditions. It can be used to determine all relevant properties of any shock wave
6 Boundary conditions and shock reflections 193
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0ï)*+,-./01-,23,4*4/152678
3,/%-
#!! 0850,+6&" "&8-)
9,(+0:-*%." *" *2*.3/%-4"
;,(" ,5/678*"0',&1"
"!! !#"
+,-.%/" δ
0',&1" $%&'"
! (%)*"
Ω
!!"
ï"!!
Figure 13.17: Graphical representation of the polar curve showing all possible shock structures found in
a fixed supersonic flow. For the present case, air is considered (γ = 1.4 and r = 287 J/(kg.K)). A Mach
number M1 = 2 has been arbitrarily selected here, together with an upstream temperature T1 = 300 K.
in a flow. Its advantage is that it is a very compact representation: on a single figure, everything can be
determined. One drawback is the comparatively low accuracy of the obtained information, stemming
from the difficulty of reading accurately the value of small angles. Therefore, as far as possible, it is
recommended to use instead the shock tables or – even better – a numerical solution of the equations
listed in this chapter.
$!!
0ï)*+,-./01-,23,4*4/152678
#!!
"!!
ε
!#"
δma
ax
max
δ
!
Ω
!!"
ï"!!
Figure 13.18: Graphical representation of the polar curve showing all possible shock structures found in
a fixed supersonic flow. For the present case, air is considered (γ = 1.4 and r = 287 J/(kg.K)). A Mach
number M1 = 2 has been arbitrarily selected here, together with an upstream temperature T1 = 300 K.
The maximum deflection angle δmax and the graphical procedure used to determine the shock angle ǫ
are shown as well in this figure.
second shock is to lead back to a horizontal flow, compatible with the (horizontal) direction of the upper
wall. But, at the same time, this second shock will lead to a further increase in pressure, temperature,
density, as well as to another flow deceleration.
Now, this second shock, when meeting the lower wall, will again be reflected, so that the flow
after the third shock will again be parallel to the lower wall. Those reflections will repeat until perfect
compatibility conditions are reached, or very often, will stop by reaching a last, normal shock wave when
entering a region with parallel walls. The real shock system depends of course on the real geometrical
configuration.
13.7 Conclusions
Using the relations derived in this chapter, it is now possible to compute all relevant properties for the
normal and oblique shock waves that might be found in any supersonic flow. In fact, there are further
possible structures that have not been discussed here; in particular, rarefaction waves will be considered
7 Conclusions 195
v3
p3
v1
3
p1 v2 T3
1
p2
T1
2
T2
Figure 13.19: Typical configuration for the analysis of a fixed, oblique shock wave (shown in red) with
both lower wall (deflection angle δ) and upper wall, leading to (multiple) shock reflection(s) as needed
to ensure compatibility in terms of velocity direction.
in a later version of this document; strong shock waves have not been discussed at all, because they
typically do not play an important role in practice; the same applies to discontinuity lines. Still, the
concepts already discussed will be sufficient to obtain a working solution in a vast majority of practical
cases involving supersonic flows!
196 Chapter 13. Shock waves
Chapter 14
Introduction to turbulence
197
198 Chapter 14. Introduction to turbulence
• at low velocity, the mixing was extremely slow, both streams flowing further parallel to each other
in a very regular manner. We will call these conditions laminar from now on.
• at intermediate velocity, both fluids were still well separated (limited amount of mixing), but were
showing clearly visible vortex structures, impacting the flow direction in space and time. We will
call these conditions transitional.
• finally, at high velocity, both fluids were mixed very rapidly, and the mixing process involved very
complex, chaotic, unstructured vortices at different scales. We will call these conditions turbulent.
