Alexander J. Smits - A Physical Introduction To Fluid Mechanics. 1 (2019)

A Physical Introduction to
Fluid Mechanics
A Physical Introduction to
Fluid Mechanics
by
Alexander J. Smits
Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Princeton University
Second Edition
April 22, 2019
Copyright A.J. Smits

c 2019
Contents
Preface xiii
First Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii
Second Edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv
1 Introduction 1
1.1 The Nature of Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Units and Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 Stresses in Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.4.1 Pressure: direction of action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4.2 Forces due to pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.4.3 Bulk stress and fluid pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.4.4 Pressure: transmission through a fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.4.5 Ideal gas law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.5 Compressibility in Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.6 Viscous Stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.6.1 Viscous shear stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.6.2 Viscous normal stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.6.3 Viscosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.6.4 Measures of viscosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1.6.5 Energy and work considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.7 Boundary Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1.8 Laminar and Turbulent Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1.9 Surface Tension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1.9.1 Drops and bubbles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
1.9.2 Forming a meniscus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
1.9.3 Capillarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2 Fluid Statics 25
2.1 The Hydrostatic Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.2 Density and Specific Gravity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.3 Absolute and Gauge Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.4 Applications of the Hydrostatic Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
2.4.1 Pressure variation in the atmosphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
2.4.2 Density variation in the ocean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.4.3 Manometers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.4.4 Barometers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.5 Vertical Walls of Constant Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2.5.1 Solution using absolute pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
2.5.2 Solution using gauge pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
2.5.3 Moment balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
v
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2.5.4 Gauge pressure or absolute pressure? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

2.6 Sloping Walls of Constant Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
2.6.1 Horizontal force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
2.6.2 Vertical force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
2.6.3 Resultant force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
2.6.4 Moment balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
2.7 Hydrostatic Forces on Curved Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
2.7.1 Resultant force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
2.7.2 Line of action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
2.8 Two-Dimensional Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
2.9 Centers of Pressure, Moments of Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
2.10 Archimedes’ Principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
2.11 Stability of Floating Bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
2.12 Fluids in Rigid Body Motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
2.12.1 Vertical acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
2.12.2 Vertical and horizontal accelerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
2.12.3 Rigid body rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
3 Equations of Motion in Integral Form 53

3.1 Fluid Particles and Control Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
3.1.1 Lagrangian system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3.1.2 Eulerian system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3.1.3 Small control volumes: fluid elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3.1.4 Large control volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3.1.5 Steady and unsteady flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3.1.6 Dimensionality of a flow field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3.2 Conservation of Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
3.3 Flux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
3.4 Continuity Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
3.5 Conservation of Momentum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
3.5.1 Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
3.5.2 Flow in one direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
3.5.3 Flow in two directions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
3.6 Momentum Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
3.7 Viscous Forces and Energy Losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
3.8 Energy Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
4 Kinematics and Bernoulli’s Equation 73

4.1 Streamlines and Flow Visualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
4.1.1 Streamlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
4.1.2 Pathlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
4.1.3 Streaklines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
4.1.4 Streamtubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
4.1.5 Hydrogen bubble visualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
4.2 Bernoulli’s Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
4.2.1 Force balance along streamlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
4.2.2 Force balance across streamlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
4.2.3 Pressure–velocity variation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
4.2.4 Experiments on Bernoulli’s equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
4.3 Applications of Bernoulli’s Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
4.3.1 Stagnation pressure and dynamic pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
4.3.2 Pitot tube . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
CONTENTS vii
4.3.3 Venturi tube and atomizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

4.3.4 Siphon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
4.3.5 Vapor pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
4.3.6 Draining tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
5 Differential Equations of Motion 91

5.1 Rate of Change Following a Fluid Particle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
5.1.1 Acceleration in Cartesian coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
5.1.2 Acceleration in cylindrical coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
5.2 Continuity Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
5.3 Momentum Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
5.3.1 Euler equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
5.3.2 Navier-Stokes equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
5.3.3 Boundary conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
5.4 Rigid Body Motion Revisited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
6 Irrotational, Incompressible Flows 103

6.1 Vorticity and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
6.2 The Velocity Potential φ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
6.3 The Stream Function ψ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
6.4 Flows Where Both ψ and φ Exist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
6.5 Summary of Definitions and Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
6.6 Laplace’s Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
6.7 Examples of Potential Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
6.7.1 Uniform flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
6.7.2 Point source and sink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
6.7.3 Potential vortex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
6.8 Source and Sink in a Uniform Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
6.9 Potential Flow Over a Cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
6.9.1 Pressure distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
6.9.2 Viscous effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
6.10 Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
6.10.1 Magnus effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
6.10.2 Airfoils and wings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
6.10.3 Trailing vortices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
6.11 Vortex Interactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
7 Dimensional Analysis 127

7.1 Dimensional Homogeneity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
7.2 Applying Dimensional Homogeneity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
7.2.1 Example: Hydraulic jump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
7.2.2 Example: Drag on a sphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
7.3 The Number of Dimensionless Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
7.4 Non-Dimensionalizing Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
7.5 Pipe Flow Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
7.6 Common Nondimensional Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
7.7 Non-Dimensionalizing Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
7.8 Scale Modeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
7.8.1 Geometric similarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
7.8.2 Kinematic similarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
7.8.3 Dynamic similarity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
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8 Viscous Internal Flows 147

8.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
8.2 Viscous Stresses and Reynolds Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
8.3 Boundary Layers and Fully Developed Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
8.4 Transition and Turbulence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
8.5 Poiseuille Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
8.5.1 Fully developed duct flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
8.5.2 Fully developed pipe flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
8.6 Transition in Pipe Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
8.7 Turbulent Pipe Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
8.8 Energy Equation for Pipe Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
8.8.1 Kinetic energy coefficient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
8.8.2 Major and minor losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
8.9 Valves and Faucets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
8.10 Hydraulic Diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
8.11 Energy Equation and Bernoulli Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
9 Viscous External Flows 169

9.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
9.2 Laminar Boundary Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
9.2.1 Control volume analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
9.2.2 Blasius velocity profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
9.2.3 Parabolic velocity profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
9.3 Displacement and Momentum Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
9.3.1 Displacement thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
9.3.2 Momentum thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
9.3.3 Shape factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
9.4 Turbulent Boundary Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
9.5 Separation, Reattachment and Wakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
9.6 Drag of Bluff and Streamlined Bodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
9.7 Golf Balls, Cricket Balls and Baseballs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
9.8 Automobile Flow Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
10 Open Channel Flow 195

10.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
10.2 Small Amplitude Gravity Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
10.3 Waves in a Moving Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
10.4 Froude Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
10.5 Breaking Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
10.6 Tsunamis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
10.7 Hydraulic Jumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
10.8 Hydraulic Drops? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
10.9 Surges and Bores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
10.10 Flow Through a Smooth Constriction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
10.10.1 Subcritical flow in contraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
10.10.2 Supercritical flow in contraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
10.10.3 Flow over bumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
CONTENTS ix
11 Compressible Flow 213

11.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
11.2 Pressure Propagation in a Moving Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
11.3 Regimes of Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
11.4 Thermodynamics of Compressible Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
11.4.1 Ideal gas relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
11.4.2 Specific heats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
11.4.3 Entropy variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
11.4.4 Speed of sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
11.4.5 Stagnation quantities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
11.5 Compressible Flow Through a Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
11.5.1 Isentropic flow analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
11.5.2 Area ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
11.5.3 Choked flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
11.6 Normal Shocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
11.6.1 Temperature ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
11.6.2 Velocity ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
11.6.3 Density ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
11.6.4 Pressure ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
11.6.5 Mach number ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
11.6.6 Stagnation pressure ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
11.6.7 Entropy changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
11.6.8 Summary: normal shocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
11.7 Weak Normal Shocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
11.8 Oblique Shocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
11.8.1 Oblique shock relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
11.8.2 Flow deflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
11.8.3 Summary: oblique shocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
11.9 Weak Oblique Shocks and Compression Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
11.10 Expansion Waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
11.11 Wave Drag on Supersonic Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
12 Turbomachines 241
12.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
12.2 Angular Momentum Equation for a Turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
12.3 Velocity Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
12.4 Hydraulic Turbines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
12.4.1 Impulse turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
12.4.2 Radial-flow turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
12.4.3 Axial-flow turbine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
12.5 Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
12.5.1 Centrifugal pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
12.5.2 Cavitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
12.6 Relative Performance Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
12.7 Dimensional Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
12.8 Propellers and Windmills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
12.9 Wind Energy Generation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
x CONTENTS
13 Environmental Fluid Mechanics 265

13.1 Atmospheric Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
13.2 Equilibrium of the Atmosphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
13.3 Circulatory Patterns and Coriolis Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
13.4 Planetary Boundary Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
13.5 Prevailing Wind Strength and Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
13.6 Atmospheric Pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
13.7 Dispersion of Pollutants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
13.8 Diffusion and Mixing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Appendices 279
A Analytical Tools 281

A.1 Rank of a Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
A.2 Scalar Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
A.3 Vector Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
A.4 Gradient Operator ∇ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
A.5 Divergence Operator ∇· . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
A.6 Laplacian Operator ∇2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
A.7 Curl Operator ∇× . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
A.8 Div, Grad, and Curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
A.9 Integral Theorems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
A.10 Taylor-Series Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
A.11 Total Derivative and the Operator V·∇ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
A.12 Integral and Differential Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
A.13 Gravitational Potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
A.14 Bernoulli’s Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
A.15 Reynolds Transport Theorem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
B Conversion Factors 293
C Fluid and Flow Properties 295
Index 314
Preface
First Edition
The purpose of this book is to summarize and illustrate basic concepts in the study of fluid
mechanics. Although fluid mechanics is a challenging and complex field of study, it is based
on a small number of principles which in themselves are relatively straightforward. The
challenge taken up here is to show how these principles can be used to arrive at satisfactory
engineering answers to practical problems. The study of fluid mechanics is undoubtedly
difficult, but it can also become a profound and satisfying pursuit for anyone with a technical
inclination, and I hope the book conveys that message clearly.
The scope of this introductory material is rather broad, and many new ideas are in-
troduced. It will require a reasonable mathematical background, and those students who
are taking a differential equations course concurrently sometimes find the early going a lit-
tle challenging. The underlying physical concepts are highlighted at every opportunity to
try to illuminate the mathematics. For example, the equations of fluid motion are intro-
duced through a reasonably complete treatment of one-dimensional, steady flows, including
Bernoulli’s equation, and then developed through progressively more complex examples.
This approach gives the students a set of tools that can be used to solve a wide variety of
problems, as early as possible in the course. In turn, by learning to solve problems, students
can gain a physical understanding of the basic concepts before moving on to examine more
complex flows. Dimensional reasoning is emphasized, as well as the interpretation of results
(especially through limiting arguments). Throughout the text, worked examples are given
to demonstrate problem-solving techniques. They are grouped at the end of major sections
to avoid interrupting the text as much as possible.
The book is intended to provide students with a broad introduction to the mechanics
of fluids. The material is sufficient for two quarters of instruction. For a one-semester
course only a selection of material should be used. A typical one-semester course might
consist of the material in Chapters 1 to 10, not including Chapter 6. If time permits, one
of Chapters 10 to 13 may be included. For a course lasting two quarters, it is possible to
cover Chapters 1 to 6, and 8 to 10, and select three or four of the other chapters, depending
on the interests of the class. The sections marked with asterisks may be omitted without
loss of continuity. Although some familiarity with thermodynamic concepts is assumed, it
is not a strong prerequisite. Omitting the sections marked by a single asterisk, and the
whole of Chapter 12, will leave a curriculum that does not require a prior background in
thermodynamics.
A limited number of Web sites are suggested to help enrich the written material. In
particular, a number of Java-based programs are available on the Web to solve specific fluid
mechanics problems. They are especially useful in areas where traditional methods limit
the number of cases that can be explored. For example, the programs designed to solve
potential flow problems by superposition and the programs that handle compressible flow
problems, greatly expand the scope of the examples that can be solved in a limited amount
of time, while at the same time dramatically reducing the effort involved. A listing of
xi
xii PREFACE
current links to sites of interest to students and researchers in fluid dynamics may be found
at http://www.princeton.edu/˜gasdyn/fluids.html . In an effort to keep the text as current
as possible, additional problems, illustrations and web resources, as well as a Corrigendum
and Errata may be found at http://www.princeton.edu/˜gasdyn/fluids.html .
In preparing this book, I have had the benefit of a great deal of advice from my colleagues.
One persistent influence that I am very glad to acknowledge is that of Professor Sau-Hai Lam
of Princeton University. His influence on the contents and tone of the writing is profound.
Also, my enthusiasm for fluid mechanics was fostered as a student by Professor Tony Perry
of the University of Melbourne, and I hope this book will pass on some of my fascination
with the subject.
Many other people have helped to shape the final product. Professor David Wood of
Newcastle University in Australia provided the first impetus to start this project. Professor
George Handelman of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Professor Peter Bradshaw of Stan-
ford University, and Professor Robert Moser of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
were very helpful in their careful reading of the manuscript and through the many sugges-
tions they made for improvement. Professor Victor Yakhot of Boston University test-drove
an early version of the book, and provided a great deal of feedback, especially for the chap-
ter on dimensional analysis. My wife, Louise Handelman, gave me wonderfully generous
support and encouragement, as well as advice on improving the quality and clarity of the
writing. I would like to dedicate this work to the memory of my brother, Robert Smits
(1946–1988), and to my children, Peter and James.
Alexander J. Smits
Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Second Edition
The second edition was initially undertaken to correct the many small errors contained in
the first edition, but the project rapidly grew into a major rethinking of the material and its
presentation. While the general structure of the book has survived, the material originally
contained in chapters 3 and 5 has been re-organized, and many other sections have been
given a makeover. More than 120 homework problems have been added, based on exam
questions developed at Princeton. It is now presented in two parts: the first part contains
the main text, and the second part contains study guides, sample problems, and homework
problems (with answers). It continues to be a work in progress, and your comments are
invited. My thanks go to Candy Reed for proofreading an earlier draft. Any remaining
errors or omissions are entirely my fault.
AJS
April 22, 2019
Chapter 1
Introduction
Fluid mechanics is the study of the behavior of fluids under the action of applied forces.
Typically, we are interested in finding the power necessary to move a fluid through a device,
or the force required to move a solid body through a fluid. The speed of the resulting motion,
and the pressure, density and temperature variations in the fluid, are also of great interest.
To find these quantities, we apply the principles of dynamics and thermodynamics to the
motion of fluids, and develop equations to describe the conservation of mass, momentum,
and energy.
As we look around, we can see that fluid flow is a pervasive phenomenon in all parts of our
daily life. To the ancient Greeks, the four fundamental elements were Earth, Air, Fire, and
Water; and three of them, Air, Fire and Water, involve fluids. The air around us, the wind
that blows, the water we drink, the rivers that flow, and the oceans that surround us, affect
us daily in the most basic sense. In engineering applications, understanding fluid flow is
necessary for the design of aircraft, ships, cars, propulsion devices, pipe lines, air conditioning
systems, heat exchangers, clean rooms, pumps, artificial hearts and valves, spillways, dams,
and irrigation systems. It is essential to the prediction of weather, ocean currents, pollution
levels, and greenhouse effects. Not least, all life-sustaining bodily functions involve fluid flow
since the transport of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body is governed by the flow of
air and blood. Fluid flow is, therefore, crucially important in shaping the world around us,
and its full understanding remains one of the great challenges in physics and engineering.
What makes fluid mechanics challenging is that it is often very difficult to predict the
motion of fluids. In fact, even to observe fluid motion can be difficult. Most fluids are
highly transparent, like air and water, or they are of a uniform color, like oil, and their
motion only becomes visible when they contain some type of particle. Snowflakes swirling
in the wind, dust kicked up by a car along a dirt road, smoke from a fire, or clouds scudding
in a stiff breeze, help to mark the underlying fluid motion (Figure 1.1). It is clear that
this motion can be very complicated. By following a single snowflake in a snowstorm, for
example, we see that it traces out a complex path, and each flake follows a different path.
Eventually, all the flakes end up on the ground, but it is difficult to predict where and when
a particular snowflake lands. The fluid that carries the snowflake on its path experiences
similar contortions, and generally the velocity and acceleration of a particular mass of fluid
vary with time and location. This is true for all fluids in motion: the position, velocity and
acceleration of a fluid is, in general, a function of time and space.
To describe the dynamics of fluid motion, we need to relate the fluid acceleration to the
resultant force acting on it. For a rigid body in motion, such as a satellite in orbit, we can
follow a fixed mass, and only one equation (Newton’s second law of motion, F = ma) is
required, along with the appropriate boundary conditions. Fluids can also move in rigid
body motion, but more commonly one part of the fluid is moving with respect to another
1
2 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
Figure 1.1: The eruption of Mt. St. Helens, May 18, 1980. Austin Post/U.S. Department of the
Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, David A. Johnston, Cascades Volcano Observatory, Vancouver,
WA.
part (there is relative motion), and then the fluid behaves more like a huge collection of
particles. We often describe fluid motion in terms of these “fluid particles,” where a fluid
particle is a small, fixed mass of fluid containing the same molecules of fluid no matter where
it ends up in the flow and how it got there. Each snowflake, for example, marks one fluid
particle and to describe the dynamics of the entire flow requires a separate equation for
each fluid particle. The solution of any one equation will depend on every other equation
because the motion of one fluid particle depends on its neighbors, and solving this set of
simultaneous equations is obviously a daunting task. It is such a difficult task, in fact, that
for most practical problems the exact solution cannot be found even with the aid of the
most advanced computers. It seems likely that this situation will continue for many years
to come, despite the likely advances in computer hardware and software capabilities.
To make any progress in the understanding of fluid mechanics and the solution of engi-
neering problems, we usually need to make approximations and use simplified flow models.
But how do we make these approximations? Physical insight is often necessary. We must
determine the crucial factors that govern a given flow, and to identify the factors that can
safely be neglected. This is what sometimes makes fluid mechanics difficult to learn and
understand: physical insight takes time and familiarity to develop, and the reasons for
adopting certain assumptions or approximations are not always immediately obvious.
To help develop this kind of intuition, this book starts with the simplest types of problems
and progressively introduces higher levels of complexity, while at the same time stressing
the underlying principles. We begin by considering fluids that are in static equilibrium, then
fluids where relative motions exist under the action of simple forces, and finally more complex
flows where viscosity and compressibility are important. At each stage, the simplifying
assumptions will be discussed, although the full justification is sometimes postponed until
the later material is understood. By the end of the book, the reader should be able to solve
basic problems in fluid mechanics, while understanding the limitations of the tools used in
their solution.
1.1. THE NATURE OF FLUIDS 3
Before starting along that path, we need to consider some fundamental aspects of fluids
and fluid flow. In this chapter, we discuss the differences between solids and fluids, and
introduce some of the distinctive properties of fluids such as density, viscosity and surface
tension. We will also consider the type of forces that can act on a fluid, and its deformation
by stretching, shearing and rotation. We begin by describing how fluids differ from solids.
1.1 The Nature of Fluids

Almost all the materials we see around us can be described as solids, liquids or gases. Many
substances, depending on the pressure and temperature, can exist in all three states. For
example, H2 O can exist as ice, water, or vapor. Two of these states, liquids and gases are
both called fluid states, or simply fluids.
The principal difference between liquids and gases is in their compressibility. Gases can
be compressed much more easily than liquids, but when the change in density of a gas is
small, it can often be treated as being incompressible, which is a great simplification. This
approximation will not hold when large pressure changes occur, or when the gas is moving
at high speeds (see Section 1.5), but in this text we will ordinarily assume that the fluid is
incompressible unless stated otherwise (as in Chapter 11).
The most obvious property of fluids that is not shared by solids is the ability of fluids to
flow and change shape; fluids do not hold their shape independent of their surroundings, and
they will flow spontaneously within their containers under the action of gravity. Fluids do
not have a preferred shape, and different parts of a fluid may move with respect to each other
under the action of an external force. In this respect, liquids and gases respond differently
in that gases fill a container fully, whereas liquids occupy a definite volume. When a gas
and a liquid are both present, an interface forms between the liquid and the surrounding gas
called a free surface (Figure 1.2). At a free surface, surface tension may be important, and
waves can form. Gases can also be dissolved in the liquid, and when the pressure changes
bubbles can form, as when a soda bottle is suddenly opened.
To be more precise, the most distinctive property of fluids is its response to an applied
force or an applied stress (stress is force per unit area). For example, when a shear stress
is applied to a fluid, it experiences a continuing and permanent distortion. Drag your hand
through a basin of water and you will see the distortion of the fluid (that is, the flow that
occurs in response to the applied force) by the swirls and eddies that are formed on the free
surface. This distortion is permanent in that the fluid does not return to its original state
after your hand is removed from the fluid. Also, when a fluid is squeezed in one direction
(that is, a normal stress is applied), it will flow in the other two directions. Squeeze a hose in
the middle and the water will issue from its ends. If such stresses persist, the fluid continues
to flow. Fluids cannot offer permanent resistance to these kinds of loads. This is not true
Figure 1.2: Gases fill a container fully (left), whereas liquids occupy a definite volume, and a free
surface can form (right).
Figure 1.3: When a shear stress τ is applied to a fluid element the element distorts. It will continue
to distort as long as the stress acts.
for a solid; when a force is applied to a solid it will generally deform only as much as it
takes to accommodate the load, and then the deformation stops. Therefore,
A fluid is defined as a material that deforms continuously and permanently under the
application of a shearing stress, no matter how small.
So we see that the most obvious property of fluids, their ability to flow and change their
shape, is precisely a result of their inability to support shearing stresses (Figure 1.3). Flow is
possible without a shear stress, since differences in pressure will cause a fluid to experience
a resultant force and an acceleration, but when the shape of the fluid mass is changing,
shearing stresses must be present.
With this definition of a fluid, we can recognize that certain materials that look like
solids are actually fluids. Tar, for example, is sold in barrel-sized chunks which appear at
first sight to be the solid phase of the liquid that forms when the tar is heated. However,
cold tar is also a fluid. If a brick is placed on top of an open barrel of tar, we will see it
settle very slowly into the tar. It will continue to settle as time goes by — the tar continues
to deform under the applied load — and eventually the brick will be completely engulfed.
Even then it will continue to move downwards until it reaches the bottom of the barrel.
Glass is another substance that appears to be solid, but is actually a fluid. Glass flows
under the action of its own weight. If you measure the thickness of a very old glass pane
you would find it to be larger at the bottom of the pane than at the top. This deformation
happens very slowly because the glass has a very high viscosity, which means it does not
flow very freely, and the results can take centuries to become obvious. However, when glass
experiences a large stress over a short time, it behaves like a solid and it can crack. Silly
putty is another example of a material that behaves like an elastic body when subject to
rapid stress (it bounces like a ball) but it has fluid behavior under a slowly acting stress (it
flows under its own weight).
1.2 Units and Dimensions

Before we examine the properties of fluids, we need to consider units and dimensions. When-
ever we solve a problem in engineering or physics, it is important to pay strict attention to
the units used in expressing the forces, accelerations, material properties, and so on. The
two systems of units used in this book are the SI system (Système Internationale), and the
British Gravitational (BG) system. To avoid errors, it is essential to correctly convert from
one system of units to another, and to maintain strict consistency within a given system of
1.3. STRESSES IN FLUIDS 5
units. There are no easy solutions to these difficulties, but by using the SI system when-
ever possible, many unnecessary mistakes can often be avoided. A list of commonly used
conversion factors is given in Appendix B.
It is especially important to make the correct distinction between mass and force. In
the SI system, mass is measured in kilograms, and force is measured in newtons. The force
required to move a mass of one kilogram with an acceleration of 1 m/s2 is 1 N . A mass m
in kilograms has a weight in newtons equal to mg, where g is the acceleration due to gravity
(= 9.8 m/s2 ). There is no such quantity as “kilogram-force,” although it is sometimes
(incorrectly) used. What is meant by kilogram-force is the force required to move a one
kilogram mass with an acceleration of 9.8 m/s2 , and it is equal to 9.8 N .
In the BG system, mass is measured in slugs, and force is measured in pound-force (lbf ).
The force required to move a mass of one slug with an acceleration of 1 f t/s2 is 1 lbf . A
mass m in slugs has a weight in lbf equal to mg, where g is the acceleration due to gravity
(= 32.2 f t/s2 ). The quantity “pound-mass” (lbm ) is sometimes used, but it should always
be converted to slugs first by dividing lbm by the factor 32.2. The force required to move
1 lbm with an acceleration of 1 f t/s2 is
1 1
1 lbm f t/s2 = slug f t/s2 = lbf
32.2 32.2
Remember that 1 lbf = 1 slug f t/s2 = 32.2 lbm f t/s2 .
It is also necessary to make a distinction between units and dimensions. The units
we use depend on whatever system we have chosen, and they include quantities like feet,
seconds, newtons and pascals. In contrast, a dimension is a more abstract notion, and it is
the term used to describe concepts such as mass, length and time. For example, an object
has a quality of “length” independent of the system of units we choose to use. Similarly,
“mass” and “time” are concepts that have a meaning independent of any system of units.
All physically meaningful quantities, such as acceleration, force, stress, and so forth, share
this quality.
Interestingly, we can describe the dimensions of any quantity in terms of a very small set
of what are called fundamental dimensions. For example, acceleration has the dimensions
of length/(time)2 (in shorthand, LT −2 ), force has the dimensions of mass times acceleration
(M LT −2 ), density has the dimensions of mass per unit volume (M L−3 ), and stress has the
dimensions of force/area (M L−1 T −2 ) (see Table 1.1).
A number of quantities are inherently nondimensional, such as the numbers of counting.
Also, ratios of two quantities with the same dimension are dimensionless. For example, bulk
strain dV /V is the ratio of two quantities each with the dimension of volume, and therefore
it is nondimensional. Angles are also nondimensional. Angles are usually measured in
radians, and since a radian is the ratio of an arc-length to a radius, an angle is the ratio of
two lengths, and so it is nondimensional. Nondimensional quantities are independent of the
system of units as long as the units are consistent, that is, if the same system of units is
used throughout. Nondimensional quantities are widely used in fluid mechanics, as we shall
see.
1.3 Stresses in Fluids

In this section, we consider the stress distributions that occur within the fluid. To do so, it
is useful to think of a fluid particle, which is a small amount of fluid of fixed mass.
The stresses that act on a fluid particle can be split into normal stresses (stresses that
give rise to a force acting normal to the surface of the fluid particle) and tangential or
shearing stresses (stresses that produce forces acting tangential to its surface). Normal
stresses tend to compress or expand the fluid particle without changing its shape. For
Quantity Dimension Units

S.I. B.G.
Mass M kilogram slug

Length L meter f oot
Time T second second
Velocity LT −1 m/s f t/s
Acceleration LT −2 m/s2 f t/s2
Velocity gradient T −1 s−1 s−1
(strain rate)
Density M L−3 kg/m3 slugs/f t3
Force M LT −2 newton lbf
2 −2
Energy ML T joule f t · lbf
2 −3
Power ML T watt f t · lbf /s
Stress M L−1 T −2 pascal psi
−1 −1
Viscosity ML T Pa · s slugs/f t · s
= N · s/m2 = lbf · s/f t2
Kinematic L2 T −1 m2 /s f t2 /s
viscosity
Surface tension M T −2 N/m lbf /f t
Table 1.1: Units and dimensions.
example, a rectangular particle will remain rectangular, although its dimensions may change.
Tangential stresses shear the particle and deform its shape: a particle with an initially
rectangular cross-section will become lozenge-shaped.
What role do the properties of the fluid play in determining the level of stress required to
obtain a given deformation? In solids, we know that the level of stress required to compress
a rod depends on the Young’s modulus of the material, and that the level of tangential
stress required to shear a block of material depends on its shear modulus. Young’s modulus
and the shear modulus are properties of solids, and fluids have analogous properties called
the bulk modulus and the viscosity. The bulk modulus of a fluid relates the normal stress
on a fluid particle to its change of volume. Liquids have much larger values for the bulk
modulus than gases since gases are much more easily compressed (see Section 1.4.3). The
viscosity of a fluid measures its ability to resist a shear stress. Liquids typically have larger
viscosities than gases since gases flow more easily (see Section 1.6). Viscosity, as well as
other properties of fluids such as density and surface tension, are discussed in more detail
later in this chapter. We start by considering the nature of pressure and its effects.
1.4 Pressure
Consider the pressure in a fluid at rest. We will only consider a gas, but the general
conclusions will also apply to a liquid. When a gas is held in a container, the molecules of
the gas move around and bounce off its walls. When a molecule hits the wall, it experiences
an elastic impact, which means that its energy and the magnitude of its momentum are
1.4. PRESSURE 7
Figure 1.4: The piston is supported by the pressure of the gas inside the cylinder.
conserved. However, its direction of motion changes, so that the wall must have exerted
a force on the gas molecule. Therefore, an equal and opposite force is exerted by the gas
molecule on the wall during impact. If the piston in Figure 1.4 was not constrained in any
way, the continual impact of the gas molecules on the piston surface would tend to move
the piston out of the container. To hold the piston in place, a force must be applied to it,
and it is this force (per unit area) that we call the gas pressure.
If we consider a very small area of the surface of the piston, so that over a short time
interval, ∆t, very few molecules hit this area, the force exerted by the molecules will vary
sharply with time as each individual collision is recorded. When the area is large, so that
the number of collisions on the surface during the interval ∆t is also large, the force on the
piston due to the bombardment by the molecules becomes effectively constant. In practice,
the area need only be larger than about 10`2m , where the mean free path `m is the average
distance traveled by a molecule before colliding with another molecule. Pressure is therefore
a continuum property, by which we mean that for areas of engineering interest, which are
almost always much larger than areas measured in terms of the mean free path, the pressure
does not have any measurable statistical fluctuations due to molecular motions.1
We make a distinction between the microscopic and macroscopic properties of a fluid,
where the microscopic properties relate to the behavior on a molecular scale (scales compa-
rable to the mean free path), and the macroscopic properties relate to the behavior on an
engineering scale (scales much larger than the mean free path). In fluid mechanics, we are
concerned only with the continuum or macroscopic properties of a fluid, although we will
occasionally refer to the underlying molecular processes when it seems likely to lead to a
better understanding.
1.4.1 Pressure: direction of action

Consider the direction of the force acting on a flat solid surface due to the pressure exerted
by a gas at rest. On a molecular scale, of course, a flat surface is never really flat. On
average, however, for each molecule that rebounds with some amount of momentum in the
direction along the surface, another rebounds with the same amount of momentum in the
opposite direction, no matter what kind of surface roughness is present (Figure 1.5). The
average force exerted by the molecules on the solid in the direction along its surface will be
zero. We expect, therefore, that the force due to pressure acts in a direction which is purely
normal to the surface.
Furthermore, the momentum of the molecules is randomly directed, and the magnitude
of the force due to pressure should be independent of the orientation of the surface on which
1 The mean free path of molecules in the atmosphere at sea level is about 10−7 m, which is about 1000
times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.

Figure 1.5: Molecules rebounding of a macroscopically rough surface
it acts. For instance, a thin flat plate in air will experience no resultant force due to air
pressure since the forces due to pressure on its two sides have the same magnitude and
they point in opposite directions. We say that pressure is isotropic (based on Greek words,
meaning “equal in all directions”, or more precisely, “independent of direction”).
The pressure at a point in a fluid is independent of the orientation of the surface passing
through the point; the pressure is isotropic.
Pressure is a “normal” stress since it produces a force that acts in a direction normal to
the surface on which it acts. That is, the direction of the force is given by the orientation of
the surface, as indicated by a unit normal vector n (Figure 1.6). The force has a magnitude
equal to the average pressure times the area of contact. By convention, a force acting to
compress the volume is positive, but for a closed surface the vector n always points outward
(by definition). So
The force due to a pressure p acting on one side of a small element of surface dA defined
by a unit normal vector n is given by −pndA.
In some textbooks, the surface element is described by a vector dA, which has a magni-
tude dA and a direction defined by n, so that dA = ndA. We will not adopt that convention,
and the magnitude and direction of a surface element will always be indicated separately.
For a fluid at rest, the pressure is the normal component of the force per unit area. What
happens when the fluid is moving? The answer to this question is somewhat complicated.2
However, for the flows considered in this text, the difference between the pressure in a
stationary and in a moving fluid can be ignored to a very good approximation, even for
fluids moving at high speeds.
1.4.2 Forces due to pressure

Pressure is given by the normal force per unit area, so that even if the force itself is moderate
the pressure can become very large if the area is small enough. This effect makes skating
possible: the thin blade of the skate combined with the weight of the skater produces intense
pressures on the ice, melting it and producing a thin film of water that acts as a lubricant
and reduces the friction to very low values.
It is also true that very large forces can be developed by small fluid pressure differences
acting over large areas. Rapid changes in air pressure, such as those produced by violent
storms, can result in small pressure differences between the inside and the outside of a
house. Since most houses are reasonably airtight to save air conditioning and heating costs,
pressure differences can be maintained for some time. When the outside air pressure is lower
2 See, for example, I.G. Currie, “Fundamental Fluid Mechanics,” McGraw-Hill, 1974.
1.4. PRESSURE 9
Figure 1.6: The vector force F due to pressure p acting on an element of surface area dA with a
unit normal vector n.
than that inside the house, as is usually the case when the wind blows, the forces produced
by the pressure differences can be large enough to cause the house to explode. Example 1.4
illustrates this phenomenon.
This effect can be demonstrated with a simple experiment. Take an empty metal con-
tainer and put a small amount of water in the bottom. Heat the water so that boils. The
water vapor that forms displaces some of the air out of the container. If the container is then
sealed, and allowed to cool, the water vapor inside the container condenses back to liquid,
and now the mass of air in the container is less than at the start of the experiment. The
pressure inside the container is therefore less than atmospheric (since fewer molecules of air
hit the walls of the container). As a result, strong crushing forces develop which can cause
the container to collapse, providing a dramatic illustration of the large forces produced by
small differential pressures. More common examples include the slamming of a door in a
draft, and the force produced by pressure differences on a wing to lift an airplane off the
ground.
Similarly, to drink from a straw requires creating a pressure in the mouth that is below
atmospheric, and a suction cup relies on air pressure to make it stick. In one type of suction
cup, a flexible membrane forms the inside of the cup. To make it stick, the cup is pressed
against a smooth surface, and an external lever is used to pull the center of the membrane
away from the surface, leaving the rim in place as a seal. This action reduces the pressure
in the cavity to a value below atmospheric, and the external pressure produces a resultant
force that holds the cup onto the surface.
When the walls of the container are curved, pressure differences will also produce stresses
within the walls. In Example 1.5, we calculate the stresses produced in a pipe wall by a
uniform internal pressure. The force due to pressure acts radially outward on the pipe
wall, and this force must be balanced by a circumferential force acting within the pipe wall
material, so that the fluid pressure acting normal to the surface produces a tensile stress in
the solid.
1.4.3 Bulk stress and fluid pressure

Consider a fluid held in a container. In the interior of the fluid, away from the walls of
the container, each fluid particle feels the pressure due to its contact with the surrounding
fluid. The fluid particle experiences a bulk strain and a bulk stress since the surrounding
fluid exerts a pressure on all the surfaces that define the fluid particle.
We often make a distinction between body forces and surface forces. Body forces are
forces acting on a fluid particle that have a magnitude proportional to its volume. An
important example of a body force is the force due to gravity, that is, weight. Surface forces
are forces acting on a fluid particle that have a magnitude proportional to its surface area.
An important example of a surface force is the force due to pressure.

When body forces are negligible, the pressure is uniform throughout the fluid. In this
case, the forces due to pressure acting over each surface of a fluid particle all have the same
magnitude. The force acting on any one face of the particle acts normal to that face with a
magnitude equal to the pressure times the area. The force acting on the top face of a cubic
fluid particle, for example, is cancelled by an opposite but equal force acting on its bottom
face. This will be true for all pairs of opposing faces. Therefore, the resultant force acting
on that particle is zero. This result will also hold for a spherical fluid particle (an element
of surface area on one side will always find a matching element on the opposite side), and,
in fact, it will hold for a body of any arbitrary shape. Therefore there is no resultant force
due to pressure acting on a body if the pressure is uniform in space, regardless of the shape
of the body. Resultant forces due to pressure will appear only if there is a pressure variation
within the fluid, that is, when pressure gradients exist.
The force due to pressure acts to compress the fluid particle. This type of strain is called
a bulk strain, and it is measured by the fractional change in volume, dυ/υ, where υ is the
volume of the fluid particle. The change in pressure dp required to produce this change in
volume is linearly related to the bulk strain by the bulk modulus, K. That is,
dυ
dp = −K (1.1)
υ
The minus sign indicates that an increase in pressure causes a decrease in volume (a com-
pressive pressure is taken to be positive). We can write this in terms of the fractional change
in density, where the density of the fluid ρ is given by its mass divided by its volume (see
Section 2.2). Since the mass m of the particle is fixed,
m
ρ=
υ
so that
m
υ=
ρ
and
dυ d(m/ρ) 1 dρ
= = ρd =−
υ (m/ρ) ρ ρ
equation 1.1 becomes
dρ
dp = K (1.2)
ρ
This compressive effect is illustrated in Examples 1.6 and 1.7. Note that the value of the
bulk modulus depends on how the compression is achieved; the bulk modulus for isothermal
compression (where the temperature is held constant) is different from its isentropic value
(where there is no heat transfer and no friction).
1.4.4 Pressure: transmission through a fluid

An important property of pressure is that it is transmitted through the fluid. For example,
when an inflated bicycle tube is squeezed at one point, the pressure will increase at every
other point in the tube. Measurements show that the increase is (almost) the same at every
point and equal to the applied pressure; if an extra pressure of 5 psi were suddenly applied
at the tube valve, the pressure would increase at every point in the tube by almost exactly
this amount (small differences will occur due to the weight of the air inside the tube – see
Chapter 2, but in this particular example the contribution is very small). This property of
transmitting pressure undiminished is a property possessed by all fluids, not just gases.
1.5. COMPRESSIBILITY IN FLUIDS 11
However, the transmission does not occur instantaneously. It depends on the speed of
sound in the medium and the shape of the container. The speed of sound is important
because it measures the rate at which pressure disturbances propagate (sound is just a
small pressure disturbance traveling through a medium). The shape of the container is
important because pressure waves refract and reflect off the walls, and this process increases
the distance and time the pressure waves need to travel. The phenomenon may be familiar
to anyone who has experienced the imperfect acoustics of a poorly designed concert hall.
1.4.5 Ideal gas law

Take another look at the piston and cylinder example shown in Figure 1.4. If we double the
number of molecules in the cylinder, the density of the gas will double. If the extra molecules
have the same speed (that is, the same temperature) as the others, the number of collisions
will double, to a very good approximation. Since the pressure depends on the number of
collisions, we expect the pressure to double also, so that at a constant temperature the
pressure is proportional to the density.
On the other hand, if we increase the temperature without changing the density, so that
the speed of the molecules increases, the impact of the molecules on the piston and walls of
the cylinder will increase. The pressure therefore increases with temperature, and by obser-
vation we know that the pressure is very closely proportional to the absolute temperature.
These two observations are probably familiar from basic physics, and they are summa-
rized in the ideal gas law, which states that
p = ρRT (1.3)
where R is the gas constant. Gas constants for a number of different gases are given in
Table Appendix-C.8. For air, R = 287.03 m2 /s2 K = 1716.4f t2 /s2 R.
Equation 1.3 is an example of an equation of state, in that it relates several thermody-
namic properties such as pressure, temperature and density. Most gases obey equation 1.3
to a good approximation, except under conditions of extreme pressure or temperature where
more complicated relationships must be used.
1.5 Compressibility in Fluids

All fluids are compressible, which means that the density can vary. However, under some
range of conditions, it is often possible to make the approximation that a fluid is incompress-
ible. This is particularly true for liquids. Water, for example, only changes its density and
volume very slightly under extreme pressure (see, for instance, Example 1.6). Other liquids
behave similarly, and under commonly encountered conditions of pressure and temperature
we generally assume that liquids are incompressible.
Gases are much more compressible. The compressibility of air, for example, is part of
our common experience. By blocking off a bicycle pump and pushing down on the handle,
we can easily decrease the volume of the air by 50% (Figure 1.7), so that its density increases
by a factor of two (the mass of air is constant). See also Example 1.7.
Even though gases are much more compressible than liquids (by perhaps a factor of
104 ), small pressure differences will cause only small changes in gas density. For example,
a 1% change in pressure at constant temperature will change the density by 1%. In the
atmosphere, a 1% change in pressure corresponds to a change in altitude of about 85 meters,
so that for changes in height of the order of tall buildings we can usually assume air has a
constant pressure and density.
Velocity changes will also affect the fluid pressure and density. When a fluid accelerates
from velocity V1 to velocity V2 at a constant height, the change in pressure ∆p that occurs
Figure 1.7: Air compressed in a bicycle pump.
is given by
∆p = − 12 ρ V22 − V12

(1.4)
according to Bernoulli’s equation (see Section 4.2). The pressure decreases as the velocity
increases, and vice versa. What are the consequences for the density? If air at sea level
accelerates from rest to, say, 30 m/s, its pressure will decrease by 450P a, which represents
only a -0.5% change in ambient pressure. The corresponding density change for an isentropic
process would be -0.7%, which is obviously very small.
When do velocity variations lead to significant density changes? A common yardstick
is to compare the flow velocity V to the speed of sound a. This ratio is called the Mach
number M , so that
V
M= (1.5)
a
The Mach number is a nondimensional parameter since it is defined as the ratio of two
velocities. That is, it is just a number, independent of the system of units used to measure
V and a (see Section 1.2 and Chapter 7). It is named after Ernst Mach, who was an early
pioneer in studies of sound and compressibility.
When the Mach number is less than about 0.3, the flow is usually assumed to be incom-
pressible. To see why this is so, consider air held at 20◦ C as it changes its speed from zero
to 230 mph (114 m/s). The speed of sound in an ideal gas is given by
p
a = γRT (1.6)
where T is the absolute temperature, R is the gas constant (= 287.03 m2 /s2 K for air), and γ
is the ratio of specific heats (γ = 1.4 for air). At 20◦ C, the speed of sound in air is 343 m/s =
1126 f t/s = 768 mph. Therefore, at this temperature, 230 mph corresponds to a Mach
number of 0.3. At sea level, according to equation 1.4, the pressure will decrease by about
7, 800 P a at the same time, which is less than 8% of the ambient pressure. If the process
were isentropic, the density would decrease by 11%. We see that relatively high speeds are
required for the density to change significantly. However, when the Mach number approaches
one, compressibility effects become very important. Passenger transports, such as the Boeing
747 shown in Figure 1.8, fly at a Mach number of about 0.8, and the compressibility of air
is a crucial factor affecting its aerodynamic design.
1.6 Viscous Stresses

As indicated earlier, when there is no flow the stress distribution is completely described by
its pressure distribution, and the bulk modulus relates the pressure to the fractional change
1.6. VISCOUS STRESSES 13
Figure 1.8: A Boeing 747 cruising at 35, 000 f t at a Mach number of about 0.82. Courtesy of
United Airlines.
in volume (the compression strain). When there is flow, however, shearing stresses may
become important, and additional normal stresses can also come into play. The magnitude
of these stresses depends on the fluid viscosity. Viscosity is a property of fluids, and it is
related to the ability of a fluid to flow freely. Intuitively, we know that the viscosity of motor
oil is higher than that of water, and the viscosity of water is higher than that of air (see
Section 1.6.3 for more details). To be more precise about the nature of viscosity, we need
to consider how the viscosity of a fluid gives rise to viscous stresses.
1.6.1 Viscous shear stresses

When a shear stress is applied to a solid, the solid deforms by an amount that can be
measured by an angle called the shear angle ∆γ (Figure 1.9). We can also apply a shear
stress to a fluid particle by confining the fluid between two parallel plates, and moving one
plate with respect to the other. We find that the shear angle in the fluid will grow indefinitely
if the shear stress is maintained. The shear stress τ is not related to the magnitude of the
shear angle, as in solids, but to the rate at which the shear angle is changing. For many
fluids, the relationship is linear, so that
dγ
τ∝
dt
Figure 1.9: Solid under shear.

