Calculating Vorticity of 2-D Flow Motion

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the vorticity field for a 2-D flow motion. Vorticity is defined as the curl of the fluid velocity and for a 2D flow, it is represented by the equation \vec{\omega}=\vec{k}\Big(\frac{\partial v}{\partial x}-\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\Big). The calculated vorticity for this specific flow is \omega = 2y.
  • #1
squenshl
479
4

Homework Statement


Consider 2-D flow motion (u,v) = (y,-x). Calculate the vorticity field of the flow.


Homework Equations


[tex]\omega[/tex] = vx - uy


The Attempt at a Solution


I calculated [tex]\omega[/tex] = -2, so using the vorticity equation I get zero. So I guess what I am asking is what exactly am I calculating.
 
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  • #2
Vorticity is defined as [tex]\mathbf{\omega}=\nabla\times\mathbf{u}[/tex], as far as I can remember the vorticity equation describes the change in vorticity.
 
  • #3
squenshl said:
I calculated [tex]\omega[/tex] = -2, so using the vorticity equation I get zero.

What do you mean by this?

Vorticity is a vector field, defined as the curl of the fluid velocity. For a 2D flow this reduces to
[tex]\vec{\omega}=\vec{k}\Big(\frac{\partial v}{\partial x}-\frac{\partial u}{\partial y}\Big)[/tex]

What do you get when you use this definition?
 
  • #4
The answer is [tex]\omega = 2[/tex]
 

Related to Calculating Vorticity of 2-D Flow Motion

1. How do you define vorticity in 2-D flow motion?

Vorticity is a measure of the local spinning or rotation of a fluid flow. In 2-D flow motion, it is defined as the curl of the velocity vector field, which represents the tendency of fluid particles to rotate around a point in the flow.

2. What is the formula for calculating vorticity in 2-D flow motion?

The formula for calculating vorticity in 2-D flow motion is given by:
ζ = (∂v/∂x) - (∂u/∂y)
where ζ is the vorticity, u and v are the velocity components in the x and y directions respectively.

3. What is the significance of vorticity in fluid dynamics?

Vorticity plays an important role in understanding the behavior of fluid flows. It helps to identify regions of swirling motion and can indicate the presence of turbulence. Vorticity is also closely related to the formation of vortices, which can impact the overall flow pattern and affect the transport of momentum and energy within the fluid.

4. How can vorticity be visualized in 2-D flow motion?

Vorticity can be visualized using streamlines, which are lines that are tangential to the velocity vector at each point. The closer the streamlines are to each other, the higher the vorticity in that region. Additionally, vorticity can also be represented through color maps or contour plots.

5. What are some real-world applications of calculating vorticity in 2-D flow motion?

Vorticity is a crucial parameter in many engineering and scientific applications, such as in aerodynamics, meteorology, and oceanography. It can help in predicting and understanding the formation of weather patterns, ocean currents, and air turbulence. Vorticity calculations are also used in designing efficient flow control systems, such as in aircraft and wind turbines.

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