In later experiments it could be demonstrated that these modifications are not only connected to an
increase of velocity. As explained in the chapter dealing with non-dimensional parameters (Chapter 10),
isolated flow parameters are not essential and should be grouped to remove dimensions. In this manner,
the Reynolds number Re has been defined:
ρvl vl
Re := = (14.1)
µ ν
transition
laminar turbulent
flow flow
∞
0 Reynolds number
Value depends on Res
application and on the
retained length scale s
Considering the definition of the Reynolds number, Eq.(14.1), it is easy to determine the impact
of different quantities on the flow state. Considering Table 14.1, one can identify the few flows that
will not take place in the turbulence regime: slow flows at small scales and/or involving highly viscous
fluids. These might be for instance micro-scale flows, like found in fuel cells, for which tubes of a few
3 Qualitative properties of turbulent flows 199
100 µm are typically employed. Since micro-scale flows lead to very high viscous effects, they usually
involve very small velocities, supporting again establishment of laminar conditions. Such laminar flows
at small-scales are also found in the human body, for example blood flows in small vessels. Another case
of laminar flows is found for highly viscous fluids, for example polymers.
• turbulent flows are chaotic, i.e., unpredictable on a long time-scale. An infinitesimally small
perturbation of the system will grow exponentially with time and lead to a completely different
flow solution after some time. The behavior of turbulent flows thus appears to be random, even
though they are deterministic (i.e., described by known conservation equations). More details
concerning chaos theory can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
• turbulent flows lead to a much faster homogeneization for all flow quantities, for example for veloc-
ity, temperature or concentration. Therefore, such turbulent flows may be very beneficial for a wide
range of practical applications. If you want to mix two different species, or to get a homogeneous
temperature when mixing one cold and one hot jet, this will take place much more efficiently and
much faster under turbulent conditions, compared to a purely laminar homogeneization process.
• turbulent flows develop as a result of natural instabilities (consider for example the transition to
turbulence of a smoke plume after a short way in a quiet surrounding atmosphere) and/or of
user-induced fluctuations in flow quantities (as done for example when stirring the flow with an
impeller).
• turbulent flows can transform back into laminar flows under the influence of viscosity. Indeed,
viscosity is a sink term in the conservation equation describing the kinetic energy of turbulence.
As a consequence, viscous effects lead to a damping of turbulent structures. The corresponding
kinetic energy is of course not lost (energy is always a conserved quantity), but is transformed into
thermal energy (temperature increase in the flow).
• turbulent flows always involve vortical structures (vortices), associated with a variety of time-scales
(slow up to fast vortices), of length-scales (small up to large vortices) and of orientation.
• turbulent flows are always unsteady. Time-dependent variations of the main flow quantities (also
called fluctuations of these quantities) will usually be far from negligible. As a typical order of
magnitude, relative fluctuations of velocity magnitude with time will often be around 10% in a
turbulent flow, sometimes even much more.
200 Chapter 14. Introduction to turbulence
• turbulent flows are always spatially three-dimensional in nature. Even if the main flow characteris-
tics can often be approximated as being one-dimensional or two-dimensional, the flow fluctuations
associated with turbulence will always rapidly develop into a fully three-dimensional field, often
without (isotropic), sometimes with (anisotropic) preferred directions. Note that it is indeed pos-
sible to produce in the laboratory and under well-controlled conditions two-dimensional turbulent
flows; this is useful for our fundamental understanding but does not correspond to practical flows.
Finally, you understand again why turbulent flows are so complex. In order to simplify our analysis,
we have always employed in the past one or more of the following assumptions: reduced dimensionality
(one-dimensional flow, two-dimensional flow); steady flow; irrotational flow; incompressible flow. The
last one is the only remaining assumption that could still safely be used when considering turbulent
flows. In principle, the first three ones are wrong from the start, even if they might still be employed to
get a first, approximate understanding of what happens in a turbulent flow.
Further information will be found in later versions of this document.
Appendix A
This chapter is a gathering of the most important concepts and keywords used in the rest of the
document. It is ordered alphabetically. Usually, you will simply access specifically one or of the other
of the sections by following the appropriate links in the main text.
gl3 ρf (ρb − ρf )
Ar := (A.1)
µ2
and involves the typical size l of the object, and the difference in density between fluid ρf and body ρb .