Figure 1.10: A fluid in shear. Figure 1.11: Velocity profile in the region
near a solid surface.
That is
dγ
τ =µ
dt
where the coefficient of proportionality µ is called the dynamic viscosity of the fluid, or
simply the fluid viscosity.
Imagine an initially rectangular fluid particle of height ∆y, where the tangential force is
applied to the top face, and its base is fixed (Figure 1.10). In time ∆t, the top face of the
particle moves a distance ∆u∆t relative to the bottom face, where ∆u is the velocity of the
top face relative to the bottom face. If ∆γ is a small angle, sin ∆γ ≈ ∆γ, and so
∆γ ∆u
∆y sin ∆γ ≈ ∆y∆γ ≈ ∆u∆t, so that ≈
∆t ∆y
In the limit of a very small cube we obtain
dγ du
=
dt dy
so that
du
τyx = µ (1.7)
dy
The subscript yx indicates that the shear stress in the x-direction is associated with a strain
rate in the y-direction. Note that du/dy has dimensions of a strain rate (1/time, or T −1 ).
Fluids which obey a linear relationship between stress and strain rate such as that given in
equation 1.7 are called Newtonian fluids. Most common fluids are Newtonian, including air
and water over very wide ranges of pressures and temperatures. The density and viscosity of
some common fluids are shown in Table 1.2. A more complete listing appears in Appendix A.
Not all fluids obey a Newtonian stress-strain relationship. An enormous variety of non-
Newtonian or visco-elastic fluids exists that obey more complicated relationships between
stress and strain rate. The relationships can be nonlinear, similar to the plastic deformation
of solids, or demonstrate history effects, where the stress history needs to be known before
the deformation can be predicted. Such fluids are commonly encountered in the plastics
and chemical industries.
1.6.2 Viscous normal stresses

Viscosity is also important when normal stress differences occur. Consider a length of taffy.
Taffy behaves a little like a fluid in that it will continue to stretch under a constant load,
and it has very little elasticity, so that it does not spring back when the load is removed.
Imagine that we pull lengthwise on the taffy (call it the x-direction). Its length will increase
in the direction of the applied load, while its cross-sectional area will decrease. Normal
stress differences are present. For example, as the taffy stretches, the point in the center
will remain in its original location, but all other points move outward at speeds that increase
with the distance from the center point. If the velocity at any point is u, we see that u
varies with x, and that a velocity gradient or strain rate du/dx exists. The resistance to the
strain rate depends on the properties of the taffy.
A fluid behaves somewhat similarly to taffy, in that fluids offer a resistance to stretching
or compression. The magnitude of the stress depends on a fluid property called the exten-
sional viscosity. For Newtonian fluids, the viscosity is isotropic, so that the shear viscosity
and the extensional viscosity are the same. So, for a fluid in simple extension or compression,
the normal stress is given by
du
τxx = µ (1.8)
dx
The subscript xx indicates that the stress in the x-direction is associated with a strain rate
in the x-direction.
1.6.3 Viscosity
We have seen that when fluids are in relative motion, shear stresses develop which depend
on the viscosity of the fluid. Viscosity is measured in units of P a · s, kg/(m s), lbm /(f t · s),
N ·s/m2 , or P oise (a unit named after the French scientist Jean Poiseuille). It has dimensions
of mass per unit length per unit time (M/LT )
Because a viscous stress is developed (that is, a viscous force per unit area), we know
from Newton’s second law that the fluid must experience a rate of change of momentum.
Sometimes we say that momentum “diffuses” through the fluid by the action of viscosity.
To understand this statement, we need to examine the basic molecular processes that give
rise to the viscosity of fluids. That is, we will take a microscopic point of view.
A flowing gas has two characteristic velocities: the average molecular speed ῡ, and the
speed at which the fluid mass moves from one place to another, called the bulk velocity, V .
For a gas, ῡ is equal to the speed of sound. Consider a flow where the fluid is maintained at
a constant temperature, so that ῡ is the same everywhere, but where V varies with distance
as in Figure 1.12. As molecules move from locations with a bulk velocity that is smaller to
locations where the bulk velocity is larger (from B to A in Figure 1.12), the molecules will
interact and exchange momentum with their faster neighbors. The net result is to reduce
the local average bulk velocity. At the same time, molecules from regions of higher velocity
will migrate to regions of lower velocity (from A to B in Figure 1.12), interact with the
surrounding molecules and increase the local average velocity.
We see that the exchange of momentum on a microscopic level tends to smooth out,
or diffuse, the velocity differences in a fluid. On a macroscopic scale, we see a change in
ρ (kg/m3 ) µ (N sec/m2 )
Air 1.204 18.2 × 10−6

Water 998.2 1.002 × 10−3
Sea water 1,025 1.07 × 10−3
SAE 30 motor oil 919 0.04
Honey ≈ 1430 ≈ 1.4
Mercury 13,600 1.57 × 10−3
Table 1.2: Density and viscosity of some common fluids (at 20◦ C and 1 atm).
Figure 1.12: Momentum exchange by molecular mixing. Velocity profile in the vicinity of a solid
surface.
momentum in the bulk fluid and infer the action of a stress — we call it the viscous shear
stress, with a diffusion coefficient called the viscosity.
Because the interactions among molecules occur within a distance comparable to the
mean free path, the viscosity must depend on the average molecular speed ῡ, the density
ρ and the mean free path `m . Viscosity is therefore a property of the fluid, and for a gas
it can be estimated from molecular gas dynamics. Typically, the dynamic viscosity is very
small. Air at 20◦ C, for example, has a viscosity of about µ = 18.2 × 10−6 N · s/m2 (see
Table Appendix-C.1). Nevertheless, the stress is given by the product of the viscosity and
the velocity gradient, and viscous stresses can become very important when the magnitude
of the velocity gradient is large even when the viscosity itself is very small. This happens
in regions close to a solid surface, such as that shown in Figure 1.12.
The molecular interpretation of viscosity also helps us to know what to expect when the
temperature of the gas increases. Since the number of collisions will increase, enhancing the
momentum exchange among molecules, the viscosity should increase. Figure Appendix-C.1
confirms this expectation.
The opposite behavior is found for liquids, where the viscosity decreases as the tem-
perature increases. This is because liquids have a much higher density than gases, and
intermolecular forces are more important. As the temperature increases, the relative im-
portance of these bonds decreases, and therefore the molecules are more free to move. As a
consequence, the viscosity of liquids decreases as their temperature increases (see Figure A-
C.1).
Finally, we note that it is sometimes convenient to use a parameter called the kinematic
viscosity, ν, defined as the dynamic viscosity divided by the density,
µ
ν=
ρ
The dimensions of kinematic viscosity are length2 /time (L2 /T ), and common units are m2 /s
or f t2 /s.
1.6.4 Measures of viscosity

We have seen that viscosity is associated with the ability of a fluid to flow freely. For
example, honey has about 1000 times the viscosity of water, and it is obvious that it takes
a much greater force to stir honey than water (at the same rate). The fact that viscosity
and flow rate are directly connected is sometimes used to measure the fluid viscosity. Motor
oils, for example, are rated by the Society of Automobile Engineers in terms of the time it
takes for 60 mL of the oil to flow through a calibrated hole in the bottom of a cup under the
action of gravity. An oil rated as SAE 30 will take about 60 seconds, and a SAE 120 oil will
take 240 seconds, and so forth. The instrument is called a Saybolt viscometer (Figure 1.13).
Figure 1.13: Society of Automobile Engineers Figure 1.14: Linear Couette flow.
of America (SAE) standard viscosity test.
With permission, “Fluid Mechanics,” Streeter
& Wylie, 8th ed., published by McGraw-Hill,
1985.
Alternatively, it is possible to use the relationship given in equation 1.7 to measure the
viscosity. If we consider two plates, separated by a gap h, and fill the gap with a fluid of
viscosity µ, the force required to move one plate with respect to the other is a measure of
the fluid viscosity. If the top plate moves with a velocity U relative to the bottom plate,
and if the gap is small enough, the velocity profile becomes linear, as shown in Figure 1.14.
This flow is called plane Couette flow. The stress at the wall, τw is related to the velocity
gradient at the wall, where
∂u
τw = µ
∂y w
By finding τw , the force per unit area required to move the top plate at a constant speed,
the viscosity can be found as shown in Example 1.10 in the Study Guide.
It is also possible to use a circular geometry, where the fluid fills the annular gap between
two concentric cylinders, and the two cylinders move at different speeds. This flow is called
circular Couette flow. Another common “viscometer” uses a cone rotating in a cup (see
Figure 7.2 in the Study Guide.
1.6.5 Energy and work considerations

For the velocity profile shown in Figure 1.11, the local shear stress at any distance from
the surface is given by equation 1.7. To overcome this viscous stress, work must be done
by the fluid. If no further energy were supplied to the fluid, all motion would eventually
cease because of the action of viscous stresses. For example, after we have finished stirring
our coffee we see that all the fluid motions begin to slow down and finally come to a halt.
Viscous stresses dissipate the energy associated with the fluid motion. In fact, we often say
that viscosity gives rise to a kind of friction within the fluid.
Viscosity also causes a drag force on a solid surface in contact with the fluid: the viscous
stress at the wall, τw = µ(∂u/∂y)w , transmits the fluid drag to the surface, as illustrated in
Figure 1.15.
Example 1.10 shows how the drag force on a solid surface can be found from the velocity
profile by evaluating the velocity gradient at the wall and integrating the surface stress over
the area of the body. If the stress is constant over the area, the viscous force Fv is simply
given by the shear stress at the wall times the area over which it acts. If the body moves at
a constant velocity Ub , it must do work to maintain its speed. If it moves a distance ∆x in
Figure 1.15: A long flat plate moving at constant speed in a viscous fluid. On the right is shown
the velocity distributions as they appear to a stationary observer, and on the left they are shown
as they appear to an observer moving with the plate.
a time ∆t, it does work equal to Fv ∆x, and it expends power equal to Fv ∆x/∆t, that is,
Fv Ub .
1.7 Boundary Layers

Viscous effects are particularly important near solid surfaces, where the strong interaction
of the molecules of the fluid with the molecules of the solid causes the relative velocity
between the fluid and the solid to become almost exactly zero. For a stationary surface,
therefore, the fluid velocity in the region near the wall must reduce to zero (Figure 1.16).
This is called the no-slip condition.
We see this effect in nature when a dust cloud driven by the wind moves along the
ground. Not all the the dust particles are moving at the same speed; close to the ground
they move more slowly than further away. If we were to look in the region very close to
the ground we would see that the dust particles there are almost stationary, no matter how
strong the wind. Right at the ground, the dust particles do not move at all, indicating that
the air has zero velocity at this point. This is evidence for the no-slip condition, in that
there is no relative motion between the air and the ground at their point of contact. It
follows that the flow velocity varies with distance from the wall; from zero at the wall to its
full value some distance away, so that significant velocity gradients are established close to
the wall. In most cases, this region is thin (compared to a typical body dimension), and it
is called a boundary layer . Within the boundary layer, strong velocity gradients can occur,
and therefore viscous stresses can become important (as indicated by equation 1.7).
The no-slip condition is illustrated in Figure 1.17. Here, water is flowing above and
below a thin flat plate. The flow is made visible by forming a line of hydrogen bubbles
in the water (the technique is described in Section 4.1). The line was originally straight,
Figure 1.16: Growth of a boundary layer along a stationary flat plate. Here, δ is the boundary
layer thickness, and Ue is the freestream velocity, that is, the velocity outside the boundary layer
region.
1.8. LAMINAR AND TURBULENT FLOW 19
Figure 1.17: The no-slip condition in water flow past a thin plate. Flow is from left to right. The
upper flow is turbulent, and the lower flow is laminar. With permission, Illustrated Experiments
in Fluid Mechanics, (The NCMF Book of Film Notes, National Committee for Fluid Mechanics
Films, Education Development Center, Inc., c 1972).
but as the flow sweeps the bubbles downstream (from left to right in Figure 1.17), the line
changes its shape because bubbles in regions of faster flow will travel further in a given time
than bubbles in regions of slower flow. The hydrogen bubbles therefore make the velocity
distribution visible. Bubbles near the surface of the plate will move slowest of all, and at
the surface they are stationary with respect to the surface because of the no-slip condition.
The upper and lower flows in Figure 1.17 are different (the upper one is turbulent, and the
lower one is laminar — see Section 1.8), but the no-slip condition applies to both.
1.8 Laminar and Turbulent Flow

We have described boundary layer flow as the flow in a region close to a solid surface where
viscous stresses are important. When the layers of fluid inside the boundary layer slide over
each other in a very disciplined way, the flow is called laminar (the lower flow in Figure 1.17).
Whenever the size of the object is small, or the speed of the flow is low, or the viscosity of
the fluid is large, we observe laminar flow. However, when the body is large, or it is moving
at a high speed, or the viscosity of the fluid is small, the entire nature of the flow changes.
Instead of smooth, well-ordered, laminar flow, irregular eddying motions appear, signaling
the presence of turbulent flow (the upper flow in Figure 1.17).
Turbulent flows are all around us. We see it in the swirling of snow in the wind, the
sudden and violent motion of an aircraft encountering “turbulence” in the atmosphere, the
mixing of cream in coffee, and the irregular appearance of water issuing from a fully-opened
faucet. Turbulent boundary layers are seen whenever we observe the dust kicked up by the
wind, or look alongside the hull of a ship moving in smooth water, where swirls and eddies are
often seen in a thin region close to the hull. Inside the eddies and between them, fluid layers
are in relative motion, and local viscous stresses are causing energy dissipation. Because
of the high degree of activity associated with the eddies and their fluctuating velocities,
the viscous energy dissipation inside a turbulent flow can be very much greater than in a
laminar flow.
We suggested that laminar flow is the state of fluid flow found at low velocities, for
bodies of small scale, for fluids with a high kinematic viscosity. In other words, it is the
flow state found at low Reynolds number, where the Reynolds number is a nondimensional
ratio defined by
ρV D VD
Re = =
µ ν
where V is the velocity and D is a characteristic dimension (the body length, the tube
diameter, etc.). Turbulent flow is found when the velocity is high, on large bodies, for fluids
with a low kinematic viscosity. That is, turbulent flow is the state of fluid flow found at high
Reynolds number. Because the losses in turbulent flow are much greater then in laminar
flow, the distinction between these two flow states is of great practical importance.
1.9 Surface Tension

At the free surface that forms between a gas and a liquid, a fluid property called surface
tension becomes important.
By observation, we know that the surface of a liquid tends to contract to the smallest
possible area, behaving as though its surface were a stretched elastic membrane. For ex-
ample, small drops of liquid in a spray become spherical, because a sphere has the smallest
surface area for a given volume. Spherical lead shot (as found in shotgun pellets) used to be
made by dropping molten lead from a high tower (they are often called “shot” towers). The
drops of liquid lead would take a spherical form because of surface tension, and maintain
this form as they cooled and solidified during their fall. Also, when a brush is wet, the hairs
cling together, because the films between them tend to contract. Some insects can walk on
water, and a steel needle placed carefully on a water surface will float.
These surface tension phenomena are due to the attractive forces that exist between
molecules. The forces fall off quickly with distance, and they are appreciable only over a
very short distance (of the order of 5 × 10−6 m, that is, 5 µm). This distance forms the
radius of a sphere around a given molecule, and only molecules contained in this sphere
will attract the one at the center (Figure 1.18). For a molecule well inside the body of the
liquid, its “sphere of molecular attraction” lies completely in the liquid, and the molecule is
attracted equally in all directions by the surrounding molecules, so that the resultant force
acting on it is zero. For a molecule near the surface, where its sphere of attraction lies
partially outside the liquid, the resultant force is no longer zero; the surrounding molecules
of the liquid tend to pull the center molecule into the liquid, and this force is not balanced
by the attractive force exerted by the surrounding gas molecules because they are fewer in
number (because the gas has a much lower density than the liquid). The resultant force on
molecules near the surface is inward, tending to make the surface area as small as possible.
Figure 1.18: Surface tension and “spheres of molecular attraction.”

1.9. SURFACE TENSION 21
The coefficient of surface tension σ of a liquid is the tensile force per unit length of a
line on the surface. Common units are lbf /f t or N/m, and its dimensions are M/T 2 . A
typical value at 20◦ C for air-water is σ = 0.0050 lbf /f t = 0.073 N/m, and for air-mercury
σ = 0.033 lbf /f t = 0.48 N/m. Additional values are given in Tables Appendix-C.3, C.4 and
C.9. Generally, dissolving an organic substance in water, such as grease or soap, will lower
the surface tension, whereas inorganic substances raise the surface tension of water slightly.
The surface tension of most liquids decreases with temperature, and this effect is especially
noticeable for water.
We will now describe some particular phenomena due to surface tension, including the
excess pressure in a drop or bubble, the formation of a meniscus on a liquid in a small-
diameter tube, and capillarity.
1.9.1 Drops and bubbles

The surfaces of drops or bubbles tend to contract due to surface tension, which increases
their internal pressure. When the drop or bubble stops growing, it is in equilibrium under
the action of the forces due to surface tension and the excess pressure ∆p (the difference
between the internal and external pressures).
Figure 1.19a shows one half of a spherical drop of radius r. The resultant upward
force due to the excess pressure is πr2 ∆p, where πr2 is the cross-sectional arae of the drop.
Because the drop is in static equilibrium (that is, it is not accelerating and it is not growing),
this force must be balanced by the surface tension force 2πrσ, acting around the edge of
the hemisphere (we neglect its weight). Therefore, for a drop
πr2 ∆p = 2πrσ
That is,
2σ
∆p =
r
In the case of a bubble [Figure 1.19(b)] there are two surfaces to be considered, inside and
out, so that for a bubble:
4σ
∆p =
r
1.9.2 Forming a meniscus

The free surface of a liquid will form a curved surface when it comes in contact with a solid.
Figure 1.20(a) shows two glass tubes, one containing mercury and the other water. The free
surfaces are curved, convex for mercury, and concave for water. The angle between the solid
surface AB and the tangent BC to the liquid surface at the point of contact [Figure 1.20(b)]
is called the angle of contact, θ. For liquids where the angle is less than 90◦ (for example,
Figure 1.19: Equilibrium of (a) drop and (b) bubble, where the excess pressure is balanced by
surface tension.
Figure 1.20: Angle of contact: (a) Free surface shape of water and mercury in glass tubes. (b) A
wetting, and a non-wetting liquid.
water on glass), the liquid is said to wet the surface. For liquids where the angle is greater
than 90◦ (for example, mercury on glass), the liquid is said not to wet the surface. For
pure water on clean glass, the angle of contact is approximately zero, and for various metal
surfaces it lies between 3◦ and 11◦ . For mercury on glass, its value is 130◦ to 145◦ .
Water wets glass because the attractive forces between the water molecules and the glass
molecules exceed the forces between water molecules. The reverse holds true for mercury.
That the contact angle depends on the nature of the surface is clearly illustrated by the
behavior of water droplets. On a clean glass plate, θ ≈ 0, and a drop of water will spread
out to wet the surface. However, on a freshly waxed surface such as a car hood, drops will
“bead up,” showing that θ > 0◦ . Figure 1.21 ilustrates how the nature of the surface will
change the contact angle for water drops on different glass surfaces.
Consider also a drop of water pressed between two plates a small distance t apart (Fig-
ure 1.22). The radius of the circular spot made by the drop is R. The pressure inside the
drop is less than the surrounding atmosphere by an amount depending on the tension in
the free surface. To pull the plates apart, a force F is required. If θ is the angle of contact,
the upward component of surface tension is σ cos θ [see Figure 1.20(b)], and it produces an
upward force of 2πrσ cos θ around the perimeter of the drop. There is an identical force
acting in the downward direction, and so the total force due to surface tension is given by
4πRσ cos θ. This force is balanced by the reduced pressure acting on the circumferential
area of the squeezed drop (only the radial component needs to be taken into account), given
Figure 1.21: Water droplet contact angle measurements on 3 different borosilicate glass surfaces.
From Sumner et al. The Nature of Water on Surfaces of Laboratory Systems and Implications for
Heterogeneous Chemistry in the Troposphere, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. (2004) 6 604-613. With
permission of The Royal Society of Chemistry.
1.9. SURFACE TENSION 23
Figure 1.22: A drop of liquid squeezed between two glass plates.
by 2πRt. That is,

2πRt∆p = 4πRσ cos θ
In turn, the force required to pull the plates apart is given by the reduced pressure times
the area of the spot, which is approximately equal to πR2 . Hence
2σπR2 cos θ
F = πR2 ∆p = (1.9)
t
This force can be quite large if the film thickness t is small or R is large. For example, when
a pot sits on a wet kitchen bench, the gap between the pot and the bench fills with water,
and the pot can be remarkably difficult to pull off the bench. This force is due to surface
tension.
1.9.3 Capillarity
Another phenomenon due to surface tension is capillarity. When a clean glass tube of
radius r is inserted into a dish of water, the water will rise inside the tube a distance h
above the surface (Figure 1.23). This happens because the attraction between glass and
water molecules is greater than that between water molecules themselves, producing an
upward force. The liquid rises until the weight of the liquid column balances the upward
force due to surface tension. If θ is the angle of contact, the upward component of surface
tension is σ cos θ [see Figure 1.20(b)], and it produces an upward force of 2πrσ cos θ around
the inside perimeter of the tube. If we neglect the contribution of the curved surface to the
height of the column, then the weight of the column of liquid is equal to its volume times
the fluid density ρ times the acceleration due to gravity g, that is, ρgπr2 h. Hence,
ρgπr2 h = 2πrσ cos θ
and
2σ cos θ
h=
ρgr
Figure 1.23: Water in a glass tube: a demonstration of capillarity.

The capillary rise h is therefore inversely proportional to the tube radius. For water on clean
glass, θ ≈ 0, and h = 2σ/(ρgr). For mercury in a glass tube, θ > 90◦ and h is negative, so
that there is a capillary depression.
Chapter 2
Fluid Statics
In this chapter, we consider fluids in static equilibrium. To be in static equilibrium, the

fluid must be at rest, or it must be moving in such a way that there are no relative motions
between adjacent fluid particles. There can be no velocity gradients, and consequently there
will be no viscous stresses. A fluid in static equilibrium, therefore, is acted on only by forces
due to pressure and its own weight, and perhaps by additional body forces due to externally
imposed accelerations. In general, for a fluid in static equilibrium
ΣF = 0 and ΣM = 0
where F are all the forces acting on it, and M are all the moments.
The simplest case of a fluid in static equilibrium occurs when the fluid is at rest. For
example, if a liquid is poured into a bucket and left to stand until all relative motions have
died out, the fluid is then in static equilibrium. At this point, there are no resultant forces
or moments acting on the fluid.
It is also possible to have a moving fluid in static equilibrium, as long as no part of the
fluid is moving with respect to any other part. This is called rigid body motion. When the
fluid and its container are moving at constant speed, for instance, it is in equilibrium under
the forces due to pressure and its own weight (think of the coffee in a cup that is in a car
moving at constant velocity). However, when this system is accelerating, the inertia force
due to acceleration needs to be taken into account, as we shall see in Section 2.12.
2.1 The Hydrostatic Equation

We begin by considering a fluid at rest. We choose a small fluid element, that is, a small
fixed volume of fluid located at some arbitrary point with dimensions of dx, dy and dz in
the x-, y- and z-directions, respectively. When the fluid is in static equilibrium, there are
no relative motions, and so the fluid element (a fixed volume) occupies the same space as
a fluid particle (a fixed mass of fluid). The z-axis points in the direction opposite to the
gravitational vector (see Figure 2.1) so that the positive direction is vertically up.
The only forces acting on the fluid particle are those due to gravity and pressure dif-
ferences. Because there is no resultant acceleration of the fluid particle, these forces must
balance. The force due to gravity acts only in the vertical direction, and we see immediately
that the pressure cannot vary in the horizontal plane. In the x-direction, for example, the
force due to pressure acting on the left face of the particle (abef ) must cancel the force
due to pressure acting on the right face of the particle (cdgh), since there is no other force
acting in the horizontal direction. The pressures on these two faces must be equal, and so
the pressure cannot vary in the x-direction. Similarly, it cannot vary in the y-direction.
25
26 CHAPTER 2. FLUID STATICS
Figure 2.1: Static equilibrium of a small particle of fluid under the action of gravity and fluid
pressure.
For the vertical direction, we use a Taylor-series expansion to express the pressure on
the top and bottom faces of the particle in terms of pressure at the center of the particle,
p0 , and its derivatives at that point (see Section Appendix-A.10). That is,
2 2
dz dp 1 dz d p
ptop = p0 + + − ... (2.1)
2 dz 0 2! 2
dz 2 0
The positive sign on the first derivative reflects the fact that when we move from the center
of the cube to the top face, we move in the positive z-direction. The dots indicate higher
order terms (terms involving higher order derivatives). Similarly, on the bottom face of the
cube 2 2
dz dp 1 dz d p
pbot = p0 − + + ... (2.2)
2 dz 0 2! 2
dz 2 0
where the negative sign on the first derivative reflects the fact that when we move from
the center of the cube to the top face, we move in the negative z-direction. As the volume
becomes infinitesimally small, the resultant force due to pressure is given by

dp
Fpress = (pbot − ptop ) dxdy = − dxdydz (2.3)
dz 0
which acts in the positive z-direction (opposite to the direction of g). The second-order
terms cancel exactly, and the third- and higher-order terms become negligible as the volume
of the element becomes very small.
For the particle to remain at rest, the force due to the pressure differences, Fpress , must
be balanced by the weight of the fluid particle. To find the weight of the particle, we will
assume that the density (like the pressure) is only a function of z, since we expect a direct
relationship between pressure and density. The densities at the top and bottom of the cube,
ρtop and ρbot , are given by equations similar to equations 2.1 and 2.2, respectively, with the
pressure p replaced by the density ρ. The average density, ρ, is given by
1 1
ρ= 2 (ρtop + ρbot ) = 2 (2ρ0 + . . .)
and so the weight of the fluid particle is given by
Fweight = (ρ0 + . . .) g dxdydz (2.4)
where the higher order terms go to zero as the particle becomes infinitesimally small. The
weight acts in the negative z-direction (in the direction of g). For static equilibrium, Fpress −
2.2. DENSITY AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY 27
Figure 2.2: Container open to atmosphere, showing a particle of fluid located at a depth d = z − h
below the free surface. The graph on the right is a plot of the pressure as a function of depth.
Fweight = 0, and so from Equations 2.3 and 2.4 we obtain the hydrostatic equation describing
the variation of pressure in a fluid under the action of gravity
dp
= −ρg (2.5)
dz
Remember that z points in the direction opposite to that of g (that is, it points vertically
up). The subscript 0 identifying the center of the particle has been dropped because the
final result applies to any point in the fluid.
Consider a vessel filled to a depth h with a liquid of constant density ρ. The top of
the container is open to the atmosphere, so that the pressure at the surface of the liquid
is equal to atmospheric pressure, pa (Figure 2.2). The z-direction is positive going up, as
in equation 2.5. The hydrostatic equation (equation 2.5) is a first-order, linear, ordinary
differential equation, so we need only one boundary condition to solve it. We have at z = h,
p = pa , and so
p − pa = −ρg(z − h) = ρg(h − z) (2.6)
indicating that the pressure increases with depth d = h − z, with a constant slope equal to
ρg. That is,
For a constant density fluid, the pressure increases linearly with depth.
The pressure variation with depth is shown on the right in Figure 2.2. At the free surface
where d = 0 (z = h), the pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure, and then it increases
linearly with depth so that at the bottom of the container where d = h (z = 0) the pressure
is equal to pa + ρgh. The arrows indicate the direction of the force produced by the pressure
acting on the side wall of the container.
It is often useful to check relationships by examining their behavior “in the limit.”
When using the hydrostatic equation, for example, it is important to check that the depth
is expressed correctly since it is easy to get the sign wrong. Remember that the pressure
should have its maximum value at the maximum depth. We see that equation 2.6 has the
right behavior: when z = 0, the depth is h and the pressure takes its maximum value.
2.2 Density and Specific Gravity

Density is defined as the mass per unit volume, and it is measured in kg/m3 , or slugs
(1 slug = 32.2 lbm ). The usual symbol is ρ. At 4◦ C, water has a density of 1000 kg/m3 ,
so that at this temperature one cubic meter contains 1000 kg of water. At 20◦ C, water
has a density of 998.2 kg/m3 . In contrast, air has a density of 1.204 kg/m3 at atmospheric
pressure and 20◦ C, so that its density is about 830 times smaller than water (see Tables 1.2
and Appendix-C.7).
It is common practice to express the density of other liquids relative to that of water.
This is called the specific gravity. Formally, the specific gravity (SG) of a solid or liquid is
the ratio of its density to that of water, that is,
density of substance
SG =
density of water
Note that the specific gravity is a ratio of like quantities, and so it has no dimensions. It
is an example of what is called a nondimensional parameter. Since the density is mass per
unit volume, an equivalent definition is
mass of a given volume of substance
SG =
mass of an equal volume of water
as long as the temperatures of the substance and the water are equal. Therefore air has
a specific gravity of 1.204/998.2 = 0.001206 at 20◦ C. One type of alcohol widely used in
manometers (and alcoholic beverages) is ethanol, which has a density of 789 kg/m3 at 20◦ C,
so that its specific gravity is 789/998.2 = 0.790. These concepts are further illustrated in
Example 2.1.
Substances with a specific gravity less than one, such as ethanol, will float on water.
Steel, on the other hand, has a density of 7850 kg/m3 , so that its specific gravity is 7.86,
and it will not float on water, except possibly through the action of surface tension (see
Section 1.9). Ice will float on water since it has a specific gravity of 0.917. For an iceberg,
floating in sea water (which has a specific gravity of 1.025), this means that only about 10%
of its bulk will be visible above the sea surface (Figure 2.3). This result is demonstrated in
Example 2.10.
2.3 Absolute and Gauge Pressure

In equation 2.6, p is the absolute pressure, since it is measured relative to an absolute
vacuum. Absolute pressure is the pressure that appears in the ideal gas law (equation 1.3).
When the pressure is measured relative to atmospheric pressure, such as p − pa , it is called
gauge pressure.
Gauge pressure is often useful when pressures above (or below) atmospheric are of in-
terest. Most pressure instruments measure gauge pressures. A tire gauge, for instance,
measures the pressure in a tire over and above the local atmospheric pressure. A vacuum
gauge, in contrast, will measure the pressure below atmospheric (in common engineering
usage a vacuum is any pressure lower than the ambient atmospheric pressure).
Air pressure can often assumed to be constant. Consider a simple container like that
shown in Figure 2.2. The pressure difference measured from the top to the bottom of
the liquid is given by ρgh, where ρ is the density of the liquid. Outside the container,
atmospheric pressure acts, and the air pressure changes by ρa gh over the same distance h,
where ρa is the density of air. The pressure change for air relative to water over the same
distance is therefore given by the ratio
ρa gh ρa
=
ρgh ρ
If the liquid was water, this ratio is equal to about 1.2/1000 = 0.0012, and for alcohol it
would be about 1.2/800 = 0.0015. So the relative change of pressure in air compared to
2.3. ABSOLUTE AND GAUGE PRESSURE 29
Figure 2.3: Iceberg, above and below the sea surface. Corbis/Ralph A. Clevenger.
a liquid over the same depth is always very small, simply because the density of a gas at
moderate pressures is always much smaller than the density of a liquid. In many problems
involving the pressure change due to a change in depth of a liquid, therefore, the change in
air pressure over the same distance can be neglected and the air pressure can be assumed
to be constant.
When this is the case, problems can often be solved using gauge pressures rather than
absolute pressures. We will see additional examples later, but for now we consider the
resultant force exerted on the bottom of the container shown in Figure 2.2. We will assume
that the air pressure can be taken to be constant everywhere.
First, we use absolute pressures. The absolute pressure acting on the bottom of the
container from the outside, where air pressure acts, is simply pa , and the absolute pressure
exerted on the bottom of the container from the inside by the liquid is pb , where
pb = pa + ρgh
If the area of the bottom is A, then the resultant force F acting on the bottom surface is
F = (pa + ρgh) A − pa A = ρghA
Second, we use gauge pressures. The gauge pressure acting on the outside of the tank
is zero, by definition. Inside the tank, the gauge pressure at the bottom of the container is
pb − pa = ρgh, and so
F = ρghA
as before. In this case, the air simply adds a constant pressure to the pressure developed
hydrostatically in the liquid. Since the same pressure acts on the bottom of the container
from the outside in the opposite direction, the forces due to air pressure cancel out and they
do not contribute to the resultant force.
2.4 Applications of the Hydrostatic Equation

2.4.1 Pressure variation in the atmosphere
We can think of atmospheric pressure as being equal to the weight (per unit area) of all the
air above our point of measurement. As we increase our height above sea level, this weight
decreases, and therefore pressure decreases with altitude. However, the pressure will not be
given by a simple relationship such as ρgd (where d is the depth) because the density varies
with altitude. We need to return to equation 2.5 and find the solution from first principles.
That is,
dp
= −ρg (2.7)
dz
The variation of temperature, density and pressure with altitude is usually described in
terms of a Standard Atmosphere (see Tables Appendix-C.5, C.6, and Figure 13.1). For the
first 10, 000 m, the temperature variation is almost linear, and it is closely approximated by
T = T0 + m (z − z0 )
From Table Appendix-C.5, we see that with T0 = 288.2◦ K (= 15.0◦ C) and z0 = 0,

m = −0.0065◦ K/m. From the hydrostatic equation (equation 2.7) and the ideal gas law
(equation 1.3),
dp p
=− g
dz RT
That is, with z0 = 0,

dp dz g mdz
= −g =−
p RT mR T0 + mz
By integration

p g T0 + mz
ln =− ln
p0 mR T0
That is, the pressure in the first 10, 000 m of the Standard Atmosphere varies with altitude
according to
−g/mR
p T0 + mz
=
p0 T0
At an altitude of 1000 m, for example, the the pressure decreases by about 11%.
In Chapter 13, we will see that the actual variation of temperature with altitude in the
atmosphere at a given location is a strong function of the local weather conditions (see, for
example, Figure 13.6, and the Standard Atmosphere represents a longterm average taken
over many seasons.
2.4. APPLICATIONS OF THE HYDROSTATIC EQUATION 31
2.4.2 Density variation in the ocean

What about the variation of density with depth in the ocean? We saw earlier that water
is slightly compressible, and that this leads to a small increase in density with increasing
depth. The density varies almost linearly with pressure, and the coefficient is given by the
bulk modulus K. With z measured from the surface downward, and substituting for dp
using equation 1.2, we obtain the pressure gradient in the ocean in terms of the density
gradient. That is,
dp K dρ
= = ρg
dz ρ dz
That is,
dρ g 2
= ρ
dz K
so that
dρ g
= dz
ρ2 K
If we assume that K remains constant,
ρ0
ρ =
1 − ρ0Kgz
where ρ0 is the density at the point where z = 0. Seawater has a bulk modulus of K =
2.34 × 109 P a at 20◦ C (see Table Appendix-C.9). If we neglect the variation of K with
temperature, then at a depth of 1000 m the density of seawater is different from its value at
the surface by about 0.5%.
2.4.3 Manometers
Manometers are used to measure pressure differences. A simple manometer can be made
using a U-shaped tube, filled to some depth with a liquid (Figure 2.4). Water is easy, but
many manometers use alcohol to prevent the growth of algea or bacteria. Alcohol can also
be easily dyed to make it clearly visible. The two sides of the manometer are connected
by tubes to the points of interest, which may, for example, be located on the upper and
lower surfaces of the wing on an airplane. In that case, since the lift generated by the wing
supports the weight of the airplane, we expect the pressure on the bottom surface of the
wing, p1 , to be greater than the pressure on the top surface, p2 . Using the hydrostatic
equation for a constant density fluid (equation 2.6), we obtain
p1 − p2 = ρm g(z2 − z1 )
where ρm is the density of the manometer fluid. That is,
p1 − p2 = ρm g∆h
Therefore we can find the pressure difference p1 − p2 by measuring the deflection of the
manometer fluid, ∆h.
In deriving this result, we assumed that the pressures at points A and B are equal. This
assumption is perfectly correct, since the pressure in a fluid under the action of gravity
alone does not vary in the horizontal plane. In other words, any horizontal line is an isobar ,
which is a line connecting points of equal pressure. This is a general principle, as long as
the path from A to B can be drawn within the same liquid. Points A and B are then called
simply connected . If, for example, there was a slug of different fluid (an air pocket, perhaps)
along the path between A and B, they are no longer simply connected, and the pressures
at A and B would be different. For the manometer shown in Figure 2.5, p1 = p6 = pa and
Figure 2.4: A simple U-tube manometer. Figure 2.5: A U-tube manometer with multiple
manometer fluids, open to atmospheric pressure.
p3 = p4 , but p2 6= p5 . A manometer problem similar to this one is worked out in detail in

Example 2.2.
When a pressure is transmitted to a manometer through a tube, it is important to wait
long enough for the pressure to be felt fully by the manometer, and this will take longer
for smaller diameter tubes. Again, this occurs because pressure disturbances travel slowly
along tubes of small diameter since they reflect and refract off the walls of the tube. If we
wait long enough, however, the full pressure will always be felt at the manometer, because
of the transmissibility of pressure in a fluid (see Section 1.4.4).
2.4.4 Barometers
Barometers are devices that measure the atmospheric pressure relative to a complete vac-
uum. In a complete vacuum, the absolute pressure is zero, so that barometers measure the
absolute atmospheric pressure, pa .
A mercury barometer consists of a vertical tube that contains mercury. One end is in
contact with a vacuum where the absolute pressure is zero, and the other end is exposed to
atmospheric pressure. A simple way to make a mercury barometer is to take a glass tube
about 1 m long, close it at one end and fill it with mercury. Invert the tube and put the
open end below the surface of a pool of mercury in a bowl. This will create a near vacuum
in a small space at the closed end of the tube. The level of the mercury in the tube will
settle at a height of about 760 mm (30 in.) above the level of the mercury in the bowl (see
Figure 2.6). This is exactly what the Italian scientist Evangalista Torricelli did in 1643. He
explained this observation by saying that the atmosphere must be exerting a pressure on
the free surface of the mercury and that this pressure must be equal to that exerted by the
mercury column. For the barometer shown in Figure 2.6, with the very good approximation
that p2 = 0,
pa = ρg∆h = absolute pressure
One of the units of pressure, the torr, is named in honor of Torricelli for his observations on
the nature of pressure, and his contributions to the development of barometers to measure
atmospheric pressure.
When the barometer fluid is mercury, ∆h ≈ 760 mm (30 in.), and when it is water,
∆h ≈ 10 m (34 f t). It is possible, therefore, to express atmospheric pressure in terms of an
equivalent height of a column of fluid. This is common practice for all kinds of pressures,
so we can talk about a pump developing a head of 60 feet of water, which is just a way of
saying that it develops a pressure equal to that found at the bottom of 60 feet of water,
2.4. APPLICATIONS OF THE HYDROSTATIC EQUATION 33
Figure 2.6: Mercury barometer as Figure 2.7: Fortin barometer. From

devised by Torricelli. Martin and Conner, Basic Physics, 8th
ed., published by Whitcombe & Tombs
Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, Australia, 1962,
with permission.
that is, a pressure of about 1.8 atmospheres, or 26 psi. More exact equivalences are given
in Table 2.1.
The type of mercury barometer most widely used in fluid mechanics laboratories is called
a Fortin barometer (see Figure 2.7). The scale is fixed and the level of the mercury in the
bowl is adjustable. Before making the reading, the free mercury surface is brought to the
scale zero by turning the knob C until the free surface just touches the tip of the pointer A.
The vernier scale V is then moved up and down by means of a rack and pinion R, until the
top of the mercury column and the lower front and back edges are seen in the same straight
line [Figure 2.7(c)]. A white surface W behind the tube helps to make this adjustment.
The reading needs to be adjusted for ambient temperature since the length of the mercury
1 atmosphere = 101, 325 N/m2 (= P a)

= 1.01325 bar
= 14.70 psi (= lbf /in2 )
= 2, 116 psf (= lbf /f t2 )
= 29.92 in. Hg
= 760.0 mm Hg
= 760.0 torr
= 10.33 m H2 O
= 33.90 f t H2 O
Table 2.1: Common equivalent units for atmospheric pressure.

Figure 2.8: Aneroid barometer.
column and the length of the scale both increase with temperature. Also, moist air is less
dense than dry air at the same temperature and pressure, since the molecular weight of water
is less than that of air (18 compared to 28.96), and so the barometer reading decreases as
the moisture of the atmosphere increases.
Another type of barometer is the aneroid barometer, which consists of an evacuated
metal box (Figure 2.8). The air pressure acting on the outside of the box causes the box to
deform, and this deformation is amplified by a series of levers and springs to move a pointer
over a graduated scale.
The height of the mercury column, or the reading of the aneroid barometer, will vary
with altitude, since the atmospheric pressure decreases with height. If it is known how the
pressure varies with altitude, this property can be used to find the height above sea level.
A modified aneroid barometer is commonly used as an airplane altimeter.
2.5 Vertical Walls of Constant Width

So far, we have used the hydrostatic equation to find the variation with pressure due to
height. We will now consider the forces exerted by pressure differences on the walls of a
container.
Pressure is an isotropic stress. That is, at a given point in the fluid, the pressure that acts
on a vertical surface passing through the point has the same value as it has on a horizontal
surface passing through the same point. In a container filled with water, the hydrostatic
pressure acting on the bottom of the vessel is equal to the hydrostatic pressure acting on the
side wall at the same depth. The pressure on the side wall increases with increasing depth
according to the hydrostatic equation, and so the side wall feels a linearly varying pressure
distribution.
Consider the vertical wall of a reservoir, with water of depth h on one side (see Figure 2.9).
A plot of the pressure as a function of depth is shown on the left. At the free surface, the
pressure is atmospheric and below the surface, the pressure increases linearly with depth to
a maximum value of pa + ρgh. What is the resultant force due to the water pressure acting
over the area of the reservoir wall, and where does it act? That is, if we were to replace
the distributed force due to pressure by a single resultant force, what is its magnitude and
direction, and where must it be placed?
We begin by noting that air pressure acts everywhere, on the free surface as well as on
the outside of the wall. The wall is of constant width, W (into the page), and the z-direction
is chosen to be positive in the direction of increasing altitude (that is, it is in the direction
opposite to the gravitational force). The force acting on a local element of area on the
vertical wall, dA, depends only on the depth, that is, the distance below the free surface,
given here by (h − z). In the case shown here, dA = W dz, so that the elemental area we
2.5. VERTICAL WALLS OF CONSTANT WIDTH 35
Figure 2.9: Vertical wall with water pressure acting on one side, atmospheric pressure on the other.
The graph on the left shows the absolute pressure as a function of depth, and the graph on the
right shows the gauge pressure as a function of depth.
consider is a strip of width W and height dz.
2.5.1 Solution using absolute pressures

First, we use absolute pressures. From the hydrostatic equation (equation 2.5), the pressure
at any depth is given by
p − pa = ρg(h − z)
(remember, the z-direction is positive going up). On the side of the wall where the water
acts, the pressure p acts on element dA to produce a force dFx that acts to the right. So
dFx = p dA = p dA = (pa + ρg(h − z)) dA
On the other side of the wall, air pressure acts, and we will assume that this pressure is
constant (see Section 2.3) so that the force due to air pressure acting on dA is pg dA. The
resultant force, dF , acting on the area dA is therefore given by
dF = dFx − pa dA
and it acts to the right. That is,
dF = (pa + ρg(h − z)) dA − pa dA = ρg(h − z)W dz (2.8)
where we have used dA = W dz. Integrating equation 2.8 from z = 0 to z = h gives the
resultant force Z h
F = ρg (h − z)W dz
0
so that
F = 21 ρgW h2 (2.9)
2.5.2 Solution using gauge pressures

If instead we use gauge pressure pg , where pg = p − pa , we can ignore the contributions
made by the air pressure since it acts equally on both sides of the wall. Hence,
dF = pg dA = ρg(h − z)W dz (2.10)
just as in equation 2.8. The force F is then found by integration, yielding the same result
as that given in equation 2.9.
2.5.3 Moment balance

Where should the resultant force F be placed so that it exerts the same moment as the
distributed force due to pressure? In order to take moments, we must specify the axis about
which the moments are taken, and determine the lever arm or moment arm, which is the
perpendicular distance to the line of action of the force. It is the minimum distance between
the moment axis and the line of action of the force. A convenient place to take moments
for the problem shown in Figure 2.9 is the axis passing through the point where z = 0. Any
other axis will do fine, but this one happens to make the problem simpler. Let M0 be the
resultant moment about the axis through the origin due to the total force F exerted on the
wall by the water pressure, so that
M0 = z̄ × F
where z̄ is the moment arm of F about the axis, and where a clockwise moment is taken to
be positive. We can find M0 by considering the elemental moment dM0 due to dF about
the moment axis. That is,
dM0 = z × dF = ρg(h − z)zW dz
where we have substituted for dF from either equation 2.8 or 2.10. Here, z is the moment
arm of the force dF about the axis through z = 0. Integrating from z = 0 to z = h gives
the resultant moment Z h
M0 = ρg(h − z)zW dz = 61 ρgW h3
0
By definition, the resultant force times its moment arm must be equal to the moment exerted
by the force acting on the wall, so that
M0 = z̄ × F = 16 ρgW h3 = 13 h 12 ρgW h2 = 13 h × F

Hence,
z̄ = 13 h
When atmospheric pressure acts everywhere, therefore, the resultant force exerted by a fluid
of depth h acting on a vertical wall of constant width is given by
F = 12 ρgW h2 (2.11)
and it acts a distance 13 h from the bottom of the reservoir.
In finding the resultant force and moment in statics problems, there are many similarities
with methods that are usually taught in mechanics of solids. The problem just considered
is very similar to finding the resultant force acting on a cantilever beam under a distributed
load, where the load per unit area of beam is p, varying from its minimum value of zero at
z = h to its maximum value of ρgh at z = 0 (compare Figures 2.9 and 2.10). The resultant
force is given by the integral of the distributed force over the length of the beam. That is, it
is given by the area of the triangle describing the load distribution. The point at which the
force acts will be at the centroid of the triangle, which is one-third the distance from the
point where the load is a maximum. In fluid statics, the point through which the resultant
force acts is called the center of pressure (see also Section 2.9).
2.5.4 Gauge pressure or absolute pressure?

