Chapter 4

Chapter 4
Differential Relations
for a Fluid Particle
Introduction
In analyzing fluid motion, we might take one of the two paths:
(1) Seeking an estimate of gross effects (mass flow, induced force, energy
change) over a finite region or control volume (Eulerian approach)
(2) Seeking the point-by-point details of a flow pattern by analyzing an
infinitesimal region of the flow. (Lagrangian approach)
Here we will deal with the second path to analyze fluid motion based on
small-scale, or differential, analysis. We apply our four basic conservation laws
to an infinitesimally small control volume, which provides basic differential
equations of fluid motion.
The Acceleration Field of a Fluid
Velocity field vector
Acceleration field vector
Application of chain rule

The total time derivative/ the substantial/ material derivative
Total time derivative follows a particle of fixed identity, making it convenient for
expressing laws of particle mechanics in the Eulerian fluid-field description. The
operator d/dt is sometimes assigned a special symbol such as D/Dt as it contains
four terms and follows a fixed particle.
The Differential Equation of Mass Conservation
All the basic differential equations can be derived by considering either an elemental
control volume or an elemental system. Here we choose an infinitesimal fixed control
volume (dx, dy, dz).
Assume the flow through each side of the element as

one-dimensional.
The element is so small that the volume integral simply reduces to a differential term
This equation provides conservation of mass for an infinitesimal control

volume. It is often called the equation of continuity because it requires no
assumptions except that the density and velocity are continuum functions.
Steady Compressible Flow
Incompressible Flow
The total time derivative/ the substantial/ material derivative
The Differential Equation of Linear Momentum
Consider the same elemental control volume for which the appropriate form of the
linear-momentum relation is,
The momentum fluxes occur on all six faces, three inlets and three outlets.
Forces on L.H.S. are of two types, body forces and surface forces. Body forces
are due to external fields (gravity, magnetism, electric potential) which act
upon the entire mass within the element. Surface forces are due to the
pressure and viscous stresses acting on the sides of the element.
The gravity force on the differential mass
ρ dx dy dz within the control volume is
Inviscid Flow: Euler’s Equation

The differential momentum equations for a

Newtonian fluid with constant density and
viscosity are given as,
These are the Navier-Stokes equations,

named after C. L. M. H. Navier
(1785–1836) and Sir George G. Stokes
(1819–1903), who are credited with
their derivation. They are
second-order nonlinear partial
differential equations.
The Stream Function
The stream function is a clever device which allows us to wipe out the
continuity equation and solve the momentum equation directly for the single
variable .
The Stream Function
Geometric interpretation of the Stream Function
Lines of constant Ψ are streamlines of the flow. Definition of a streamline in
two-dimensional flow is
Vorticity & Irrotationality
Shear-strain Rate
Generation of Rotationality
Generation of Rotationality
Velocity Potential
Irrotationality gives rise to a scalar function φ similar and complementary to
the stream function.
Note that φ, unlike the stream function, is fully three-dimensional and not
limited to two coordinates. It reduces a velocity problem with three unknowns
u, v, and w to a single unknown potential φ.
Orthogonality of Streamlines and Potential Lines
A line of constant φ would be such that the change in φ is zero.

Couette Flow between a Fixed and a Moving Plate
Consider two-dimensional incompressible plane viscous flow between

parallel plates a distance 2h apart. We assume that the plates are very wide
and very long, so that the flow is essentially axial, u ≠ 0 but v=w= 0.
Flow due to Pressure Gradient between Two Fixed Plates
Flow due to Pressure Gradient between Two Fixed Plates
Bernoulli’s Equation

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Chapter 4

Velocity field vector

Acceleration field vector

Application of chain rule

Assume the flow through each side of the element as

This equation provides conservation of mass for an infinitesimal control

Inviscid Flow: Euler’s Equation

The differential momentum equations for a

These are the Navier-Stokes equations,

A line of constant φ would be such that the change in φ is zero.

Consider two-dimensional incompressible plane viscous flow between

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