Note that this Archimedes number can be either positive or negative.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
A.2 Cavitation
Cavitation is a transition of state between liquid and gas phase, similar to boiling but associated with
a change in pressure and not in temperature. For boiling, increasing the temperature of a liquid allows
to travel in the phase space from the liquid phase to the gas phase, keeping the pressure constant.
Similarly, for cavitation, decreasing the pressure of a liquid allows to travel in the phase space from
the liquid phase to the gas phase, keeping the temperature constant. The corresponding cavitation
pressure pc (saturated vapor pressure) associated to the transition between a liquid and a gas depends
of course on the liquid, on the temperature, but also in practice very much on possible impurities present
in the liquid and on the possible existence of suitable seeds promoting cavitation.
The appearance of cavitation is by itself not a real problem. But the resulting bubbles usually collapse
back to the liquid phase when encountering a higher pressure at some later point of the flow. Such
collapsing bubbles induce very intense shock waves in the liquid, and the resulting pressure variations
may damage very rapidly any wall or structure placed in the vicinity. Due to this structural damage,
cavitation must usually be avoided.
Depending on water purity and on the temperature, the critical cavitation pressure pc for water has
an order of magnitude pc ≈ 0.01 bar (hundred times smaller than typical atmospheric pressure).
201
202 Appendix A. Basic concepts and keywords of fluid dynamics
True cavitation involves thus a two-phase mixture of a liquid with its own vapour. The somewhat
similar, but less harmful process called pseudo-cavitation appears when a gas (for instance air) dissolved
in a liquid leads to the formation of bubbles in this liquid at some point in the flow where low pressures
are found. In that case, we observe again a two-phase flow (liquid/gas), but the gas is not the vapour
of the liquid.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
and connecting the cross-section area A (in m2 ) with the wetted perimeter (or contact length between
fluid and wall) Pw (in m). As a result, the hydraulic diameter has obviously the right dimension. For a
cylindrical tube, A = πd2 /4 while Pw = πd, so that dh = d, as expected!
The concept of hydraulic diameter, as defined by Eq.(A.6) can now be used for any complex geo-
metrical cross-section. For a few standard cases, the computed hydraulic diameter for internal flows is
as follows:
square cross-section, side-length l dh = l
2l1 l2
rectangular cross-section, side-lengths l1 × l2 dh =
l1 + l2
l
equilateral triangular cross-section, side-length l dh = √
3
flow between two infinite parallel plates, separation distance l dh = 2l
enclosure between two concentric cylinders, diameters d1 < d2 dh = d2 − d1
For an open channel flow, the top part of the fluid does not lead to any shear stress and is therefore
not included in the computation of the wetted perimeter Pw . As a consequence, the hydraulic diameter
is now dh = 4(lH)/(l + 2H), with H the height of the liquid and l the side length of the flow. If we are
considering a film or a shallow flow (H ≪ l), this simplifies to dh ≈ 4H.
Finally, note that the concept of hydraulic diameter is not an exact description of the underlying
physics. It is just an adequate procedure to re-use the measurements results presented for a cylindrical
pipe in the Moody-Colebrook chart (figure 6.5) when the cross-section looks different. Due to this poor
physical background, errors must be expected. The errors observed for non-cylindrical cross-sections
are indeed considerable (20% or more) in the laminar regime. They are usually quite small (a few %) in
highly turbulent flows, due to the diminishing importance of the exact geometry under such conditions.
• but an incompressible flow can involve an easily compressible fluid, for instance a gas like air.