For the problem we just solved, air pressure acted on top of the water surface so that it
added a constant pressure pa to the pressure at any point inside the water. Since we assumed
that the atmospheric pressure was constant everywhere outside the reservoir, it also acts
2.5. VERTICAL WALLS OF CONSTANT WIDTH 37
Figure 2.10: Cantilever under the Figure 2.11: Closed propane container where the
action of a distributed load similar gaseous phase exerts a pressure on the liquid phase.
to that produced by hydrostatic pres-
sure.
with the same value of pa at any position on the outside of the wall. Since air pressure
acts on the inside and the outside of the wall with the same value, it cancels out. The only
pressure that contributes to the resultant force is the “excess” pressure, that is, the gauge
pressure. It is always a good idea to look at a problem before starting its solution to see if
the ambient pressure by itself is going to add to the resultant force. If not, the problem can
usually be made considerably simpler by using gauge pressure.
To give an example where this is not the best approach, consider the closed gas container
shown in Figure 2.11, which is similar to the kind of propane container used in a gas grill.
Here, the container happens to have a square cross-section with dimensions W × W , and
a height H. The liquid propane fills the container to a depth h. The rest of the container
is filled with propane vapor at a pressure pv , equal to its vapor pressure at the ambient
temperature. Since the density of the gaseous phase of propane is much less than the
density of the liquid phase (this is true for any fluid not near its critical point), the vapor
pressure can be taken to be constant throughout the container. Similarly, air pressure acts
with a constant value pa everywhere outside the gas container. What is the resultant force
due to all the pressures acting on a side wall of the container and where does it act?
In problems like this, it is best to use absolute pressures. Consider the pressure acting
on a small element of area dA on the right side wall. On the inside of the container we have
a pressure pv + p` acting on dA, where p` is the pressure in the liquid, and on the outside
of the container we have a pressure pa . Hence
dF = (pv + p` − pa ) dA
The pressures pa and pv are constant, but p` varies with depth according to the hydrostatic
equation. This allows us to split up the problem into two parts, starting with the pres-
sures that are constant; pv and pa . The resultant force due to these pressures is simply
(pv − pa ) W H, acting to the right. Within the liquid, the pressure p` varies according to
its depth p` = ρp g(h − z) (where ρp is the density of the liquid propane). From our earlier
work, we know this gives rise to a resultant force 21 ρp gW h2 , acting to the right. So for the
right side wall, the total resultant force F acting to the right due to all the fluid pressures
is
F = (pv − pa ) W H + 12 ρp gW h2
To find out where this resultant force acts, we can again split up the problem into two
parts. The resultant force due to the constant pressures pv and pa will act at z = H/2, for
the same reason the resultant force on a beam due to a constant distributed load acts at
the center of the beam. We found earlier that the resultant force due to the liquid acts at
a distance 31 h from the bottom. When we take moments about the axis through the point
z = 0, we have
z̄ × F = 21 H × (pv − pa ) W H + 13 h × 12 ρp gW h2
which can then be solved for z̄ because we have already found F .
2.6 Sloping Walls of Constant Width

What happens when the wall is sloping? Consider a straight wall of constant width W
leaning over at an angle of θ to the horizontal (Figure 2.12). The pressure acts in a direction
normal to the surface, so that the resultant force due to water pressure will now have a
horizontal and a vertical component (Fx and Fz , respectively). What is the magnitude
of the resultant force F , and where does it act? Atmospheric pressure is taken to act
everywhere.
We will solve this problem in two different ways.
p We begin by finding Fx and Fz sepa-
rately, and obtain the resultant force using F = Fx2 + Fz2 . We will then find F directly,
without first finding Fx and Fz .
2.6.1 Horizontal force

Since atmospheric pressure acts everywhere, we can use gauge pressure, pg . Then, at any
depth below the surface,
pg = ρg(h − z)
This pressure acts normal to the wall, so that the force dF on the element dA is given by
dF = pg dA
Here, dA = W ds, where s is the coordinate along the direction of the wall, measured from
the origin, where s = 0 and z = 0. From the geometry, we have
z = s sin θ
and
dz = ds sin θ
Figure 2.12: Pressure acting on a sloping wall of constant width.

2.6. SLOPING WALLS OF CONSTANT WIDTH 39
The horizontal component of the force acting on dA is then given by
dFx = dF sin θ = pg dA sin θ

= pg W ds sin θ
dz
= pg W sin θ
sin θ
That is,
dFx = pg W dz = ρg (h − z) W dz
and by integration,
Z h
Fx = ρg (h − z) W dz = 21 ρgW h2 (2.12)
0
This is the same result found for a vertical wall (equation 2.8), and we note that the
horizontal component of the force due to hydrostatic pressure on an inclined wall of constant
width is equal to that on a vertical wall at the same depth. As we shall see in Section 2.7,
this is a result that also applies to any wall of constant width, including curved walls.
2.6.2 Vertical force

Consider now the vertical component of the force acting on dA. This is given by
dFz = dF cos θ = pg dA cos θ

= pg W ds cos θ
dz dz
= pg W cos θ = ρg (h − z) W
sin θ tan θ
By integration
h
ρgW h2
Z
dz
Fz = ρg (h − z) W = (2.13)
0 tan θ 2 tan θ
which acts downwards if θ is positive.
If instead we consider the weight of the fluid “supported” by the wall (the hatched area
in Figure 2.12), we obtain
1 h
weight of fluid = (ρgW h) × = Fz
2 tan θ
as we might expect.
2.6.3 Resultant force

The resultant force is given by p
F = Fz2 + Fx2
Using the results given in Equations 2.12 and 2.13, we obtain
ρgW h2
F = (2.14)
2 sin θ
We can arrive at the same result by considering the force dF directly, rather than first
finding the horizontal and vertical components. Here we use the s-coordinate system rather
than the [x, y] system. Then,
dz
dF = pg dA = ρg (h − z) W ds = ρg (h − z) W (2.15)
sin θ
By integration
h
ρgW h2
Z
dz
F = −ρg (z − h) W = (2.16)
0 sin θ 2 sin θ
as in equation 2.14.
2.6.4 Moment balance

To find where this resultant force acts we need to take moments. Let M0 be the resultant
moment about the axis through the origin (see Figure 2.12) due to the force exerted by the
water pressure, so that
M0 = s̄ × F
where s̄ is the moment arm of F about the axis, and where a clockwise moment is taken to
be positive. We can find M0 by considering the elemental moment dM0 due to dF about
the moment axis. That is,
dM0 = s × dF = ρg(h − z)sW ds
where we have used the result for dF from equation 2.15. Integration gives
Z
M0 = ρgW (h − z)s ds
With z = s sin θ, and dz = ds sin θ

Z h
z dz
s̄ × F = M0 = ρgW (h − z)
0 sin θ sin θ
h
ρgW z h z 3
2
ρgW h3

= − =
sin2 θ 2 3 0 6 sin2 θ
By using the result for F given in equation 2.16, we obtain
h
s̄ =
3 sin θ
We can check the solution by examining its behavior “in the limit.” For example, if θ → π/2,
the wall becomes vertical and we find s̄ = 13 h, as we expect.
2.7 Hydrostatic Forces on Curved Surfaces

So far we have considered only plane surfaces. In many cases, the surfaces are curved. For
example when building a dam, the bottom of the dam needs to be stronger than the top
because the pressure increases with depth. To achieve this with minimum material, the
thickness of the dam must increase with depth, so that the strength of the dam matches the
increasing force and moments due to pressure.
To see how the hydrostatic forces and moments acting on curved surfaces can be found,
consider the parabolic wall shown in Figure 2.13. Atmospheric pressure acts everywhere.
We will find the resultant force acting on the wall, and its point of action.
2.7. HYDROSTATIC FORCES ON CURVED SURFACES 41
Figure 2.13: Pressure acting on a parabolic wall of constant width.
2.7.1 Resultant force

We begin by defining a coordinate system so that the shape of the wall can be expressed as
simply as possible. For the system shown, the equation describing the shape of the wall is
z = ah2 x2 , where a is the extent of the wall in the x-direction. Let dF be the net force due
to the water pressure acting on the element dA, and dA = W ds, where the coordinate s is
measured along the surface of the wall and W is the width of the wall. Then, using gauge
pressure,
dF = pg dA = ρg(h − z)W ds
For curved walls it is probably simpler to find the horizontal and vertical components of
the resultant force separately, starting with the horizontal component Fx . Now
dFx = dF sin θ = ρg(h − z)W ds sin θ
Since
z = s sin θ and dz = ds sin θ
we have
dFx = ρg(h − z)W dz
By integration
Z h
Fx = ρg (h − z)W dz = 21 ρgW h2
0
This is the same result found for the horizontal force acting on an inclined wall (see Sec-
tion 2.6). It is, in fact a general result.
The horizontal component of the force due to hydrostatic pressure on a wall of constant
width is independent of its slope and it is equal to that on a vertical wall at the same
depth.
Now we find the vertical component of the resultant force, Fz . Following the same
approach as we did in finding dFx , we have
dFz = dF cos θ = pg dA cos θ = ρg(h − z)W ds cos θ
Since
x = s cos θ and dx = ds cos θ
we have
dFz = ρg(h − z)W dx
By integration:
a a
hx3
Z
h 2
Fz = ρgW h − 2x dx = ρgW hx − 2 = 23 ρgW ha
0 a 3a 0
We can also show that this vertical force is equal to the weight of fluid supported by the
wall (see Section 2.10).
The total force may be found by vector addition. That is,

s
16a2

p 2
2 2 1
F = Fx + Fz = 2 ρgW h 1+ (2.17)
9h2
We could also try to find this resultant force directly by using
dF = ρg(h − z)W ds
Z h
dz
and F = ρg(h − z)W
0 sin θ
For a curved wall, θ varies with depth. Therefore, we need to substitute for sin θ in the
expression for dF . Using trigonometry, we obtain
s 2 r
dz p
2 2
dz 4h2
= (dx) + (dz) = dx 1 + = dx 1 + 4 x2
sin θ dx a
Therefore r
a
4h2 2
Z
h
F = ρgW h − 2 x2 1+ x dx
0 a a4
Clearly, this integration is not straightforward, and although we can show that it gives the
same result as given by equation 2.17, we will not proceed further. If it is possible to get
the resultant force directly, it can save some effort, but in most curved-wall cases it is easier
to deal with the two components of the resultant force separately.
2.7.2 Line of action

To find where the resultant force acts, we take moments for each force component in turn.
First, we take moments of horizontal force components about the y-axis, which is the line
passing through the origin of the coordinate system pointing into the page. The moment
arm for Fx is z̄, so that
Z h
z̄ × Fx = ρgW z(h − z) dz
0
and we can show that

z̄ = 31 h
We could have anticipated this result from our earlier analysis; the horizontal component
of the resultant force on a plane wall of constant width acts at a point one-third from the
bottom of the wall, regardless of the inclination of the wall.
Next, we take moments of the vertical force component about the y-axis. The moment
arm for Fz is x̄, so that
Z a Z a
x2

x̄ × Fz = ρgW (h − z)x dx = ρgW h − h 2 x dx
0 0 a
2.8. TWO-DIMENSIONAL SURFACES 43
and we find that

x̄ = 83 a
This also happens to be the line passing through the centroid of the volume of water sup-
ported by the parabolic wall. We obtained a similar conclusion for a plane, inclined wall.
In fact, this is a general result.
The vertical component of the resultant force on any surface acts at the centroid of the
volume of fluid it supports (usually called the displaced volume), regardless of the shape
of the wall.
This observation will be considered further in Section 2.10.
2.8 Two-Dimensional Surfaces

The next level of complexity in hydrostatic problems is the case where the surface is flat,
but it has a width that varies. The surface is two-dimensional, and the force acting on a
two-dimensional surface depends on its depth and its width. An example using a triangular
plate is given in Figure 2.14 where a side view and a plan view are shown. The plate is
symmetrical, with a height ` and a base width 2a. Its apex is located a depth L sin θ below
the surface of the water. The surface of the water, and the outer face of the plate, are open
to the atmosphere, so that we can use gauge pressure. What is the resultant force due to
the water pressure, and where does it act?
We begin by defining a coordinate system. A good choice is to put the origin O at the
apex, so that the y-coordinate lies along the centerline of the plate, pointing towards the
base. Next, we mark an element of area dA on the surface of the plate, where dA = dx dy.
The depth of the element dA is (y + L) sin θ, and therefore the gauge pressure acting on dA
is pg = ρg(y + L) sin θ, and the force acting on dA is
dF = pg dA = ρg(y + L) sin θ dA = ρg(y + L) sin θ dx dy
so that ZZ
F = ρg(y + L) sin θ dx dy
This is a double integral, with one integration in x and one in y. We can choose which one
to do first, and since the pressure depends only on depth, that is, it depends only on y and
not on x, it is probably better to perform the x integration first. We can write this as
Z Z
The x-integration is done at a constant y, so that the limits of integration must go from
one side of the plate to the other side, at a given y. The x-value on the positive edge of the
plate is ay/`, and on the negative edge it is −ay/`. The x-integration expands the original
square element dA into a strip of width dy and length 2ay/`. The subsequent y-integration
expands this strip into the whole area of the plate, so that the limits on y are 0 and `. That
is,
Z ` Z ay
`
!
−ay
0 `
Z `
2ay
= ρg(y + L) sin θ dy
0 `

2`
F = ρga` L + sin θ (2.18)
3
Figure 2.14: Triangular plate, with water pressure on one side, and air pressure on the other. Side
and plan views.
To find the point of action of F we need to take moments. The area is symmetrical and
therefore the point of action lies somewhere along the y-axis. To find exactly where, we will
take moments about the x-axis. The moment arm of the force dF about the x-axis is given
by y, so that dMO , the moment of dF about the x-axis, is given by:
dMO = y × dF = ρg (y + L) sin θ y dA
The total moment MO can be found by integration. Since MO is also given by the resultant
force F multiplied by its moment arm ȳ about the x-axis
ZZ
MO = F × ȳ = ρg sin θ (y + L)y dx dy
Using equation ??, we obtain

ay
!
Z ` Z
1 `
ȳ = 2`
y(y + L) dx dy
a` L + 3 0 −ay
`
and so !
3`
2` L+ 4
ȳ = 2`
(2.19)
3 L+ 3
To demonstrate the consequences of choosing a different moment axis, we choose the
moment axis through the point O0 , where O0 is located at the point where the y-axis in-
tersects the water surface (see Figure 2.14). We still measure y and ȳ from the point O.
Then:
dMO0 = (y + L) × dF = ρg sin θ(y + L)2 dA
Hence ZZ
MO0 = (ȳ + L) × F = ρg sin θ (y + L)2 dx dy
and so
Z l
1 2 2ay
ȳ + L = 2`
(y + L) dy
a` L + 3 0 `
2.9. CENTERS OF PRESSURE, MOMENTS OF AREA 45
1
3`2 + 8`L + 6L2

= 2`
6 L+ 3
Hence,
1
3`2 + 8`L + 6L2 − 6L2 − 4`L

ȳ = 2`
6 L+ 3
and !
3`
2` L+ 4
ȳ = 2`
(2.20)
3 L+ 3
We obtain the same answer as before (see equation 2.19), but the calculations were more
complicated. It is always a good idea to think carefully before choosing the coordinate
system for a particular problem. The “right” choice will help to reduce the overall algebraic
complexity and the likelihood of making a mistake.
2.9 Centers of Pressure, Moments of Area

There are other ways to find these forces and moments. One way that is popular in many
textbooks is to note that hydrostatics has a lot in common with the mechanics of solids.
In particular, for the problem with the triangular plate (Figure 2.14), we know that the
centroid of the triangle is located at a depth L + 2` 3 sin θ below the water surface. The
gauge pressure at this point is ρg L + 2`

3 sin θ, so that from the result given in equation 2.19
we can see that the resultant force acting on the triangular plate is equal to the pressure at
the centroid, pc , times the area of the plate (a` = A). That is,
F = pc A (2.21)
This is a general result for flat surfaces of any shape. However, this observation is only
useful if we know where the centroid is located.
Another interesting result can be obtained by considering the sum of the moments. If
we choose a new coordinate system [x0 , y 0 ] located at the point O0 (see Figure 2.14), and we
measure the moment arm ȳ 0 from the x0 -axis, then, taking moments about the x0 -axis
dMO0 = y × dF = y 0 (ρg sin θ y 0 ) dA
That is Z
MO0 = ȳ 0 × F = ρg sin θ y 02 dA = ρg sin θ Ix0 dA
where Ix0 = y 02 dA. This integral can be recognized as the second moment of the area
R
with respect to the x0 -axis.

We can continue by adding another coordinate system [x00 , y 00 ] with its origin located
at the centroid of the triangular plate O00 , located a distance [xc , yc ] from O0 . Hence,
y 0 = y 00 + yc , and
Z Z Z Z Z
Ix0 = y 02 dA = y 002 + 2yc y 00 + yc2 dA = y 002 dA + 2yc y 00 dA + yc2 dA

The integral y 00 dA is the first moment of area about an axis passing through the centroid,
R
which is identically zero by the definition of a centroid. So

Z Z Z
Ix0 = y dA + yc dA = y 002 dA + Ayc2
002 2
or
Ix0 = Ixc + Ayc2
This is the theorem of parallel axes, where Ix0 is the second moment of area with respect to
an arbitrary x0 -axis, Ixc is the second moment of area with respect to the x00 -axis passing
through the centroid, and yc is the distance between the x0 -axis and the x00 -axis. Finally,
ȳ 0 × F = ρg sin θ Ix0
so that
ρg sin θ Ix0 ρg sin θ Ix0 ρg sin θ Ix0
ȳ 0 = = =
F pc A ρgyc sin θ A
That is
Ix0 Ixc + Ayc2 Ixc
ȳ 0 = = = + yc
yc A yc A yc A
Therefore, if the position of the centroid is known, and the moment of area about the
centroid is known, the line of action can be found using
Ixc
ȳ 0 = + yc (2.22)
yc A
This result also shows that the line of action of the resultant force is always lower than
the position of the centroid. To illustrate this point more physically, consider a simple
rectangular plate oriented vertically. The pressure acting over the area increases with depth
so that it has a higher value at greater depth, and therefore the resultant force will always
act below the middle of the plate, that is, it acts below the centroid of the area.
Methods based on centroids and moments of area are one way to solve problems in
hydrostatics. They require you to know the position of the centroid and the moment of
inertia for the shape in question, and although many common shapes are tabulated in
handbooks, irregular shapes still need to be evaluated from first principles. In addition,
unless great care is taken, shifting axes to find moments of area about axes other than the
standard ones is a process open to many errors. Finally, these approaches tend to obscure
the basic physics underlying the problem. For all these reasons, we prefer to use methods
based on the hydrostatic equation, as outlined in Section 2.8.
2.10 Archimedes’ Principle

We saw in Sections 2.6 and 2.7 that the vertical force acting on a sloping wall or a curved
wall was equal to the weight of the fluid supported by the wall, and that it acted through
the centroid of the fluid volume. More can be done with this result.
Consider a V-shaped “boat” floating in water, where the weight of the boat is mg, and
its length is L (Figure 2.15). The lowest point of the boat is a distance h below the surface
of the water. The boat is in equilibrium, so that the resultant force acting on it is zero (the
resultant moment must be zero also). The horizontal component of the force due to water
pressure acting on the left half of the hull is equal and opposite to that acting on the right
half, and so they cancel. As for the vertical forces, we know that the weight of the boat is
balanced by the sum of the vertical forces due to water pressure acting on the two halves of
the hull. Using the result found in Section 2.6
ρgLh2 Lh2
mg = 2 × = ρg
2 tan θ tan θ
Note that the volume of the displaced fluid is Lh2 / tan θ, and its weight is ρgLh2 / tan θ. In
other words, the weight of the boat is balanced by a buoyancy force equal to the weight of
water displaced by the boat. Since there is no resultant moment (all moments cancel), the
2.10. ARCHIMEDES’ PRINCIPLE 47
Figure 2.15: A V-shaped boat floating in water.
resultant force must act through the centroid of the displaced fluid, in line with the weight
force. These observations can be written in a general way, known as Archimedes principle.
The buoyancy force on an object is equal to the weight of fluid it has displaced, and it
acts through the centroid of the displaced volume.
The centroid of the displaced fluid is also know as the center of buoyancy.
For a different example involving buoyancy forces, consider a barge floating in a small
pond. The barge contains a number of steel bars, and therefore displaces a certain amount
of water (the weight of the fluid displaced must equal the weight of the barge plus the weight
of the steel bars). The maximum depth of the water is h1 (Figure 2.16). An accident upsets
the barge so that all the steel bars fall in the water, and since they have a greater density
than water, they sink to the bottom. The maximum depth of the water is now h2 . How
does h1 compare to h2 ? There are three possible answers: h1 > h2 , h1 = h2 or h1 < h2 .
Which one is right?
Initially, the total weight of water displaced equals the weight of the barge plus the weight
of the steel bars. Since the specific gravity of steel is 7.86, the volume of water displaced
is 7.86 times the volume of steel. After the barge is upset and the steel bars have sunk to
the bottom, the water displaced by the barge is such that the weight of the displaced water
equals the weight of the barge. Water is also displaced by the steel bars, but since they are
not floating they only displace a volume of water equal to the volume of the steel bars. This
volume is much less than the volume displaced by the steel bars when they were floating,
so the correct answer is h1 > h2 .
Figure 2.16: Floating barge, containing steel bars (left), and empty (right).
Figure 2.17: Stability of floating bodies. (a) Stable. (b) Unstable.
2.11 Stability of Floating Bodies

Floating bodies are in equilibrium under the action of body forces (the weight of the vessel)
and buoyancy forces (the weight of the displaced fluid). The lines of action of these forces
determine the stability of the body (Figure 2.17). The weight W acts through the center
of gravity of the body, CG, and the buoyancy force FB acts through the centroid of the
displaced fluid volume, that is, the center of buoyancy CB. The body is neutrally stable
if the lines of action are co-linear, and stable if they produce a moment which tends to
right the vessel [Figure 2.17(a)]. It is unstable if the moment tends to capsize the vessel
[Figure 2.17(b)].
2.12 Fluids in Rigid Body Motion

We noted earlier that a fluid in motion can be in static equilibrium as long as all parts
of the fluid are moving together as a rigid body. In rigid body motion, there can be no
relative motion within the liquid; no part of the fluid can be moving with respect to any
other part. When the fluid and its container are moving at constant speed, such a system is
in simple translation and there are no additional forces acting. However, when this system
is accelerating, the inertia force due to the acceleration needs to be taken into account.
2.12.1 Vertical acceleration

Consider fluid in a container that is moving in the vertical direction with an acceleration
az . The fluid is in rigid body motion. Newton’s second law states that for an accelerating
mass of fluid

mass of fluid forces due to weight of
= +
× acceleration pressure differences fluid
For a small particle of fluid of volume dx dy dz, where the positive z-direction is vertically
up as in Figure 2.18,

dp dz dp dz
(ρ dxdydz) az = p0 − dxdy − p0 + dxdy − (ρ dxdydz) g
dz 0 2 dz 0 2
where we have used a first order Taylor series expansion (Section Appendix-A.10) to express
the pressures on the top and bottom faces of the particle in terms of p0 , the pressure at the
center. Collecting terms gives
dp
ρaz = − − ρg
dz 0
2.12. FLUIDS IN RIGID BODY MOTION 49
Figure 2.18: Static equilibrium of a fluid particle under the action of gravity and a constant vertical
acceleration.
We can drop the subscript 0 because the result should not depend on the particular point
that was considered. Hence
dp
= −ρ (g + az ) (2.23)
dz
This result is identical to the hydrostatic equation (equation 2.5) with the inclusion of the
additional acceleration az due to the motion of the container.
What happens when the container is falling freely under gravity? In this case, az = −g
since z is positive going up, and the hydrostatic pressure variations in the container go to
zero. This is true for all fluids in free fall. For example, a jet of water issuing from a tank
will be in free fall under gravity, and there will be no hydrostatic pressure variations within
the jet. When in space, where there is zero gravity because the spacecraft is essentially in
free fall, the pressure in any fluid will be constant and the only thing keeping a fluid together
in an open container is surface tension.
In contrast, when the container is accelerating upwards at the same rate, az = +g, and
the pressure variations in the fluid increase above their static values. Astronauts accelerating
into space at high “g-levels” need to lie at right angles to the acceleration vector so that the
pressure differences across their bodies are minimized, and their hearts can cope with the
extra load imposed by the increased pressure differences.
2.12.2 Vertical and horizontal accelerations

We now consider a container that experiences accelerations in both the horizontal and
vertical directions, ax and az , respectively (Figure 2.19). The equation of motion in the
z-direction is given by equation 2.23), so that
∂p
= −ρ (g + az ) (2.24)
∂z
Partial derivatives are needed because the pressure is now a function of x and z. Using
a first order Taylor Series expansion, the equation of motion in the horizontal x-direction
gives
dp dx dp dx
(ρ dxdydz) ax = p0 − dydz − p0 + dydz
dx 2 0 dx 2 0
Since the result is independent of the point chosen, we drop the subscript 0 and obtain
∂p
= −ρax (2.25)
∂x
Figure 2.19: Static equilibrium of a fluid element under the action of gravity and constant vertical
and horizontal accelerations.
Equations 2.24 and 2.25 are a pair of first-order partial differential equations which can be
solved as follows. Integrating equation 2.24 with respect to z we obtain
p = −ρ (g + az ) z + f (x) + C1 (2.26)
where f (x) is an unknown function of x, and C1 is a constant of integration. Integrating

equation 2.25 with respect to x we obtain
p = −ρax x + g(z) + C2 (2.27)
where g(z) is an unknown function of z (only), and C2 is another constant of integration.

From equations 2.26 and 2.27 we see that
p = −ρ (g + az ) z − ρax x + C (2.28)
(When solving simultaneous partial differential equations, it is always recommended to

check that the original equations, in this case equations 2.24 and 2.25, are recovered by
differentiating the solution.)
For a surface of constant pressure (an isobaric surface), the left hand side of equation 2.28
is constant. The slope of an isobaric surface can be found by differentiating this equation
while holding p constant. That is, the slope of an isobaric surface is given by
dz ax
=− (2.29)
dx g + az
At the free surface, the pressure is constant and equal to the atmospheric pressure, so that
it is an isobaric surface. Hence, equation 2.29 gives the slope of the free surface. Because ax
and az are constant throughout the fluid, all isobaric surfaces have the same slope so that
they are all parallel to the free surface.
2.12.3 Rigid body rotation

A similar analysis will apply to a volume of fluid that is rotating at a constant angular speed,
as shown in Figure 2.20. In that case, an element of fluid experiences a radial acceleration
V 2 /r, where V is the circumferential component of velocity, and r is the distance from the
axis of rotation. There is also an acceleration in the vertical direction due to gravity, so
that the pressure is a function of r and z. If the rate of rotation is ω rad/s, the equation of
motion in the r-direction becomes
∂p V2
=ρ = ρω 2 r (2.30)
∂r r
2.12. FLUIDS IN RIGID BODY MOTION 51
Figure 2.20: Fluid in rigid body motion under rotation.
For the z-direction (where the positive z-direction is vertically up), we get the usual hydro-
static variation
∂p
= −ρg (2.31)
∂z
Integrating equation 2.30 with respect to r we obtain
p = 12 ρω 2 r2 + f 0 (z) + C3 (2.32)
and integrating equation 2.31 with respect to z we obtain
p = −ρgz + g 0 (x) + C4 (2.33)
From equations 2.32 and 2.33
p = −ρgz + 12 ρω 2 r2 + C 0 (2.34)
To find C 0 , we need to know the pressure at a given point. At the free surface, the pressure
is equal to atmospheric pressure, so that p = pa at r = 0, z = 0, and
p − pa = −ρgz + 12 ρω 2 r2
so that
ω2 r2 p − pa
z= − (2.35)
2g ρg
On the axis, where r = 0, the radial acceleration is zero, and the slope of the free surface is
horizontal. Further from the axis of rotation, the surface is inclined to the horizontal, and
we see that the free surface actually forms a parabola of revolution, as do all other isobaric
surfaces (Figure 2.20). Question: For a cylindrical container, where is the maximum pressure
found?
Chapter 3
Equations of Motion in Integral

Form
Here, we consider the basic principles governing fluid motion: conservation of mass, mo-
mentum, and energy, as applied to large control volumes. This leads to the derivation of
the general equations of motion expressed in integral form. Before doing so, we introduce
the concepts of fluid particles and control volumes.
3.1 Fluid Particles and Control Volumes

Imagine what happens when a glass of water spills on the ground. The water spreads out in
all directions, and parts of the water that were originally close together can end up in very
different places. In other words, there exist relative motions among different parts of the
fluid. How are we to describe the displacement, velocity and acceleration of all these parts?
We can either use a fluid particle, or a control volume approach. In the fluid particle, or
Lagrangian approach, we identify and follow small, fixed masses of fluid, as illustrated in
Figure 3.1(a). The fluid making up the particle is always the same, no matter how much
the particle deforms. As the particle moves through the duct, forces act on it and it may
experience an acceleration so that its velocity changes. In the control volume, or Eulerian
approach, we do not follow individual fluid particles. Instead, we draw an imaginary box
around a fluid system. The box can be large or small, and it can be stationary or moving at
a constant velocity. Generally, there will be flow in and out of the control volume through
its surfaces, and the fluid inside the control volume is changing all the time, even if the
boundary conditions are constant in time. [Figure 3.1(b)].
Figure 3.1: (a) Following a fluid particle in time; (b) Using a fixed control volume.
53
54 CHAPTER 3. EQUATIONS OF MOTION IN INTEGRAL FORM
3.1.1 Lagrangian system

In the Lagrangian system we use fluid particles, which are small parts of the fluid of fixed
mass. They are called particles in analogy with the dynamics of solid bodies. We follow an
individual fluid particle as it moves through the flow, and the particle is identified by its
position at some initial time and the time elapsed since that instant. Consider a velocity
field described by
V = ui + vj + wk
where i, j and k are the unit vectors in a Cartesian [x, y, z] coordinate system, and u, v,
and w are the corresponding velocity components. In Lagrangian terms, then, the velocity
of a fluid particle that was located at point [x0 , y0 , z0 ] at time t = t0 is given by V = ∂x/∂t,
and its acceleration is given by ∂V/∂t.
This particle description is the one normally used in describing the dynamics of rigid
bodies because the particles tend to be few in number and easily identified. To describe
a fluid flow, however, we need to follow many fluid particles, and to resolve the smallest
details of the flow we may need to follow a very large number of them. The motion of
each particle can be described by a separate ordinary differential equation (ODE), such as
Newton’s second law, and each equation is coupled to all the others (that is, the solution
of one equation depends on the solution of all others), because the motion of each particle
will depend on the motion of all its neighboring particles. The solutions of these coupled
ODE’s are usually difficult to find because of their large number. The Lagrangian approach,
therefore, is not widely used in fluid mechanics, except in some problems such as in tracking
the dispersion of pollutants.
3.1.2 Eulerian system

In the Eulerian system we try to find a description which gives the details of the entire
flow field at any position and time. Instead of describing the fluid motion in terms of the
movement of individual particles, we look for a “field” description. In other words, we search
for a description that gives the velocity and acceleration of any fluid particle at any point
[x, y, z] at any time t. For example, if we were given a Cartesian velocity field described by
V = 2x2 i − 3tj + 4xyk, we would know its velocity at every point in the flow, at any time.
At first sight, this approach appears to be very straightforward. However, we are no
longer explicitly following fluid particles of fixed mass; at a given point in the flow, new
particles are arriving all the time. This makes it difficult to apply Newton’s second law
since it applies only to particles of fixed mass. We therefore need a relationship that gives
the acceleration of a fluid particle in terms of the Eulerian system, and this proves to
be somewhat complicated, as we shall see. Nevertheless, the Eulerian system is generally
preferred for solving problems in fluid mechanics.
3.1.3 Small control volumes: fluid elements

In deriving the equations of motion, we often choose fixed, infinitesimally small control
volumes. Such “fluid elements” are control volumes that are small enough so that the
variations in fluid properties over its volume, such as density, temperature, velocity and
stress, are approximately linear. That is, we need to take only the first two terms in a
Taylor series expansion (see Section Appendix-A.10). Fluid elements are different from
fluid particles, in that
A fluid element has a fixed volume and it is fixed in space. A fluid particle has a fixed
mass and moves with the flow.
3.1. FLUID PARTICLES AND CONTROL VOLUMES 55
Figure 3.2: Flow in a duct, showing boundary Figure 3.3: Flow over an airfoil, showing
layers near the walls. boundary layers near the surface, and the
formation of a wake downstream of the air-
foil.
There are upper and lower limits on the size of the element. The characteristic dimension
of the element, ` (its height, width or length), should always be large compared to the mean
free path `m so that the continuum approximation holds (` `m ) (see Section 1.4). At
the other end of the scale, ` should be small enough so that the changes in fluid velocity
or pressure across the element can be found by linear interpolation. In other words, the
fluid element needs to be small compared to the characteristic scale of the flow field. For
example, if we have a duct of height h, then we should certainly make sure that ` h. In
addition, near solid walls, thin boundary layers can form. To be able to say something about
the flow inside the boundary layer, we need ` δ, where δ is a measure of the boundary
layer thickness (see Figures 3.2 and 3.3).
3.1.4 Large control volumes

Instead of using a small fluid element as a control volume, we can choose a large con-
trol volume that encloses the entire flow [for instance, the flow inside the duct shown in
Figure 3.1(b)]. Whatever their size, control volumes allow us to think in terms of overall
balances of mass, momentum and energy. For example, mass must be conserved in any fluid
flow. That is, we need to account for all the mass of fluid entering and leaving the control
volume, as well as the rate of change of the amount of mass contained inside the volume. A
piping system, for instance, will have a number of places where fluid enters, and a number
of other places where fluid exits. If the amount of mass entering over a given time exceeds
the amount of mass leaving during the same time, we know that mass must be accumulating
somewhere inside the system.
In this book we will generally use fixed control volumes, large and small, although it is
sometimes useful to follow a fluid particle or use a moving control volume. The large control
volume approach is one of the most basic tools for the study of fluid flow, in that it can give
many insights into fluid flow problems without solving all the detailed aspects of the fluid
behavior inside the control volume.
On the other hand, it is sometimes essential to know the details in the control volume.
For instance, the aerodynamic performance of an airplane wing depends critically on its
shape, and using a large control volume that encloses the entire wing cannot give any
guidance as to its correct shape. To design the wing shape, we need to use sufficiently small
control volumes or fluid elements, since this is the only way to obtain detailed information
on the pressure distribution and velocity field generated by the wing.
Consider a large control volume such as that shown in Figure 3.1(b). Usually, there is
fluid flowing in and out of the control volume through its surfaces. The collection of matter
inside the control volume at any given time, therefore, is continually changing. However, all
physical laws are originally stated in terms of a system, which is a particular collection of
matter. For example, the law of conservation of mass states that the mass of a system does
not change. Newton’s second law states that the force acting on a system is equal to the
time rate of change of momentum of the system. To apply these physical laws to a control
volume, we need to consider the system that occupies the control volume at the instant of
our analysis. Because the system properties may be changing in time, and the system itself
is generally moving relative to the control volume, we need to relate the system properties
to the control volume properties. For large control volumes, this relationship is called the
Reynolds transport theorem (see Section A.15), and for infinitesimally small control volumes,
it is called the total derivative (see Section 5.1).
3.1.5 Steady and unsteady flow

Another very important concept is the idea of a steady flow. If we have a large, fixed control
volume, it is possible that the inflow and outflow conditions do not change with time. If
the fluid properties inside the control volume are also independent of time, we say that
the flow is steady. However, if we followed an individual fluid particle passing through the
control volume, as shown in Figure 3.1(a), we see that its velocity can change as it moves,
and therefore the particle experiences unsteady conditions. Whether the flow is steady or
unsteady often depends on how we choose our point of view. In the case of the large control
volume with boundary conditions that are independent of time, we may see variations of
velocity, momentum, and energy in space, but no variation in time, whereas when we move
with a fluid particle we would see only a variation in time.
It is sometimes possible to change an unsteady flow into a steady flow by changing the
point of view of the observer. For instance, if you stand by the side of the road as a car is
approaching, you will feel no air flow at first, then a sudden rush as the car goes by, and
then, later, nothing again. Standing by the side of the road, you experience an unsteady
flow. However, if you were traveling with the car, and the car was moving at a constant
velocity, the flow relative to your new vantage point would not vary with time: it is steady.
Steady flows are much more easily analyzed than unsteady flows, and it is always useful if
a coordinate transformation can be found whereby an unsteady flow becomes steady.
3.1.6 Dimensionality of a flow field

The dimensionality of a flow field is governed by the number of space dimensions needed to
define the flow field completely. For example, in a one-dimensional flow the flow variables
can only vary in one direction. The direction might coincide with a coordinate axis such as
x, or it may be directed along the flow direction, as in Figure 3.4(a). In a two-dimensional
flow, the flow variables vary along the flow direction as well as across it, as in Figure 3.4(b),
and in a three-dimensional flow they vary in all three directions.
The dimensionality of a flow field is equal to the number of space dimensions needed to
define the flow field.
Perfectly one-dimensional flows are not often found in nature. For example, if the flow
diverges so that its cross-sectional area increases with distance, the flow will also diverge
[Figure 3.4(a)], and it will no longer be strictly one-dimensional. Even if the streamwise
velocity is constant over the area of a duct, the other components need not be. For instance,
in a symmetric diverging flow in the x-y plane, v = 0 on the centerline, but v will be positive
above the centerline and negative below (Figure 3.5).
3.2. CONSERVATION OF MASS 57
Figure 3.4: (a) One-dimensional flow; (a) Two-dimensional flow.
Figure 3.5: Flow in a symmetrically diverging duct.
We therefore define a class of “quasi” one-dimensional flows where the flow variables,
including the streamwise velocity, are assumed to be constant across the flow area. This
will be a good approximation to one-dimensional flow as long as the other components of
velocity (v and w) are small compared to the streamwise component, u.
In addition, for the flow in a duct or pipe, the no-slip condition guarantees that the flow
velocity at the wall must be zero (see Section 1.7 and Example 3.5), so that there will always
be a variation in velocity across the duct, even if the bulk of the flow has a relatively constant
velocity. Nevertheless, the concept of a one-dimensional flow, or a quasi-one-dimensional
flow, is still a very useful approximation in many cases.
3.2 Conservation of Mass

We are now ready to consider the first principle of fluid motion: conservation of mass. To
see how mass conservation places restrictions on the velocity field, consider the steady flow
of fluid through a duct. We will use a large control volume enclosing the duct (CV in
Figure 3.6). The inflow and outflow are one-dimensional, so that the velocity V and density
ρ are constant over the inlet and outlet areas.
It is useful to consider what happens to the mass of fluid that is coincident with the
control volume at time t = 0. This mass of fluid is called the system. At time t + ∆t,
the mass has moved a small distance downstream. Over A1 , it has moved a distance V1 ∆t,
and over A2 , it has moved a distance V2 ∆t. In terms of the control volume, there is a
certain amount of mass that has entered the control volume, and a certain amount that has
left. Mass conservation in a steady flow requires that whatever mass flows into the control
volume must leave the control volume at the same rate (if the mass inflow was greater than
the outflow, for example, mass would accumulate inside the control volume and the flow
could not be steady). Over the time interval ∆t, therefore, for steady flow
volume flow in over A1 = A1 V1 ∆t

volume flow out over A2 = A2 V2 ∆t
Figure 3.6: Steady, one-dimensional duct flow.
That is,
mass flow in over A1 = ρ1 A1 V1 ∆t

mass flow out over A2 = ρ2 A2 V2 ∆t
By the conservation of mass for a steady flow
ρ 2 A2 V 2 = ρ 1 A1 V 1
or
ρ 2 A2 V 2 − ρ 1 A1 V 1 = 0 (3.1)
That is, the net rate of change in mass flow rate (expressed as the outflow minus the inflow) is
zero. This is a statement of the principle of mass conservation for a steady, one-dimensional
flow, with one inlet and one outlet. For a control volume with N inlets and outlets,
N
X
ρ i Ai V i = 0 (3.2)
i=1
where outflows are positive and inflows are negative. This equation is called the continuity
equation for steady one-dimensional flow through a fixed control volume. It is understood
that the velocities are normal to the inlet and outlet areas, regardless of the directions of
the inflow and outflow. The dimensions of the product ρAV are given by
M 2L M mass
[ρAV ] = L = =
L3 T T unit time
(see Section 1.2). That is, the product ρAV is a mass flow rate. It is commonly denoted by
the symbol ṁ, and it is measured in units of kg/s, lbm /s or slugs/s.
When the density is constant,
XN
Ai V i = 0
i=1
The dimensions of the product AV are given by
L L3 volume
[AV ] = L2 = =
T T unit time
That is, the product AV is a volume flow rate. Volume flow rate is commonly denoted by
the symbol Q̇, but this is also the symbol used to denote a heat transfer rate. To avoid
3.3. FLUX 59
confusion, we will use the symbol q̇ to represent volume flow rate. It is measured in units
of m3 /s, f t3 /s, liters/s, gallon/hr, cubic feet per minute (cf m), or m3 /s.
Mass flow rate and volume flow rate are scalars, and they are independent of direction.
3.3 Flux
What happens when the flow is neither one-dimensional, nor steady? To extend the concept
of mass conservation to these more complex flows, we introduce the important concept of
flux.
When a fluid flows across the surface area of a control volume, it carries with it many
properties. For example, if the fluid has a certain density, it carries this density with it
across the surface into the control volume. If it has a particular temperature, it also carries
this temperature with it. The fluid can also carry momentum and energy. This “transport”
of fluid properties by the flow across a surface is embodied in the concept of flux .
The flux of (something) is the amount of that (something) being transported across a
surface per unit time.
We begin with the concept of volume flux , that is, the volume of all fluid particles going
through an area dA in time ∆t [see Figure 3.7(a)]. Consider a three-dimensional, time-
dependent flow, where the velocity and density vary in space and time. If we mark a
number of fluid particles and visualize their motion over a short time ∆t, we can identify
the fluid particles that pass through dA during this time interval [Figure 3.7(b)]. If the
area dA is small enough, the distributions of ρ and V can be approximated by their average
values over the area.
We can now find the volume which contains all the particles that will pass through dA in
time ∆t. From Figure 3.7b, this volume is given by (V ∆t cos θ) dA. By introducing vector
notation, we can express this volume as (n · V∆t) dA, where n is the unit normal vector
which defines the orientation of the surface dA (Figure 3.7c). That is,
   
 amount of volume per unit time   total 
transported across an area = volume = (n · V)dA
dA with a direction n flux
   
The volume flux n · VdA has dimensions of volume flow rate, q̇ (L3 T −1 ).
Figure 3.7: (a) Three-dimensional, unsteady flow field with V(x, y, z, t) and ρ(x, y, z, t). (b) Edge-
on view of element of control surface of area dA. (c) Volume swept through dA in time ∆t.
Figure 3.8: General control volume, with a surface area element dA, and a volume element dυ.
Once we have obtained the volume flux we can easily write down other fluxes, such as
mass flux = n · ρV dA
momentum flux = (n · ρV)V dA
kinetic energy flux = (n · ρV) 21 V 2 dA
The dimensions of mass flux are the same as that of the mass flow rate, ṁ (M T −1 ). The
momentum flux has the dimensions of force (M LT −2 ), and the kinetic energy flux has
dimensions of force × velocity, that is, power (M L2 T −3 ).
These fluxes are given for the flow through a small area dA. When this elemental area
forms part of a larger area A, we can find the total flux by integrating over the area. For
a control volume such as that shown in Figure 3.8, we can find the net fluxes leaving the
control volume by integrating over its entire surface area. That is,
Z
net volume flux = n · V dA (3.3)
Z
net mass flux = n · ρV dA (3.4)
Z
net momentum flux = (n · ρV)V dA (3.5)
Z
net kinetic energy flux = (n · ρV) 21 V 2 dA (3.6)
The volume, mass, and kinetic energy fluxes are scalars. The momentum flux, however, is
a vector, with a direction given by the velocity vector V. Outfluxes are positive, since V
will have a non-zero component in the direction of the outward-facing unit normal vector
n. Conversely, influxes will be negative.
3.4 Continuity Equation

To find the integral form of the continuity equation, we will use the fixed control volume
CV shown in Figure 3.9. At any instant of time, a given mass of fluid occupies the space
defined by the control volume. If we follow this particular mass of fluid (often called the
“system” in mechanics and thermodynamics) as it moves, then its mass will not change.
However, to apply the conservation of mass to the fixed control volume, we need to consider
the instantaneous mass flux through its surface, and the corresponding rate of change of
mass contained inside. That is, for a fixed control volume,

rate of increase of mass net mass flux
+ = 0
inside control volume out of control volume
3.4. CONTINUITY EQUATION 61
Figure 3.9: Fixed control volume for derivation of the integral form of the continuity equation.
The unit vector normal to the surface, n, is defined to be positive when pointing outward.
We begin by considering the net mass flux leaving the control volume. For a small
element of surface area dA, the mass outflux through dA per unit time = n · ρV dA (see
Section 3.3). Therefore
Z
net mass flux out of CV = n · ρV dA (3.7)
As noted in the previous section, the integrand will be positive when the direction of the
flow is in the same direction as the outward-facing unit normal vector n (an outflux), and
negative when the direction of the flow is opposite to that of n (an influx).
If the flow is unsteady, the influx and outflux of mass are not equal, and we need to
consider the rate of change of mass contained in the control volume. A fluid element of
volume dυ contained within the control volume has a mass ρ dυ. The total mass contained
in the control volume is found by integration, and its rate of change with time is found by
differentiating with respect to time. Hence,
Z
∂
rate of change of mass in CV = ρ dυ (3.8)
∂t
This rate of change of mass will be negative if the mass inside the control volume is decreasing
with time (that is, when the outflux exceeds the influx). The partial derivative with respect
to time is used to emphasize that, since the volume is fixed in shape and location, the
integral is only a function of time.
From equations 3.7 and 3.8, the conservation of mass requires that
Z Z
∂
ρ dυ + n · ρV dA = 0 (3.9)
∂t
This is the integral form of the continuity equation for a fixed control volume, in a three-
dimensional, time-dependent flow.
When the mass inside the control volume is fixed,
Z
n · ρV dA = 0 fixed mass (3.10)
When the flow is steady the flow properties do not depend on time, and since the control
volume is fixed,
Z
n · ρV dA = 0 steady flow (3.11)
Equations 3.10 and 3.11 are identical, although the first applies when the mass inside
the control volume is fixed, and the second when the flow is steady. These conditions
have somewhat different implications, depending on the flow. When the flow is steady, for
example, the inlet and outlet mass flow rates, and the mass inside the control volume, do
not change with time. When the only restriction is that the mass inside the control volume
is constant in time, however, it is possible for the inlet and outlet mass flow rates to be
unsteady, as long as they are equal.
Finally, for steady or unsteady constant density flow,
Z
n · VdA = 0 constant density (3.12)
3.5 Conservation of Momentum

We now consider the second principle of fluid motion: conservation of momentum. We
will first construct the momentum equation for one-dimensional, steady flow by applying
Newton’s second law of motion to the flow through a large control volume. We will then
develop the general integral form of the momentum equation by using the concept of flux.
To begin, we need to consider the kinds of forces that can act to change the momentum of
a fluid.
3.5.1 Forces
What causes a fluid to move? Fluids will begin to move when a nonzero resultant force acts
on them. For example, when the pressure in one location is higher than in another location,
the fluid will tend to move toward the region of lower pressure. Such pressure differences
play a major role in establishing weather patterns, for example. Gravity can also cause
a fluid to move: liquids flow downhill, trading their potential energy for kinetic energy of
motion. Similarly, temperature differences will cause one part of a fluid to have a lower
density compared to another part, and the lighter fluid will tend to rise.
There is also friction. When one layer of fluid moves with respect to an adjacent layer,
a viscous shear stress develops which tends to speed up the flow in the slower layer and
slow down the speed of the faster layer (see Section 1.6). Sometimes we consider fluids
where the viscosity is zero. These inviscid fluids do not exist in nature because all real
fluids are viscous, but we can often use this approximation when the effects of viscosity are
small. However, we must be careful, because neglecting viscosity can sometimes lead to
spectacularly wrong answers (see, for instance, Section 6.9).
Forces due to stress differences are called surface forces because they are proportional
to the total surface area over which they act. For instance, if a constant shear stress τ acts
over an area A, the resultant shear force is equal to τ A, so that the force is proportional to
the area. In contrast, the acceleration due to gravity g acting on a fluid mass m introduces
a force that is proportional to the mass of the fluid, mg, and it is called a body force.
We must also include forces exerted by solid surfaces. This becomes clear when we think
of a jet of water hitting a flat plate — there is a force exerted on the plate by the water,
and by Newton’s third law the plate exerts an equal but opposite force on the water (which
acts to change the direction of motion of the fluid and therefore changes its momentum).
Other forces may also be important. For instance, if the fluid is electrically charged it
can be made to move by applying a magnetic field, and Coriolis forces can be important
in a rotating flow (they are another crucial factor in forming our weather patterns — see
Chapter 13). Mostly, however, we will only consider the forces due to pressure differences,
viscous stress differences, solid surfaces, and gravity.
3.5. CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM 63
Figure 3.10: Flow in a one-dimensional duct where the inlet and outlet directions are aligned.
3.5.2 Flow in one direction

Consider the simple case shown in Figure 3.10, where the inflow and outflow are in the same
direction, and the flow is steady and one-dimensional. How can we find, for example, the
force FD required to hold the duct in place as the fluid flows through it? To answer this
question, we choose a rectangular control volume, labeled CV in Figure 3.10. The pressure
outside the duct is equal to the atmospheric pressure, but over the inflow area A1 the gauge
pressure is p1g , and over the outflow area A2 it is p2g .
We will now apply Newton’s second law to the fluid flowing through the control volume.
Newton’s second law applies to a fixed mass of fluid. As in the case of mass conservation,
we consider the mass of fluid that is coincident with the control volume at time t = 0 (the
system). At time t + ∆t, the mass has moved a small distance downstream. Over A1 , it
has moved a distance V1 ∆t, and over A2 , it has moved a distance V2 ∆t. In terms of the
control volume, a certain amount of momentum has entered, and a certain amount has left.
If the momentum of the system has changed, then forces have acted on the system. We
therefore examine the surfaces of the control volume to see where the flow momentum enters
and leaves, and what forces are acting on the fluid contained in the control volume at the
instant of our analysis. In this particular example, we only need to consider the momentum
equation in the x-direction because the flow is one-dimensional..
As the fluid moves through the control volume, its velocity varies along the flow direction.
Specifically, the inflow and outflow velocities, V1 and V2 , are different. Relative motions
exist, and fluid particles accelerate as they move from entry to exit. Even though the
velocity field is independent of time, there is a fluid acceleration because of spatial variations
in velocity. We know from Newton’s second law that a resultant force must therefore be
acting on the fluid. We have seen that these forces will come from pressure differences,
viscous stress differences, solid surfaces, and gravity. Hence,
(1) The force due to pressure differences acting on the fluid contained in the control
volume acts on the surface of the control volume. The only places where pressures
other than atmospheric pressure act are over areas A1 and A2 . The atmospheric
pressure by itself does not contribute to the resultant force since it acts equally over
the complete surface area of the control volume. Therefore the forces due to pressure
differences are entirely due to the gauge pressures acting on areas A1 and A2 . Since
compressive pressures are taken to be positive,
force due to pressure acting on area A1 = p1g A1 to the right

force due to pressure acting on area A2 = p2g A2 to the left
(2) There is a force exerted by the duct on the fluid (the external forces included in
the momentum equation are always the forces acting on the fluid). This is intuitive,
in that the duct will experience a force due to the action of the fluid, and therefore
the duct exerts an equal but opposite force on the fluid. We call this a force due to
external surfaces, and we use the symbol Rext . Unless otherwise given, we will always
assume that forces like Rext act in the positive x-direction. If the solution shows that
Rext is negative, it simply means that it acts in the negative x-direction.
(3) Forces due to friction and gravity can also be important. For the simple example
considered here, they will be neglected.
The resultant force F acting on the fluid, therefore, is given by
F = Rext + p1g A1 − p2g A2
This resultant force changes the momentum of the fluid. To find this momentum change we
note that for the system
the mass entering during ∆t = ρ1 A1 V1 ∆t

the x-momentum entering during ∆t = (ρ1 A1 V1 ∆t) V1
the x-momentum leaving during ∆t = (ρ2 A2 V2 ∆t) V2
Since outflows are taken to be positive
ρ2 A2 V22 − ρ1 A1 V12 ∆t

the net change of x-momentum during ∆t =
the net rate change of x-momentum = ρ2 A2 V22 − ρ1 A1 V12
This is the rate of increase in x-momentum experienced by the fluid in passing through the
duct. Note that the quantity ρAV 2 has the dimensions of force (M LT −2 ) and it is measured
in units of N or lbf .
The flow is steady, so that the momentum of the fluid inside the control volume is not
changing with time. Therefore the net rate of change of fluid momentum is equal to the
resultant force acting on the fluid. That is,
F = Rext + p1g A1 − p2g A2 = ρ2 A2 V22 − ρ1 A1 V12
This equation is Newton’s second law of motion as applied to a simple one-dimensional,

steady flow. In this example, the force acts in the x-direction, and there is no resultant
force in the y-direction. Note that the force Rext is the force exerted by the duct on the
fluid. By Newton’s third law, the force exerted on the duct by the fluid is given by −Rext .
To hold the duct in place, there must be an external restraining force acting on the duct,
FD , equal to −(−Rext ), that is FD = Rext . Hence, the force required to hold the duct in
place is
FD = Rext = − (p1g A1 − p2g A2 ) + ρ2 A2 V22 − ρ1 A1 V12 (3.13)
The solution for FD is somewhat complicated, and without further information of the flow
conditions it is difficult to tell whether it is positive or negative. It is good practice, therefore,
not to try to anticipate the direction of FD or Rext at the start of the problem.
3.5.3 Flow in two directions

Consider now the case shown in Figure 3.11, where the inlet and outlet directions are not
aligned. All other conditions are the same as in the previous example; the flow is steady,
one-dimensional, and we neglect friction and gravity. Also, p1g and p2g are the gauge
pressures over the inlet and outlet areas, respectively. In this example, however, as the fluid
passes through the duct, its momentum changes in magnitude and direction. The entering
3.5. CONSERVATION OF MOMENTUM 65
Figure 3.11: Flow in a one-dimensional duct where the inlet and outlet directions are not aligned.
momentum is all in the x-direction, whereas the exiting momentum has components in
the x- and the y-directions. Therefore the force due to pressure differences also has two
components, and so will the force exerted by the duct on the fluid. This force due to
x y
external surfaces is shown as Rext and Rext in Figure 3.11, and we will assume that the
components act in the positive x- and y-directions, respectively. The solution will reveal if
this assumption is correct.
We will now apply Newton’s second law to the fluid passing through the control volume
in order to find the force FR required to hold the duct in place.
We begin by considering the forces acting on the fluid in the x-direction. First, we
x
have Rext . Second, we have the net force due to pressure differences. Because atmospheric
pressure acts everywhere, only nonzero gauge pressures give rise to a resultant force. The x-
component of the force due to pressure differences is therefore given by p1g A1 − p2g A2 cos θ.
Hence, the resultant force acting on the fluid in the x-direction, Fx , is given by
x
Fx = Rext + p1g A1 − p2g A2 cos θ
This force causes the fluid momentum in the x-direction to change. During the short time
interval ∆t, the x-momentum of the fluid entering the control volume is (ρ1 V1 A1 ∆t)V1 , and
the x-momentum of the fluid leaving the control volume is (ρ2 V2 A2 ∆t)V2 cos θ. That is,
net change of x-momentum = (ρ2 V2 A2 ∆t)V2 cos θ − (ρ1 V1 A1 ∆t)V1
and
net rate of change of x-momentum = (ρ2 V2 A2 )V2 cos θ − (ρ1 V1 A1 )V1 (3.14)
Hence, by Newton’s second law

x
Rext + p1g A1 − p2g A2 cos θ = ρ2 A2 V22 cos θ − ρ1 A1 V12
and so
x
= − (p1g A1 − p2g A2 cos θ) − ρ1 A1 V12 − ρ2 A2 V22 cos θ

Rext
y
We now go through the same procedure to find the force Rext . The force due to pressure
differences in the y-direction is given by p2g A2 sin θ (this component is positive because it
acts in the positive y-direction). There is no vertical contribution from the force due to
pressure acting on A1 since it acts purely in the x-direction. Hence, the resultant force
acting on the fluid in the y-direction, Fy , is given by
y
Fy = Rext + p2g A2 sin θ
This force causes the fluid momentum in the y-direction to change. We see that the momen-
tum entering the control volume has no component in the y-direction, but the momentum
leaving the control volume does. So
net rate of change of y-momentum = −(ρ2 A2 V2 )V2 sin θ (3.15)
where the minus sign indicates that the y-component of the momentum leaves the control
volume in the negative y-direction. Hence,
y
Rext + p2g A2 sin θ = −ρ2 A2 V22 sin θ
That is,
y
Rext = −p2g A2 sin θ − ρ2 A2 V22 sin θ
Finally, the resultant force by the duct on the fluid is given by
x y
Rext = Rext i + Rext j
Hence the force by the fluid on the duct is given by −Rext , and therefore FD , the force
required to hold the duct in place, is given by −(−Rext ) = Rext .
It is important to make sure that the rate of change of momentum has the correct sign.
Note that each term on the right hand side of equation 3.14 is of the form (mass-flow
rate) × (velocity component in x-direction). Similarly, each term on the right hand side of
equation 3.15 is of the form (mass-flow rate) × (velocity component in y-direction). Hence,
for a one-dimensional flow over any inlet or outlet
The i-component of the fluid momentum is given by the mass-flow rate times the i-
component of the velocity. Similarly for the j- and k-components.
In this example, the momentum enters enters the duct in one direction and leaves in
another direction, so that there must be both x- and y-components of the force acting on
the duct. This observation can help give a simple explanation for the lift generated by an
airfoil. When a flow is deflected from its original direction by an airfoil, the airfoil must be
exerting a force on the fluid. Therefore, by Newton’s third law, there will be an equal and
opposite force acting on the airfoil. The component normal to the incoming flow contributes
to the lift, and the component in the direction of the incoming flow contributes to the drag.
3.6 Momentum Equation

We can now examine the conservation of momentum for the general case of three-dimensional,
time-dependent flows. To derive the integral form of the general momentum equation, we
use a fixed control volume similar to that used in the derivation of the continuity equation
(see Figure 3.12). The momentum of the particular mass of fluid occupying the control
volume at any instant (the “system”) will change under the action of a resultant force ac-
cording to Newton’s second law. To express the rate of change of momentum of this mass
in terms of a fixed control volume, we need to consider the instantaneous momentum flux
through its surface and the rate of change of momentum of the fluid contained inside. That
is, for a fixed control volume,
     
 rate of change of   net momentum   resultant force 
momentum inside + flux out of = acting on fluid
control volume control volume in control volume
     
3.6. MOMENTUM EQUATION 67
Figure 3.12: Fixed control volume for derivation of the integral form of the momentum equation.
We begin by considering the net momentum flux leaving the control volume. For a small
element of surface area dA, the mass outflux through dA per unit time = n · ρV dA, and
the momentum flux is given by (n · ρV) VdA (see Section 3.3). Therefore
Z

net momentum flux out of CV = (n · ρV) V dA (3.16)
The integrand will be positive when the direction of the flow is in the same direction as the
outward-facing unit normal vector n (an outflux), and negative when the direction of the
flow is opposite to that of n (an influx).
If the flow is unsteady, we need to consider also the rate of change of mass contained in
the control volume. A fluid element of volume dυ contained within the control volume has
a mass ρ dυ, and its momentum is ρV dυ. The total momentum contained in the control
volume is found by integration, and its rate of change with time is found by differentiating
with respect to time. Hence,
Z
rate of change of momentum ∂
= ρV dυ (3.17)
inside control volume ∂t
This rate of change of momentum is positive if the momentum inside the control volume is
increasing with time. The partial derivative with respect to time is used to emphasize that,
since the volume is fixed in shape and location, the integral (but not the integrand) depends
only on time.
The resultant force acting on the fluid in the control volume is the sum of the surface
forces, body forces and forces due to external surfaces. They act on the fluid mass that is
coincident with the control volume at a particular instant of time.
Surface forces include viscous forces and forces due to pressure differences acting over
the surface of the control volume. For now we will write the force due to viscous friction
simply as Fv . With respect to the force due to pressure differences, consider an element of
surface area dA. The force due to pressure acts with a magnitude pdA. The direction of
the force is normal to the surface, and by convention pressure forces are positive if they are
compressive, so that the vector force due to pressure acting on dA is −n pdA. That is
 
 resultant force due to pressure  Z
differences acting on the fluid = − n p dA (3.18)
contained in the control volume
 
Body forces include gravitational, magnetic and electrical forces acting over all the fluid
contained in the control volume. The only body force considered here is the force due to
gravity. An element of volume dυ has a mass ρdυ, and the vector force due to gravity acting
on this mass is ρg dυ. That is
 
 resultant force due to gravity  Z
acting on the fluid contained = ρg dυ (3.19)
in the control volume
 
R
where ρ dυ is the total mass of fluid contained in the control volume.
The forces due to external surfaces, Rext , are the forces applied to the fluid by the walls
of a duct, the surfaces of a deflector, or the forces acting in the solid cut by the control
volume. An example of the latter is when a control volume is drawn to cut through the
solid walls of a duct: we must include the forces exerted by the walls in the force balance on
the fluid. (Remember: when a fluid exerts a force on a solid surface, an equal but opposite
force acts on the fluid.)
By combining the terms given in equations 3.16 to 3.19, and including the viscous forces
(Fv ) and the forces due to external surfaces (Rext ), we obtain
Z Z Z Z
∂
ρV dυ + (n · ρV) V dA = − n p dA + ρg dυ + Fv + Rext (3.20)
∂t
This is the integral form of the momentum equation for a fixed control volume, in a three-
dimensional, time-dependent flow. It is a vector equation, so that in Cartesian coordinates
it has components in the x-, y- and z-directions. Note that it is written in the form “rate
of change of momentum equals resultant force,” rather than the other way round. This is
the usual practice in fluid mechanics.
3.7 Viscous Forces and Energy Losses

Whenever viscous forces are present, there will also be energy dissipation. Fluid flows are
irreversible (in a thermodynamic sense) because whenever velocity gradients appear in the
flow viscous stresses appear, and work needs to be done to overcome these stresses. Energy
is not conserved. 1 However in some cases, viscous effects are small compared to other
effects. For instance, in the flow through a large duct where the boundary layers are very
thin, viscous effects are confined to a rather small region, and then the viscous forces may
sometimes be neglected compared to the other forces that are acting. This is not the case
for many practical flows. In most pipe and duct flows, for example, the velocity gradients
extend over the entire cross-section and frictional stresses are important everywhere.
Even if the boundary layers are thin to begin with, when the flow decelerates rapidly,
or when it tries to change direction rapidly, it can separate. When a flow separates, it
no longer follows the shape of the solid boundary, and regions of recirculating flow appear
where some of the fluid particles are moving in a direction opposite to that of the main flow.
For example, in the flow shown in Figure 3.13, as the flow enters the diverging section of the
duct (the “diffuser”) it hardly turns at all and continues to go almost straight downstream.
A region of separated flow marked by large recirculating eddies forms over the diffuser walls.
Large losses can occur, as the mechanical energy of the fluid is used to drive large unsteady
eddying motions, which eventually dissipate into heat. This type of flow can occur for quite
small diffuser angles. To avoid the large losses associated with separation, the angle of
divergence needs to be very small: the included angle θ needs to be less than about 7◦ .
In contrast, when the flow is in the direction of decreasing area, as in a “contraction,”
there is little risk of creating large regions of separated flow, even for large values of θ (up
to 45◦ ), and consequently losses are generally small (see Figure 3.14).
We see that great care needs to be taken in considering frictional effects; sometimes they
are negligible, and sometimes they are not. When separation occurs, however, frictional
effects and mechanical energy losses are always important. It is worth noting that sharp
corners almost always produce a separated flow. The sudden expansion and contraction
1 Energy is conserved only if there are no velocity gradients anywhere, or if the fluid is inviscid, but
inviscid fluids are mathematical constructs and do not exist in nature.

3.8. ENERGY EQUATION 69
Figure 3.13: Separated diffuser flow. The included angle θ = 40◦ ). Flow is from left to right.
From Visualized Flow , Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pergamon Press, 1988.
Figure 3.14: Flow in a smooth, asymmetric contraction. Flow is from left to right. From Visualized
Flow , Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pergamon Press, 1988.
flows shown in Figure 3.15 also demonstrate the problem. The direction of the flow greatly
influences the flow pattern and the resulting energy loss. The flow in the sudden expansion
is therefore expected to cause greater losses than the flow in the sudden contraction.
3.8 Energy Equation

We will now derive the integral form of the energy equation for a fixed control volume. The
first law of thermodynamics states that the total change in energy of a system is the result
of work and heat transfers to the system. That is,
∆Esys = Qsys + Wsys
In fluid mechanics, a “system” is a fixed mass of fluid. The “total change in energy,” ∆E,
contains contributions from all motions of matter that make up the system. By “work and
heat transfers” we mean the work W done on or by the system, and the heat Q transferred
to or from the system. Work and heat transferred from the surroundings to the system are
taken to be positive. Cooling the system, so that heat is transferred from the system, is a
negative heat transfer. Lifting the system to a higher elevation means that work is done on
the system, and it is a positive work transfer.
Figure 3.15: Flow through a sudden contraction (left), and a sudden expansion (right). Flow is
from left to right. From Visualized Flow , Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pergamon Press,
1988.
If the heat and work transfers are slow enough for the system to be in equilibrium (this
is not difficult to satisfy even in supersonic flows), the first law will also hold in terms of
rates of change. That is, for a fixed mass of fluid, the first law of thermodynamics states
that
     
 rate of change of   net rate of energy   net rate of energy 
total energy of = addition by heat + addition by work
a system transfer to system done on system
     
That is,
∆Ėsys = Q̇sys + Ẇsys (3.21)
The first law applies to a closed system. In fluid mechanics, we are interested in “open”
systems, that is, control volumes. For the rate of change of total energy inside a control
volume, consider an element of volume dυ, as in Figure 3.12. The mass of this volume is
ρdυ, and its total energy is ρedυ, where e is the total energy per unit mass. The total energy
contained in the control volume is found by integration, and its rate of change with time is
found by differentiating with respect to time, so that
Z
rate of change of total energy ∂
= ρe dυ (3.22)
inside control volume ∂t
There is also a flux of total energy through the surface of the control volume. For an
element of surface area dA, we have a mass flux given by n · ρVdA, and the total energy
flux is given by (n · ρV) edA. The net flux is found by integration, so that
Z
net outflux of total energy
= (n · ρV) e dA (3.23)
from control volume
Combining equations 3.21, 3.22, and 3.23 gives

Z Z
∂
ρe dυ + (n · ρV) e dA = Q̇ + Ẇ (3.24)
∂t
where Q̇ and Ẇ are the heat and work energies transferred to the fluid contained in the
control volume at time t. It is understood that we refer to a system, so the subscript has
been dropped.
For a flowing fluid, the total energy is the sum of its internal energy and its kinetic
energy. The internal energy is the energy stored in the fluid due to molecular activity and
3.8. ENERGY EQUATION 71
molecular bonding forces, and the kinetic energy is due to the bulk motion of the fluid.
Expressing this per unit mass, the total energy is e, the internal energy is û, and the kinetic
energy is 21 V 2 . That is, e = û + 12 V 2 .
The work done on the fluid inside the control volume can be split four ways:
Ẇ = Ẇpressure + Ẇgrav + Ẇviscous + Ẇshaf t
where Ẇpressure is the rate that work is done by forces due to pressure, Ẇgrav is the rate
that work is done against gravity, Ẇviscous is the rate that shear work is done by viscous
stresses, and Ẇshaf t is the rate that shaft work is done by machines that may be inside the
control volume (a pump, fan, piston, and so forth).
For a surface element dA, the rate of doing work by pressure forces is given by the force
due to pressure times the velocity component normal to the surface into the control volume.
That is
dẆpressure = −p (n · V) dA
where −n is the direction of the force exerted by the pressure.
The mass of a volume element is ρdυ and so its weight is ρgdυ. The rate of doing work
against gravity in the direction of V is given by ρg · Vdυ. We can write g in terms of a
gravitational potential φg (see Section Appendix-A.13, such that g = −g∇φg . That is, the
rate of doing work against gravity is given by
dẆgrav = −ρg (∇φg · V) dυ
Finally, by a suitable choice of control volume, the shear work can often be made zero.
For example, at a solid surface, the no-slip condition makes the velocity at the wall zero,
so that the rate of work by viscous forces is also zero. At an inlet or outlet, the flow is
usually normal to the surface, and then the shear work is again zero. The shear work is
rarely important for large control volumes, and we will neglect it from now on.
The total work term is then found by integrating over the surface area of the control
volume. By using the theorems given in Section Appendix-A.9), we obtain
Z Z
Ẇ = − p (n · V) dA − gφg (n · ρV) dA + Ẇshaf t
Hence, with e = û + 21 V 2 , and recognizing that φg = z, equation 3.24 becomes

Z Z
∂ p
ρ û + 12 V 2 dυ + (n · ρV) û + + 12 V 2 + gz dA = Q̇ + Ẇshaf t

(3.25)
∂t ρ
This is the integral form of the energy equation for a fixed control volume. The pressure
work term has been combined with the energy flux term, as is common practice.
Chapter 4
Kinematics and Bernoulli’s

Equation
We are now interested in describing what happens inside the control volume. Instead of
integral equations that describe the overall balance os mass and momentum, we will need
differential equations that describe the local behavior of the fluid particles. We will derive
these differential equations of motion in Chapter 5, but before we do so we introduce the
concepts of streamlines and pathlines, and Bernoulli’s equation. Streamlines and pathlines
help us to describe fluid motion inside the control volume, and so encompass the kinematics
of the flow field. Bernoulli’s equation is a special form of the momentum equation, which
describes the dynamics of the flow field. Its application requires some knowledge about the
flow behavior inside the control volume, as we shall make clear.
4.1 Streamlines and Flow Visualization

It is important to know how fluid motion can be described, and how it can be visualized.
The most common methods of flow visualization introduce smoke or dye particles in the
flow, and then we follow their motion to infer the behavior of the velocity field. We are
particularly interested in identifying streamlines and particle paths.
4.1.1 Streamlines
Velocity is a vector, and therefore it has a magnitude and a direction.
A streamline is defined as a line that is everywhere tangential to the instantaneous

velocity direction.
Since the velocity at any point in the flow has a single value, streamlines cannot cross (the
flow cannot go in more than one direction at the same time).1
To visualize a streamline in a flow, imagine the motion of a small marked particle of
fluid. For instance, we could mark a drop of water with fluorescent dye and illuminate it
using a laser so that it fluoresces. If we took a short exposure photograph as the drop moves
according to the local velocity field (where the exposure needs to be short compared to the
1 Singular points can occur in the flow at points where the velocity magnitude is zero. Consequently,
their nature depends strongly on the velocity of the observer. At a critical point, the velocity direction
is indeterminate, and streamlines can meet. One example of a singular point is a stagnation point — see
Figure 4.8 and Section 4.3.1.
73
74 CHAPTER 4. KINEMATICS AND BERNOULLI’S EQUATION
Figure 4.1: Surface tufts for surface-flow visualization. From Race Car Aerodynamics, J. Katz,
Robert Bentley Publishers, 1995. Originally from MIRA. With permission.
time it takes for the velocity to change appreciably), we would see a short streak, with a
length V ∆t and a direction tangential to the instantaneous velocity direction. If we mark
many drops of water in this way, all the streamlines in the flow would become visible.
Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is a technique to measure the instantaneous velocity
field by visualizing the motion of individual particles. First, small particles are introduced
into the flow, small enough so that they faithfully follow the flow. Second, a laser light sheet
is used to illuminate the particles in a plane in the flow field. Third, two images are taken
of the particle distributions a short time ∆t apart. The velocity magnitude in the plane
of the laser sheet can then be found by measuring the displacements of each particle, V ∆t
and by knowing ∆t, and the instantaneous velocity direction is given by the direction of the
displacement.
In the absence of flow visualization, we can find the shape of the streamlines if we the
velocity field is known. From the definition of a streamline, it follows that for a flow in the
[x, y]-plane, the slope of a streamline, dy/dx, must be equal to v/u, where u and v are the
instantaneous velocity components in the x- and y-directions. respectively. For a streamline
in a three-dimensional flow,
dy v dy v dx u
= = =
dx u dz w dz w
The procedure for finding the shape of the streamlines is illustrated in Examples 4.1 and
4.2.
Surface streamlines are the streamlines followed by the flow very close to a solid surface.
Small, flexible tufts of yarn are sometimes attached to the body, and because of the drag
on the tufts by the flow, the tufts will align themselves in the local flow direction (see, for
example, Figure 4.1).
4.1.2 Pathlines
There are other ways to make the flow visible. For example, we can trace out the path
followed by a fluorescent drop using a long-exposure photograph. When the drop is small
4.1. STREAMLINES AND FLOW VISUALIZATION 75
enough, we will record the path taken by a fluid particle. This line is called a pathline, and
it is similar to what you see when you take a long-exposure photograph of car lights on a
freeway at night. Each light marks a specific point on a car, and the photograph will show
the path of this material point as the car moves through traffic. It is possible for pathlines
to cross, as you can imagine from the freeway analogy: as a car changes lanes, the pathline
traced out by its lights might cross another pathline traced out by another vehicle at an
earlier time.
A pathline is the line traced out by a fluid particle as it moves through the flow field.
Since we are following fluid particles along a pathline, it is a Lagrangian concept. For
a pathline in a two-dimensional flow, we use the fact that u = dx/dt, and v = dy/dt. If
we know how u and v depend on time, and a sufficient number of boundary conditions are
given, we can integrate u and v with respect to time to find the particle path coordinates
x and y as functions of time. By eliminating time from the expressions for x and y, the
particle path in [x, y]-space can be found (see Examples 4.1 and 4.2).
4.1.3 Streaklines
Another way to visualize flow patterns is by streaklines.
A streakline is the line traced out by particles that pass through a particular point.
For instance, if we emit fluorescent dye continuously from a fixed point, the dye makes
up a streakline as it passes downstream. To use the freeway analogy again, a streakline is
the line made by the movement of the lights on all the vehicles that passed through the
same toll booth. If they all follow the same path (a steady flow), a single line results, but
if succeeding cars follow different paths (unsteady flow), it is possible for lines to cross over
each other as well as themselves. As an example, Figure 4.3(b) shows how streaklines can
be used to visualize the flow over a circular cylinder.
Surface streaklines are the streaklines followed by the flow very close to a solid surface.
For example, raindrops falling on a windscreen will tend to trace out a path representing a
surface streakline.
In unsteady flow, streamlines, pathlines and streaklines are all different, but it may be
shown that
In steady flow, streamlines, pathlines and streaklines are identical.
4.1.4 Streamtubes
Imagine a set of streamlines starting at points on a closed loop (Figure 4.2). These stream-
lines form a tube that is impermeable since the walls of the tube are made up of streamlines,
and there can be no flow normal to a streamline (by definition). This tube is called a stream-
tube. For a steady, one-dimensional flow, the mass-flow rate passing through a streamtube
is constant (see Section 3.2). If the density is constant, and the area decreases, the velocity
increases. The cross-sectional area of the streamtube therefore gives information on the local
velocity magnitude. In a two-dimensional flow, the distance between adjacent streamlines
gives similar insight; as the distance decreases, the velocity increases.
Figure 4.2: Streamlines forming a streamtube.
4.1.5 Hydrogen bubble visualization

The hydrogen bubble technique is a very useful method for visualizing water flows. An
example of the technique is given in Figure 4.3, showing the flow over a circular cylinder.
To form the bubbles, a thin wire is mounted transverse to the stream and connected to the
cathode of a voltage source. An anode is placed in the water at some other location. By
passing a current between the anode and cathode, hydrogen is generated by electrolysis at
the wire (the cathode) in the form of bubbles. If the hydrogen bubbles are small enough, the
buoyancy force on them can be neglected (it is proportional to the volume of the bubbles),
and the bubbles follow the flow. By covering up parts of the thin wire cathode, and applying
a continuous current to the wire, streaklines are formed, as shown in Figure 4.3(b). Upstream
of the cylinder, the flow is steady so that streaklines are also streamlines, and we see that they
diverge as the flow approaches the cylinder, indicating that the flow is slowing down. The
central streamline stops at the cylinder surface at a point called the stagnation point, and this
particular streamline is called the stagnation streamline (see also Figure 4.8). Downstream
of the cylinder we see a region of reduced velocity called the wake. In the wake, large eddies
are formed, first from one side, and then from the other. The flow is highly unsteady, and
streamlines, pathlines, and streaklines are all different.
If in the hydrogen bubble technique the wire is not selectively covered up, and a short
pulse of current is used, a line of bubbles is formed at the wire and is swept downstream by
the flow. The line formed by the bubbles is an example of a timeline.
A timeline is a line made up of fluid particles that were all marked at the same time.
Timelines, streaklines, and timelines in combination with streaklines, are shown for the
flow over a cylinder in Figure 4.3.
4.2 Bernoulli’s Equation

For steady flows, we have seen that streamlines and pathlines are identical. Therefore, if we
can identify a streamline, we know that fluid particles follow the same path. We can now
examine the forces acting on the particle that follows this path, which leads us directly to
Bernoull’s equation.
Bernoulli’s equation is obtained by applying Newton’s second law between two points on
a streamline (the complete derivation is given in Sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2). It states that
p1 + 12 ρV12 + ρgz1 = p2 + 21 ρV22 + ρgz2 = constant (4.1)

4.2. BERNOULLI’S EQUATION 77
Figure 4.3: Flow over a cylinder at a Reynolds number of 170 made visible using the hydrogen
bubble technique. (a) Timelines. (b) Streaklines. (c) Timeline and streakline combination. From
Visualized Flow , Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pergamon Press, 1988.
where g is the gravitational constant, z1 and z2 are the heights or elevations of points 1 and
2 above some horizontal reference plane, and p1 and p2 , and V1 and V2 , are the pressures
and velocities at these same points, respectively. Most important, it is required that
1. Points 1 and 2 lie on the same streamline;
2. The fluid has constant density;
3. The flow is steady; and
4. The flow is inviscid (there are no losses).

The requirement that points 1 and 2 lie along a streamline can be relaxed in an “irrota-
~ = ∇×V = 0 (see Chapter 6). In that
tional” flow field, which is defined as a region where Ω
case, Bernoulli’s equation can be used across streamlines. Also, in practice, the “fluid has a
constant density” statement means that density changes in the flow field need to be small
compared to the mean density. The “flow is steady” statement not only excludes unsteady
flows, but also all turbulent flows. The “flow is inviscid” statement means that the losses
due to viscous effects need to be negligible, so that our interests lie outside regions where
viscous stresses are important, as it is in boundary layers and wakes.
Although these restrictions sound severe, Bernoulli’s equation is very useful, partly be-
cause it is so simple, but mostly because it can give great insight into the balance among
the pressure, velocity and height in the motion of a fluid particle.
Bernoulli’s equation can be derived directly from the Euler or Navier-Stokes equations, as
shown in Section A.14. In the following section, it is obtained by applying Newton’s second
law along a streamline. We assume steady flow, so that fluid particles follow streamlines.
4.2.1 Force balance along streamlines

Consider a particle of fluid moving in a steady two-dimensional flow in the z-y plane of a
constant density fluid (Figure 4.4). Because the flow is steady, the particle moves along
a streamline (see Section 4.1). Its velocity at a point along the streamline is V . The z-
direction is measured vertically up from a horizontal reference plane, so that it increases in
a direction opposite to the direction of gravity, and the x-direction is into the page. The
s-direction is along the streamline, and the n-direction is normal to it.
If we neglect friction, the only forces acting on the particle are those due to its weight,
and those due to pressure differences. The weight of the fluid particle is dW = ρg dndsdx,
and its component in the s-direction is dWs = −ρg sin β dndsdx. Since sin β = ∂z/∂s (see
Figure 4.4),
∂z
dWs = −ρg dndsdx
∂s
The force due to pressure differences acting in the s-direction is dFps . By using a first order
Taylor Series expansion (Section Appendix-A.10), we obtain

∂p ds ∂p ds ∂p
dFps = p0 − dndx − p0 + dndx = − dndsdx
∂s 0 2 ∂s 0 2 ∂s 0
Hence, Fs , the resultant force per unit volume in the s-direction, is given by
dWs dFps ∂p ∂z
Fs = + = − − ρg (4.2)
dndsdx dndsdx ∂s ∂s
where we have dropped the subscript 0 because the result should not depend on the par-
ticular point that was considered. This force will accelerate the fluid particle as it moves
along the streamline. In a short distance ds, the velocity changes from V to V + ∂V ∂s ds, so
that the rate of change of momentum of the fluid particle, per unit volume, is given by
V + ∂V

∂s ds − V ds ∂V ∂V
ρ =ρ = ρV
dt dt ∂s ∂s
since V = ds/dt. Using equation 4.2, we obtain (by Newton’s second law)
∂V ∂p ∂z
ρV = − − ρg (4.3)
∂s ∂s ∂s
Figure 4.4: Fluid particle moving along a streamline.
This equation is called the one-dimensional Euler equation for steady flow, or the Euler
equation along a streamline. By multiplying through by ds, we get
∂p ∂V ∂z
ds + ρV ds + ρg ds = 0 (4.4)
∂s ∂s ∂s
Now, since s is the coordinate along the streamline,
∂p
ds = dp = change in pressure along streamline
∂s
∂V
ds = dV = change in velocity along streamline
∂s
∂z
ds = dz = change in elevation along streamline
∂s
so that equation 4.4 becomes
dp
+ V dV + g dz = 0 (4.5)
ρ
No restrictions have yet been placed on the density of the fluid particle, and so this rela-
tionship holds for flows with variable density. When the density is constant, however, we
can integrate this relationship along the streamline to obtain
p 1 2
+ V + gz = constant
ρ 2
which is Bernoulli’s equation for steady, constant density flow, without friction, along a
streamline.
Since Bernoulli’s equation was derived by applying Newton’s second law along a stream-
line, it is a form of the momentum equation. Interestingly, however, each term in Bernoulli’s
equation has the dimensions of energy, or work, per unit mass. The quantity 21 V 2 is the
kinetic energy per unit mass, gz is the potential energy per unit mass, and p/ρ, being the
integral of dp/ρ, is the work done by a unit mass of fluid against the change in pressure. For
steady, constant density flow, without friction, Bernoulli’s equation indicates that the sum
of pressure work, kinetic energy, and potential energy remains constant along a streamline.
This connection with the energy equation is explored further in Section 8.11.
4.2.2 Force balance across streamlines

Another useful result can be obtained by considering the force balance across streamlines for
a steady inviscid, constant density flow. The weight of the fluid particle is dW = ρg dndsdx,
and its component in the n-direction is dWn = −ρg cos β dndsdx. Since cos β = ∂z/∂n (see
Figure 4.4),
∂z
dWn = −ρg dndsdx
∂n
The force acting on the fluid particle due to pressure differences acting in the n-direction is
dFpn . By using a first order Taylor Series expansion (Section Appendix-A.10), we obtain

∂p dn ∂p dn ∂p
dFpn = p − dsdx − p + dsdx = − dndsdx
∂n 2 ∂n 2 ∂n
Hence, Fn , the resultant force per unit volume in the n-direction, is equal to
dFpn dWn ∂p ∂z
Fn = + = − − ρg (4.6)
dndsdx dndsdx ∂n ∂n
This force will accelerate the fluid particle in the direction normal to the streamline. The
centripetal acceleration is given by −V 2 /R, where R is the local radius of curvature (see
Figure 4.4), so that the rate of change of momentum of the fluid particle in the n-direction,
2
per unit volume, is given by − ρ VR . Using equation 4.6, we obtain (by Newton’s second
law)
V2 ∂p ∂z
ρ = + ρg (4.7)
R ∂n ∂n
This is the momentum equation for steady, constant density flow without friction, across
streamlines.
We see that, as the streamlines become straight and the radius of curvature becomes very
large, the pressure across streamlines can only vary through hydrostatic pressure differences.
If the effects of gravity are not important, and R → ∞, then equation 4.7 gives that
∂p/∂n = 0, that is, the pressure is constant across streamlines. Therefore, for a steady,
inviscid flow,
The pressure across straight streamlines is constant when the effects of gravity can be
neglected.
This is a very important result, and we shall make good use of it.
4.2.3 Pressure–velocity variation

Consider the flow shown in Figure 4.5, which was first considered in Section 3.5.2 using a
large control volume. The flow is steady, and we will assume that there are no losses, and
the density is constant. Because the streamlines are parallel at the entry and exit to the
duct, the pressure is constant across the duct, except for hydrostatic pressure differences.
If we ignore gravity, then the pressures over the inlet and outlet areas are constant. Along
a streamline on the centerline, the Bernoulli equation and the one-dimensional continuity
equation give, respectively,
p1 − p2 = 12 ρ V22 − V12

and A1 V 1 = A2 V2
Note that
decreasing area
With A2 < A1 , V2 > V1
increasing velocity
Figure 4.5: Flow in a one-dimensional duct where the inlet and outlet directions are aligned. This
flow case was first analyzed using a large control volume in Section 3.5.2.

increasing velocity
With V2 > V1 , p2 < p1
decreasing pressure
These two observations are illustrated in Figure 4.6. They provide an intuitive guide for
analyzing fluid flows, even when the flow is not one-dimensional. For example, when fluid
passes over a solid body the flow velocity increases, the streamlines get closer together, and
the pressure decreases (see, for example, the steady flow over a cylinder shown in Figure 4.3).
4.2.4 Experiments on Bernoulli’s equation

We see that when height differences along a streamline are not important, Bernoulli’s equa-
tion expresses the relationship between velocity and pressure variations. Pressure differences
can lead to large forces, as illustrated in the following simple experiments.
1. An easy experiment to demonstrate the force produced by an airstream requires a

piece of notebook paper and two books of about equal thickness. Place the books four
to five inches apart, and cover the gap with the paper. When you blow through the
passage made by the books and the paper, what do you see? Why?
2. As a variation on this experiment, hold a piece of regular note paper by your fingertips
at the corners on the short side. Then blow over the top in the direction of the long
side. What do you see, and why?
3. In another experiment, use a hair dryer to make a jet of air that blows vertically up.
Insert a table tennis ball in the center of the jet, and let it go. It will remain suspended
by the jet of air. Push the ball down, and it will spring back up to its equilibrium
position; push it sideways, and it will rapidly return to its original position in the
center of the jet.
Figure 4.6: Pressure–velocity variation according to Bernoulli’s equation.