For a compressible fluid, the notion of compressible vs. incompressible flow will be clarified in the chapter
dealing with one-dimensional, isentropic compressible flows. We will prove in particular in Chapter 11
that the relative change of density ρ induced indirectly by a corresponding relative change of the velocity
magnitude v reads:
dρ dv
= −M 2 (A.7)
ρ v
204 Appendix A. Basic concepts and keywords of fluid dynamics
M (dρ/ρ)/(dv/v) (in %)
0 0
0.1 1
0.2 4
0.3 9
0.4 16
0.5 25
1 100
Table A.1: Ratio between the relative variation of density and the relative variation of velocity magnitude
as a function of the Mach number M
where the Mach number M appears as a key quantity. As a function of the Mach number, the ratio
between the relative variation of density and the relative variation of velocity magnitude can then be
directly computed, leading e.g. to Table A.1.
Now, the threshold can be defined more clearly. If, as usual for engineering purposes, 10% is con-
sidered as some kind of “magical limit” under which an effect can be neglected, then a Mach number
of 0.3 (strictly speaking, of 0.333 . . .) corresponds to the limit between incompressible (M ≤ 0.3) and
compressible (M > 0.3) flows. If, for some reason, the accuracy of the computation must be very high,
so that only a maximal error of 1% can be tolerated, then incompressible flows take place only up to
M = 0.1. This is illustrated in figure A.1.
The opposite of an incompressible flow is called a compressible flow.
sonic
subsonic supersonic
incompressible compressible
flow flow
of this definition) in reality. This will nevertheless be a very good approximation for most simple liquids
at nearly constant temperature (figure A.2). For example, pure water at ambient temperature is a close
approximation of an incompressible fluid with ρ ≈ 1000 kg/m3 . The notion of incompressible fluid
should not be confused with the notion of incompressible flow (see previous section).
air water
p
p =
Figure A.2: A gas is typically easily compressible, a liquid shows a nearly constant density when varying
pressure.
To be more accurate, the compressibility of a fluid at constant temperature T is defined in fact with
the isothermal compressibility coefficient as
!
1 ∂ρ
βT := (A.8)
ρ ∂p T
while its thermal expansion at constant pressure is defined with the isobaric thermal expansion coefficient
as !
1 ∂ρ
αp := − (A.9)
ρ ∂T p
With these concepts, we can now finally clarify what is an incompressible fluid: it is a fluid with βT = 0
1/Pa and simultaneously αp = 0 1/K. Once again, such a fluid does not really exist. But standard water
under ambient conditions shows for example an extremely small isothermal compressibility coefficient,
βT ≈ 0.5 1/GPa or ≈ 5 10−10 1/Pa, meaning that it is extremely difficult to change the density of water
by changing its pressure at constant temperature. At the same time, its thermal expansion coefficient at
constant pressure and 20◦ C is roughly αp ≈ 2 10−4 1/K, showing again that it is quite difficult to change
density by changing temperature at constant pressure, even if αp is far from being 0 (in fact, for a liquid,
this is even a relatively large value). Therefore, as a whole, liquid water can be safely considered as an
incompressible fluid as long as temperature does not change too much and as long as pressure does not
reach extreme values.
Further information on the topic can be found for instance under Wikipedia. Additional details
concerning thermal expansion are given under Wikipedia/Thermal expansion.
206 Appendix A. Basic concepts and keywords of fluid dynamics
∇×v =0 (A.10)
dynamic viscosity of the fluid; as described later, viscosity is one key fluid property, which is a function
of temperature, but stays constant for an isothermal process and for a Newtonian fluid.
Pure water, air and any ideal gas can be considered as Newtonian fluids; but also most gases, many
liquids of low molar mass, molten salts, most liquid metals. . . are at least approximately behaving like
Newtonian fluids. As a consequence, the study of these Newtonian fluids covers a lot of practical
applications.
Even if Newtonian fluids show a similar qualitative behavior, human beings might get a different
feeling, simply due to a widely varying viscosity (Table A.2).
The contrary of a Newtonian fluid is a non-Newtonian fluid.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
∇φ = v (A.12)
where v is the velocity field associated with this flow. Using suitable mathematical relations, it is possible
to demonstrate that this condition is equivalent to the fact that the corresponding flow is irrotational. In
the chapter, dealing specifically with potential flows, we will assume further that these flows are always
incompressible flows, which is very often done in practice and leads to particularly simple solutions.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
For a generic fluid, the square of the speed of sound is defined as the ratio between pressure change and
density change between two thermodynamic states of this fluid related by an isentropic transformation:
!
2 ∂p
c := (A.13)
∂ρ s
z z
O x O x
Figure A.3: Standard coordinate system.
p2
12
C B
x2
p1
O x1
21
D A
A shear stress corresponds to the case where the force is acting in the tangential plane of the
corresponding surface A (arrows tangential to the cubic fluid volume in figure A.4).
A normal stress corresponds to the case where the force is acting in the normal direction of the
corresponding surface A (arrows normal to the cubic fluid volume in figure A.4).
Let us now consider in more detail the infinitesimal cubic element of fluid medium shown in figure A.4,
which has the point of interest at its center and whose square faces, of side-length d, lie perpendicular to
the cartesian axes x1 , x2 (and x3 perpendicular to the page). The arrows labelled p1 and p2 in the figure
indicate forces, of magnitude d2 p1 and d2 p2 respectively, exerted on the cube of fluid by two normal stress
components, also called pressures, which act on the planes AB and BC. The arrows labelled σ21 and
σ12 indicate forces of magnitude d2 σ21 and d2 σ12 respectively, exerted on the cube of fluid by two shear
stress components acting on the same planes; here, the first suffix indicates the direction of the force
and the second the direction of the normal to the plane under consideration. Unlabelled arrows indicate
balancing forces which are exerted on the opposite faces CD and DA. The balance must obviously be
exact in the limit d → 0 (infinitesimal volume): any difference between say p1 on one side and the
corresponding pressure p′1 on the opposite side would result in a force proportional to d2 acting on a
mass proportional to d3 (volume). For d → 0, this would induce infinite accelerations which, as a result,
26 Turbulent flow 211
σ = σT (A.15)
Cutting now our cube in two halves along the diagonal (AC) and producing in this manner two
prisms, BAC and DAC, the same procedure can be repeated for the two resulting, infinitesimal prisms.
Since the stress components acting on the prisms can be directly deduced from those acting on the
original cube, the same analysis leads finally to the fact that:
p1 = p2 = p3 = p (A.16)
This is a very important observation: the normal stress is simply a scalar quantity, completely described
by an isotropic value, the pressure p. This is sometimes known as Pascal’s theorem.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
name) and has been known for a very long time. This effect is usefully quantified through the contraction
ratio
A
Cvc := eff ≤ 1 (A.17)
A
For a sharp orifice in a straight wall, values of Cvc between 0.6 and 0.65 are typically found.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
A.29 Viscosity
Two related viscosity concepts will be used in this document. The dynamic viscosity (also called simply
viscosity) is written µ and expressed in kg/(m.s) or equivalently Pa.s. Knowing the density ρ, a related
quantity called kinematic viscosity, written ν and expressed in m2 /s is introduced by
µ
ν := (A.18)
ρ
Physically, the kinematic viscosity is the diffusion coeffient associated with diffusion of momentum in a
fluid.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
Appendix B
This chapter is a gathering of the most important thermodynamic concepts needed for a correct under-
standing of fluid dynamics. Of course, we cannot go deep into detail! Therefore, only a very superficial
description of thermodynamic ideas will be proposed here. Hundreds of suitable textbooks can be found
to learn more about thermodynamics.
The chapter is ordered alphabetically. Usually, you will not read this chapter at length, but you will
access specifically one or the other of the sections by following the appropriate links in the main text.
p = Gp (ρ) (B.1)
or conversely
ρ = Gρ (p) (B.2)
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
B.3 Enthalpy
Since the notion of enthalpy comes from thermodynamics and not primarily from fluid dynamics, we
will not consider it in great detail here. Let us state only here that the specific enthalpy h is defined
from the specific internal energy e of a gas using:
p
h := e + (B.3)
ρ
213
214 Appendix B. Basic thermodynamic concepts needed for fluid dynamics
As such, the enthalpy is also the appropriate measure for the energy contained in a compressible gas
per unit mass when taking into account pressure changes. We will therefore use the enthalpy instead of
the internal energy when writing energy conservation in a compressible gas.