Figure 4.7: Attracted disk experiment.
Why does this happen? In the vertical direction, the weight of the ball is balanced by
a force due to pressure differences: the pressure over the rear half of the sphere is lower
than over the front half because of losses that occur in the wake. To understand the
balance of forces in the horizontal direction, remember that if the streamlines in the jet
flow are approximately parallel, the pressure inside the jet in the absence of the sphere
is the same as the pressure outside the jet, so that the pressure is equal to atmospheric
pressure everywhere. Now imagine the ball placed on the edge of the jet, so that one
half is exposed to the flow, and the other half is not. On the side exposed to the jet,
the flow velocity increases as it passes around the sphere, and the pressure falls below
atmospheric. On the side outside the jet, the pressure remains atmospheric. The
differences in pressure tend to move the ball back towards the center, and therefore it
is stable.
4. Finally, cut a 50 mm disk out of cardboard, punch a small hole in the center, and
attach a straw to the hole. Place the assembly over a horizontal sheet of paper, as
shown in Figure 4.7. When air is blown through the straw, the sheet of paper is forced
against the disk instead of being blown off as might be expected. The explanation
is based on the relationship between pressure and velocity. The velocity in the gap
between the paper and disk is initially high, but it begins to decrease as the fluid
flows outward since the area through which the flow passes increases with radius.
At the same time, the pressure rises. However, at the exit (B and C), the pressure
must be equal to atmospheric pressure since the streamlines at the exit are parallel.
The pressure in the gap must, therefore, be everywhere less than atmospheric. Since
the pressure on the outside of the gap is atmospheric, and inside the gap it is less
than atmospheric, there is a resultant force holding the paper against the disk due to
pressure differences.
4.3 Applications of Bernoulli’s Equation

One common use of Bernouli’s equation is as a third equation, in addition to the continuity
and momentum equations, for solving flow problems. Consider again the flow shown in
Figure 4.5. The flow is steady, and we will assume that there are no losses, and the density
is constant (ρ1 = ρ2 = ρ), so that we can apply the Bernoulli equation along a streamline.
Hence,
1 1
p1 + ρV12 = p2 + ρV22
2 2
since z1 = z2 . That is,
1
p2g = p1g + ρ V12 − V22

2
4.3. APPLICATIONS OF BERNOULLI’S EQUATION 83
and by using the continuity equation, we obtain
A21

1 2
p2g = p1g + ρV1 1 − 2
2 A2
Then, from the analysis given in Section 3.5.2 (specifically equation 3.13),
A21

2 A1 1 2
FD = ρA1 V1 − 1 + p1g (A2 − A1 ) + ρV1 A2 1 − 2
A2 2 A2
where FD is the force required to hold the duct in place. Bernoulli’s equation was used
to find the pressure p2g , so that the force FD can now be found if p1g , V1 , A1 and A2 are
known.
We can go one step further and divide both sides by 12 ρV12 A1 , so that
A2

FD A1 p1 A2
=2 −1 + (A2 − A1 ) + 1 − 12
1 ρV 2 A A2 1 ρV 2 A A1 A2
2 1 1 2 1 1
This step makes both sides of the equation nondimensional. The parameter on the left hand
side is an example of a nondimensional force coefficient. This process of nondimensional-
ization is standard practice in fluid mechanics since it makes the answer more useful and
elegant, as we shall see in Chapter 7.
4.3.1 Stagnation pressure and dynamic pressure

Bernoulli’s equation leads to some interesting conclusions regarding the variation of pressure
over solid bodies. Consider a steady flow of a constant density fluid impinging on a perpen-
dicular plate, such as that shown in Figure 4.8. There is one streamline that divides the
flow in half. Above this streamline, all the flow goes up the plate and below this streamline,
all the flow goes down the plate. Along this dividing streamline, the fluid moves towards
the plate. Since the flow cannot pass through the plate, the fluid must come to rest at the
point where it meets the plate. In other words, it “stagnates.” The fluid along the dividing,
or stagnation streamline slows down and eventually comes to rest without deflection at the
stagnation point.2
2 At a stagnation point, the magnitude of the velocity is zero and its direction is indeterminate. This is
an example of a singular or critical point, which is a point where streamlines can meet.
Figure 4.8: Stagnation point flow.

Neglecting viscous effects, Bernoulli’s equation along the stagnation streamline gives
2
p∞ + 12 ρV∞ + ρgz∞ = p0 + 12 ρV02 + ρgz0
where the point ∞ is far upstream and point 0 is at the stagnation point (Figure 4.8). Since
z∞ = z0 , and V0 = 0,
p0 = p∞ + 12 ρV∞
2
= stagnation pressure (4.8)
The stagnation or total pressure, p0 , is the pressure measured at the point where the fluid
comes to rest. It is the highest pressure found anywhere in the flow field, and it is the sum
of the static pressure (p∞ ) and the dynamic pressure ( 12 ρV∞
2
) measured far upstream. The
1 2
quantity 2 ρV∞ is called the dynamic pressure because it arises from the motion of the fluid.
The dynamic pressure is not really a pressure at all: it is simply a convenient name for
the quantity 21 ρV∞2
, which represents the decrease in pressure due to the increase in fluid
velocity.
We can also express the pressure anywhere in the flow in the form of a nondimensional
pressure coefficient Cp , where
p − p∞
Cp ≡ 1 2
2 ρV∞
At the stagnation point Cp = 1, which is its maximum value. In the freestream, far from
the plate, Cp = 0.
4.3.2 Pitot tube

One of the most immediate applications of Bernoulli’s equation is in the measurement of
velocity with a Pitot tube. The Pitot tube (named after the French scientist and engineer
Henry Pitot, 1695–1771) is perhaps the simplest and most useful fluid flow instrument
ever devised (Figure 4.9). By pointing the tube directly into the flow and measuring the
difference between the pressure sensed by the tube and the pressure in the surrounding
air flow, the Pitot probe can provide a very accurate measure of the velocity. In fact, it
is probably the most accurate method available for measuring flow velocity on a routine
basis, and accuracies better than 1% are easily possible. Pitot tubes are widely used in flow
measurement applications. For instance, they are standard equipment on airplanes, where
a Pitot tube is combined with a static port located somewhere on the fuselage to measure
the relative airspeed.
To see how the Pitot tube works, consider the example of a Pitot tube mounted in a
wind tunnel. Bernoulli’s equation along the streamline that begins far upstream of the tube
and comes to rest in its mouth (station 0) gives
2
p∞ + 12 ρa V∞ + ρa gz∞ = p0 + 12 ρa V02 + ρa gz0
where ρa is the density of air. Since z∞ = z0 , and V0 = 0,

2
p0 = p∞ + 21 ρa V∞ (4.9)
We see that the Pitot tube measures the stagnation pressure in the flow. We can also write
2
p0 − p∞ = 12 ρa V∞ (4.10)
Therefore, to find the velocity V∞ , we need to know the density of air and the pressure
difference p0 − p∞ . The density can be found from standard tables if the temperature and
the atmospheric pressure are known. The pressure difference p0 − p∞ is usually found
Figure 4.9: Pitot tube in a wind tunnel. (a) Electronic manometer. (b) Liquid manometer.
indirectly by using a static pressure tap located on the wall of the wind tunnel (as shown in
Figure 4.9). A differential electronic manometer [Figure 4.9(a)] will measure the difference
pm − ps , and by using the hydrostatic equation twice we obtain
ps = p∞ + ρa gH
pm = p0 + ρa gH
so that
2
pm − ps = p0 − p∞ = 12 ρa V∞
Therefore, r
2
V∞ = (pm − ps )
ρa
If a liquid manometer is used, as in Figure 4.9(b), we apply the hydrostatic equation
three times to find
ps = p∞ + ρa g (zw + z0 ) (4.11)
pm = p0 + ρa g (zw + z0 + ∆h)
and pm − ps = ρm g∆h
where ρm is the density of the manometer fluid. Hence,
p0 − p∞ = ρm g∆h − ρa g∆h.
Using equation 4.10, we obtain

2 ρm ρa
V∞ = 2g 1− ∆h (4.12)
ρa ρm
Since ρm is always much greater than ρa , we have, to a very good approximation,

r
ρm
V∞ = 2g ∆h (4.13)
ρa
Therefore, the velocity can be found by measuring the manometer deflection, and by knowing
the density of air and the density of the manometer fluid.
Figure 4.10: Pitot-static tube of the Prandtl type. From Rae & Pope Low-Speed Wind Tunnel
Testing, 2nd. ed., Wiley-Interscience, 1984.
The Pitot tube is sometimes combined with a static tube to make a single unit called a
Pitot-static tube (Figure 4.10). A static tube is a closed tube aligned with the flow direction.
At some distance from the nose, small pressure tappings are drilled in the tube wall to
measure the local static pressure. In a Pitot-static tube, the two tubes are installed one inside
the other. The inner tube is open at the end and measures the total pressure, while the outer
tube serves as a static tube to measure the static pressure. The two tubes can be connected to
a manometer to read the dynamic pressure. The accuracy of the Pitot-static tube depends
on its construction and installation. It is more sensitive to misalignment with the flow
direction than a Pitot tube, and to achieve high accuracy it should be calibrated against a
known standard. Such calibrated Pitot-static tubes are readily available commercially.
4.3.3 Venturi tube and atomizer

The relationship between pressure and velocity expressed by Bernoulli’s equation is used in
the design of the Venturi tube (Figure 4.11). This device is made up of a contracting section
followed by a diverging section, and its shape is chosen to minimize losses due to friction or
flow separation. One application of the Venturi tube is as a flow measurement device for
the steady flow of a constant-density fluid. As the fluid passes through the tube, it reaches
its maximum velocity and minimum pressure at the smallest cross-sectional area. Using the
one-dimensional continuity equation and Bernoulli’s equation, we have
VA AA = VB AB
pA pB
+ 21 VA2 = + 12 VB2
ρ ρ
so that 2 !
1 2 AA
pA − pB = 2 ρVA −1
AB
By measuring the pressure difference pA − pB and knowing the dimensions of the Venturi
tube and the density of the fluid, we can find the flow velocity. The Venturi tube is used
Figure 4.11: Venturi tube. From Martin and Conner, Basic Physics, 8th ed., published by Whit-
combe & Tombs Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, Australia, 1962, with permission.
when an accurate velocity measurement is required in a piping system without introducing

substantial losses.
Carburetors also make use of the Venturi principle. Here, the low pressure at the throat
of the Venturi tube is used to draw fuel into the main flow stream. If the pressure is low
enough at the throat, the fuel will break up into drops and vaporize before entering the
engine combustion chamber.
A further use of this concept is in an atomizer (Figure 4.12). A stream of air blown
through the pipe A passes directly above the open end of the tube B, the other end of
which dips into a liquid in the container C which is open to the atmosphere. The tube is
designed so that the airstream diverges after passing B. Far from the tube exit, at F , the
pressure must be atmospheric, so that the pressure at B must be below atmospheric (since
the flow must slow down as it goes from B to F ). Therefore the pressure of the atmosphere
acting on the surface of the liquid in C forces it up to B where it is entrained in the airstream
and carried forward as a spray. Paint sprayers, perfume sprayers and snowmakers at ski
resorts all operate in this way.
4.3.4 Siphon
A siphon can be used to drain liquid from an open tank. It consists of a tube, with one
end immersed in the liquid and the other end kept outside the liquid and below the level of
the free surface (see Figure 4.13). If there are no losses, and the flow is steady, we can use
Bernoulli’s equation to find the speed of the jet issuing from the open end of the tube, and
the minimum pressure in the tube.
When the tank is large, the level of the water falls very slowly and we can assume that
the velocity of the free surface is almost zero. This is called the quasi-steady assumption,
where the flow is not really steady but it is steady enough to apply Bernoulli’s equation,
for example. To draw a streamline, we should remember that a streamline is a line which
is tangential to the instantaneous velocity vector. If we took a short-exposure photograph
of some marked fluid particles, we would see that the velocity vectors throughout most of
the tank are directed towards the entrance of the tube. So we can start the streamline at
the bottom of the tank, or halfway up, or at the surface of the water. However, to make
a particular streamline useful, it must connect a point where we have information with a
point where we need information. At the free surface in the tank we know that V1 = 0, and
that the pressure is atmospheric. Since two parameters are known at the surface, this is a
good starting place for the streamline. To find the conditions at the exit of the tube, we
draw the streamline to connect to a point in the exit plane. Then, if there are no losses,
and the flow is steady (or at least quasi-steady),
pa p3
+ 0 + gz3 = + 12 V32 + 0
ρ ρ
Figure 4.12: Atomizer. From Martin and Figure 4.13: Siphon, used to transfer liquids
Conner, Basic Physics, 8th ed., published from a higher to a lower level.
by Whitcombe & Tombs Pty. Ltd., Mel-
bourne, Australia, 1962, with permission..
What about the pressure at the exit of the tube, p3 ? Close to the exit the flow streamlines
are nearly parallel and the pressure surrounding the jet is atmospheric. In a steady flow, the
pressure can only vary across straight streamlines due to hydrodynamic pressure gradients
(see Section 4.2.2). There can be no hydrostatic pressure differences across the jet, since it
is in free fall, so that with V1 = 0 and p3 = p1 = pa ,
p
V3 = 2gz3 (4.14)
To obtain this result, we assumed that the flow was along a streamline, the fluid had a
constant density, the flow was steady, and there were no losses. We also implicitly assumed
that the flow was one-dimensional. These are all approximations, and perhaps the most
questionable assumptions were that the flow was one-dimensional and that it experienced
no losses. We know that the flow in a tube is subject to the no-slip condition, and therefore
there will be viscous forces acting and energy losses taking place. One way to think about
this is to recognize that equation 4.14 can be interpreted as indicating that the potential
energy of the fluid available at point 1 has all been converted to kinetic energy at point 1. If
there were losses along the way, we would expect that the √ kinetic energy at the exit would
be less than the available potential energy, so that V3 < 2gz3 . Therefore equation 4.14
gives the maximum possible value of V3 , and in practice we would expect to see a lower
value.
We can also use Bernoulli’s equation to track the pressure variation along the tube. The
cross-sectional area of the tube does not vary, and therefore by continuity the velocity in all
parts of the tube is equal to V3 . Since the velocity in the tube is constant, the minimum
pressure will occur at the maximum height of the tube, that is, at point 2. Here,
p1 p2
+ 12 V12 + 0 = + 12 V22 + gz2
ρ ρ
√
With V1 = 0, p1 = pa , and V2 = V3 = 2gz3
pa p2
= + gz3 + gz2
ρ ρ
That is,
p2 pa
= − g (z3 + z2 )
ρ ρ
We see that the pressure at point 2 is below atmospheric.
4.3.5 Vapor pressure

If the elevation of point 2 in Figure 4.13 is high enough, the pressure can become equal
to the vapor pressure of the liquid. The vapor pressure pv of a liquid is the equilibrium
pressure of a vapor above its liquid, that is, the pressure of the vapor that comes from the
evaporation of a liquid in a closed container. If the liquid pressure is greater than the vapor
pressure, the only exchange between the liquid and vapor phases is evaporation at a free
surface. If the liquid pressure falls below the vapor pressure, vapor bubbles begin to appear
in the body of the liquid. That is, the liquid will begin to boil. For water at 100◦ C, the
vapor pressure is 101, 325 P a, which is equal to atmospheric pressure. Therefore water boils
at 100◦ C under standard atmospheric conditions. For water at 20◦ C the vapor pressure is
2338 P a (see Table Appendix-C.3), which is equal to 0.0232 atm. Since 1 atm = 10.33 m,
we find that for the siphon shown in Figure 4.13, if
z2 + z3 > (1 − 0.0232) × 10.33 m = 10.1 m
the water will boil and a vapor lock could form that would prevent proper functioning of
the siphon.
Because the air pressure decreases with increasing altitude, it will approach the vapor
pressure of water with increasing altitude, and water will start to boil at a lower tempera-
ture. At an altitude of 13000 m, for example, where the atmospheric pressure is 70, 120 P a
(Table Appendix-C.5), water boils at 90◦ C, not 100◦ C.
A liquid can also boil if its velocity is high enough so that the static pressure in the
liquid drops below the vapor pressure. The formation of vapor bubbles, when followed by
their collapse, is then called cavitation, and it can cause severe erosion on marine propellers,
where low pressure regions are found near the tips of the blades (Figure 7.1). Just below
the water surface, the static pressure equals the vapor pressure at a speed of about 15 m/s
(50 f t/s, or = 34 mph). Cavitation can therefore be a problem at relatively modest speeds,
although in practice it may not occur until the pressure is well below the vapor pressure. At
greater depths, the pressure in the surrounding fluid increases according to the hydrostatic
equation, and the onset of cavitation is delayed to higher velocities.
4.3.6 Draining tanks

Consider water draining out of a large tank (Figure 4.14). The tank is large enough so that
we can use the quasi-steady assumption. Along a streamline connecting a point at the free
surface with a point in the exit plane of the jet, we have
p1 p2
+ 0 + gH = + 12 V22 + 0
ρ ρ
Figure 4.14: Water draining out of a large tank.

Figure 4.15: Tank exit with an expanding drain.
If the streamlines at the exit of the jet are parallel, p2 = pa . Also, the jet is in free fall, so
that hydrostatic pressure differences across the jet are zero. With V1 = 0, and p2 = p1 = pa ,
p
V2 = 2gH
This is known as Torricelli’s formula.

What is the discharge rate? The volume discharge q̇ is the volume outflow per unit time,
that is, the volume flow rate out of the tank, given by A2 V2 , where A2 is the cross-sectional
area of the jet. So the volume outflow per unit time is simply A2 V2 . Similarly, the mass
flow discharge, or the mass flow rate leaving the tank, is given by ρA2 V2 . Hence, for the
flow leaving the tank,
p
q̇ = volume discharge rate = A2 V2 = A2 2gH
p
ṁ = mass discharge rate = ρA2 V2 = ρA2 2gH
What if the orifice was modified to have a diverging section, so that the area increases
from A2 to A3 (Figure 4.15)? If the streamlines are parallel at the exit, the pressure√at the
exit, p3 , is atmospheric. If there are no losses, we see
√ that the exit velocity is still 2gH.
The volume discharge, however, has increased to A3 2gH so that it is greater than before
by the ratio A3 /A2 . Provided there are no losses, the exit velocity is independent of the
exit area but the discharge increases as the exit area increases.
What has happened at the point A2 ? Because of mass conservation, the velocity at A2 is
larger than the velocity at A3 by the ratio A3 /A2 . Since the pressure at A3 is atmospheric,
the pressure at A2 is below atmospheric, and the exit nozzle acts similar to a Venturi tube
(see Section 4.3.3). If the pressure at station 2 drops below the vapor pressure, cavitation
can occur (see Section 4.3.5).
Chapter 5
Differential Equations of Motion
In Chapter 3, we used large control volumes to find the overall balances of mass, momentum
and energy, without describing the specific flow behavior inside the control volume. These
balances were expressed by a set of equations in integral form (equations 3.9, 3.20, and
3.25). For some purposes this approach can provide very useful information, as in finding
the forces exerted by the fluid on an object held inside the control volume. For many other
purposes we need to have a more detailed knowledge of the flow behavior. For instance,
as we pointed out in Section 3.1, the performance of an airplane depends critically on its
shape. For an airplane in cruise, the lift is primarily generated by the pressure differences
between the bottom and top surfaces of the wing. A large part of the drag, on the other
hand, is due to the viscous friction between the fluid and the surface of the airplane. Both
lift and drag depend strongly on the shapes of the wing and the fuselage. A large control
volume cannot give very specific insight into how these shapes can be designed.
In Chapter 4, we saw that in some cases we can use Bernoulli’s equation to gain insight
in the distribution of velocity and pressure within the flow field. Bernoulli’s equation was
derived by applying Newton’s second law to the motion of fluid particles along streamlines,
and itapplies only for steady, incompressible flow with no viscous effects. To derive the
general form of the equations of motion as they apply to all points within a flow field, so
that we can understand the complete flow behavior, we will use very small control volumes
or fluid elements, which means we will adopt an Eulerian description of the flow field.
This approach leads to a set of differential equations describing the detailed motion of the
fluid. We will derive the continuity and momentum equations, but we will not consider the
differential form of the energy equation.
We could obtain these equations directly from their integral forms. This is done in
Section A.12. Here, we choose to derive them from first principles. To begin this analysis,
we need to express the rate of change of velocity, density and pressure of a fluid particle in
the Eulerian system.
5.1 Rate of Change Following a Fluid Particle

How are we to describe the displacement, velocity and acceleration of a fluid? As indicated
in Section 3.1, there are two possibilities: the Lagrangian system and the Eulerian system.
In the Lagrangian system, we follow fluid particles which are of fixed mass, whereas in the
Eulerian system we look for a “field” description which gives all the details of the entire
flow field at any position and time, and we do not follow individual fluid particles.
To apply Newton’s laws of mechanics, as well as other principles such as the conservation
of mass and energy, it is necessary to refer to fixed quantities of matter, that is, fluid particles.
A Lagrangian system would therefore seem ideal for deriving the equations of motion of a
91
92 CHAPTER 5. DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS OF MOTION
fluid. However, a full description of the flow field in a Lagrangian system requires that a
very large number of fluid particles be followed, and it is usually easier to adopt an Eulerian
description instead.
To make the Eulerian representation useful, we need to find a way to express the rate of
change of properties of a fluid particle of fixed mass at a fixed point in the flow field. The
total derivative provides us with the required link between the Lagrangian and Eulerian
descriptions for small, fixed control volumes, in the same way as the Reynolds transport
theorem (Section A.15) provides a link between the two descriptions for large, fixed control
volumes.
In the Eulerian system, density, pressure and velocity are functions of four independent
variables. In Cartesian coordinates, for example, ρ = ρ(x, y, z, t). Similarly, V = ui+vj+wk,
where u, v and w are the velocity components in the x-, y- and z-directions, and each
component is a function of x, y, z and t.
Consider a fluid particle as it moves a distance ∆x, ∆y and ∆z in space during a time
∆t. The velocity changes by an amount ∆V, and by the chain rule of differentiation
∂V ∂V ∂V ∂V
∆V = ∆t + ∆x + ∆y + ∆z
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z
Dividing through by ∆t
∆V ∂V ∂V ∆x ∂V ∆y ∂V ∆z
= + + +
∆t ∂t ∂x ∆t ∂y ∆t ∂z ∆t
and as ∆t approaches small values,

dV ∂V ∂V dx ∂V dy ∂V dz
= + + +
dt sys ∂t ∂x dt sys ∂y dt sys ∂z dt sys
where we have identified the derivatives pertaining to the properties of the fluid particle
(the “system”). We use the following shorthand notation:

D d
≡
Dt dt sys
so that
DV ∂V ∂V ∂V ∂V
= +u +v +w (5.1)
Dt ∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z
because u = dx/dt, v = dy/dt, and w = dz/dt. The special symbol D/Dt denotes the total
derivative, that is, the derivative of a system quantity that depends on three space variables
as well as time. In Cartesian coordinates,
D ∂ ∂ ∂ ∂
= +u +v +w (5.2)
The first term in the definition of the total derivative represents the variation with time
at a given point. It is called the local part of the total derivative, and it is the only source
of variation in a field that is uniform in space. When the flow is unsteady, the local part is
non-zero. In other words, if the partial derivative of the velocity, pressure or density with
respect to time is not zero, the flow field is unsteady.
The last three terms in the definition of the total derivative represent the variation that
occurs in space, and it is called the convective part of the total derivative. In a non-uniform
flow field, the velocity can vary in all three directions. As a fluid particle passes through a
given point, its velocity changes in response to the spatial variations of velocity. The rate
5.1. RATE OF CHANGE FOLLOWING A FLUID PARTICLE 93
Figure 5.1: Steady flow through a converging duct.
at which its velocity is changing will depend on the spatial gradients of the velocity, and
the speed at which it is moving from one point to another. To be more explicit, consider
the steady, constant density flow through a converging duct shown Figure 5.1. The velocity
at point A does not vary with time, but we know the velocity at point B is greater than at
point A because the cross-sectional area is smaller. Therefore a fluid particle experiences
an acceleration as it moves from A to B: this part of the acceleration is described by the
convective acceleration. If the mass flow rate through the duct was also unsteady, the local
acceleration would then make a contribution because the velocity at each point would change
with time as well as with position.
The total derivative, therefore, gives the rate at which the properties of a fluid particle
change when the flow field is expressed in an Eulerian system.
The total derivative D/Dt is the rate of change of a fluid property following a fluid
particle.
It is also called the particle derivative, the substantial derivative or the material derivative.
The symbol D/Dt denotes an “operator” which, when acting on the velocity, gives the
acceleration in an Eulerian system (see equation 5.1). It is sometimes written as the sum of
the local and convective accelerations, so that
D ∂
= +V·∇
Dt ∂t
It is incorrect to think of V · ∇ as the scalar product of two vectors. It is best thought of
as another operator such that, in Cartesian coordinates,
∂ ∂ ∂
V·∇ = u +v +w
∂x ∂y ∂z
Scalar products are commutative, which means that the order of multiplication does not
change the result. In contrast, V · ∇ and ∇ · V are not the same at all: one is an operator
and the other is an operation (see Section A.11).
5.1.1 Acceleration in Cartesian coordinates

Equation 5.1 expresses the total acceleration following a fluid particle in Cartesian coordi-
nates. It is the sum of the local acceleration and the convective acceleration, and it contains
time and space derivatives of the vector velocity V. With V = ui + vj + wk, we have
∂V ∂i ∂u ∂j ∂v ∂k ∂w ∂u ∂v ∂w
= u +i +v +j +w +k = i +j +k
∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t ∂t
since the unit vectors i, j and k have a constant magnitude and direction, and therefore
their derivatives are zero. Similarly,
∂V ∂u ∂v ∂w
= i +j +k
∂x ∂x ∂x ∂x
∂V ∂u ∂v ∂w
= i +j +k
∂y ∂y ∂y ∂y
∂V ∂u ∂v ∂w
= i +j +k
∂z ∂z ∂z ∂z
so that

DV ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u
= +u +v +w i

∂v ∂v ∂v ∂v
+ +u +v +w j
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z

∂w ∂w ∂w ∂w
+ +u +v +w k (5.3)
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z
which reveals the full complexity of the acceleration in an Eulerian description. In particular,
consider a term like u∂u/∂x, which can be written as 21 ∂u2 /∂x. We recognize that this term
is nonlinear, and the complexity that nonlinearity introduces in describing the motion of
fluids is discussed in Section 5.3.2.
5.1.2 Acceleration in cylindrical coordinates

The form of the operator D/Dt depends on the coordinate system. In a cylindrical co-
ordinate system, V(r, θ, z, t) = ur er + uθ eθ + uz ez , where ur , uθ and uz are the velocity
components, and er , eθ and ez are the unit vectors in the r, θ, and z-directions, respectively
(see Figure 5.2). Given that
dr dθ dz
ur = , uθ = r and uz =
dt dt dt
we find that
DV ∂V ∂V uθ ∂V ∂V
= + ur + + uz (5.4)
Dt ∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z
To find the derivatives of the velocity, we need to remember that er and eθ are not
constant vectors: they depend on θ, and their derivatives with respect to θ do not vanish.
When the coordinate θ changes by a small amount dθ, the unit vectors er and eθ change
by an amount der and deθ . From Figure 5.3, we see that the direction of deθ is opposite to
the direction of er . Since the triangles abc and lmn are similar, the magnitude of deθ is dθ,
and therefore
deθ = −er dθ
Similarly,
der = eθ dθ
and so we have
∂er ∂eθ
= eθ and = −er
∂θ ∂θ
That is:
∂V ∂ur ∂er ∂uθ ∂eθ ∂uz
= er + ur + eθ + uθ + ez
∂θ ∂θ ∂θ ∂θ ∂θ ∂θ
∂ur ∂uθ ∂uz
= er + ur eθ + eθ − uθ er + ez
∂θ ∂θ ∂θ

∂ur ∂uθ ∂uz
= − uθ er + ur + eθ + ez
∂θ ∂θ ∂θ
5.2. CONTINUITY EQUATION 95
Figure 5.2: Cylindrical coordi- Figure 5.3: Rate of change of unit vectors in a cylindrical
nate system. coordinate system.
It follows that the acceleration in cylindrical coordinates is given by
u2

DV ∂ur ∂ur uθ ∂ur ∂ur
= + ur + + uz − θ er
Dt ∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z r

∂uθ ∂uθ uθ ∂uθ ∂uθ ur uθ
+ + ur + + uz + eθ
∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z r

∂uz ∂uz uθ ∂uz ∂uz
+ + ur + + uz ez (5.5)
∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z
5.2 Continuity Equation

We are now ready to derive the continuity equation in differential form for an Eulerian
system, in Cartesian coordinates. Consider the elemental volume dx dy dz shown Figure 5.4).
The rate of change of mass contained in the volume plus the net rate of mass flow out of the
volume must be zero. We begin by finding the net mass flow rate out of the volume. We
do this by finding the mass passing through through each of the six faces and summing the
result. We start with faces abcd and ef gh which have an area dA = dydz. During a short
time interval ∆t,
mass flow in
through abcd = (ρu dA)abcd ∆t

∂ρ dx ∂u dx
= ρ0 − u0 − dy dz ∆t
∂x 0 2 ∂x 0 2

∂ρ dx ∂u dx
= ρ0 u0 − u0 − ρ 0 dy dz ∆t
∂x 0 2 ∂x 0 2
where we have used a first order Taylor series expansion around the center of the volume,
indicated by the subscript 0. Similarly, during the interval ∆t,
mass flow out

through ef gh = (ρu dA)ef gh ∆t

∂ρ dx ∂u dx
= ρ0 + u0 + dy dz ∆t
∂x 0 2 ∂x 0 2
Figure 5.4: Elemental control volume for derivation of the differential form of the continuity
equation.

∂ρ dx ∂u dx
= ρ0 u0 + u0 + ρ 0 dy dz ∆t
∂x 0 2 ∂x 0 2
Dropping higher order terms and dividing through by ∆t, we find
net mass flow rate out
∂ρ

∂u
through abcd and ef gh = u0 + ρ 0 dx dy dz
∂x 0 ∂x 0

∂(ρu)
= dx dy dz
∂x 0
Similar expressions can be derived for the other faces. We find

∂(ρv)
net mass flow rate out through cdhg and abf e = dx dy dz
∂y 0

∂(ρw)
net mass flow rate out through cbf g and aehd = dx dy dz
∂z 0
By adding up the contributions over all six faces, we obtain

∂(ρu) ∂(ρv) ∂(ρw)
total net mass outflow rate = + + dx dy dz
∂x ∂y ∂z
where we have dropped the subscript 0 because the result should not depend on the partic-
ular point that was considered.
This net mass flux must be equal to the decrease in mass contained in this volume during
the same time interval since mass must be conserved. Since the volume of the fluid element
remains fixed,
∂ρ
Decrease in mass during ∆t = −dx dy dz ∆t
∂t
Hence,
∂(ρu) ∂(ρv) ∂(ρw) ∂ρ
+ + dx dy dz ∆t = −dx dy dz ∆t
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂t
so that we obtain the continuity equation in Cartesian coordinates
∂(ρu) ∂(ρv) ∂(ρw) ∂ρ
+ + = − (5.6)
∂x ∂y ∂z ∂t
The continuity equation in cylindrical coordinates is given by
1 ∂(rρur ) 1 ∂(ρuθ ) ∂(ρuz ) ∂ρ
+ + = − (5.7)
r ∂r r ∂θ ∂z ∂t
We can now write the continuity equation using vector notation by introducing the
divergence operator (see Section A.5). That is,
∂ρ
∇ · ρV = − (5.8)
∂t
We can find an alternative form by expanding equation 5.6 to give

∂ρ ∂u ∂ρ ∂v ∂ρ ∂w ∂ρ
u +ρ +v +ρ +w +ρ = −
∂x ∂x ∂y ∂y ∂z ∂z ∂t
By collecting terms, we can introduce the total derivative and obtain
∂u ∂v ∂w 1 Dρ
+ + = −
∂x ∂y ∂z ρ Dt
or, by using vector notation,
1 Dρ
∇·V = − (5.9)
ρ Dt
Equations 5.8 and 5.9 are two forms of the continuity equation in differential form. They
are written in vector form, so that they are independent of the coordinate system.
We now introduce the concept of incompressible flow. By definition,
An incompressible flow is one where either Dρ/Dt = 0, or equivalently where ∇ · V = 0.
An incompressible flow field is sometimes called solenoidal . In vector calculus a solenoidal

vector field is one where the divergence of the vector field is zero everywhere.
When the fluid has a constant density, the flow field is obviously incompressible, but it
is possible to have an incompressible flow field with a fluid of variable density, as long as
Dρ/Dt = 0. One example would be a stratified liquid, as found in the ocean where salinity
gradients cause the density of sea water to change with depth.
5.3 Momentum Equation

Here we derive the momentum equation in differential form. When the fluid is inviscid, the
equation that results is called the Euler equation, or the momentum equation for inviscid
flow. When the fluid is viscous, the equation is known as the Navier-Stokes equation. We
begin with inviscid flows.
5.3.1 Euler equation

Consider a fixed, control volume of infinitesimal size (Figure 5.5). There is flow through the
six faces of the volume element, and surface forces and body forces act on the fluid particle
that occupies the volume at a particular instant in time. The only surface force taken into
account is that due to pressure differences, and the only body force considered is that due
to gravity. The volume element dxdydz is similar to the one used to derive the continuity
equation, except that only one face is shown, and this face has an arbitrary orientation with
respect to the gravitational vector g (that is, g may have components in or out of the page,
as well as being at an angle to the x- and y-axes). That is,
g = gx i + gy j + gz k
Figure 5.5: Elemental control volume for derivation of the differential form of the momentum
equation.
where gx , gy , and gz are the components of g in the x, y and z-directions, respectively.

The resultant force in the x-direction, Fx , then has two contributions: the force due to
pressure differences acting on the two faces of area dy dz, and the x-component of the force
due to the weight of the fluid contained in the volume dx dy dz. Using a first order Taylor
series expansion about the center of the volume, we have

∂p dx ∂p dx
Fx = p0 − dydz − p0 + dydz + ρ0 gx dxdydz
∂x 0 2 ∂x 0 2
That is,
∂p
Fx = − dxdydz + ρ0 gx dxdydz
∂x 0
Similarly for the y- and z-directions:

∂p
Fy = − dxdydz + ρ0 gy dxdydz
∂y 0

∂p
Fz = − dxdydz + ρ0 gz dxdydz
∂z 0
so that
F = Fx i + Fy j + Fz k

∂p ∂p ∂p
= − i +j +k dxdydz + ρ (gx i + gy j + gz k) dxdydz
∂x ∂y ∂z
where we have dropped the subscript 0 because the result should not depend on the par-
ticular point that was considered. Introducing the gradient operator (see Section A.4), we
obtain
F = (−∇p + ρg) dxdydz
By Newton’s second law of motion, F is equal to the rate of change of momentum
following a fluid particle. For a velocity field in an Eulerian system, the acceleration following
a fluid particle is given by DV/Dt, and

the rate of change of momentum DV
= ρ dxdydz
following a fluid particle Dt
Therefore:
DV
ρ = −∇p + ρg (5.10)
Dt
This is the differential form of the linear momentum equation for an inviscid fluid, in vector
form. It states that, at any point in the flow of an inviscid fluid, the inertia force (mass
× acceleration) acting on a fluid particle is equal to the sum of the forces due to pressure
differences and gravity. It is also called the Euler equation, and it holds for compressible
and incompressible flows.
In Cartesian coordinates:
∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u 1 ∂p
+u +v +w = − − gx (5.11)
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z ρ ∂x
∂v ∂v ∂v ∂v 1 ∂p
+u +v +w = − − gy (5.12)
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z ρ ∂y
∂w ∂w ∂w ∂w 1 ∂p
+u +v +w = − − gz (5.13)
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z ρ ∂z
In cylindrical coordinates:
∂ur ∂ur uθ ∂ur ∂ur u2 1 ∂p
+ ur + + uz − θ = − − gr (5.14)
∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z r ρ ∂r
∂uθ ∂uθ uθ ∂uθ ∂uθ ur uθ 1 ∂p
+ ur + + uz + = − − gθ (5.15)
∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z r ρr ∂θ
∂uz ∂uz uθ ∂uz ∂uz 1 ∂p
+ ur + + uz = − − gz (5.16)
∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z ρ ∂z
In streamline coordinates for steady flow (see equations 4.3 and 4.7)
∂V ∂p ∂z
V = − − ρg (5.17)
∂s ∂s ∂s
V2 ∂p ∂z
ρ = + ρg (5.18)
R ∂n ∂n
5.3.2 Navier-Stokes equations

We now consider the momentum equation for a Newtonian viscous fluid. In Section 1.6, we
indicated that the viscous stress for a Newtonian fluid is given by the coefficient of viscosity
times the velocity gradient. We need to add that this is strictly true only for incompressible
flow, and the following derivation will similarly be restricted to incompressible flow.
Consider the case where the only velocity gradient present is ∂u/∂y, the gradient of the
x-component of velocity in the y-direction (as in Figure 5.6). The only shear stress that
acts on the fluid particle that occupies the volume at a particular instant in time is then
τyx = µ (∂u/∂y), where the subscript yx denotes a stress that acts in the x-direction and
is associated with a velocity gradient in the y-direction. The resultant force acting on the
fluid particle due to this viscous stress is Fvx . Using a first order Taylor Series expansion,
we obtain

∂τyx dy ∂τyx dy
Fvx = τyx + dxdz − τyx − dxdz
∂y 2
0 ∂y 2
0
∂τyx
= dxdydz
∂y

∂ ∂u
= µ dxdydz
∂y ∂y
Figure 5.6: Viscous flow showing an element in shear. Left: the velocity U = U (y), so that τ = τyx .
Right: Notation for a fluid element.
That is, for the case where ∂u/∂y is the only velocity gradient and µ is constant, the
resultant force due to viscous friction in the x-direction, per unit volume, is given by
Fvx ∂τyx ∂2u

= = µ 2
dxdydz ∂y ∂y
We see that this force is proportional to the gradient of the stress τyx . If the shear stress is
uniform throughout the flow, fluid particles will distort but there will be no resultant force
due to viscous stresses. In other words, there must exist viscous stress gradients for the
viscous stress to contribute to the acceleration of fluid particles.
Normal stresses due to extensional strain rates also lead to viscous stresses (see Sec-
tion 1.6). A similar analysis to that given previously shows that for a flow where u only
varies in the x-direction according to ∂u/∂x and µ is constant, the resultant force due to
viscous friction in the x-direction, per unit volume, is given by
Fvx ∂τxx ∂2u
= =µ 2
dxdydz ∂x ∂x
where the subscript xx denotes a stress that acts in the x-direction and is associated with
a velocity gradient also in the x-direction.
In the general case, where velocity gradients act in all directions, the x-component of
the viscous force per unit volume in Cartesian coordinates becomes

Fvx ∂τxx ∂τyx ∂τzx
= µ + +
dxdydz ∂x ∂y ∂z
By expressing the stresses in terms of the velocity gradients, and using the continuity equa-
tion (equation 5.6) to simplify the result, we obtain:
2
∂ u ∂2u ∂2u

Fvx
= µ + 2 + 2 = µ∇2 u
dxdydz ∂x2 ∂y ∂z
where ∇2 is the Laplacian operator (see Section A.6). In vector notation, therefore, the
viscous force per unit volume is given by µ∇2 V. This force can simply be added to the
Euler equation, and we obtain the momentum equation for the flow of a viscous fluid:
DV
ρ = −∇p + ρg + µ∇2 V (5.19)
Dt
This equation is known as the Navier-Stokes equation. In the form written here it only
applies to incompressible, constant viscosity (Newtonian) flows.
5.4. RIGID BODY MOTION REVISITED 101
The Euler and Navier-Stokes equations are nonlinear, partial differential equations, and
no general solutions exist. The main source of difficulty in both equations is the nonlinear
part of the acceleration term, as noted in Section 5.1.1. Analytical solutions exist only under
particular conditions, such as incompressible, irrotational flow (Chapter 6), fully developed
flows where the acceleration term is zero (Chapter 8), or Stokes flow where the acceleration
term is small compared to the viscous term (Section 13.6). Numerical techniques must
be used for other cases, and it is now routinely possible, for instance, to solve the Euler
equation for an entire airplane at transonic Mach numbers, as long as it is not maneuvering
too quickly. When viscous effects are included, however, numerical solutions require a
great deal more computer speed and memory, and full Navier-Stokes solutions are currently
possible only at low Reynolds numbers, that is, at Reynolds numbers not much greater than
the value where transition from laminar to turbulent flow occurs.
5.3.3 Boundary conditions

The differential equations of motion are complete once the boundary conditions are specified.
We will only consider the specific boundary conditions introduced by the presence of a wall
since they are of most interest here. The Navier-Stokes equation includes the viscous stress,
so that the no-slip condition must be satisfied (see Section 1.7). The no-slip condition means
that the fluid in contact with a solid surface has no relative velocity with respect to the
surface. That is, at the wall
V = Vw (5.20)
The Euler equation does not include the viscous stress so that it cannot satisfy the same
boundary conditions as the Navier-Stokes equation. In particular, it cannot satisfy the no-
slip condition, and slip is allowed. However, relative to the solid surface the velocity of the
fluid normal to a solid surface must still go to zero so that there is no flow through the
surface. That is, the boundary condition for the Euler equation at the wall is
n · V = n · Vw (5.21)
5.4 Rigid Body Motion Revisited

When a fluid is in static equilibrium, there are no relative motions in the fluid. If the entire
body of fluid is moving with an acceleration a (= ax i + ay j + az k) so that there are no
relative motions, we say that it is in rigid body motion (Section 2.12). All the fluid particles
are then moving with the same acceleration, and therefore DV/Dt = a, everywhere. The
momentum equation (equation 5.10) becomes
ρ a = −∇p + ρg
Consider the case where ay = 0, so that the motion is in the x-z plane, and that the
x-direction is horizontal and the z-direction is vertically up, so that g = −gk. Then
∂p ∂p
ρax i + ρaz k = − i− k − ρgk
∂x ∂z
For the z-direction we obtain
∂p
= −ρ (g + az ) (5.22)
∂z
and for the x-direction
∂p
= −ρax (5.23)
∂x
which are the same results obtained in Section 2.12.2 for rigid body motion with vertical
and horizontal accelerations.
When the acceleration a = 0, equations 5.22 and 5.23 reduce to

∂p dp
= = −ρg
∂z dz
and we recover the hydrostatic equation first derived in Section 2.1. We see that the hy-
drostatic equation is just a special case of the momentum equation for a fluid in static
equilibrium and with zero acceleration.
Chapter 6
Irrotational, Incompressible
Flows
We saw in Chapter 5 that the flow field is described completely by the continuity equation
and the Navier-Stokes equation (as long as energy considerations are not important). These
equations are complex and difficult to solve, but it is possible to find solutions under some
conditions. Specifically, it is possible to solve these equations when the flow is irrotational.
What does irrotational mean? If a flow is irrotational, it does not mean that the flow is
not rotating: an irrotational flow can be in rectilinear or rotating motion relative to some
reference frame. What is important is the rotation of fluid particles, and s flow is said to be
irrotational if the average angular velocity of every fluid particle is zero. We will show that
this occurs when the curl of the velocity field is zero, that is, when ∇ × V = 0. Therefore,
A flow is irrotational if the average angular velocity of every fluid particle is zero. so
that ∇ × V = 0.
We call the quantity ∇ × V the vorticity, Ω, ~ so that, equivalently, the flow is irrotational
when Ω ~ = 0.
When the flow is irrotational, the equations of motion are greatly simplified because
we can express the vector velocity field in terms of a scalar function φ, called the velocity
potential . Lines of constant velocity potential are somewhat like contour lines on a map,
and the magnitude of the local velocity is larger where the equipotential lines are closer
together. If the flow is also incompressible, the equations of motion become even simpler,
because then the velocity potential (and hence the velocity) obeys a linear partial differential
equation (Laplace’s equation ∇2 φ = 0), which makes it possible to find analytical solutions
for many useful flow cases.
Alternatively, if the flow is incompressible and two-dimensional, the equations can also
be greatly simplified. In this case, the velocity can be expressed in terms of another scalar
function ψ, called the stream function. Lines of constant ψ correspond to streamlines. If
the flow is also irrotational, the stream function (and hence the velocity) can be found by
solving Laplace’s equation for ψ, that is, ∇2 ψ = 0.
To know whether a flow is irrotational or not, it is necessary to understand the role of
the viscous stresses. In particular, whenever viscous stresses are important the flow will be
rotational (that is, not irrotational). Boundary layer flows, fully developed pipe and duct
flows, and wakes are all rotational. Outside these viscous regions, however, the flow is often
irrotational. For example, the flow over a streamlined shape such as an airfoil is rotational
inside the boundary layer and wake, and irrotational in the rest of the flow field.
103
104 CHAPTER 6. IRROTATIONAL, INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOWS
If we now consider flows that are inviscid everywhere, so that we neglect the presence
of boundary layers and wakes, the flow will be irrotational everywhere. We can then use
velocity potentials and stream functions to find the velocity field, and by using Bernoulli’s
equation we can determine the pressure distributions. In the case of the flow over an airfoil,
this approach can give very good estimates of the lift force. The lift is due primarily to the
pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the airfoil, and these pressure
differences are not affected significantly by the presence of the boundary layers and wake
(as long as the flow is not separated). However, this approach cannot be used to find the
drag force. The drag acting on the airfoil is primarily due to the viscous stresses acting in
the boundary layer and wake, so that when the flow is assumed to be inviscid, there is no
longer any drag.
6.1 Vorticity and Rotation