One further important relation relates the change of enthalpy dh with the corresponding change of
entropy ds
dp
dh = T ds + (B.4)
ρ
B.4 Entropy
Defining in a clear and accurate way the entropy is a major challenge! Since this notion comes from
thermodynamics and not primarily from fluid dynamics, we will not consider it in great detail here. You
will find plenty of excellent books dealing with this notion [KP98], and sometimes considering nothing
else [Dug96, The07]! For us, let us state only here that the specific entropy s is a measure of the disorder
of the fluid system, s increasing when the disorder grows. For an ideal gas, the specific entropy s can be
directly computed as a function of pressure, density (or temperature) and thermodynamic coefficients.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
R
r := (B.5)
W
where W is the molar mass of the considered gas. As such, r is expressed in J/(kg.K) and is a constant
for a given gas, but depends on this gas. For most examples considered in this document, air will be
used. In that case, r = r(air) ≈ 287 J/(kg.K).
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
This quantity, sometimes called also isentropic factor or isentropic exponent, is a constant for an
ideal gas. For many gases under usual conditions, the value of γ can be safely assumed to be con-
stant and approximately equal to 1.4.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
• An ideal gas obeys the ideal gas law, relating pressure, density and temperature through the
specific gas constant r:
p = ρrT (B.8)
• One mole of this gas (1 mole := 6.02 1023 molecules) occupies roughly 22.4 dm3 (or l) under
standard thermodynamic conditions.
• Mayer’s relation between specific heat capacity and specific gas constant:
cp − cv = r (B.9)
• For an isentropic change of state, following equivalent relations apply, all involving the constant
heat capacity ratio γ:
p
= constant (B.11)
ργ
T
= constant (B.12)
ργ−1
pγ−1
= constant (B.13)
Tγ
(B.14)
h = cp T + constant (B.15)
By choosing appropriately the reference state, the constant can be removed, leading to
h = cp T (B.16)
with n the polytropic exponent. Depending on the value of n (with n ≥ 0) and of the gas, different
conditions can be found:
• For n = 1 and for an ideal gas, an isothermal process is necessarily found, since
p
= constant = rT (B.18)
ρ
• Finally, for an ideal gas, n = γ (the heat capacity ratio), corresponds to an isentropic process.
Further details can be found in Section 11.3.2 as well as when dealing with a perfect gas.
This chapter is a gathering of the most important mathematical concepts and derivations needed for a
correct understanding of fluid dynamics. Of course, we cannot start back at the level of second grade!
Only (relatively) “advanced” mathematical concepts and derivations can be treated here.
The chapter is ordered alphabetically. Usually, you will not read this chapter at length, but you will
access specifically one or the other of the sections by following the appropriate links in the main text.
adjacent
opposed
α
hypotenuse
219
220 Appendix C. Basic mathematical concepts needed for fluid dynamics
C1 x2 + C2 xy + C3 y 2 + C4 x + C5 y + C6 = 0 (C.4)
where C1 , C2 , C3 , C4 , C5 , C6 are arbitrary constants verifying that C1 , C2 and C3 are not simultaneously
equal to 0.
The resulting curve is:
In both formulations, n is as usual the unit vector normal to the surface Ac and pointing toward the
outside of the volume Vc . It is trivial to switch between both formulations (Eqs. C.5 and C.6), just by
decomposing a vector into its three components.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
dG
d log(G) = (C.8)
G
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
a · b := ax bx + ay by + az bz (C.10)
Two vectors are orthogonal if and only if their scalar product is zero.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
C.8.2 Sphere
The surface of a sphere of diameter d is πd2 , the volume delimited by the sphere is πd3 /6.
222 Appendix C. Basic mathematical concepts needed for fluid dynamics
C.8.3 Cylinder
!
d
The external surface of a cylinder of diameter d and height H is πd H + , the volume delimited by
2
this cylinder is πHd2/4.
C.8.4 Cone
d √
The external surface of a right circular cone of base diameter d and height H is π d + d2 + 4H 2 ,
4
the volume delimited by this cone is πHd2 /12.
C.9 Vectors
A vector (rigorously speaking, an Euclidean vector) is an object associated simultaneously with a mag-
nitude (or length), a direction and a sense (i.e., an orientation). In the standard coordinate system
employed in this document, a vector is conveniently described by three components, associated with the
three spatial directions. For example for position x or velocity v:
x = (x, y, z) (C.11)
v = (vx , vy , vz ) (C.12)
a × b := (ay bz − az by , az bx − ax bz , ax by − ay bx ) (C.13)
The resulting vector is always perpendicular to the plane containing the two starting vectors a and b.
Two vectors are collinear (i.e., parallel to each other) if and only if their vector product is zero.
Further information can be found for instance under Wikipedia.
C.12 Tensors
Tensors are very useful constructs in Fluid Dynamics, but are somewhat ambiguous, due in particular
to the fact that they are employed with a slightly different background in mathematics and in physics.
In what follows, we will consider only the physical point of view. It is easy to find useful information
on the mathematical point of view in the scientific literature.
In Fluid Dynamics, we will consider only tensors or order 2 (or second order tensors). This just
means that 2 indices are required to describe all the components of this tensor. Note that a tensor of
order 1 is simply a vector, something you already know quite well.
From the point of view of Fluid Dynamics, a (second order) tensor T is similar to a two-dimensional
matrix with a number of lines and columns given by the number of spatial dimensions. Hence, it
will be a 3 × 3 matrix in three dimensions, or a 2 × 2 matrix in two dimensions. Furthermore, this
tensor T is varying continuously in the considered space (this would be called indeed a tensor field by a
mathematician, not a tensor).
Finally, for a usual three-dimensional space, a generic tensor T looks somehow like:
T11 T12 T13
T = (Tij ) for (i = 1, 2, 3; j = 1, 2, 3) = T21 T22 T23
(C.16)
T31 T32 T33
This chapter is just a list of the most important scientists having contributed to the understanding of
fluid dynamics. It is ordered alphabetically. You will access specifically one or the other of the names
by following the appropriate links in the main text.
D.1 Archimedes
Find further information under Wikipedia.
D.4 Blasius
Find further information under Wikipedia.
225
226 Appendix D. Biography of selected important scientists
This chapter contains useful quantitative values concerning compressible flows in the subsonic regime
(see Chapter 11). All the results are only valid for a value of the heat capacity ratio γ = 1.4!
֒→
229
230 Appendix E. Application table for subsonic compressible flows
֒→
231
This chapter contains useful quantitative values concerning compressible flows in the supersonic regime
(see Chapter 11), shock waves as well as rarefaction waves. All the results are only valid for a value of
the heat capacity ratio γ = 1.4! Please note that the variable ν (sixth column), needed to compute the
rarefaction waves, is not yet discussed in the current version of this document.
233
234 Appendix F. Application table for supersonic flows, shock waves and rarefaction waves
[Can90] S. Candel, Mécanique des fluides, Dunod, ISBN 9782040187538 [IN FRENCH], 1990.
[Chh07] R.P. Chhabra, Bubbles, drops and particles in non-newtonian fluids, CRC Taylor & Francis,
ISBN 9780824723293, 2007.
[Dug96] J.S. Dugdale, Entropy and its physical meaning, CRC Press, ISBN 9780748405695, 1996.
[Emm86] G. Emmanuel, Gasdynamics: Theory and applications, AIAA Education Series, ISBN
0930403126, 1986.
[Her04] H. Herwig, Strömungsmechanik A–Z, Vieweg, ISBN 9783528039745 [IN GERMAN], 2004.