Here, we consider the connection between the rotation of a fluid particle, and the vorticity
~ = ∇ × V. The rotation of a fluid particle is defined by the rotation vector ω
Ω ~ , which is
the average angular velocity of two originally perpendicular lines “attached” to the fluid
particle. Consider a fluid particle in a flow with velocity gradients acting only in the x-y
plane. In a short time interval dt, the particle will move and distort as shown in Figure 6.1.
The velocity gradient ∂u/∂y will cause a rotation −dβ, and the velocity gradient ∂v/∂x
will cause a rotation dα (counterclocwise rotations are taken to be positive). The average
angular rotation about the z-axis is then given by 12 (dα − dβ), and so the z-component of
the rotation vector is given by
1
ωz = (dα − dβ)
2dt
For small angles,

∂v

dx dt − v0 dt

v0 + ∂x 0 ∂v
dα ≈ tan dα = = dt
dx − u0 dt + u0 + ∂u

∂x 0 dx dt
∂x 0
where the origin 0 is taken to be at the lower left corner of the particle, and higher order
terms have been neglected. Similarly, we have

u0 + ∂u
∂y dy dt − u0 dt

0 ∂u
dβ ≈ tan dβ = = dt
dy − v0 dt + v0 + ∂y∂v
dy dt ∂y 0
0
Figure 6.1: Rotation and translation of a fluid particle. The origin 0 is taken to be at the lower
left corner of the particle.
6.2. THE VELOCITY POTENTIAL φ 105
Dropping the subscript because the location of the origin is arbitrary gives

1 1 ∂v ∂u
ωz = (dα − dβ) = −
2dt 2 ∂x ∂y
Similarly, for a three-dimensional flow field with velocity gradients in all directions, we can
show that the rotations about the y- and x-directions are given by

1 ∂u ∂w 1 ∂w ∂v
ωy = − and ωx = −
2dt ∂z ∂x 2 ∂y ∂z
Therefore
1 ∂w ∂v ∂w ∂u ∂v ∂u
ω
~ = − i− − j+ − k
2 ∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y
In Cartesian coordinates,

∂w ∂v ∂w ∂u ∂v ∂u
∇×V = − i− − j+ − k (6.1)
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y
(see Section A.7), so that
1
ω
~ = 2∇ × V = rotation vector
When ω ~ = 0, the average angular velocity of the fluid particle is zero, and the flow is
irrotational. The factor of a half is suppressed by defining the vorticity vector such that
~ ≡ 2~
Ω ω = ∇×V (6.2)
The magnitude of the vorticity at any point is just twice the local rate of rotation of a fluid
particle located at that point, and it is given by the curl of the velocity field. When ω ~ = 0,
then Ω~ = 0, and the flow is irrotational. There is no net rotation of fluid particles, although
their shape can distort as they move.
We noted earlier that in regions where viscous stresses are important, as in boundary
layers, pipe flows, duct flows, and wakes, the flow is not irrotational. To illustrate this point,
consider a two-dimensional boundary layer such as that shown in Figure 1.11. Since the
flow is two-dimensional, the vorticity vector has only one component, given by

∂v ∂u
∇×V = − k
∂x ∂y
Since the boundary layer thickness grows with distance along the surface, the streamlines
inside the boundary layer gradually get displaced further from the surface, so that, in
addition to the principal velocity gradient ∂u/∂y, the wall-normal velocity v varies with x
so that ∂v/∂x 6= 0 (see Section 9.2.2). However, the boundary layer only grows slowly with
distance, so that ∂v/∂x is always small compared to ∂u/∂y, and therefore ∇ × V 6= 0. The
flow in the boundary layer is rotational, and methods developed for irrotational flows, such
as those discussed in this chapter, cannot be used.
6.2 The Velocity Potential φ

The condition of irrotational flow (∇ × V = 0) means that, in Cartesian coordinates
∂u ∂v ∂v ∂w ∂w ∂u
= , = , and = (6.3)
∂y ∂x ∂z ∂y ∂x ∂z
(see equation 6.1). It is possible to satisfy these equations by defining a function φ, called
the velocity potential , such that
∂φ ∂φ ∂φ
u= , v= , and w = (6.4)
∂x ∂y ∂z
Hence
∂u ∂2φ ∂v ∂2φ
= , =
∂y ∂x∂y ∂x ∂y∂x
and so on. The function φ will always satisfy the condition of irrotational flow (equation 6.3)
since the order of differentiation is immaterial as long as φ is well-behaved. We see that the
velocity is related to φ according to
∂φ ∂φ ∂φ
V = ui + vj + wk = i+ j+ k
∂x ∂y ∂z
so that
V = ∇φ (6.5)
For irrotational flow, therefore, it is always possible to write the velocity as the gradient of
a scalar function called the velocity potential φ. Irrotational flows are often called potential
flows because of this connection.
We now take one more step. Using the result from vector calculus that the curl of a
gradient is always zero, we see that the velocity potential φ obeys Laplace’s equation
∇2 φ = 0 (6.6)
For irrotational flows, therefore, the vector velocity field can be described by the gradient
of a velocity potential φ, and the Navier-Stokes equation is replaced by Laplace’s equation
as the governing equation of motion.
Cylindrical coordinates
In cylindrical coordinates,

~ = ∇×V = 1 ∂uz ∂uθ ∂ur ∂uz 1 ∂ruθ ∂ur
Ω − er + − eθ + − ez (6.7)
r ∂θ ∂z ∂z ∂r r ∂r ∂θ
(see Section A.7), and the condition for irrotational flow requires that
1 ∂uz ∂uθ ∂ur ∂uz ∂ruθ ∂ur

= , = , and =
r ∂θ ∂z ∂z ∂r ∂r ∂θ
These equations are satisfied when
∂φ 1 ∂φ ∂φ
ur = , uθ = , and uz = (6.8)
∂r r ∂θ ∂z
and again we have

V = ∇φ
6.3. THE STREAM FUNCTION ψ 107
6.3 The Stream Function ψ

For a two-dimensional, incompressible flow (which can be unsteady, and/or rotational), the
continuity equation in Cartesian coordinates is given by
∂u ∂v
∇·V = + =0 (6.9)
∂x ∂y
We can define a function ψ such that
∂ψ ∂ψ
u= and v=− (6.10)
∂y ∂x
and from equation 6.9

∂ ∂ψ ∂ ∂ψ
∇·V = + − = 0
∂x ∂y ∂y ∂x
We see that the function ψ was defined so that the continuity equation is always satisfied.
In terms of ψ the velocity may be written as
∂ψ ∂ψ
V = ui + vj = i− j
∂y ∂x
Hence, for two-dimensional incompressible flows, the vector velocity field can be described
by a single scalar function ψ, called the stream function.
If the flow is also irrotational, then ψ will satisfy Laplace’s equation. To see why, consider
an irrotational flow field in two dimensions. That is,
2
∂ ψ ∂2ψ

∂v ∂u
∇×V = − k= − 2 − k=0
∂x ∂y ∂x ∂y 2
Hence
∇2 ψ = 0 (6.11)
Most importantly, we can show that lines of constant stream function are streamlines of
the flow. Consider a fluid particle as it moves a distance dx and dy in a two-dimensional flow
field. The stream function changes by an amount dψ, and by the chain rule of differentiation
∂ψ ∂ψ
dψ = dx + dy = −v dx + u dy
∂x ∂y
When ψ is constant, dψ = 0. Then
dy v
= (6.12)
dx u
which shows that lines of constant ψ have a direction that is tangential to the instantaneous
flow direction. Hence, lines of constant stream function are streamlines.
Cylindrical coordinates
A stream function can also be defined for a cylindrical coordinate system. The continuity
equation for a two-dimensional, incompressible flow is given by
∂rur ∂uθ
∇·V = + =0
∂r ∂θ
Substituting the stream function defined by

1 ∂ψ ∂ψ
ur = and uθ = − (6.13)
r ∂θ ∂r
we obtain
∂ ∂ψ ∂ ∂ψ
∇·V = + − =0
∂r ∂θ ∂θ ∂r
and we see that this form of the stream function always satisfies the continuity equation, as
required.
6.4 Flows Where Both ψ and φ Exist

The velocity potential can be defined for any irrotational flow field, and the stream function
can be defined for any two-dimensional, incompressible flowfield.1 Therefore when the flow
is two-dimensional, irrotational and incompressible, φ and ψ both exist. The flow can be
steady or unsteady.
Under these conditions, it can be shown that lines of constant φ intersect lines of constant
ψ at right angles. We can write
∂φ ∂φ
dφ = dx + dy = u dx + v dy
∂x ∂y
When φ is constant, dφ = 0. Then
dy u
=− (6.14)
dx v
Hence, from equations 6.12 and 6.14,

dy dy
× = −1
dx φ dx ϕ
which shows that φ and ψ form an orthogonal flownet. Two observations can be made.
First, streamlines are tangential to the flow direction, given by the direction of the vector
velocity V. Second, the gradient operator points in the direction of the maximum rate of
change, which locally will always be in a direction normal to a line of constant potential
(see Section A.4). Since V = ∇φ, the lines of constant stream function must be orthogonal
to lines of constant velocity potential.
6.5 Summary of Definitions and Restrictions

We have defined a potential function φ such that
V = ∇φ (6.15)
where φ satisfies the condition of irrotationality. In two-dimensional flow

∂φ ∂φ
u= , and v= (6.16)
∂x ∂y
∂φ 1 ∂φ
or ur = , and uθ = (6.17)
∂r r ∂θ
1 It is, in fact, also possible to define a stream function ψ for a two-dimensional, steady, compressible flow,
as shown by, for example, Milne-Thomson Theoretical Aerodynamics, 4th edition, published by Macmillan,
1966.
6.6. LAPLACE’S EQUATION 109
Similarly, a stream function ψ was defined such that the two-dimensional, incompressible
continuity equation is always satisfied. In two-dimensional flow
∂ψ ∂ψ
u= , and v=− (6.18)
∂y ∂x
1 ∂ψ ∂ψ
or ur = , and uθ = − (6.19)
r ∂θ ∂r
If either φ or ψ can be found, the velocity V is known, and for steady flows the pressure
can be obtained from Bernoulli’s equation.
It is clear that flows exist where a velocity potential can be defined, but not a stream
function. In what follows, we will always assume that the flow is incompressible, irrotational
and two-dimensional, so that both a potential function and a stream function exist.
6.6 Laplace’s Equation

Using the continuity equation for incompressible flow (∇ · V = 0), and the definition of the
velocity potential (V = ∇φ), we can write
∇ · V = ∇ · (∇φ) = ∇2 φ = 0
where ∇2 is the Laplacian operator (see Section A.6). That is,
∇2 φ = 0 (6.20)
Therefore the velocity potential satisfies Laplace’s equation for irrotational, incompressible
flow. In Cartesian coordinates,
∂2φ ∂2φ ∂2φ
+ 2 + 2 = 0 (6.21)
∂x2 ∂y ∂z
and in cylindrical coordinates,
∂ 2 φ 1 ∂φ 1 ∂2φ ∂2φ
2
+ + 2 2 + 2 = 0 (6.22)
∂r r ∂r r ∂θ ∂z
Consider now the stream function in two-dimensional, irrotational flow. Here,
2
∂ ψ ∂2ψ

∂v ∂u
∇×V = − k = − + k = 0
∂x ∂y ∂x2 ∂y 2
so that, in Cartesian coordinates,
∂2ψ ∂2ψ
+ = 0
∂x2 ∂y 2
That is,
∇2 ψ = 0 (6.23)
Therefore the stream function satisfies Laplace’s equation for irrotational, two-dimensional,
incompressible flow.
Laplace’s equation can be used to find the velocity potential or the stream function
(with the appropriate boundary conditions). Once φ or ψ is known, V can be found, and
the pressure is found from Bernoulli’s equation, if the flow is also steady.
Laplace’s equation is useful in many fields and a great deal has been written on its
solutions (see, for instance, Lamb’s Hydrodynamics, reprinted by Dover, 1945). Here, we
are concerned with only one aspect of this equation — its linearity. An equation is linear
if, when two separate solutions are known, the sum of these two solutions is also a solution
of the equation.
If we have, for example, two known solutions to Laplace’s equation, ψ1 and ψ2 , consider
ψ = ψ1 + ψ2 . In Cartesian coordinates,
∂2ψ ∂2ψ
2
∂ 2 ψ1
2
∂ 2 ψ2

∂ ψ1 ∂ ψ2
+ = + + +
∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂x2 ∂y 2 ∂x2 ∂y 2
= 0 + 0 = 0
Therefore ∇2 ψ = 0, demonstrating that the equation is linear.

The linearity of Laplace’s equation means that we can construct new solutions by com-
bining known solutions. In the next few sections, we will find simple solutions to Laplace’s
equation and show how they can be combined to construct more complex flows.
6.7 Examples of Potential Flow

Here we consider a number of simple flows in terms of their corresponding velocity potentials
and stream functions. The results are summarized in Table 6.1. These simple flows are very
useful because, as we saw in Section 6.6, they can be used as the basic building blocks to
construct more complex flows by linear addition.
6.7.1 Uniform flow

For uniform flow to the right (Figure 6.2), u = U , and v = 0. From equation 6.17
∂φ
u = = U
∂x
Cartesian coordinates Cylindrical coordinates
φ ψ φ ψ
Uniform flow Ux Uy U r cos θ U r sin θ

p
tan−1
q̇ q̇ y
q̇ q̇
Point source 2π
ln x2 + y 2 2π x 2π
ln r 2π
θ
p
tan−1
q̇ q̇ y
q̇ q̇
Point sink − 2π ln x2 + y 2 − 2π x
− 2π ln r − 2π θ
p
tan−1
Γ y
Γ Γ Γ
Potential vortex 2π x
− 2π ln x2 + y 2 2π
θ − 2π ln r
(counterclockwise)
Doublet Kx
x2 +y 2
− x2Ky
+y 2
K cos θ
r
− K sin
r
θ
∂φ ∂ψ ∂φ
u= ∂x
= ∂y
, v= ∂y
= − ∂ψ
∂x
; ur = ∂φ
∂r
= 1 ∂ψ
r ∂θ
, uθ = 1 ∂φ
r ∂θ
= − ∂ψ
∂y
Table 6.1: Potential functions and stream functions for simple flows.
6.7. EXAMPLES OF POTENTIAL FLOW 111
so that φ = U x + g (y) + constant

∂φ
and v = = 0
∂y
Hence φ = U x + constant
Since we are ultimately interested in the velocity, and since the velocity is the gradient of φ
(remember V = ∇φ), the constant of integration is arbitrary and we can give it any value
we like. For convenience, we set it equal to zero. Therefore a uniform flow field can be
expressed in terms of the velocity potential φ according to
φ = Ux
Also, from equation 6.19,
∂ψ
u = = U
∂y
so that ψ = U y + f 0 (x) + constant
∂ψ
and v = − = 0
∂x
Hence ψ = U y + constant
We will set the constant of integration to zero, and therefore a uniform flow field can be
expressed in terms of the stream function ψ according to
ψ = Uy
To summarize, for a uniform flow in Cartesian coordinates:
φ = Ux and ψ = U y (6.24)
φ = U r cos θ and ψ = U r sin θ (6.25)
As seen in Figure 6.2, lines of constant velocity potential and stream function are orthog-
onal. Furthermore, lines of constant stream function are streamlines, and they are parallel,
as required for a uniform flow.
6.7.2 Point source and sink

A point source in a two-dimensional flow is a point where fluid enters the flow field and flows
out equally in all directions, as shown in Figure 6.3. It is an example of a critical or singular
point, where streamlines can meet. The mass flow supplied by the source is constant, and
because we have restricted ourselves to incompressible flows the volume flow rate q̇ is also
constant. Since the flow is two-dimensional, q̇ is the volume flux per unit length, and its
dimensions are volume/length/unit time (L2 T −1 ).
Cylindrical coordinates are the natural coordinates for this flow, so that by continuity
q̇ = 2πrur , where ur is the velocity in the radial direction, and r is the radial coordinate.
For a point source, q̇ is positive and
q̇
ur = and vθ = 0
2πr
Figure 6.2: Uniform flow. Figure 6.3: Source flow. Sink flow has the
directions of all the arrows reversed.
Hence
q̇ ∂φ 1 ∂ψ
ur = = =
2πr ∂r r ∂θ
In cylindrical coordinates, therefore,
q̇ q̇
φ= ln r and ψ= θ (6.26)
2π 2π
q̇ p q̇ y
φ= ln x2 + y 2 and ψ= tan−1 (6.27)
2π 2π x
A point sink is a point where fluid exits the flow field and fluid flows in equally from all
directions. It is a source with a negative volume flux, so that
q̇ q̇
φ=− ln r and ψ=− θ (6.28)
2π 2π
In appearance a sink looks exactly as in Figure 6.3, but with all the flow directions reversed.
6.7.3 Potential vortex

A free or potential vortex is a flow with circular streamlines around a common axis, as
shown in Figure 6.4, where the velocity distribution is such that the flow is irrotational.
Since ∇ × V = 0, all components of the vorticity vector must be zero. The flow is two-
dimensional and confined to the r-θ plane, and the vorticity has only one component, in the
z-direction. According to equation 6.7
∂ruθ ∂ur
− = 0
∂r ∂θ
A potential vortex also has circular symmetry, so that all derivatives with respect to θ are
zero. Hence
∂ruθ druθ
= = 0
∂r dr
The quantity ruθ is therefore a constant, and the velocity distribution for a potential vortex
is given by
constant
uθ =
r
6.7. EXAMPLES OF POTENTIAL FLOW 113
Figure 6.4: A potential vortex (counterclockwise rotation is positive).
By convention, we set the constant equal to Γ/2π, where the new constant, Γ, is called the
circulation, and it is positive for counterclockwise rotation. Therefore a potential vortex is
described by
Γ
uθ = (6.29)
2πr
where the circulation Γ is often called the strength of the vortex.
Now that we know the tangential velocity distribution in the irrotational parts of the
flow (equation 6.29), we can find the velocity potential φ and the stream function ψ. Using
the definition of the velocity potential (equation 6.8), we obtain
Γ 1 ∂φ
uθ = =
2πr r ∂θ
Hence
Γ
φ= θ
2π
We see that a free vortex has a potential proportional to θ, so that equipotential lines are
radial lines with θ = constant, and the flow describes concentric circles.
In terms of the stream function, we have
Γ ∂ψ
uθ = =−
2πr ∂r
Hence
Γ
ψ=− ln r
2π
To summarize, for a potential vortex in cylindrical coordinates
Γ Γ
φ= θ and ψ=− ln r (6.30)
2π 2π
where Γ is positive for counterclockwise rotation and negative for clockwise rotation. In
Cartesian coordinates,
Γ y Γ p
φ= tan−1 and ψ=− ln x2 + y 2 (6.31)
2π x 2π
From equation 6.29 we see that, as r goes to zero, the tangential velocity of a potential
vortex uθ approaches infinity. This cannot happen in a real fluid. At some point viscosity
will become important in a real fluid, and it will prevent the velocity from becoming infinite.
Figure 6.5: Surface shape of a whirlpool, showing the transition from free vortex motion at large
r to rigid body rotation at small r.
In fact, viscous friction will cause the core of the vortex to start rotating as a solid body,
and the flow in this region will no longer be irrotational.
Outside this viscous region, in the irrotational part of the flow, Bernoulli’s equation
applies between any two points as long as the flow is steady. If the pressure far from the
center of the vortex (r → ∞) is p∞ , and we can ignore gravity, Bernoulli’s equation gives
p + 21 ρV 2 = p∞
At any position r, V = uθ , so that
ρΓ2
p = p∞ −
8π 2 r2
As the radius decreases, the velocity increases and the pressure decreases. Near the core of
a free vortex, very low pressures can be found. It is this low pressure that makes trailing
vortices in the wake of airplanes visible by allowing the water vapor in the air to condense
and show up as vapor trails.2
A good approximation of a potential vortex can be generated by rotating a cylinder in
an otherwise stationary, viscous fluid. On the surface of the cylinder the no-slip condition
must be satisfied, and therefore a boundary layer is formed close to the surface. Within
the boundary layer, viscous stresses are important and the flow is rotational, but outside
the boundary layer the flow is irrotational, and the flow field resembles that of a potential
vortex, with a strength equal to twice the angular velocity of the cylinder rotation. In this
respect, the cylinder acts like the core of a free vortex in a viscous fluid where the viscous
stresses cause to fluid to rotate like a solid body.
A whirlpool in water behaves very similarly. Here, the free surface is a constant-pressure
surface, and according to Bernouli’s equation
1 2
2V + gh = gh∞
As the velocity increases toward the axis of the whirlpool, the height of the free surface
decreases, and a dimple is formed, as illustrated in Figure 6.5. Since at any position r,
V = uθ , the shape of the free surface is given by
Γ2
h = h∞ − (6.32)
8gπ 2 r2
2 Vapor trails are often visible on take-off or landing under humid conditions, originating at the wing
tip or the junction between the wing and a control surface. However, the structures seen in the wake of
airplanes cruising at high altitude are not vapor trails but contrails, which are formed from water vapor
produced as a byproduct of combustion as it freezes and forms ice particles.
6.8. SOURCE AND SINK IN A UNIFORM FLOW 115
We see why the center of a whirlpool is marked by a sharp depression in the water surface.
However, near its center, viscous friction will become important and the water will begin
to rotate as a rigid body. From Section 2.12, we know that rigid body rotation of a liquid
produces a parabolic free surface, so that as r decreases the surface profile changes from
that given by equation 6.32 to a parabolic shape.
6.8 Source and Sink in a Uniform Flow

To find the flow pattern that results when a source is placed in a uniform flow, we use
the linearity of the governing equation (Laplace’s equation). That is, we add the stream
functions for a source and a uniform flow to obtain the combined stream function ψ.
q
ψ = ψ1 + ψ2 = Uy + θ
2π
q y
= Uy + tan−1
2π x
The stream function pattern for the combination is shown in Figure 6.6. The lines of
constant stream function represent streamlines.
We can also find the lines of constant velocity potential for the same flow by adding the
potentials for a source and a uniform flow to obtain the combined velocity potential φ.
q̇
φ = φ1 + φ2 = Ux + ln r
2π
q̇ p
= Ux + ln x2 + y 2
2π
The lines of constant potential are everywhere normal to the lines of constant stream function
(see Section 6.4).
When a sink is placed in a uniform flow, we obtain the streamlines shown in Figure 6.7.
Note that this flow is the mirror image of the flow produced by a source in a uniform flow
(shown in Figure 6.6).
The lines of constant ψ represent streamlines. By definition, there can be no flow across
streamlines, and therefore a line of constant ψ can be used to represent a solid wall in
an inviscid flow. In an inviscid flow, the no-slip boundary condition does not apply, and
the boundary condition at a solid surface reduces to the impermeability condition given by
equation 5.21, that is, at the surface
n · V = n · Vw
Figure 6.6: Stream function pattern for a Figure 6.7: Stream function pattern for a sink
source in a uniform flow. in uniform flow.
Figure 6.8: Stream function pattern generated by a source and sink of equal strength in a uniform
flow.
Since there can be no flow across a streamline, each streamline is equivalent to a solid
surface. Figures 6.6 and 6.7, therefore, represent the flow over an infinite number of different
half-bodies, one for each streamline. The streamline passing through the stagnation point
(point O) describes the shape of a particularly interesting body. Furthermore, the straight
streamline that acts as a line of symmetry could represent another solid surface, so that the
top half of the flow field can be used to represent the flow over a hill of a particular shape.
By changing the relative strengths of the freestream flow and the source or sink, many
different shapes can be generated. In this way, we can find the velocity and pressure field
around a variety of solid bodies in inviscid flow. We cannot take account of the boundary
layers, but it is still a very useful technique.
We can take this idea of superposition one step further by considering the flow generated
when a source and a sink of equal strengths are placed in a uniform flow. With a distance
2a separating the source from the source along the x-axis, the combined stream function ψ
is given by
q −1 y q −1 y
ψ = Uy + tan − tan (6.33)
2π x+a 2π x−a
The streamline pattern is as shown in Figure 6.8. We see that a closed streamline appears
(0-0 in Figure 6.8). Inside the closed streamline, all the flow originating from the source
is absorbed by the sink. The closed streamline acts like a solid body, and by changing the
strength of the uniform flow relative to that of the source-sink pair, bodies of many different
aspect ratios may be generated.
6.9 Potential Flow Over a Cylinder

One very useful application of potential flow methods is to find the flow over a cylinder.
This flow can be generated by placing a sink and a source close together in a uniform flow.
The general streamline pattern appears as in Figure 6.8, and it might be inferred that as the
sink and the source come closer together, the shape of the closed streamline will look more
and more like a circle. We could guess that the closed streamline becomes a circle when the
source and the sink occupy the same location. This may sound difficult to accomplish, since
we would expect the source and the sink to cancel each other, leaving us with undisturbed,
uniform flow. This is not necessarily the case, as we shall see from the following analysis.
When we add the stream functions for a source and a sink, separated by a distance 2a,
the combined stream function is as given in equation 6.33. In cylindrical coordinates, the
stream function for the source-sink pair can be written as
q̇
ψ = − (θ1 − θ2 ) (6.34)
2π
6.9. POTENTIAL FLOW OVER A CYLINDER 117
Figure 6.9: Notation for a doublet. Figure 6.10: Doublet in a uniform flow.
where the angle θ is measured from a common origin, and the source is labeled with subscript
2, and the sink is labeled with subscript 1 (Figure 6.9). When the distance a is small, the
angle θ1 − θ2 is also small, so that r(θ1 − θ2 ) ≈ 2a sin θ, and
2a sin θ
θ1 − θ2 ≈
r
so that
q̇a sin θ
ψ = − (6.35)
r
As a becomes very small compared to r, we let q̇ increase so that the product q̇a remains
finite and constant. That is,
K sin θ
ψ = − (6.36)
r
Under these conditions, the source-sink pair is called a doublet, and K = q̇a/π is called the
strength of the doublet. The velocity potential of a doublet is given by
K cos θ
φ = (6.37)
r
When a uniform flow is added to the doublet, we obtain the the combined stream function
R2

K sin θ K
ψ = Uy − = Ur 1 − sin θ = U r 1 − sin θ (6.38)
r U r2 r2
(since y = r sin θ). The lines of constant
p stream function are shown in Figure 6.10. For the
closed streamline ψ = 0, and so r = p K/U , which is a constant. We see that the closed
streamline is a circle of radius R (= K/U ), and therefore the combination of a doublet
and a uniform flow models the inviscid flow over a cylinder.
The stagnation streamlines and the closed streamline describing the cylinder meet at
front and rear stagnation points, A and B respectively. The true flow pattern around
a cylinder at reasonable Reynolds numbers does not look like that shown in Figure 6.10,
especially in the wake region (see, for example, Figure 4.3). The inviscid flow is symmetrical
front to back, whereas the viscous flow is not. We will consider these differences further
after we have found the velocity and pressure distributions for the inviscid flow.
From equation 6.38, we find
R2

1 ∂ψ
ur = = U 1 − 2 cos θ
r ∂θ r
R2

∂ψ
and uθ = − = −U 1 + 2 sin θ
∂r r
On the surface of the cylinder, r = R, and therefore ur = 0 (as expected, since the surface
is a streamline). Along the surface, uθ = uθs , where
uθs = −2U sin θ (6.39)
We see that the inviscid flow does not satisfy the no-slip condition, and therefore bound-
ary layers do not form on the surface of the cylinder. This is one of the most important
differences between the inviscid flow solution, and a “real” viscous flow.
6.9.1 Pressure distribution

Since the flow is steady, inviscid, irrotational and incompressible, we can find the pressure
distribution using Bernoulli’s equation. If the pressure far from the cylinder is p∞ , then,
along the stagnation streamline and around the cylinder,
p∞ + 12 ρU 2 = ps + 12 ρu2θs
where ps is the surface pressure, and uθs is the flow velocity along the surface of the cylin-
der, given by equation 6.39. The inviscid pressure distribution over the cylinder surface is
therefore given by
ps = p∞ + 12 ρU 2 1 − 4 sin2 θ

In terms of the coefficient of pressure, Cp , we obtain

ps − p∞
Cp = 1 2
= 1 − 4 sin2 θ
2 ρU
Figure 6.11 shows a comparison of the inviscid and the experimental pressure distributions.
The comparison is good for θ > 135◦ , but the inviscid solution predicts a much lower pressure
at the shoulder (θ = 90◦ ) than what is found by experiment. In the wake (θ < 90◦ ), the
analysis predicts a full pressure recovery to its stagnation point value at the rear stagnation
point (θ = 0◦ ), whereas the experiment indicates that the pressure at the rear stagnation
point recovers to only a fraction of its original value.
We noted earlier that potential flow methods cannot be used to find the drag on a
body. For the flow over a cylinder, we see that the inviscid, potential flow solution gives a
symmetric pressure distribution, and in the streamwise direction the force due to pressure
acting on the front face is exactly balanced by the force due to pressure acting on the back
face. The drag on the cylinder is zero. This is obviously not true for the flow of a real fluid
where the boundary layers and wake play a major role.
6.9.2 Viscous effects

Over the front face of the cylinder (β < 90◦ ), the pressure is decreasing, so the flow is
accelerating. The boundary layer in this region remains very thin, and the pressure changes
very little across its thickness because the streamlines are almost parallel. Hence, the
pressure on the surface in a viscous flow is very close to its value in an inviscid, irrotational
flow (see Figure 6.11). Near the shoulder where β = 90◦ , the pressure gradient changes
from being negative (decreasing pressure, called a favorable pressure gradient) to positive
(increasing pressure, called an adverse pressure gradient). The force in the flow direction
due to pressure differences changes sign from being an accelerating force to being a retarding
force. In response, the flow slows down. However, the fluid in the boundary layer already has
a reduced momentum because of viscous stresses, and it does not have enough momentum
to overcome the retarding force. As the pressure rises, some fluid particles near the wall
actually reverse direction, and the flow separates. Large eddying motions are formed in the
6.9. POTENTIAL FLOW OVER A CYLINDER 119
Figure 6.11: A comparison of the inviscid pressure distribution on a circular cylinder with a
typical experimental distribution. Adapted from Munson, Young & Okiishi Fundamentals of Fluid
Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
wake, and large pressure losses occur. The pressure distribution then departs dramatically
from the inviscid solution. The wake also exerts an upstream influence on the boundary
layer, and for the case shown in Figure 6.11, separation actually takes place upstream of the
shoulder, somewhere near β = 80◦ .
The drag on the cylinder is made up of two components: a minor part due to the viscous
friction acting on the surface, and a major part due to pressure differences between the
front and the rear of the cylinder. Bodies where the pressure losses dominate the total drag
force are called bluff bodies, and the cylinder is a good example of a bluff body. Bodies
where the pressure losses are small and the viscous stresses dominate the total drag force
are called streamlined bodies, and a good example of a streamlined body flow is the flow
over an airfoil at small angles of attack.
So, despite the fact that the viscosities of common fluids are very low, a substantial drag
force is found on most bodies. This was puzzling to scientists in the nineteenth century
who believed that, since the viscosity was so small, the inviscid assumption should hold to
a high degree of accuracy. The discrepancy was called “d’Alembert’s Paradox,” after the
famous French scientist who studied this problem. The paradox was resolved by Prandtl in
1904, when he described for the first time the nature of the boundary layers that are formed
near the surface due to the action of viscosity. Prandtl noted that in a thin layer near the
wall, strong velocity gradients were present, and that despite the small magnitude of the
viscosity, the viscous stress, being the product of the viscosity and the velocity gradient,
could become very significant — viscosity could not be ignored. Mathematically, we could
say that inviscid flow cannot satisfy the boundary conditions of a real flow: specifically,
inviscid flows allow slip at the surface, whereas viscous flows do not.
Figure 6.12: The addition of a vortex of increasing strength to a uniform flow over a circular
cylinder. Adapted from F. M. White, Fluid Mechanics, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 1986.
6.10 Lift
A very interesting flow is generated when we add a vortex of strength Γ to the uniform flow
over a circular cylinder. The combined stream function is given by
R2

Γ
ψ = U r 1 − 2 sin θ + ln r (6.40)
r 2π
where the vortex was chosen to have a clockwise rotation. The streamline pattern is shown
in Figure 6.12 for increasing vortex strength, starting with Γ = 0. We can show that the
streamline where ψ = 0 always remains a closed circle of radius R.
As seen in Figure 6.12, the vortex moves the stagnation points away from the line of
horizontal symmetry. The streamlines over the upper part of the cylinder come closer
together, whereas those near the lower part move further apart. At the same time, the
pressure decreases on the upper part, and increases on the lower part. A lift is generated.
As the strength of the vortex increases, the stagnation points come closer together, and
eventually they move off the surface of the cylinder. The lift keeps increasing at the same
time.
By following a similar procedure to that given in Section 6.9, we can find the velocity
and pressure on the surface of the cylinder, and by integrating the pressure distribution we
can show that the resultant lift force FL (per unit span) is given by
FL = ρU Γ (6.41)
so that the lift is proportional to the strength of the vortex.

This flow field, made up of a vortex and a uniform flow over a circular cylinder, helps us
to understand and quantify two very significant phenomena: the lift generated by a spinning
cylinder, and the lift generated by an airfoil.
6.10. LIFT 121
Figure 6.13: Visualization of the flow on a counter-rotating (left) and a non-rotating (right)
wheel. The Reynolds number is 0.53 × 106 . From Race Car Aerodynamics, J. Katz, Robert Bentley
Publishers, 1995. Copyright AIAA, 1977, with permission.
6.10.1 Magnus effect

The flow field shown in Figure 6.12 is for inviscid flow. However, in a viscous fluid, a cylinder
spinning in an otherwise uniform flow can generate a flow field that looks remarkably similar.
A thin layer of air (the boundary layer) is forced to spin with the cylinder because of viscous
friction, and its effect on the surrounding flow is similar to that produced by the vortex
on the flow over a non-spinning cylinder. In region where the direction of motion of the
moving surface is the same as that of the external air stream [the top of the cylinder in
Figure 6.12(b)], the velocities sum, the streamlines come closer together, and the pressure
in this region is relatively low. In the region of the flow where the motion due to spin is
opposite to that of the air stream [the bottom of the cylinder in Figure 6.12(b)], there is a
region of low velocity where the streamlines diverge and the pressure is relatively high. The
cylinder experiences a lift force acting in a direction normal to the freestream [vertically up
in Figure 6.12(b)]. In effect, the spin produces a circulation around the cylinder, and the
strength of this “virtual” vortex depends on the spin rate of the cylinder.
The appearance of a side force on a spinning cylinder or sphere is called the Magnus
effect, after the Swedish physicist Gustav Magnus who first described it clearly in 1853. Its
effect is well known to all participants in ball sports, especially golf, baseball, cricket and
tennis, where backspin creates a vertical lift force. For additional observations on the fluid
mechanics of sports balls, see Section 9.7.
The Magnus effect is also seen in spinning cylinders and disks. The effect of rotation on
the flow field around an automobile wheel is shown in Figure 6.13. The rotation is in the
sense of a car traveling right to left, and so the motion of the upper surface of the tire is
in a direction opposite to the incoming flow direction. As a result, the velocity outside the
boundary layer in that region is lower than in the case of a non-spinning wheel, and the
pressure is higher. As a result, there is a down force on the wheel. In addition, the fact that
the viscous flow in the boundary layer experiences a stronger deceleration moves the upper
separation point forward, increasing the size of the wake. As a result, the rate of rotation
can strongly affect both the lift and drag forces developed by the wheel.
6.10.2 Airfoils and wings

In Section 3.5.3, we noted that when a flow is deflected by a solid surface, the surface must
be exerting a force on the fluid. By Newton’s third law, there will be an equal and opposite
force exerted by the fluid on the surface. By adding a vortex to the flow over a circular
Figure 6.14: The addition of a vortex of increasing strength to a uniform flow over an airfoil shape.
Adapted from F. M. White, Fluid Mechanics, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 1986.
cylinder, a similar flow deflection occurs, and we can infer that a lift force is generated.
Furthermore, the stronger the deflection, the stronger the lift force, and from equation 6.41
we see that the lift force is proportional to the strength of the vortex. We will now consider
the potential flow over an airfoil, and the effect of adding a vortex of strength Γ.
All practical airfoils have rounded leading edges, and sharp trailing edges. If we were
to solve the potential flow over a typical airfoil shape, we would see a streamline pattern
similar to that shown in Figure 6.14(a). One of the stagnation points is always located near
the leading edge, and in a potential flow the other is typically located somewhere on the
upper surface. By analyzing the pressure distribution over the surface, we would find that
an airfoil in potential flow generates no lift and no drag, which is completely contrary to
our experience of “real” airfoils.
In fact, the flow shown in Figure 6.14(a) cannot occur in any real fluid. Viscosity always
plays a very important role. For example, the potential flow over the sharp trailing edge
indicates that the flow in this region needs to changes its direction by almost 180◦ instanta-
neously to follow the contour of the body. The slope of the surface changes discontinuously
at the trailing edge, which implies that the fluid has to change its velocity infinitely fast,
which gives rise to an infinite strain rate. For a viscous fluid, this would be associated with
an infinite shear stress.
Clearly, this is unrealistic, and when we look at the real flow over an airfoil (Figure 6.15),
we see that the flow near the trailing edge does not behave at all like that shown in Fig-
ure 6.14(a). The flow leaves the trailing edge smoothly, which means that the trailing edge
is also a stagnation point. Under these conditions, all shear stresses are finite. The question
is, how can we modify the potential flow solution to make it resemble the real flow?
If we add a clockwise vortex to the flow in Figure 6.14(a) we can move the stagnation
points, as we did for the cylinder flow in Figure 6.12. By increasing the strength of the vortex,
the flow pattern changes from that shown in Figure 6.14(a), to that shown in Figure 6.14(b).
At the same time, the airfoil begins to generate lift. In effect, the addition of a clockwise
vortex increases the average velocity over the top surface of the airfoil, and reduces the
average velocity over the bottom, and by Bernoulli’s equation we can see that this results
in a lift force due to the pressure difference between the top and bottom surfaces. For
6.10. LIFT 123
Figure 6.15: Streamlines over an airfoil shape made visible using smoke in air. Reynolds number
based on chord length Rc = 2.1 × 105 , angle of attack α = 5◦ . From Visualized Flow , Japan Society
of Mechanical Engineers, Pergamon Press, 1988.
a particular vortex strength, ΓK , the rear stagnation point will be located at the trailing
edge [Figure 6.14(c)]. The lift force produced by the airfoil under this condition (per unit
span) is remarkably similar to that acting on a cylinder with an imposed circulation (see
equation 6.41, and it is given by
FL = ρU∞ ΓK (6.42)
This is called the Kutta-Joukowski theorem, named after a German and a Russian aerody-
namicist active in the early part of the 20th century. The boundary condition imposed on
the flow, that is, the requirement that the rear stagnation point coincides with the trailing
edge, is called the Kutta condition.
The Kutta-Joukowski theorem applies to the flow of an inviscid fluid over a two-dimension-
al body in steady motion. It holds for bodies of arbitrary shape, and so it also predicts the
lift generated by a cylinder with any level of imposed circulation, although the correspond-
ing Kutta condition only applies to bodies with a sharp trailing edge. The Kutta-Joukowski
theorem is the basis for the theory of lift on wings, and the thrust of fan and propeller
blades. Experiments show that it is in very good agreement with measurements of lift on
two-dimensional airfoils.
An important parameter is the angle of attack , which is the angle the chord line makes
with the incoming flow direction.3 As the angle of attack increases, the circulation required
to satisfy the Kutta condition also increases, and therefore the lift increases as well. It can
be shown that for small angles of attack α, the lift coefficient CL is given by
FL
CL = 1 2
= 2πα (6.43)
2 ρU∞c
where c is the chord length.4 This result is compared with data in Figure 9.13. It holds for
most airfoil shapes for α less than about 12 to 15◦ , at which point the boundary layer on
3 The airfoil chord is the straight line drawn from the leading edge to the trailing edge.
4 See, for example, Foundations of Aerodynamics, 4th edition, by A. M. Kuethe and C.-Y. Chow, pub-
lished by John Wiley & Sons, 1986.
Figure 6.16: The formation of trailing vortices from a wing of finite span. In this view, the flow is
from left to right, and the top surface has a lower pressure. From M. R. Head, in Flow Visual II ,
ed. W. Merzkirch, pp. 339-403, published by Hemisphere.
the rear part of the upper surface can begin to separate, a condition known in aerodynamics
as stall . Once the airfoil stalls, the drag increases significantly, and there may be a sudden
loss of lift.
6.10.3 Trailing vortices

The vortex that was added to the potential flow to satisfy the Kutta condition is a theoretical
construct. In the case of an airfoil moving through a viscous fluid, however, we often think
of a virtual “bound” vortex contained in the airfoil. It is real in the sense that, on average,
the flow over the top surface of the airfoil is faster than that over the bottom surface, and
so the sense of the circulation is clockwise if the flow over the airfoil is moving from left to
right.
So far, we have only dealt with two-dimensional airfoils that have, in effect, an infinite
wingspan. For an airfoil with finite wingspan, however, a very consistent observation is
made. Near the tips of the wing, trailing vortices form which can be made visible using
smoke, as in Figure 6.16. Where do they come from? In one interpretation, trailing vortices
are formed near the wingtips because the flow tends to spill over the wingtip in response to
the pressure difference between the top and bottom surface of the wing. The pressure on
the top is lower than on the bottom, so near each wing tip there is a tendency for the flow to
move from the bottom to the top of the wing. If we are looking from some point downstream
of the wing back toward the wing, we see the formation of a clockwise vortex near the left
wing tip, and a counterclockwise vortex near the right wing tip (see Figure 6.16).
In another interpretation, the trailing vortices are seen as the physical continuation of
the virtual vortex “bound” in the wing (see Figure 6.14). Since it is known from theory and
experiment that a vortex is shed from the airfoil when it starts its motion, we have a simple
picture of the vortex system of a finite wing, comprising a bound vortex, a starting vortex,
and two trailing vortices (Figure 6.17). We have a closed vortex loop of circulation ΓK at
all points along the loop. This view was developed by Lanchester in England and Prandtl in
Germany, and it is often called the Prandtl lifting line theory. In reality, the distribution of
vorticity is more complex than that implied by Figure 6.17, but it still represents a powerful
concept in learning to understand three-dimensional airfoil behavior.
One result is that the wingtip vortices have the same strength as the bound vortex.
6.11. VORTEX INTERACTIONS 125
Figure 6.17: Vortex system of a finite wing.
When the lift increases, the strength of the bound vortex increases, and so do the strengths
of the trailing vortices. When the lift is maximum, as in takeoff and landing, the trailing
vortices have their maximum strength. If a following airplane encounters one of the trailing
vortices, it will experience a strong overturning moment which can flip the airplane. All
airports, therefore, have minimum time intervals between successive takeoffs and landings
to avoid this danger.
A second result is that the trailing vortices generate circulating flow fields. This is true
for all vortices, but in the case of trailing vortices the flow field due to one vortex interacts
with the flow field of the other vortex. This vortex-vortex interaction is the subject of the
next section.
6.11 Vortex Interactions

The superposition of two vortex flow fields leads to some interesting phenomena. A good
example is the wake of an airplane where two trailing vortices are present (see Figure 6.17).
Once the airplane has taken off, the starting vortex has been left far behind. The trailing
vortex flow may then be idealized as two infinitely long, line vortices, separated by a distance
S, where one vortex has a clockwise circulation −Γ, and the other has a counterclockwise
circulation Γ. The combined velocity field will be the linear superposition of the two po-
tential vortex flow fields. We say that each vortex “induces” its own velocity field with a
distribution given by equation 6.29, which is
Γ
uθ =
2πr
There will be a velocity induced by the right hand, counterclockwise vortex on the left hand,
clockwise vortex, which tends to push the left hand vortex down. The left hand vortex, in
turn, is associated with an induced velocity field that tends to push the right hand vortex
down. We see that the interaction of a pair of line vortices of opposite sign causes the pair
to move down together with a propagation velocity up given by
Γ
up = (6.44)
2πS
where S is the distance between the vortices. As a result of this induced motion, the trailing
vortex system in the wake of a wing moves downward as it is left behind.
This self-induced propagation can also be seen by moving a flat plate through water in
a bath or in a large bucket. Move the plate while holding it vertical and at right angles to
the direction of motion for a short distance and then remove it from the liquid. Vortices of
opposite sign are produced at the vertical edges, and they will continue to move under their
own induced velocity field after the plate is withdrawn.
A similar phenomenon is seen in the motion of a vortex ring. A vortex ring can be
generated and visualized using a cardboard cylinder (a handtowel roll works well) sealed
off at both ends with paper diaphragms. A 5 mm circular hole needs to be made in one
diaphragm, and the cylinder should be filled with smoke from a cigarette or a stick of incense.
If the end without the hole is lightly tapped, a smoke ring will emanate from the hole in
the other end. Each part of the smoke ring induces a velocity that acts on all other parts
of the ring, and through this interaction the ring propagates at a constant velocity through
the air. The resulting motion of the smoke-filled vortex ring is quite beautiful to watch.
Chapter 7
Dimensional Analysis
Dimensional analysis is the process by which the dimensions of equations and physical
phenomena are examined to give new insight into their solutions. This analysis can be
extremely powerful. Besides being rather elegant, it can greatly simplify problem solving,
and for problems where the equations of motion cannot be solved it sets the rules for
designing model tests, which can help to reduce the level of experimental effort significantly.
The principal aim of dimensional analysis in fluid mechanics is to identify the important
nondimensional parameters that describe any given flow problem. Thus far, we have already
encountered a number of nondimensional parameters, each of which has a particular physical
interpretation. For example, in Section 1.8 we described the Reynolds number, Re = U D/ν,
as the parameter that indicates the onset of turbulent flow. Another nondimensional pa-
rameter, the pressure coefficient Cp = (p − p∞ ) / 21 ρV 2 was discussed in Section 4.3.1, and
we see that it is the ratio of static pressure differences to the dynamic pressure. The lift
and drag coefficients, CL and CD , were defined in Example 3.9 in the Study Guide,and in
Section 1.5 we introduced the Mach number M , which we interpreted as the ratio of a wave
speed to the flow velocity.
Nondimensional parameters are widely used in fluid mechanics, and there are good rea-
sons for this.
1. Dimensional analysis leads to a reduced variable set. A problem where the “output”
variable, such as the lift force, is governed by a set of (N − 1) “input” variables (for
example, a length, a velocity, the density, the viscosity, the speed of sound, a roughness
height, etc.), can generally be expressed in terms of a total of (N − 3) nondimensional
groups (for example, the lift coefficient, the Reynolds number, the Mach number, etc.).
2. When testing a scale model of an object, such as a car or an airplane, dimensional

analysis provides the guidelines for scaling the results from a model test to the full-
scale. In other words, dimensional analysis sets the rules under which full similarity
in model tests can be achieved.
3. Nondimensional parameters are more convenient than dimensional parameters since

they are independent of the system of units. In engineering, dimensional equations are
sometimes used, and they contribute to confusion, errors and wasted effort. Dimen-
sional equations depend on using the required units for each of the variables, or the
answer will be incorrect. They are common in some areas of engineering, such as in the
calculation of heat transfer rates and in describing the performance of turbomachines.
4. Nondimensional equations and data presentations are more elegant than their dimen-
sional counterparts. Engineering solutions need to be practical, but they are always
more attractive when they display a sense of style or elegance.
127
128 CHAPTER 7. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Figure 7.1: Cavitation on a model propeller. The bubbles are generated near the tip of each blade,
and from a helical pattern in the wake. Photograph courtesy of the Garfield Thomas Water Tunnel,
Pennsylvania State University.
The most powerful application of dimensional analysis occurs in situations where the
governing equations cannot be solved. This is often the case in fluid mechanics. Very
few exact solutions of the equations of motion can be found, and for the vast majority of
engineering problems involving fluid flows we need to use an approximate analysis where the
full equations are simplified to some extent, or we need to perform experiments to determine
empirically the behavior of the system empirically over some range of interest (we may, for
example, need to understand cavitation on marine propellers, as illustrated in Figure 7.1).
In both cases, dimensional analysis plays a critical role in reducing the amount of effort
involved and by providing physically meaningful interpretations for the answers obtained.
Instead of solving the equations directly, we try to identify the important variables (such
as force, velocity, density, viscosity, the size of the object, etc.), arrange these variables
in nondimensional groups, and write down the functional form of the flow behavior. This
procedure establishes the conditions under which similarity occurs, and it always reduces
the number of variables that need to be considered.
It is rare for dimensional analysis to actually yield the analytical relationship governing
the behavior. Usually, it is just the functional form that can be found, and the actual
relationship must be determined by experiment. The experiments will also verify if any
parameters neglected in the analysis were indeed negligible. To see how dimensional analysis
works, we first need to define what system of dimensions we will use, and what is meant by
a “complete physical equation.”
7.1 Dimensional Homogeneity

When we write an algebraic equation in engineering, we are rarely dealing with just num-
bers. We are usually concerned with quantities such as length, force or acceleration. These
quantities have a dimension (e.g., length or distance) and a unit (e.g., inch or meter). In
fluid mechanics, the four fundamental dimensions are usually taken to be mass M , length L,
time T and temperature θ. An alternative system uses force, length, time and temperature,
but it will not be used in this book.
Some common variables and their dimensions are as follows (the square brackets are
7.1. DIMENSIONAL HOMOGENEITY 129
used as shorthand for “the dimensions of .... are”).

angular measure
[angular velocity] = = T −1
time
mass
[density] = = M L−3
volume
length
[velocity] = = LT −1
time
length
[acceleration] = = LT −2
(time)2
[force] = mass × acceleration = M LT −2
force
[pressure] = = M L−1 T −2
area
[work] = force × distance = M L2 T −2
[torque] = force × distance = M L2 T −2
[power] = force × velocity = M L2 T −3
stress
[dynamic viscosity] =
velocity-gradient
(force/area)
= = M L−1 T −1
(velocity/length)
viscosity viscosity
[kinematic viscosity] = = = L2 T −1
density (mass/volume)
force
[surface tension] = = M T −2
length
Some quantities are already dimensionless. These include pure numbers, angular degrees
or radians, and strain.
The concept of a dimension is important because we can only add or compare quantities
which have similar dimensions: lengths to lengths, and forces to forces. In other words,
all parts of an equation must have the same dimension — this is called the principle of
dimensional homogeneity, and if the equation satisfies this principle it is called a complete
physical equation. Take, for example, Bernoulli’s equation
p 1 2
+ V + gh = B (7.1)
ρ 2
where B is a constant. We can examine the dimensions of each term in the equation by
writing the dimensional form of the equation:
M L L3 L2 L
× + + 2 × L = [B]
L2 T 2 M T2 T
1
(the number 2 is just a counting number with no dimensions). That is,
L2 L2 L2
2
+ 2 + 2 = [B]
T T T
All the parts on the left hand side have the same dimensions of (velocity)2 , and the equation
is dimensionally homogeneous. The constant on the right hand side must have the same
dimensions as the parts on the left, so that in this case the constant B also has the dimensions
of (velocity)2 .
If we rewrote equation 7.1 as

p V2
+ 12 + h = B1
ρg g
or p + 21 ρV 2 + ρgh = B2
then in the first case each term has dimensions of length (including B1 ), and in the second
case each term has dimensions of pressure (including B2 ). Thus we have the principle of
dimensional homogeneity
All physically meaningful equations are dimensionally homogeneous.
To put this another way, in order to measure any physical quantity we must first choose
a unit of measurement, the size of which depends solely on our own particular preference.
This arbitrariness in selecting a unit size leads to the following postulate: any equation that
describes a real physical phenomenon can be formulated sothat its validity is independent of
the size of the units of the primary quantities. Such equations are therefore called complete
physical equations. All equations given in this book are complete in this sense. When
writing down an equation from memory, it is always a good idea to check the dimensions of
all parts of the equation — just to make sure it was remembered correctly. It also helps in
verifying an algebraic manipulation or proof where it can be used as a quick check on the
answer.
7.2 Applying Dimensional Homogeneity

In this section we will show how the principle of dimensional homogeneity can be used to
reduce the number of parameters describing a given problem. To appreciate how this is
achieved, we first need to understand how relationships that are expressed in functional
form can be manipulated, and what is meant by independent variables. These concepts are
illustrated using the following examples.
7.2.1 Example: Hydraulic jump

Consider a hydraulic jump. This is the name given to stationary, breaking waves in a water
flow. A simple example can be seen by letting a stream of water fall on a flat surface such
as a plate. The water spreads out on the plate in a thin layer, and then at some distance
from the point of impact, a sudden rise in water level occurs. This is a circular hydraulic
jump. A planar jump can be seen as the sudden increase in water height at the bottom of
a dam spillway, as shown in Figure 7.2. In that case, the change in water height can be
described by a simple relationship known as the hydraulic jump relationship
q
H2 1 2
= 1 + 8F1 − 1 (7.2)
H1 2
√
where F1 = V1 / gH1 is a nondimensional quantity called the Froude number, H is the
water depth, and the suffixes 1 and 2 refer to conditions upstream and downstream of the
jump. This relationship is derived and discussed in Chapter 11, but here we will only use
it as an example to illustrate the concept of a functional dependence, and the principle of
dimensional homogeneity.
The hydraulic jump relationship of equation 7.2 can also be written as
H2
= φ (F1 ) (7.3)
H1
7.2. APPLYING DIMENSIONAL HOMOGENEITY 131
Figure 7.2: A hydraulic jump formed near the bottom of a spillway. From Siemens, with permis-
sion.
where the notation φ (F1 ) denotes a functional dependence on F1 . Equation 7.3 states that
the ratio of water depths across a hydraulic jump depends only on the upstream Froude num-
ber F1 . Alternatively, we can write equation 7.2 as a functional dependence in dimensional
form, so that
H2 = φ0 (H1 , V1 , g) (7.4)
Four observations can now be made. First, the nondimensional form (equation 7.3)
contains only two nondimensional parameters, whereas the dimensional form (equation 7.4)
contains four dimensional parameters.
Second, we have included the dimensional constant g. It is absolutely essential to include
all dimensional “constants” (such as g, the speed of sound, the density of water, etc.) in
any dimensional analysis because the dimensions of constants are just as important as the
dimensions of any variables. The only universal constants are dimensionless constants.
Third, the relationship given in equation 7.3 could be written in a number of alternative
forms. For example, we can write it as

H2 1
= φ1
H1 F1
Using the inverse of the Froude number instead of the Froude number itself, changes the
form of the function, but it does not change the fact that the height of the jump depends
only on the Froude number.
Fourth, consider the alternative functional relationship
H2
= φ (F1 , ρ) (7.5)
H1
Since the left hand side is dimensionless, the right hand side must also be dimensionless.
Any term on the right hand side that involves the Froude number by itself would be fine, but
terms that involve some function of density cannot be dimensionless. equation 7.5 cannot
be correct; since the right hand side must be dimensionless, it cannot depend on the density
by itself. This observation leads to two conclusions, based purely on dimensional grounds:
either the density should be eliminated from the problem as stated in equation 7.5, or
there are other variables in the problem that we have left out. If we were convinced that the
density was important, another parameter is needed that has the same dimensions so that the
density could be made nondimensional. One parameter that suggests itself is the viscosity
µ. This by itself does not have the dimensions of density, but combining the viscosity with
some of the existing quantities can make it so. For example, the combination µ/V1 H1 has
the dimensions of mass per unit volume, so that one possibility for a dimensionally correct
hydraulic jump relationship that includes density as one of the variables is

H2 ρV1 H1
= φ F1 ,
H1 µ
We recognize the new nondimensional group as the Reynolds number based on upstream
flow conditions.
7.2.2 Example: Drag on a sphere

Suppose we need to find the drag force FD acting on a sphere of diameter D in a viscous
fluid flow of velocity V . The equations of motion for this flow can only be solved under very
restricted conditions, and the full equations are too complex to allow a general solution. We
must resort to dimensional analysis, and experiment.
We will assume that the drag force FD depends only on the fluid density ρ, the stream
velocity V , the diameter D and the fluid viscosity µ. That is,
FD = f (ρ, V, D, µ) (7.6)
where f is the unknown functional dependence. Other variables may enter the problem,
such as the roughness of the surface or the speed of sound, but for now we will keep it
simple.
Given this functional form, what would it take to find the drag force experimentally
over a wide range of variation in velocity, diameter, density and viscosity? For the sake
of illustration, suppose that it takes about 10 points to define an experimental curve [Fig-
ure 7.3(a)]. To find the effect of velocity, we need to run the experiment for 10 different
values of V , while holding all the other variables constant. To find the effect of diameter
at each velocity, we need to find FD for 10 different values of D for each velocity, while
holding the other variables constant, so that the total number of experiments has grown to
100. For each V and each D we will need 10 values of of µ [Figure 7.3(b)] and 10 values of
ρ [Figure 7.3(c)], making a grand total of 10,000 experiments!
Instead, let us rearrange these variables into nondimensional groups, step by step. We
can do this in a number of ways, but the object of each step is to make all the variables in the
functional relationship, except one, dimensionless with respect to one of the fundamental
dimensions. The dimensional variable that remains can then be deleted, as will be shown.
We will use the three fundamental dimensions length L, mass M and time T .1
All the variables except the density are first made dimensionless in mass. There is no
need to start with density and mass, but it turns out to be convenient. Divide both sides of
equation 7.6 by ρ, in order to change the dependent variable to FD /ρ, which has dimensions
1 The following treatment was adapted from Dimensional Analysis for Engineers by E.S. Taylor, pub-
lished by Clarendon Press, Oxford (1974), and Engineering Applications of Fluid Mechanics by Hunsaker
& Rightmire, published by McGraw-Hill (1947).
Figure 7.3: Experiments to find the drag force on a sphere. (a) Varying V for different D, holding
ρ and µ constant; (b) For each point in (a), vary the viscosity, holding ρ constant; (c) For each
point in (b), vary the density.
M LT −2 /M L−3 = L4 T −2 . So

FD f (ρ, V, D, µ)
= (7.7)
ρ ρ
or
FD
= f1 (ρ, V, D, µ) (7.8)
ρ
The step taken in going from equation 7.7 to 7.8 is perfectly legitimate: equation 7.7 states
that FD /ρ depends on density, velocity, diameter and viscosity, and equation 7.8 states the
same thing, although function f1 is clearly different from function f .
In equation 7.8, the viscosity µ is the only independent variable (besides ρ) that has
nonzero
dimensions in mass.
Let us define a new independent variable µ/ρ, having dimen-
sions M L−1 T −1 /M L−3 = L2 T −1 . So

FD µ
= f2 ρ, V, D, (7.9)
ρ ρ
This change from µ to µ/ρ is permissible, since equations 7.8 and 7.9 still express the
same functional dependence because ρ and µ are independent. Independence means that in
determining the drag we can vary ρ and µ separately (as for equation 7.8), or vary ρ and
µ/ρ separately (as for equation 7.9).
The change of variables made in going from equation 7.8 to equation 7.9 cannot have
any effect on the dimensional homogeneity of the equation. The validity of equation 7.9
must therefore be unaffected by a change in the particular mass unit that is used, as in
going from slugs to kilograms, for example. The ratio of FD /ρ
is unaffected
by this change
because it is independent of the mass unit. The value of f2 ρ, V, D, µρ must likewise be
unaltered. The values of V , D and µ/ρ remain the same, but the value of ρ would be
different. Consequently, f2 cannot depend on ρ, but only on V , D and µ/ρ. This was the
same reasoning that led us to conclude that equation 7.5 could not be correct. In that case
the density was eliminated on dimensional grounds, and the same argument applies here.
The density is therefore deleted, and

FD µ
= f2 V, D, (7.10)
ρ ρ
This procedure is more clearly illustrated using the matrix of dimensions. In this matrix,
the columns are the governing variables, and the rows are the dimensions. The entries are
the exponents of the dimensions of each variable. The matrix of dimensions corresponding
to equation 7.6 is
FD ρ V D µ
M 1 1 0 0 1
L 1 −3 1 1 −1
T −2 0 −1 0 −1
Starting with the mass row, all the variables containing mass are made nondimensional in
mass, except the density, by dividing all the variables in that row by the density.
FD /ρ ρ V D µ/ρ
M 0 1 0 0 0
L 4 −3 1 1 2
T −2 0 −1 0 −1
This is the matrix of dimensions corresponding to equation 7.9. The density is the only
variable that still has a mass dimension and therefore it must be removed for equation 7.9
to be dimensionally homogeneous. Therefore
FD /ρ V D µ/ρ
M 0 0 0 0
L 4 1 1 2
T −2 −1 0 −1
The mass row is now empty, and we can delete it. So
FD /ρ V D µ/ρ
L 4 1 1 2
T −2 −1 0 −1
which is the matrix of dimensions corresponding to equation 7.10.

A similar procedure can be used to give all the remaining variables, except
4 −2the 2velocity,
L T /L T −2 =
2

zero dimensions in time. Change F D /ρ to F D /ρV , which has dimensions
L , and change µ/ρ to µ/ρV , which has dimensions L T /LT −1 = [L]. Then
2 2 −1

FD µ
= f 3 V, D,
ρV 2 ρV
Can this result be correct? It appears that the left hand side was divided by V 2 , whereas
on the right hand side only one term was changed, and it was divided by V . What is
really happening, though, is that we are making the quantities on the left and right hand
sides independent of time by using V (which contains time as a fundamental dimension)
in whatever way necessary. As long as the variables remain independent, that is, they
can be changed in ways that are different from the way the other variables change, this is
a legitimate process and does not alter the basic functional dependence, although it will
change the function itself (see also Section 7.4, step 5(c)).
According to our previous arguments, we can delete V by virtue of the principle of
dimensional homogeneity (since a change in the unit of time measurement will affect V but
no other variable), and we get

FD µ
= f3 D,
ρV 2 ρV
The matrix of dimensions reduces to

FD / ρV 2 D µ/ (ρV )
L 2 1 1
A last application of the same reasoning leads to

FD µ µ
= f 4 D, = f 4
ρV 2 D2 ρV D ρV D
That is
FD ρV D
= f5
ρV 2 D2 µ
Finally
FD ρV D
1 π
= g (7.11)
2 2 µ
2 ρV 4D
In the last step we included the nondimensional numbers 21 and π4 in the denominator of the
left hand side, so that the denominator is of the form “dynamic pressure × cross-sectional
area.” For a sphere, the nondimensional drag coefficient CD is defined by
FD
CD ≡ 1 2 π 2
(7.12)
2 ρV 4D
This allows us to write the functional dependence as
CD = g (Re) (7.13)
that is, the drag coefficient is only a function of Reynolds number.

This process has achieved a major result: equation 7.6, which involves five dimensional
variables, has been simplified by purely dimensional reasoning to equation 7.13, which in-
volves only two nondimensional variables.
One of the many consequences is that experimental data can be correlated more easily
by means of equation 7.11 than equation 7.6. Using our earlier methodology, we would need
only 10 experiments rather than 10,000 to determine the drag behavior. The actual data
are shown in Figure 7.4. The data were obtained using spheres of different sizes, over a very
wide velocity range, and for a number of different fluids. It applies to dust particles settling
in the atmosphere, bubbles rising in a glass of beer, droplets formed by a fuel injector, soccer
balls, and slow cannon balls (slow because compressibility effects become important at high
speed and these were not taken into account). By using a nondimensional representation,
all these results can be collapsed onto a single curve described by equation 7.13.
We should note that, although our analysis reduced the number of variables from five
dimensional ones to two nondimensional ones, the answer is not unique: equation 7.11 is
not the only form that can be obtained by starting from equation 7.6. By operating with µ
instead of ρ, or by multiplying the left hand side of equation 7.11 by the Reynolds number,
we can also get
F ρV D
= g1 (7.14)
µV D µ
It is found that, except at very low Reynolds numbers, equation 7.11 is more useful than
equation 7.14, because F/ 12 ρV 2 ( π4 D2 ) varies less than F /µV D in the practical range of the
independent variable ρV D/µ.
We see that more than one result is possible, and the choice of which nondimensional
groups to use is somewhat arbitrary. We usually try to choose groups which have some
Figure 7.4: Drag of a sphere. Adapted from Schlichting Boundary Layer Theory, 7th edition,
McGraw-Hill, 1979.
meaning, that is, groups that have a physical interpretation such as the Reynolds number,
Froude number, and so forth. We will discuss this issue further in Section 7.6.
The first formal treatment of this successive application of dimensional homogeneity was
given by E. Buckingham in 1892, in what became known as the “Buckingham Π theorem.”
Nondimensional parameters are sometimes called Π-products because of this connection
with the Buckingham Π theorem.
To summarize, the number of variables can always be reduced by non-dimensionalization.
Each time we make the functional relationship dimensionless with respect to one of the
fundamental dimensions, the number of variables is reduced by one. So we can expect
that, for a total of N variables (including “input” and “output” variables) the number of
nondimensional groups or Π-products = N − (number of fundamental dimensions). The
validity of this statement is discussed in the next section.
7.3 The Number of Dimensionless Groups
What is the validity of the rule “the number of Π-products = N − (the number of funda-
mental dimensions)”? It is relatively easy to show that it fails in some cases. For instance,
say that we needed to find the functional dependence of the speed of sound a. It could be a
function of pressure p and density ρ. We have a total of 3 parameters, and if we choose M ,
L and T as fundamental dimensions, our rule would suggest that no dimensionless groups
can be found. However, the combination ρa2 /p is dimensionless, so at least one Π-product
exists.
A universal rule can be found by examining the matrix of dimensions. For the sphere
7.3. THE NUMBER OF DIMENSIONLESS GROUPS 137
drag example used in the previous section, we have
FD ρ V D µ
M 1 1 0 0 1
L 1 −3 1 1 −1
T −2 0 −1 0 −1
The rule that works every time is the one that says
The number of dimensionless groups is equal to the total number of parameters minus
the rank of the matrix of dimensions.
The rank of a matrix is the order of the largest determinant in the matrix with a nonzero
value (see Section A.1). By trying different determinants of order 3 in the matrix for the
sphere problem, we can find at least one determinant that is nonzero (for example, try the
columns headed by FD , ρ and V ) and so the rank of that matrix is 3. The number of
Π-products is therefore 5 − 3 = 2, as found earlier.
What about the speed of sound example? The matrix of dimensions for that case is
a p ρ
M 0 1 1
L 1 −1 −3
T −1 −2 0
There is only one determinant of order 3 that can fit, and it is equal to zero. Therefore
the rank of the matrix cannot be equal to 3. Is it 2? Yes, because it is easy to find one
determinant of order 2 which is nonzero. The number of dimensionless groups is therefore
3 − 2 = 1, and it is given by
ρa2
Π1 =
p
When only one nondimensional group exists, as in this case, it cannot be a function
of anything else, since that would naturally require another nondimensional parameter.
Therefore
When only one nondimensional group exists, that group must be a constant.
In the case of the sound speed problem, the value of the constant depends on the partic-
ular fluid under consideration. For a perfect gas, it is the ratio of specific heats, γ (see
Section 11.4.4).
A similar problem regarding viscosity was first considered in Section 1.6.3. There, we
noted that the viscosity of a gas depends on the average molecular speed ῡ, the density ρ,
and the mean free path `m . That is,
µ = ψ (ῡ, ρ, `m )
Then
µ ῡ ρ `m
M 1 0 1 0
L −1 1 −3 1
T −1 −1 0 0
The rank of the matrix is 3, so that the number of dimensionless parameters is N − 3 = 1.

Hence
ρ`m ῡ
Π1 =
µ
Therefore Π1 is a constant, and a simple kinetic model gives Π1 = 5π
32 .
Consider one more example, based on the hydraulic jump (see Section 7.2.1). We start
with equation 7.4
H2 = φ0 (H1 , V1 , g)
Then
H2 H1 V1 g
M 0 0 0 0
L 1 1 1 1
T 0 0 −1 −2
The rank of this matrix cannot be 3 because of the zeros in the top row; no variable contains
the mass dimension. We find that the rank is 2 so that the number of dimensionless param-
eters is N − 2 = 2. We already know that this yields the result first given by equation 7.3

H2 V1
=φ √ = φ (F1 )
H1 gH1
What if we include the density in the list of parameters? Then
H2 H1 V1 g ρ
M 0 0 0 0 1
L 1 1 1 1 −3
T 0 0 −1 −2 0
The rank of this new matrix is 3, so that the number of dimensionless parameters is 5−3 = 2.
But we already have 2: the ratio of depths and the Froude number. The density does
not belong since there is no other parameter with a mass dimension that could be used
together with the density to make a new nondimensional parameter (we argued this from
first principles in Section 7.2).
Dimensional analysis therefore helps us to find the right number of dimensionless groups
or Π-products. It can tell us that a certain dimensional variable does not belong, and it
can also tell us if another variable is missing. For example, if we really believed that the
hydraulic jump depends on the density of the fluid, then we need another variable with a
non-zero dimension in mass, such as the pressure, to make the density dimensionless in mass.
We then end up with 3 nondimensional groups: the ratio of depths, the Froude number and
a pressure coefficient. Alternatively, if we included the viscosity, which also has mass in its
dimensions, the Reynolds number would make an appearance.
Dimensional analysis cannot tell us which Π-products are important in any particular
flow problem. The results of the analysis should always be tested by experiment, and it is
the experiment that will finally show which Π-products are important to describe the flow.
7.4 Non-Dimensionalizing Problems

In problems where dimensional analysis is likely to be useful, we use the following procedure.
Step 1: Determine N , the total number of variables, including input and output variables
(in the sphere example, we had five: F , V , D, µ, and ρ). This is the most crucial step in
the process, since it defines the problem. It is also the most difficult step.
7.5. PIPE FLOW EXAMPLE 139
Step 2: Select a set of fundamental dimensions, usually mass, length and time (M , L and
T ).
Step 3: Write down the matrix of dimensions. In this matrix, the columns are the governing
parameters and the rows are the dimensions. The entries are the exponents of the dimensions
of each parameter.
Step 4: Find the rank r of the matrix of dimensions (the rank of a matrix is the order of
the largest determinant in the matrix with a nonzero value). There will always be N − r
dimensionless parameters. In most cases, but not always, the rank of the matrix will be 3
since there are usually 3 fundamental dimensions (see Section 7.3).
Step 5: Establish these N − r dimensionless parameters by

(a) Using your intuition. For example, in problems where viscosity is important, the
Reynolds number usually makes an appearance. Similarly, if high-speed flow is present,
the Mach number should be considered, and if waves or a free surface are present, the
Froude number is certain to be useful. In other problems it is usually possible to take
the dependent variable (the output), and choose a number of input variables that when
combined with the dependent variable make a nondimensional group. This process
can then be repeated to make dimensionless groups using only input variables. The
matrix of dimensions can be very useful in this regard. Remember, the answer is not
unique. This does not mean any answer will do, just that more than one answer is
possible. Nevertheless, some answers are “better” than others (those that use standard
Π-products, for example).2
(b) Check the result. That is, check that each Π-product really is nondimensional.
(c) Check that all the Π-products are independent. That is, if one of the dimensionless
parameters is simply a combination of others, or just another raised to some power, it is
not independent. A good check for independence is to see that each of the Π-products
contains one variable that none of the other groups does.
Step 6: See if any of the dimensionless parameters are not important, and then neglect
them. This requires considerable judgment.
Step 7: Test your results experimentally. This step is very important, since it will verify
or refute all your assumptions, especially Steps 1, 5, and 6.
7.5 Pipe Flow Example

Consider flow through a circular, horizontal pipe of length L and diameter D. The average
velocity, integrated across the cross-section, is V , so that
Z
1
V = udA (7.15)
A
Note that V is equal to the volume flow rate divided by the cross-sectional area A.
Develop a functional dependence for the pressure drop ∆p, and express the result nondi-
mensionally.
Step 1: Determine N , the total number of variables. We expect that ∆p will depend on
L, D, V , ρ, µ, but what else? It might depend on the roughness of the surface k, where
2 Some texts recommend the method of indices to find the Π-products. I have found this approach to be
totally nonintuitive and full of opportunities for error, and therefore I strongly advise against its use.
k is some measure of the average roughness height. It should not depend on gravity since
the pipe is horizontal. It might depend on the speed of sound, but if the Mach number is
small we can probably neglect it. Let’s start with the minimum number of variables so that
N = 7, and
∆p = φ1 L, D, V , ρ, µ, k
Step 2: Select a set of fundamental units. Here, we choose M , L and T .
Step 3: Write down the matrix of dimensions.
F ρ V D k L µ
M 1 1 0 0 0 0 1
L 1 −3 1 1 1 1 −1
T −2 0 −1 0 0 0 −1
Step 4: Find the number of nondimensional parameters. Since the rank of the matrix is 3,
we will have N − 3 = 4 dimensionless parameters or Π-products.
Step 5a: Pick dimensionless parameters. According to Step 4, we need to find four. Let
us start with the pressure drop. To make it nondimensional , we need a combination of
the other variables that has the dimension of pressure. One likely candidate is the dynamic
2
pressure 12 ρV . The first nondimensional group becomes
∆p
Π1 = 2
1
2 ρV
The second possible nondimensional group is the length-to-diameter ratio

L
Π2 =
D
This ratio tells us if the pipe is short or long, compared to its diameter. The third nondi-
mensional group is the relative roughness
k
Π3 =
D
which is more meaningful than k/L since a large value of k/D can be interpreted immediately
as indicating a severe blockage effect due to roughness. What is left? The viscosity has not
been used so far, so we can use the Reynolds number as the fourth nondimensional group
ρV L
Π4 =
µ
Finally
∆p ρV D L k
2 = φ1 , , (7.16)
1 µ D D
2 ρV
Step 5b: Check that the Π-groups are really nondimensional . Here, this step is straight-
forward: we recognize the left hand side of equation 7.16 as a pressure coefficient, and the
right hand side contains ratios of lengths and a Reynolds number.
Step 5c: Check the independence of the nondimensional groups. None of the dimensionless
parameters we found can be formed by a combination of the others, and of them is just
7.6. COMMON NONDIMENSIONAL GROUPS 141
another raised to some power. Also, each Π-product has something which none of the
others have: ∆p in the first, µ in the second, L in the third and k in the fourth. So these
Π-products are independent.
Step 6: Decide if all the Π-products are all important. One suggestion might be that, since
pipes are typically long compared to their diameter, an asymptotic state will exist where the
flow properties do not change with further increase in length. From observation, we know
that after 40–100 diameters the flow properties are free of entrance effects and the mean
velocity profile is fully developed , which means that it is independent of position along the
L
pipe. In that case, the parameter D should no longer be important, and it can be dropped.
This would also imply that we should not use the pressure drop along the whole length of
the pipe (since a fully developed flow is independent of the distance along the pipe), but
instead we should use the pressure drop per unit length, expressed in terms of the number
of diameters. This thinking would suggest that equation 7.16 could be written as

∆p
L D
ρV D k

2 = φ , (7.17)
1
ρV µ D
2
The nondimensional group on the left hand side is called the friction factor f , defined by

∆p
L D
f≡ 2 (7.18)
1
2 ρV
The most widely used correlation for the pressure drop in fully developed pipe flow uses
the functional dependence expressed in equation 7.17. The experimental data are generally
given in the form of a chart called the Moody diagram (Figure 8.7), where the friction factor
f is plotted as a function of Reynolds number based on diameter and average velocity, for
different values of the relative roughness k/D. The curves shown in Figure 8.7 hold for all
Newtonian fluids: water, air, milk, alcohol, natural gas, and so on. A fuller discussion of
the pressure drop in pipe flow is given in Section 8.6.
7.6 Common Nondimensional Groups

We have noted that it is possible to have more than one correct answer in dimensional
analysis. For example, in the sphere example given in Section 7.2, we started by eliminating
the mass dimension by using the density, and we found that

F ρV D
1 2 2
= g (7.19)
2 ρV D
µ
As was pointed out then, we could have started with the viscosity instead of the density. In
that case, we would have found that

F ρV D
= g1 (7.20)
µV D µ
Both answers are correct, but one may be preferable to or “better” than the other for
a particular problem. To understand what constitutes a better answer generally requires
physical insight into the problem, which may take a considerable amount of experience to
develop. In some cases, however, it is reasonably obvious. For example, we could write the
sphere drag relationship as r
F µ
1 2 2
= g3 (7.21)
2 ρV D
ρV D
This does not change its “correctness” (both sides are still nondimensional), but we rec-
ognize the second Π-product as being a mutation of the Reynolds number, and we would
probably choose to write equation 7.21 in the form given in equation 7.19. We might also
recognize that it is the frontal area that governs the drag. Therefore, equation 7.19 could
be “improved” by changing the left hand side to include the frontal area π4 D2 instead of
D2 , so that
F ρV D
1 2π 2
= g4
2 ρV 4 D
µ
The left hand side of this equation is now the drag coefficient for a sphere, as defined by
equation 7.12. By using the frontal area in the definition of drag coefficients, we can more
easily compare the drag coefficients obtained for a sphere to those obtained for other shapes.
7.7 Non-Dimensionalizing Equations

There are a large number of possible Π-products, but only a rather limited set is in common
use. The most compelling reason for the popularity of this subset is that these parameters,
such as the Reynolds number and the nondimensional force coefficients, often come naturally
out of the equations of motion themselves.
For example, consider Bernoulli’s equation. If at some point we know the reference static
pressure p∞ and velocity V∞ , then we could use them to non-dimensionalize Bernoulli’s
equation. If we start with equation 7.1
p 1 2
+ V + gh = B
ρ 2
1 2
each term has the dimensions of V 2 . If we divide through by 2 V∞ , we obtain the dimen-
sionless form
p V2 gh
1 2
+ 2
+ 1 2 = B3
2 ρV ∞ V∞ 2 V∞
The first term is a pressure coefficient of some sort, the second is a velocity ratio, and the
third term contains a Froude number (squared). We can go one step further and subtract
the constant quantity p∞ / 12 ρV∞
2
from both sides, giving
2
(p − p∞ ) V gh
1 2
+ + 1 2 = B4
2 ρV∞
V∞ 2 V∞
so that the first term now takes the form of the pressure coefficient Cp as defined in Sec-
tion 4.3.1.
To take another example, consider the Navier-Stokes equation for constant density flow
DV
ρ = −∇p + ρg + µ∇2 V
Dt
This is the momentum equation for a viscous fluid in differential form (see Section 5.3, equa-
tion 5.19). Here, ∇2 is the Laplacian operator which represents a second order differentiation
with respect to the space variables (see Section A.6).
If at some reference position in the flow we know the pressure p∞ and the velocity V∞ ,
and if we can identify a reference length L, we can form the nondimensional variables
x0 = x/L
0
y = y/L
z0 = z/L
7.7. NON-DIMENSIONALIZING EQUATIONS 143
t0 = V∞ t/L
0
V = V/V∞
0 2
1
p = (p − p∞ ) 2 ρV∞
2
We also have ∇0 = L∇, the nondimensional form of the gradient operator, and ∇0 = L2 ∇2 ,
the nondimensional form of the Laplacian operator.
Rewriting the Navier-Stokes equation in terms of these nondimensional variables gives
2
ρV∞ DV0 1 µV∞
2
= − 12 ρV∞ ∇0 p0 + ρg + 2 ∇02 V0
L Dt0 L L
so that
DV0 gL ν
= − 21 ∇0 p0 + 2 + ∇02 V0 (7.22)
Dt0 V∞ V∞ L
Three widely used nondimensional parameters have appeared: a nondimensional time,
t0 = V∞ t/L which is the inverse
√ of the Strouhal number (see Section 9.5), the square of the
Froude number F∞ = V∞ gL, and the Reynolds number Re∞ = V∞ L/ν. I By inserting
these nondimensional groups into equation 7.22, we obtain the nondimensional form of the
Navier-Stokes equation
DV0 1 g 1
0
= − 21 ∇0 p0 + 2 + ∇02 V0 (7.23)
Dt F∞ g Re∞
The significance of the Reynolds number in the Navier-Stokes equation is especially
interesting. If the length and velocity scales that were used in the non-dimensionalization
are the appropriate ones, then all the derivative terms should be of O(1), and then the
coefficients in the non-dimensional equation indicate the relative importance of each term.
We see that as the Reynolds number becomes very large, the magnitude of the viscous term
becomes very small compared to the other terms. In particular, the viscous term becomes
small compared to the inertia term on the left hand side. The magnitude of the Reynolds
number is therefore often interpreted as a measure of the importance of the inertia force
compared to the viscous force.
We can also use the Couette flow shown in Figure 1.14 to illustrate this interpretation
of the Reynolds number. The viscous force acting on the fluid at any point in the flow, Fv ,
is given by the viscous stress times the area, so that
µU
Fv = A
h
We can estimate the magnitude of the corresponding inertial force, Fi , by finding the change
in the momentum of the fluid between the top and bottom plates. Since the momentum of
the flow in contact with the bottom plate is zero, the change in momentum is ρU 2 A, and so
Fi = ρU 2 A
Hence
Fi ρU 2 A ρU h
= µU = = Re
Fv h A
µ
From this example, we see again that the Reynolds number represents the ratio of a typical
inertia force to a typical viscous force.
When the Reynolds number is very large, it would seem possible to neglect the viscous
stress term in the Navier-Stokes equation. Very close to a solid surface, however, where
boundary layers form, the relevant Reynolds number must be based on some measure of
the viscous layer thickness, since that is the proper scale for the velocity gradient, and the
resulting viscous stresses. Therefore, near a solid surface, within the boundary layer, the
viscous term always remains important. Outside the boundary layer, it can often be ignored.
Figure 7.5: Testing a model ship in a towing tank at the Naval Ship Research and Development
Center, Carderock, Maryland.
7.8 Scale Modeling

Dimensional analysis is particularly useful for problems where we cannot find solutions to
the equations of motion, and where we need to conduct experiments to determine the flow
behavior. When investigating the flow over vehicles, it is often useful to test scale models of
full-scale vehicles. To design a new airplane, for example, many hours of wind tunnel tests
are performed to test scale models of different wings and fuselage shapes. To help design
boats and ships, scale models are often tested in towing tanks (Figure 7.5).
Scale models are used to save money since it is much cheaper to build a series of models
than a series of full-scale vehicles, and model tests can be used to develop scaling laws.
Scaling laws are needed to predict full-scale results from model tests. However, it is not
always possible to test a scale model so that the flow conditions are exactly similar to those
experienced by the full-scale vehicle. In that case, different size models are often used to
give information on how the results might be extrapolated to the full scale.
We have seen how dimensional analysis can be used to find and interpret the nondimen-
sional parameters that govern problems in fluid mechanics. It can also be used to determine
the conditions for similarity in scale modeling. A scale model will only give correct results if
the flow is similar to the full scale prototype. What do the words “similar” or “similarity”
mean in this context? We have three levels of similarity that must be satisfied before a
model can be said to be completely similar: geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similarity.
7.8.1 Geometric similarity

The model must have the same shape as the prototype, that is, it must be geometrically
similar. This requires that corresponding lengths are related by a constant ratio. A model
car, for instance, will be geometrically similar to the full-scale vehicle if
(length)m (width)m (height)m

= = = rg (7.24)
(length)p (width)p (height)p
7.8. SCALE MODELING 145
Figure 7.6: Flow over an airfoil.
and so on, where the subscripts m and p denote model and full-scale prototype, respec-
tively, and rg is the scaling constant. When buying a model airplane kit, for example, the
model might be advertised as a 1/72-scale model, which means that rg = 1/72, and all
corresponding dimensions are in the ratio 1:72.
7.8.2 Kinematic similarity

A flow field is kinematically similar if, at corresponding points in the flow, the velocities (at
corresponding times) are in a constant ratio, rk . For example, the flow over a model airfoil
(Figure 7.6) will be kinematically similar to the full-scale airfoil if
V1m V2m V3m
= = = rk (7.25)
V1p V2p V3p
and so on, where Vm and Vp are the velocities in the model and prototype. respectively. If
this condition is satisfied, the two flow fields will have exactly the same appearance.
7.8.3 Dynamic similarity

For dynamic similarity, corresponding forces need to be in a constant ratio. For instance,
the forces acting on a fluid element are those due to pressure, viscous stresses, gravity and
inertia. So
(force due to viscous stresse)m (inertia force)m
= = rd (7.26)
(force due to viscous stresses)p (inertia force)p
and so on for the other forces. In this case, all forces are in model are in the proper ratio
when compared to the full scale prototype.
We see that to make the flow over a model completely similar to the flow over the
prototype, we need to satisfy geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similarity. For geometric
similarity we require the condition given in equation 7.24. This condition can be written
with model quantities on one side and full scale quantities on the other, so that, for geometric
similarity
L L
= (7.27)
W m W p
where L is the length, and W is the width, for example. For kinematic similarity we require
the condition given in equation 7.25, which can be written as

V1 V1
= (7.28)
V2 m V2 p
For dynamic similarity we require the condition given in equation 7.26, which can be written
as
Fi Fi
= (7.29)
Fv m Fv p
where Fi is the force due to inertia, and Fv is the force due to viscous stresses.
We recognize the ratios in equations 7.27, 7.28, and 7.29 as nondimensional groups, and
we see that
For two flows to be dynamically similar, all of the nondimensional groups must have
the same value.
We know many of these nondimensional parameters by name. For example

Fi inertia force
= = Reynolds number = Re
Fv viscous force
inertia force
= Froude number = F
gravitational force
pressure force
= pressure coefficient = Cp
inertia force
lift force
= lift coefficient = CL
inertia force
drag force
= drag coefficient = CD
inertia force
flow speed
= Mach number = M
sound speed
unsteady time scale
= Strouhal number = St
flow time scale
inertia force
= Weber number = W e
surface tension force
The physical significance of these nondimensional groups is largely derived from the equa-
tions of motion, as noted in Section 7.7. It is the concept of similarity, and the basic
equations of motion that underlie this concept, which helps us to understand the physical
significance of the nondimensional parameters in common use.
For any given problem, many different forces could be acting. For example, the flow of
a viscous fluid in a narrow open channel, for instance, could be affected by viscous forces,
inertia forces, gravitational forces, surface tension, and other such forces. To model this flow
accurately, the Reynolds number, Froude number and Weber number must all be the same
as in the full scale flow. This is not usually possible, but in most cases some approximations
can be made. Some forces may be more important than others, and therefore some effects
may be neglected. A limited type of similarity can then be achieved which may be accurate
enough. If the channel flow considered in this example is not too narrow and the fluid
viscosity is not all that important, then a sufficient level of dynamic similarity may be
achieved if the ratio of the inertia force to the gravitational force (the Froude number) is
the same for model and prototype.
Chapter 8
Viscous Internal Flows
8.1 Introduction
In this chapter and in Chapter 9, we examine viscous flows. Viscous flows are flows where
viscous stresses exert significant forces on the fluid, and viscous energy dissipation is impor-
tant. Here, we concentrate on internal flows, that is, flows through pipes and ducts, and in
Chapter 9 we examine external flows, which include the flow over the surfaces of airplanes,
ships and automobiles.
The flow of fluids through pipes and ducts of different shapes is extremely important in
all kinds of engineering applications, including the transport of water, oil, natural gas and
sewage, and the design of heating and air conditioning systems in buildings and vehicles, as
well as heat exchanger systems of all kinds. In biological systems, the flow of blood and air
through the respiratory and circulatory systems are also dominated by viscous effects.
Three basic phenomena are important to the understanding of viscous flows.
1. The appearance of viscous stresses due to the relative motion of fluid particles.
2. The development of velocity gradients by the no-slip condition whenever the fluid is
in contact with a solid surface.
3. The transition of laminar to turbulent flow as the Reynolds number increases.
For flow through long ducts, there is an additional phenomenon where the velocity profile
far from the entry to the duct becomes fully developed, which means it becomes independent
of the distance from the entry. Some of these concepts were introduced as early as Chapter 1,
but we will now study each phenomenon in detail as a necessary prelude to analyzing laminar
and turbulent flow in pipes, ducts, and piping systems.
8.2 Viscous Stresses and Reynolds Number

In Chapter 1, it was noted that the most characteristic property of fluids, their capacity to
flow and change shape, is a result of their inability to support shearing stresses. Whenever
a fluid is undergoing a deformation, relative motions occur, and shearing stresses become
important. The magnitude of the shear stress τ is related to the rate of deformation, that is,
the rate at which one part of the fluid is moving with respect to another part. In other words,
τ depends on the strength of the velocity gradients, so that, for a simple two-dimensional
flow in the x-y plane
∂u
τyx = µ
∂y
147
148 CHAPTER 8. VISCOUS INTERNAL FLOWS
(see Section 1.6.1). Many common fluids obey this “Newtonian” relationship where the
stress is proportional to the strain rate, including air and water over very wide ranges of
pressures and temperatures.
When the viscous stresses are included in the differential form of the momentum equa-
tion, we obtain the Navier-Stokes equation. For an incompressible fluid, this equation is
DV 1
= − ∇p + g + ν∇2 V (8.1)
Dt ρ
The Navier-Stokes equation is a nonlinear, partial differential equation, and no general

solution exists (see Section 5.3.2). Nevertheless, some insight may be gained by non-
dimensionalizing this equation, as shown in Section 7.6. With a suitable choice of length
and velocity scales, the coefficients in the non-dimensional equation indicate the relative
importance of each term. The coefficient on the viscous term was given by the reciprocal
of a Reynolds number (see equation 7.23), so that the Reynolds number gives a measure of
how important the inertia force is compared to the viscous force.
When the Reynolds number is small (less than one, say), we would expect the viscous
terms to be important everywhere in the flow field. Small Reynolds numbers mean very slow
flow, or very small characteristic lengths, or very high kinematic viscosity, or all three. For
example, a fish of length 1 mm, swimming at 1 mm/s in water, where ν = 10−6 m2 /s, has
a Reynolds number of one. Dust particles settling in the atmosphere may have Reynolds
numbers of order 0.01. The flow of oil in a bearing where the clearances are typically very
small, is also dominated by viscous stresses. We call these flows creeping flows.
In this chapter, we are interested in flows of more general engineering interest, where
the Reynolds numbers are considerably larger, of order 100 to 1000 (at least). Under these
conditions, viscous effects only become important in relatively thin regions where the velocity
gradients are large, such as in boundary layers, fully developed internal flows, jets, and
wakes.
8.3 Boundary Layers and Fully Developed Flow