[JAOT07] V. John, I. Angelov, A. A. Öncül, and D. Thévenin, Techniques for the reconstruction of a
distribution from a finite number of its moments, Chem. Eng. Sci. 62 (2007), 2890 – 2904.
[KP98] D.K. Kondepudi and I. Prigogine, Modern thermodynamics: From heat engines to dissipative
structures, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 9780471973935, 1998.
[Lam97] H. Lamb, Hydrodynamics, Cambridge Mathematical Library, 6th Edition (first version pub-
lished in 1879), ISBN 9780521458689, 1997.
263
264 Appendix F. Application table for supersonic flows, shock waves and rarefaction waves
Appendix G
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You may make a collection consisting of the Document and other documents released under this
License, and replace the individual copies of this License in the various documents with a single copy
that is included in the collection, provided that you follow the rules of this License for verbatim copying
of each of the documents in all other respects.
You may extract a single document from such a collection, and distribute it individually under this
License, provided you insert a copy of this License into the extracted document, and follow this License
in all other respects regarding verbatim copying of that document.
8. TRANSLATION
Translation is considered a kind of modification, so you may distribute translations of the Document
under the terms of section 4. Replacing Invariant Sections with translations requires special permission
from their copyright holders, but you may include translations of some or all Invariant Sections in
addition to the original versions of these Invariant Sections. You may include a translation of this
License, and all the license notices in the Document, and any Warranty Disclaimers, provided that you
also include the original English version of this License and the original versions of those notices and
disclaimers. In case of a disagreement between the translation and the original version of this License
or a notice or disclaimer, the original version will prevail.
If a section in the Document is Entitled “Acknowledgements”, “Dedications”, or “History”, the
requirement (section 4) to Preserve its Title (section 1) will typically require changing the actual title.
270 Appendix G. GNU Free Documentation License
9. TERMINATION
You may not copy, modify, sublicense, or distribute the Document except as expressly provided
under this License. Any attempt otherwise to copy, modify, sublicense, or distribute it is void, and will
automatically terminate your rights under this License.
However, if you cease all violation of this License, then your license from a particular copyright holder
is reinstated (a) provisionally, unless and until the copyright holder explicitly and finally terminates your
license, and (b) permanently, if the copyright holder fails to notify you of the violation by some reasonable
means prior to 60 days after the cessation.
Moreover, your license from a particular copyright holder is reinstated permanently if the copyright
holder notifies you of the violation by some reasonable means, this is the first time you have received
notice of violation of this License (for any work) from that copyright holder, and you cure the violation
prior to 30 days after your receipt of the notice.
Termination of your rights under this section does not terminate the licenses of parties who have
received copies or rights from you under this License. If your rights have been terminated and not
permanently reinstated, receipt of a copy of some or all of the same material does not give you any
rights to use it.
11. RELICENSING
“Massive Multiauthor Collaboration Site” (or “MMC Site”) means any World Wide Web server that
publishes copyrightable works and also provides prominent facilities for anybody to edit those works. A
public wiki that anybody can edit is an example of such a server. A “Massive Multiauthor Collaboration”
(or “MMC”) contained in the site means any set of copyrightable works thus published on the MMC
site.
“CC-BY-SA” means the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license published by Creative
Commons Corporation, a not-for-profit corporation with a principal place of business in San Francisco,
California, as well as future copyleft versions of that license published by that same organization.
“Incorporate” means to publish or republish a Document, in whole or in part, as part of another
Document.
An MMC is “eligible for relicensing” if it is licensed under this License, and if all works that were first
published under this License somewhere other than this MMC, and subsequently incorporated in whole
or in part into the MMC, (1) had no cover texts or invariant sections, and (2) were thus incorporated
prior to November 1, 2008.
The operator of an MMC Site may republish an MMC contained in the site under CC-BY-SA on
the same site at any time before August 1, 2009, provided the MMC is eligible for relicensing.