When a viscous fluid flows over a solid surface, the no-slip condition requires that right at
the surface there is no relative motion between the fluid and the surface (see Section 1.7).
As a result, strong velocity gradients appear in the region near the surface. At Reynolds
numbers very large compared to one, this region is always very thin and it is called the
boundary layer. By definition, the boundary layer is the region where velocity gradients are
large enough to produce significant viscous stresses, and significant dissipation of mechanical
energy. The region outside the boundary layer is called the freestream. It is also sometimes
called the inviscid freestream, not because the fluid there is inviscid but because there are
no significant velocity gradients in that region and viscous stresses are negligible.
Consider the simple flow of a viscous fluid over a flat surface aligned with the flow
direction. At any given point within the boundary layer, viscous diffusion tends to smooth
out velocity differences. That is, the viscous stresses tend to decrease the velocity of the
flow on the high speed side of the point in question, and increase the velocity on the low
speed side. At the edge of the boundary layer, therefore, viscous action will also tend to
slow the freestream fluid, and as we proceed downstream, more and more of the freestream
flow is affected by friction. Therefore the thickness of the boundary layer will grow with
distance downstream (see Figure 1.16).
For an internal flow, such as that in a pipe or a duct, the boundary layers will eventually
meet at the center, and at this point they cannot grow any further. The velocity profile
reaches an asymptotic state where the flow is said to be fully developed. The effects of
viscous friction are then important over the whole cross-section of the flow, and all adjacent
8.4. TRANSITION AND TURBULENCE 149
Figure 8.1: Idealized fully developed laminar pipe flow. With permission, Engineering Fluid
Mechanics, A. Mironer, MacGraw-Hill, 1979.
layers of fluids slide over each other, as shown in Figure 8.1. There is no further change in
the velocity profile with distance downstream, and so there is no further flow acceleration.
For an external flow, such as the flow over the hull of a ship, the velocity profile will
not reach an asymptotic state and the boundary layer continues to grow. Nevertheless,
the boundary layer thickness (that is, the region where appreciable flow deceleration has
occurred) will always remain small compared to the length of the surface over which the
boundary layer develops. That is, the boundary layer is “thin.”
In laminar pipe flow, fully developed flow is attained within about 0.03ReD diameters
of the entrance, where ReD is the Reynolds number based on the diameter and the average
velocity. That is, with ReD = 1000, the flow is fully developed for x > 30D. For turbulent
pipe flow, it takes about 25 to 40 pipe diameters,1 so that in many pipe flow applications
(laminar or turbulent) the flow is fully developed almost along its entire length. When the
flow is fully developed, there is no flow acceleration, and the fluid velocity at any distance
from the wall is constant with streamwise distance. The left-hand side of equation 8.1 must
be zero, and the viscous force on the fluid must be balanced exactly by forces due to gravity,
or by pressure gradients. In the absence of these forces, the fluid would decelerate and
eventually come to rest, and so work must be done on the system to keep the motion going.
Viscous, frictional stresses also cause energy dissipation in the fluid, which appears as
heat. This heat generation is not usually important at subsonic speeds since the resulting
temperature changes are typically very small. However, one example of a subsonic flow
where this heat generation is important is the flow around a closed circuit wind tunnel,
where the air is pumped around and around the same circuit. There is a continual energy
input through the work done by the fan on the air, and although some of this energy will
be lost by heat transfer to the walls of the tunnel, at high speeds this heat transfer may not
be sufficient to keep the air temperature from rising to unacceptable levels. Cooling coils
may be necessary to control the temperature.
At supersonic speeds where the Mach number M > 1, very strong velocity gradients oc-
cur within the boundary layer and sufficient heat may be generated by viscous dissipation to
change the density of the fluid significantly. At hypersonic speeds, where M 1, frictional
heating can be sufficient to cause the molecules to ionize and dissociate, as occurs during
re-entry, and thermal protection systems are necessary to avoid damage to the spacecraft.
8.4 Transition and Turbulence

We have described the flow near a solid surface in terms of the slipping of adjacent fluid
layers, where relative motion between the layers produces shearing stresses. This type of flow
1 Schlichting Boundary Layer Theory, 7th edition, published by McGraw-Hill, 1979.
Figure 8.2: Transition in water flow issuing from a faucet: (a) laminar, (b) transitional, and (c)
turbulent flow. With permission, Engineering Fluid Mechanics, A. Mironer, MacGraw-Hill, 1979.
is called laminar flow, and it is seen whenever the Reynolds number is small (here “small”
means less than about 1000 to 10,000 based on the freestream velocity and the characteristic
length of the flow). At higher Reynolds numbers, the flow changes its nature, and instead of
smooth, well-ordered, laminar flow, irregular eddying motions appear indicating the presence
of turbulent flow. Because of the high degree of activity associated with turbulent eddies
and their fluctuating velocities, the viscous energy dissipation inside a turbulent flow can
be very much greater than in a laminar flow.
We can observe this transition from laminar to turbulent flow by examining the flow
from a faucet. If the faucet is turned on very slowly, a smooth, orderly flow is observed.
This is laminar flow [Figure 8.2(a)]. When the faucet is opened a little more, perturbations
will start to appear in the surface of the jet. Occasionally, the whole of the jet takes on an
irregular appearance, and then it may revert to its laminar state [Figure 8.2(b)]. If the faucet
is now opened fully, the jet will become fully turbulent [Figure 8.2(c)] and its appearance
will change in a seemingly random way. Although its average motion is in one direction
(downward), within the flow there are irregularities in the velocity everywhere. Have you
ever watched cigarette smoke rise smoothly for a short distance, then burst into a seemingly
chaotic flow? This is another example of transition and turbulence. For example, a smoke
particle would, on average, move in the principal flow direction (upward) but it would jitter
as well, sometimes moving to one side, or up, or down. Turbulent flow, while proceeding
on average in a particular direction, like laminar flow, has the added complexity of three-
dimensional random velocity fluctuations. These random motions help to mix turbulent
flows, so that temperature and velocity differences, for example, are smoothed out much
more quickly in turbulent flow than they would be in a laminar flow.
Turbulence, or the presence of eddies in a moving fluid, gives rise to the

twofold effect of a pronounced mixing of the fluid and a subsequent dissipation of
energy. Like solid friction, fluid turbulence is sometimes a blessing to mankind,
and sometimes a curse. Without the mixing which eddies produce, both the water
in boiler tubes and the air surrounding the earth would be very poor distributors
8.5. POISEUILLE FLOW 151
of heat; steam engines would prove too costly to run, and the atmosphere would
be incapable of supporting life. On the other hand, dust storms would not then
occur, nor would rivers transport their tremendous loads of silt from the foothills
to the sea. Without means of producing eddies in the process of propulsion,
moreover, a swimmer—or an ocean liner—could make little headway, just as a
car would remain at rest if friction provided no tractive force. Yet, paradoxically,
were turbulence not produced by the motion of a body through a fluid, the process
of streamlining would be quite unnecessary.2
8.5 Poiseuille Flow

It is possible to find exact solutions to equation 8.1 for fully developed pipe flow, as long as
the flow is laminar and not turbulent (this is called Poiseuille flow). It is also possible to
find a solution for fully developed, laminar flow in a rectangular duct (this is called plane
Poiseuille flow). Here, we will derive the solutions for these two cases from first principles,
starting with duct flow. The results are very similar, and they differ only in the constants
that appear in the equations.
8.5.1 Fully developed duct flow

Consider laminar, two-dimensional, steady, constant density duct flow, far from the entrance,
so that the flow is fully developed. The duct is rectangular in cross-section, of width W
and height D so that W >> D, and it is horizontal, so we do not need to include the forces
due to gravity. For a duct, laminar flow requires that the Reynolds number V D/ν is less
than about 2000, where V is the average velocity. We can find the velocity profile and the
friction factor, as follows.
We start with the Navier-Stokes equation (equation 8.1). The notation is as given in
Figure 8.3. For negligible body forces and fully developed flow (where the acceleration is
zero), this equation reduces to
1
0 = − ∇p + ν∇2 V (8.2)
ρ
The streamlines are parallel, and the flow is two-dimensional, so that v = w = 0, and
V = ui. In addition, the pressure gradient is constant across any cross-section of the duct,
so that it can only vary in the streamwise direction, p = p(x). It follows that
1 dp d2 u
= ν 2 (8.3)
ρ dx dy
Equation 8.3 holds for all fully developed flows in the absence of body forces. It can
be solved by separation of variables, since the pressure term only depends on x, and the
viscous term only depends on y. Therefore the equation can only be satisfied if both terms
are equal to a constant, −K, say. Hence
dp
= −K (8.4)
dx
d2 u
and µ = −K (8.5)
dy 2
We see that the pressure varies linearly with distance. In addition, we expect K to be a
positive constant since the pressure must decrease with distance along the duct.
2 Elementary Mechanics of Fluids, by H. Rouse, published by Dover Edition, 1978.
Figure 8.3: Parabolic velocity profile in fully developed laminar duct flow.
We can integrate equation 8.5 twice to obtain the velocity profile. The boundary condi-
tions are
u = 0, at y = ±D/2 (no-slip)
du
and = 0, at y=0 (symmetry)
dy
Hence " 2 #
KD2 2y
u= 1− (8.6)
8µ D
The average velocity V is defined by (equation 7.15). For a duct, the average velocity is
given by
D/2
KD2
Z Z
1 1
V = udA = u W dy = (8.7)
A WD 12µ
−D/2
Therefore
dp 12µV
K = − = (8.8)
dx D2
From equations 8.6 and 8.8 we obtain
" 2 #
u 3 2y
= 1− (8.9)
V 2 D
We find that the laminar velocity profile is parabolic, as illustrated in Figure 8.3, with a
maximum velocity Umax = 3V /2. The friction factor (see equation 7.18) is given by
∆p dp
L D − dx D dp 2D 24µ
f= 2 = 2 = − =
1 1 dx ρV 2 ρV D
2 ρV 2 ρV
where the pressure gradient was eliminated using equation 8.8. That is,
24
f= (8.10)
Re
which holds for smooth rectangular ducts where ReD = ρV D/µ is less than about 1400 (the
exact Reynolds number value depends on the aspect ratio of the duct).
Figure 8.4: Integral control volume for fully developed flow in a rectangular duct.
We can find the stress at the wall (y = −D/2) by differentiating equation 8.6. That is,

∂u D dp
τw = µ =− (8.11)
∂y w 2 dx
The same result can be obtained using a control volume. Consider the control volume of
length dx shown in Figure 8.4. If the flow is fully developed, the influx and outflux of
momentum have the same magnitude but opposite sign and so they cancel. Since there is
no change in the flow momentum, the flow must be in equilibrium under the applied forces:
the force acting on the fluid due to the pressure drop is balanced by the force due to the
viscous stress acting on the interior surface of the duct. The pressure over the inflow area
is p − (dp/dx) dx dx
2 , and over the outflow area it is p + (dp/dx) 2 . The force due to pressure
differences acts over the cross-sectional area W D. The shear stress on the surface τw acts
on the area 2 (w + D) dx. Hence
0 = p + 12 dp wD − p − 21 dp wD + 2τw (w + D) dx

and so
dp (w + D)
= − 2τw
dx wD
For a two-dimensional flow w D, and we can show that
D dp
τw = −
2 dx
which is the same result obtained in equation 8.11.
8.5.2 Fully developed pipe flow

Here we consider fully developed laminar flow in a smooth, circular, horizontal pipe. In
Chapter 7, this flow was examined using dimensional analysis (Section 7.5). For a smooth
pipe of length L and diameter D, we found

∆p ρV̄ D L
1 2
= φ1 ,
2 ρV̄
µ D
where the pressure drop over the length L is ∆p, and V is the average velocity over the cross-
section of the pipe. That is, the non-dimensional pressure drop depends on the Reynolds
number based on the average velocity and the pipe diameter, and the length-to-diameter
ratio of the pipe. When the pipe is long compared to its diameter, an asymptotic, fully
developed state exists where the flow properties do not change with further increase in
length. As in fully developed duct flow, the mean velocity profile is then independent of the
distance along the pipe. In that case, the parameter L/D should no longer be important,
in which case the resistance relationship for fully developed smooth pipe flow becomes

∆p
L D
ρV̄ D

f ≡ 1 2 = φ = φ (ReD )
2 ρV̄
µ
where f is the friction factor. Here, we have chosen to represent the pressure drop in terms
of a pressure gradient, ∆p/L. We see that for fully developed pipe flow, the friction factor
depends only on the Reynolds number, ReD .
For fully developed laminar flow, we can solve the Navier-Stokes equation to find the
functional relationship. We begin with the form given by equation 8.2, which, for two-
dimensional flow in cylindrical coordinates, reduces to

1 dp ν d du
= r (8.12)
ρ dx r dr dr
The notation is as given in Figure 8.5. This equation can be satisfied only if the left hand
side and the right hand side are equal to a constant, −K 0 , say. Hence
dp
= −K 0 (8.13)
dx

ν d du
r = −K 0 (8.14)
r dr dr
The pressure varies linearly with distance, and we expect K 0 to be a positive constant since
the pressure must decrease with distance along the pipe.
We can integrate equation 8.14 to give
du r2
r = −K 0 + c1
dr 2ν
or
du r c1
= −K 0 +
dr 2ν r
Integrating one more time gives
r2
u = −K 0 + c1 ln r + c2
4ν
Using the boundary conditions
u = 0, at r = ±D/2 (no-slip)
du
= 0, at r=0 (symmetry)
dr
we find c1 = 0, and c2 = K 0 D2 /16µ, so that
" 2 #
K 0 D2 2r
u= 1− (8.15)
16µ D
The average velocity V for a pipe is given by

D/2
K 0 D2
Z Z
1 1
V = udA = π 2 u 2πrdr = (8.16)
A 4 D 32µ
0
Figure 8.5: Parabolic velocity profile in fully developed laminar pipe flow.
Therefore
dp 32µV
K0 = − = (8.17)
dx D2
From equations 8.15 and 8.17 we obtain
" 2 #
u 2r
= 2 1− (8.18)
V D
We find that the velocity profile for laminar pipe flow is parabolic, as in the case of the
rectangular duct, but this time with a maximum velocity Umax = 2V on the centerline.
The friction factor is given by
∆p dp
L D − dx D 64µ
f= 2 = 2 =
1 1 ρV D
2 ρV 2 ρV
where the pressure gradient was eliminated using equation 8.16. That is,
64
f= (8.19)
Re
which holds for smooth circular pipes and tubes where ReD = ρV D/µ is less than 2300,
and where the flow is laminar.
We can find the stress at the wall (y = −D/2) by differentiating equation 8.15. That is,

∂u D dp
τw = µ =− (8.20)
∂r w 4 dx
Figure 8.6: Integral control volume for fully developed flow in a circular pipe.
The same result can be obtained using a control volume. Consider the control volume of
length dx shown in Figure 8.6. The pressure over the inflow area is p − (dp/dx) dx 2 , and
dx
over the outflow area it is p + (dp/dx) 2 . Since the flow is fully developed, the flow is in
equilibrium
under the applied forces. The pressure drop acts on the cross-sectional area
πD2 4, and the viscous stress acts on the area 2πDdx. Hence
πD2 πD2
0 = p + 12 dp − p − 21 dp + τw πD dx
4 4
so that
D dp
τw = −
4 dx
which is the same result given in equation 8.20.
8.6 Transition in Pipe Flow

The experimental friction factors for circular pipes and tubes are shown in Figure 8.7. This
is called the Moody diagram, after Lewis Ferry Moody, a former Princeton professor. As
expected from the dimensional analysis given in Section 7.5, all the data collapse onto curves
that depend on just three nondimensional groups: the friction factor f , the Reynolds number
ReD , and the relative roughness k/D. This is true for laminar and turbulent flows.
The Moody diagram displays only one curve for ReD < 2300: this is the laminar flow
regime where the layers of fluid slide over each other, and all the pressure drop is due to
viscous stresses set up by the velocity gradient. Surface roughness does not affect the drag
in the laminar flow regime. However, for Reynolds numbers greater than 2300, transition
to turbulence can occur. The precise value of the Reynolds number where transition occurs
depends on many factors, including surface roughness, vibrations, and noise levels.
To understand why these factors are important, and to appreciate the role of the
Reynolds number in governing the stability of the flow, it is helpful to think in terms of a
spring-damper system such as the suspension system of a car. Driving along a bumpy road,
the springs act to smooth the movement experienced by the car body. If there were no shock
absorbers, however, there would be no damping of the motion, and the car would continue
to oscillate long after the bump has been left behind. So the shock absorbers, through a
viscous damping action, dissipate the energy in the oscillations and reduce their amplitude.
If the viscous action is strong enough, the oscillations will die out very quickly and the car
can proceed smoothly. If the shock absorbers are not in good shape, the oscillations may
not die out. The oscillations can actually grow if the excitation frequency is in the right
range, and the system can experience resonance. The car becomes unstable, and it is then
virtually uncontrollable.
The stability of a fluid flow is similarly dependent on the relative strengths of the flow
acceleration and the viscous damping. This is expressed by the Reynolds number, which
is the ratio of a typical inertia force to a typical viscous force (see Section 7.7). At low
Reynolds numbers, the viscous force is large compared to the inertia force, and the flow
behaves in some ways like a car with a good suspension system. Small disturbances in the
velocity field, created perhaps by small roughness elements on the surface, or by pressure
perturbations from external sources such as vibrations of the pipe, or even the presence
of loud noises, will be damped out and not allowed to grow. This is the case for pipe
flow at Reynolds numbers smaller than the critical value of 2300. As the Reynolds number
increases, however, the viscous damping action becomes comparatively smaller, and at some
point it becomes possible for small perturbations to grow, just as in the case of a car with
poor shock absorbers. The flow can become unstable, and it can experience transition to a
turbulent state where large variations in the velocity field can be maintained.
8.7. TURBULENT PIPE FLOW 157
The point where the disturbances will grow rather than decay will also depend on the
magnitude and frequency of the disturbances. If the disturbances are very small, as in the
case where the walls are very smooth, or if the frequency of the disturbance is not close
to resonance, transition to turbulence will occur at a Reynolds number higher than the
critical value. The point of transition does not correspond to a single Reynolds number,
and it is possible to delay transition to relatively large Reynolds numbers by controlling
the disturbance environment. At very high Reynolds numbers, however, it is impossible
to maintain laminar flow since under these conditions even minute disturbances will be
amplified into turbulence.
8.7 Turbulent Pipe Flow

In turbulent flow, a significant part of the mechanical energy in the flow goes into forming
and maintaining randomly eddying motions which eventually dissipate their kinetic energy
into heat. At a given Reynolds number, therefore, we expect the drag of a turbulent flow
to be higher than the drag of a laminar flow, and the results shown in the Moody diagram
(Figure 8.7) confirm this expectation. Also, turbulent flow is affected by surface roughness,
in that the friction factor for turbulent flow is larger than for laminar flow at the same
Reynolds number. The roughness elements can create additional turbulence by shedding
vortices, so that increasing roughness increases the drag. If the roughness is large enough,
and the Reynolds number is large enough, the drag becomes independent of Reynolds num-
ber and the friction factor becomes a function of the relative roughness only. For example,
when k/D = 0.006 and ReD > 3 × 105 , Figure 8.7 shows that f is a constant equal to 0.032.
The unsteady eddying motions in turbulent flow are in constant movement with respect
Figure 8.7: Moody diagram for fully developed flow in circular pipes. Laminar flow is described
by equation 8.19. Prandtl’s universal law of friction for turbulent smooth pipes is given by equa-
tion 8.25. Adapted from Moody, L.F. “Friction factors for pipe flow,” Trans. ASME, 66, 671–684,
with permission.
Figure 8.8: Velocity at a point in a turbulent flow as a function of time.
to each other, producing fluctuations in the flow velocity and pressure. If we were to measure
the instantaneous streamwise velocity in turbulent pipe flow, we would see a variation in
time as shown in Figure 8.8. We define a time-averaged or “mean” value, hU i, by
t+T
Z
1
hU i ≡ lim u dt (8.21)
T →∞ T
t
and a fluctuating value u0 (= u − hU i), so that hU i is 0

pnot a function of time, but u is. We
can also define an rms turbulence intensity, urms = u0 2 /hU i, where
t+T
Z
1 2
u0 2 ≡ lim (u − hU i) dt (8.22)
T →∞ T
t
Turbulence is three-dimensional, so that the velocity fluctuations have three components:

u0 , v 0 , and w0 .
The turbulent eddies interact with each other as they move around, and they can ex-
change momentum and energy. For example, an eddy that is near the centerline of the pipe
(and therefore has a relatively high average velocity), may move towards the wall and inter-
act with eddies near the wall (which typically have lower average velocities). As they mix,
momentum differences are smoothed out. This process is superficially similar to the action
of viscosity, which tends to smooth out momentum gradients by molecular interactions, and
therefore turbulent flows are sometimes said to have an equivalent eddy viscosity. Because
turbulent mixing is such an effective transport process, the eddy viscosity is typically several
orders of magnitude larger than the molecular viscosity.
The important point is that turbulent flows are very effective at mixing: the eddying
motions can very quickly transport mass, momentum and energy from one place to another.
As a result, velocity, temperature and concentration differences get smoothed out more
effectively than in a laminar flow, and, for example, the time-averaged velocity profile in
a turbulent pipe flow is much more uniform than in a laminar flow (see Figure 8.9). We
call this profile “fuller”, that it has higher velocities near the wall than for the comparable
laminar profile. The velocity profile is no longer parabolic, and it is sometimes approximated
by a power law, such as
1/n
hU i 2y
= (8.23)
UCL D
where UCL is the mean velocity on the centerline, y is the distance from the wall. The
exponent n varies with Reynolds number (for a Reynolds number ReD of about 100,000,
n = 7).
8.8. ENERGY EQUATION FOR PIPE FLOW 159
Figure 8.9: Distributions of streamwise velocity in laminar and turbulent pipe flow. (a) Comparison
of laminar and time-averaged turbulent velocity profiles. (b) Comparison of turbulent instantaneous
and time-averaged velocity profiles.
As a result of this mixing, the velocity gradient at the wall is higher than that found
in a laminar flow at the same Reynolds number, so that the shear stress at the wall is
correspondingly larger [see Figure 8.9(a)]. This observation agrees with the fact that, since
the energy losses in a turbulent flow are higher than in a laminar flow, the pressure drop per
unit length will be greater. From the momentum balance considered in Section 8.5.2, we
know that there must be a larger frictional stress at the wall, which in turn requires a higher
velocity gradient at the wall. Note that we cannot evaluate the wall stress from equation 8.23
since this approximation to the velocity profile actually gives an infinite velocity gradient
(and therefore an infinite stress) at the wall (where y = 0). Near the wall, equation 8.23
cannot be correct. However, for turbulent flow there are no exact solutions available for
either the velocity profile or the friction factor variation with Reynolds number. Instead,
we must always rely on experimental data, and scaling arguments based on dimensional
analysis.
For the friction factor in turbulent pipe flow at Reynolds numbers less than about 105 ,
the Blasius friction relationship is often used, where
0.3164
f= (8.24)
Re0.25
D
For Reynolds numbers greater than 105 , we often use the semi-empirical relation
1 p
√ = 2.0 log ReD f − 0.8 (8.25)
f
which is known as Prandtl’s universal law of friction for smooth pipes. The line in Figure 8.7
that corresponds to turbulent flow in a smooth pipe is a combination of equations 8.24 and
8.25. A more accurate form is given by
1 p 233
√ = 1.873 log ReD f − 0.2631 − √ 0.90 (8.26)
f ReD f
which describes the friction factor to within 1.4 % for Reynolds numbers from 10 × 103 to
35 × 106 .3
8.8 Energy Equation for Pipe Flow

So far, we have considered only simple ducts and pipes, without worrying about how these
elements fit into a piping or ducting system. Whenever a duct changes its size, either
through a gradual diffuser or by a sudden expansion, or when a valve is installed somewhere
3 B.J. McKeon, M.V. Zagarola & A.J. Smits, J. Fluid Mech., 538, 429–443, 2005.
along the pipe, or when a pipe flow enters or leaves a tank in a non-ideal way, there will be
additional losses in the system, manifesting themselves as a drop in pressure. Roughness
can also be very important. When a pipe system ages, corrosion can roughen the surface of
the pipes, and scale can build up, so that the losses due to friction can increase dramatically.
As we will show in Section 8.9, for a given available pressure head, increased losses in the
system will reduce the flow rate. The Moody diagram (Figure 8.7) can be used to find the
friction factor for laminar and turbulent pipe and duct flows, but to design piping systems
we need to know the effects of pipe fittings, valves, diffusers, etc.
Piping and ducting systems are commonly analyzed using the energy equation. In order
to do so, two modifications are necessary. First, viscous internal flows are two-dimensional,
and in order to use the one-dimensional energy equation we introduce the kinetic energy co-
efficient, α. This coefficient allows us to define an average velocity so that a two-dimensional
field can be represented as an “equivalent” one-dimensional field.
Second, friction factors and loss coefficients are introduced into the energy equation to
represent the kinetic energy losses in the system. These coefficients are determined from
theory (when that is possible), or from empirical relationships established from experience.
8.8.1 Kinetic energy coefficient

Consider the steady flow of an incompressible fluid through a pipe of variable cross section.
We draw a control volume as shown in Figure 8.10, and apply the steady flow energy equation
in integral form (equation 3.25). That is,
Z
p
(n · ρV) û + + 12 V 2 + gz dA = Q̇ + Ẇshaf t
ρ
where Q̇ is the heat transferred to the fluid, Ẇshaf t is the rate of doing work on the fluid
by a machine (for example, by a pump or turbine), and û is the internal energy of the fluid
per unit mass.. If the pressures and internal energy at stations 1 and 2 are uniform,

p2 p1
Q̇ + Ẇshaf t = ṁ (û2 − û1 ) + ṁ − + ṁg (z2 − z1 )
ρ ρ
Z Z
ρV2 12 V22 dA2 − ρV1 12 V12 dA1

+ (8.27)
When the velocity varies across the pipe, the kinetic energy also varies across the pipe.
To treat the flow as one-dimensional, we need to introduce an equivalent kinetic energy,
based on the average velocity V rather than the spatially varying velocities V1 and V2 . The
advantage of using an average velocity V is that it is relatively easy to measure (for example,
if the fluid was a liquid, we could use a bucket and a stopwatch to find the volume flow rate,
Figure 8.10: Control volume applied to steady, two-dimensional flow through a pipe of varying
cross section.
and then V is found by dividing the volume flow rate by the interior cross-sectional area of
the pipe).
How do we achieve this aim of finding an equivalent kinetic energy? The important re-
quirement is that the kinetic energy flux through the pipe is accurately represented. Specif-
ically, we would like to define an average kinetic energy flux based on the mean velocity,
which is equal to the actual kinetic energy flux. For a pipe flow, the actual kinetic energy
flux through area A is given by
Z
1 3
actual KE flux = 2 ρV dA
where the velocity V varies across the area. The average kinetic energy flux through the pipe
is given by the volume flow rate times the average kinetic energy. The average kinetic energy
2 2
may be written as some multiple of 12 ρV , say α 12 ρV , where the value of the coefficient α
depends only on the shape of the velocity profile. Therefore
1 3
average KE flux = 2 αρV A
By equating the actual and the average kinetic energy fluxes we obtain
Z
1
α= 3 V 3 dA (8.28)
AV
which defines the kinetic energy coefficient, α. This coefficient can be found if the velocity
profile shape is known. In Section 8.5.2 we showed that velocity profile for laminar pipe
flow is parabolic, which gives α = 2.0. Turbulent pipe flow has a considerably flatter profile
so that the velocity over much of the cross-section is close to the average value, and we find
by experiment that 1.08 > α > 1.03. It is commonly assumed that α = 1 for turbulent flow,
which is also the value for a flow that is precisely one-dimensional where V = V .
We can now write the energy equation for a two-dimensional flow in an equivalent one-
dimensional form, using
Z
1 3 1 3 1 2 2
KE flux = 2 ρV dA = 2 αρV A = ρV A 2 αV = ṁ 12 αV
Equation 8.27 then becomes

p2 p1 2 2
Q̇ + Ẇshaf t
(û2 − û1 ) + − + g (z2 − z1 ) + 12 α2 V 2 − 12 α1 V 1 =
ρ ρ ṁ
At this stage, we could introduce the enthalpy h here, since h = û + p/ρ, but for pipe flow
problems it is more useful to write

p1 2 p2 2 Q̇ + Ẇshaf t
+ gz1 + 12 α1 V 1 − + gz2 + 12 α2 V 2 = (û2 − û1 ) − (8.29)
ρ ρ ṁ
For pipe flow, the change in internal energy (û2 − û1 ) is written as gh` , where h` is called
the total head loss and it represents the irreversible conversion of mechanical energy to heat
(see Section 8.8.1). It has the dimensions of length.
Finally, we have the energy equation in a form that is convenient for pipe flow analysis,
in that

p1 2 p2 2 Q̇ + Ẇshaf t
+ gz1 + 12 α1 V 1 − + gz2 + 21 α2 V 2 = gh` − (8.30)
ρ ρ ṁ
Type k (mm) k (f t)
Glass Smooth Smooth

Asphalted cast iron 0.12 0.0004
Galvanized iron 0.15 0.0005
Cast iron 0.26 0.00085
Wood stave 0.18–0.90 0.006–0.003
Concrete 0.30–3.0 0.001–0.01
Riveted steel 1.0–10 0.003–0.03
Drawn tubing 0.0015 0.000005
Table 8.1: Roughness height k of common pipe materials. Source: Introduction to Fluid Mechanics,
John & Haberman, Prentice-Hall, 1988.
8.8.2 Major and minor losses

We now consider how the total head loss h` may be calculated. In a piping network, the
total head loss is the sum of major losses and minor losses. That is,
h` = h`,maj + h`,min
Major losses are due to friction. For a given length L of pipe with a constant diameter D,
carrying a fluid with an average velocity V , these losses can be written as
2
LV
hl,maj = major losses = f
D 2g
where f is the friction factor . The Moody diagram gives the value of f as a function of
Reynolds number and relative roughness height k/D (see Figure 8.7). The minimum rough-
ness is called smooth, or hydraulically smooth. Equivalent roughness heights for different
pipe materials are listed in Table 8.1.
Minor losses are due to entrances, fittings, area changes, and so forth. Whenever a pipe
flow goes around a bend, or changes its cross-sectional area, or it is throttled by a valve,
flow separation and secondary flows can occur. When a flow separates, the fluid is no longer
smoothly flowing in the intended direction. Significant parts of the fluid are eddying and
recirculating in a way that absorbs a lot of mechanical energy without doing any useful
work. Some examples are given in Figure 8.11. In addition, when the flow passes through a
bend, the path followed by the fluid often becomes twisted, so that the flow downstream of
the bend has two components of velocity: a component in the downstream direction, and
a circumferential or “secondary” component. The secondary flow absorbs flow energy, and
therefore contributes to the loss of total energy.
Minor losses for inlets, exits, enlargements and contractions are written as
2
V
hl,min = (minor losses)a = K
2g
where K is a loss coefficient, which depends on the type of fitting. Typical values of K
are 0.6 for a sudden two-fold increase in diameter, and 0.5 for a square-edged entry from a
reservoir into a pipe (a sudden very large decrease in diameter). Even a minor rounding of
the entry to the pipe reduces the loss coefficient significantly. For example, with a radius
of curvature at entry equal to just 15% of the pipe diameter, the loss coefficient reduces to
0.04 (see Table 8.2). Also, the introduction of guide vanes into bends can help to reduce the
Figure 8.11: Flow through round and square bends showing regions of separation. From Visualized
Flow , Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pergamon Press, 1988.
Entrance type K
Re-entrant 0.78
Square-edged 0.5
Rounded (r/D = 0.02) 0.28
Rounded (r/D = 0.06) 0.15
Rounded (r/D ≥ 0.15) 0.04
Exit type K
Abrupt 1.0
Table 8.2: Typical loss coefficients for pipe entrances and exits (D is the diameter of the pipe, and
r is the radius of the rounded entry). Source: Data from Crane Co., NY, Technical Paper No. 410,
1982.
regions of separated flow, thereby reducing the loss coefficient significantly (see Figure 8.12).
For pipe bends, tee fittings and valves, minor losses are sometimes written in terms of
an equivalent length of straight pipe, Le . In that case, for fully developed pipe flow with a
friction factor f and average velocity V , the losses due to pipe bends, tees and valves are
Figure 8.12: Flow through round and square bends with guide vanes. From Visualized Flow ,
Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pergamon Press, 1988.
Le
Valve or fitting D K
Gate valve (open) 8 0.20

Globe valve (open) 340 6.4
Angle valve (open) 150
Ball valve (open) 3
Standard 45◦ elbow 16 0.35
Standard 90◦ elbow 30 0.75
Long-radius 90◦ elbow 0.45
Standard tee (flow through run) 20 0.4
Standard tee (branch flow) 60 1.5
Table 8.3: Typical loss coefficients for pipe fittings. From Introduction to Fluid Mechanics,
Whitaker, Prentice-Hall, 1968, and Crane Co., NY, Technical Paper No. 410, 1982.
given by
2
Le V
hl,min = (minor losses)b = f
D 2g
Typical values of Le /D are 3 for a ball valve, 8 for a gate valve, 340 for a globe valve (all
valves wide open), and 30 for a standard 90◦ elbow, where the radius of curvature is equal
to the diameter of the pipe (see Table 8.3).
Additional information on minor loss coefficients, with an extensive discussion of pipe
flow losses, may be found in Munson, Young & Okiishi Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics,
John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
On a practical note, we can write the friction factor f in terms of the volume flow rate
q̇ = πD2 V /4:
∆pD ∆p π 2 D5
f= 2 =
1
ρV L 8ρq̇ 2 L
2
That is,
8f ρq̇ 2 L
∆p =
π2 D5
This relationship for the pressure drop is very useful for design engineers when the expected
Reynolds number is large enough for the friction factor to be moderately insensitive to
changes in the Reynolds number. What happens if your client wants to double the volume
flow rate? We see that the pressure drop would quadruple. What happens if your client
wants to maintain the volume flow rate at a constant value, but halve the recommended
pipe diameter to save money? The pressure drop would increase by a factor of 32.
8.9 Valves and Faucets

For the discharge from a tank, the exit velocity is independent of the exit area but the
discharge increases as the exit area increases, provided there are no losses. This result, ob-
tained in Section 4.3.6, appears to contradict our common experience with valves. Opening
a faucet further does not change the exit area and yet it increases the discharge rate. Why?
Valves work because they introduce losses into the system.
Imagine a constant pressure supply, such as a large tank of water, connected to a pipe
of constant diameter with a valve located somewhere along its length. Assume all the losses
8.9. VALVES AND FAUCETS 165
are small except in the valve. The pressure difference from the surface of the tank to the
exit of the tube is fixed by the depth of water in the tank, because the pressures at the
free surface of the tank and at the exit of the pipe are equal to atmospheric pressure. This
means, in effect, that there is a certain amount of potential energy available to push the
fluid through the piping system. If there are no losses anywhere, all of this potential energy
can be converted to kinetic energy of fluid √ motion. The relationship describing the exit
velocity in the absence of losses, Ve = 2gH came from the relationship 12 ρVe2 = ρgH
(Section 4.3.6), which makes this connection between kinetic and potential energies clear.
If losses occur, as in a valve or faucet, there is less potential energy available for conversion
to kinetic energy: as a result, the velocity of the outflow is reduced. More losses mean a
lower velocity and a reduced discharge, and so valves control the flow rate by changing the
losses in the system.
Where do the losses in a valve come from? Valves come in many shapes and sizes, but a
common design such as a gate valve uses a simple sliding gate with a sharp edge that moves
in and out of the flow. As the flow passes over the gate, the edge of the gate causes the flow
to separate and a recirculating region forms downstream where many losses occur. These
losses cause the pressure to drop across the valve because some of the available mechanical
energy is dissipated in the eddying motions that characterize the separated zone.
Some valves are designed to have very little energy loss when they are fully opened. In
a ball valve, for example, the valve mechanism consists of a ball with a hole drilled through
it where the hole has the same diameter as the connecting pipes. By turning the handle,
the ball rotates, so that when it is fully opened the hole in the ball is aligned with the
flow direction and there is very little disturbance to the flow. However, when it is partially
opened, losses occur as the flow passes over the edge of the misaligned hole and the flow
rate can be controlled.
The throttling effect produced by energy losses can also be observed using a garden hose.
Kinking the hose will control the flow rate (at least until the kink is severe enough to stop
the flow altogether). A kink produces losses by flow separation downstream of the kink, and
so it acts like a valve.
Another example is given by the losses due to pipe friction. The friction inside rough
pipes can be much greater than in clean, smooth pipes. For a given driving pressure,
additional work needs to be done to overcome the extra friction, and so less potential energy
is available in a rough pipe for conversion to kinetic energy than in a smooth pipe. The
velocity, and the discharge will be reduced. For this reason, replacing old copper bathroom
pipes that have corroded and developed a high degree of internal roughness with new plastic
pipes can improve the discharge from your shower head dramatically.
These considerations also help to explain why squeezing a hose near its exit will result
in a higher exit velocity. According to our earlier analysis, if there are no losses in the
system, reducing the exit area of the hose has no effect on the exit velocity. Therefore the
explanation for a higher exit velocity is connected with the losses occurring in the system.
By squeezing the end, we form a nozzle. The nozzle increases the fluid velocity and drops its
pressure, but since the pressure at the exit of the nozzle is always atmospheric, the pressure
just upstream of the nozzle must be higher than atmospheric. Inside the entire hose (except
for the nozzle itself), the driving pressure has decreased (assuming the upstream pressure
remains constant), and therefore the velocity in that part of the hose actually decreases.
Since the losses are now smaller, more pressure is available to drive the nozzle flow, which
can then reach very high exit velocities, depending on the contraction ratio. Squeezing the
hose to increase the exit velocity works particularly well if the losses due to friction in the
hose are large, so that f L/D 1.
8.10 Hydraulic Diameter

To find the friction factor for ducts with non-circular cross-section, there exists a useful
approximation, called the hydraulic diameter DH , which allows the flow in different conduits
to be compared. It is defined by
4 × cross-sectional area
DH ≡ (8.31)
perimeter
The hydraulic diameter is used to define equivalent Reynolds numbers V DH /ν and the
relative roughness factors k/DH , so that the Moody diagram can be used to estimate the
relevant friction factor. It can also be used to define equivalent head loss factors hL =
2
f (L/DH )V /2g to estimate the losses due to pipe fittings.
To show how this works, say we were asked to estimate the friction factor for a laminar
flow in a high aspect ratio rectangular duct by using the known result for a circular pipe
(equation 8.19). For a duct, the hydraulic diameter is given by
4wD
DH =
2(D + w)
Since w D, DH = 2D. Substituting DH for the diameter in equation 8.19, we have an
estimate for the friction factor for the duct flow
64 64ν 32ν
f= = =
Re V DH VD
This result is 33% larger than the actual result for a two-dimensional duct given in equa-
tion 8.10. So the concept of a hydraulic diameter does not work very well for laminar flow in
a two-dimensional duct. It tends to work better for flow in ducts with aspect ratios closer to
one, such as square ducts, or triangular ones, where the errors for laminar flow are probably
less than 10 or 15%. The approach works best for turbulent flows, where the errors in the
friction factor are probably less than 10 or 15% for all duct shapes.
8.11 Relationship of the Energy Equation to Bernoulli’s

Equation
When there are no heat interactions (adiabatic flow), and no shaft work interactions, the
pipe flow energy equation (equation 8.30) becomes
p1 2 p2 2
+ 12 α1 V 1 + gz1 = + 12 α2 V 2 + gz2 + gh` (8.32)
ρ1 ρ2
For one-dimensional flow, this reduces to
p1 p2
+ 12 V12 + gz1 = + 12 V22 + gz2 + gh` (8.33)
ρ1 ρ2
This form of the energy equation is very similar to the Bernoulli equation (equation 4.1),
except that the energy equation takes account of the changes in density and internal energy,
and it allows for losses. For constant density, frictionless flow, the one-dimensional energy
equation reduces precisely to Bernoulli’s equation, even though one was derived from the
first law of thermodynamics, and the other from Newton’s second law.
As we pointed out earlier, the terms in Bernoulli’s equation all have the dimensions of
energy per unit mass, and the equation can be interpreted as expressing the conservation of
mechanical energy. The energy equation, however, is more general. In particular, if there is
8.11. ENERGY EQUATION AND BERNOULLI EQUATION 167
friction, mechanical energy will not be conserved along streamlines and Bernoulli’s equation
cannot be used. Similarly, if there is work done on the fluid by a pump, for instance, we
must use the energy equation.
This thinking is sometimes expressed in terms a quantity called the Bernoulli constant,
B. The Bernoulli equation can be written as
p 1 2
+ V + gz = B (8.34)
ρ 2
Here, B is constant when the Bernoulli equation is applied to the steady, frictionless flow
of a constant density fluid along a streamline. By comparing this equation with the one-
dimensional energy equation (equation 8.33), we see that when losses occur (h` > 0) the
Bernoulli constant will decrease, and the amount it decreases may be identified with the
amount of mechanical energy dissipated (see, for example, Section 10.8. Alternatively,
adding heat to the fluid or passing it through a pump will increase the Bernoulli constant
(both processes add energy to the flow). See also Section 10.8.
Chapter 9
Viscous External Flows
9.1 Introduction
In the previous chapter we examined viscous, internal flows, where the flow was fully devel-
oped. For fully developed flow, the fluid does not accelerate, and the nonlinear acceleration
term in the Navier-Stokes equation (DV/Dt) is identically zero. When a body moves
through a viscous fluid, a boundary layers develop over its surface, but for such ıexternal
flows, the flow never becomes fully developed. The boundary layers continue to grow in the
streamwise direction, and the acceleration of the fluid cannot be neglected. The boundary
layers produce a viscous resistance to the motion of the body. Near the rear of the body, the
boundary layers can separate, and a wake forms which can increase the overall resistance.
In this chapter, we consider external flows where boundary layers and wakes are important.
9.2 Laminar Boundary Layer

When a fluid flows over a solid surface at reasonable Reynolds numbers, we know that the
no-slip condition causes steep velocity gradients to occur in a thin region near the surface
(see Section 1.7). As the flow proceeds downstream, the thickness of this boundary layer
grows because slower layers of fluid exert friction on the faster layers, and more and more
fluid is decelerated by viscous stresses. In an internal flow, the layers eventually meet, and
further growth stops.
However, in an external flow, such as the flow over the hull of a ship, the fuselage of an
airplane, or a flat plate placed in the center of a wind tunnel, the boundary layer continues
to grow and there is no fully developed state. The analysis is consequently more difficult
because the nonlinear acceleration term in the Navier-Stokes equation is no longer zero.
Nevertheless, for a simple flow such as that over a flat plate at zero angle of attack, it is
possible to determine approximately the growth rate of the layer and the drag exerted by
the flow on the plate by using the integral forms of the continuity and momentum equations.
9.2.1 Control volume analysis

We will begin by analyzing a laminar boundary layer. We are interested in finding the drag
force exerted on the plate by the fluid, and the rate of growth of the boundary layer. A
laminar boundary layer is the flow that occurs over a flat plate when the Reynolds number
Rex = ρUe x/µ is less than about 100,000, where x is the distance from the leading edge,
and Ue is the velocity of the flow outside the boundary layer. The flow is as shown in
Figure 9.1. The velocity Ue is taken to be constant so that ∂p/∂x = 0. We will assume that
the boundary layer is thin, so that the streamlines within the boundary layer are nearly
169
170 CHAPTER 9. VISCOUS EXTERNAL FLOWS
Figure 9.1: Control volume for the analysis of a laminar boundary layer.
parallel and therefore ∂p/∂y ≈ 0. Hence, the pressure is taken to be constant everywhere.
The flow is steady and the fluid has a constant density.
Consider a rectangular control volume extending a distance L from the leading edge,
with a height h (Figure 9.1). The incoming velocity is uniform, and the outgoing profile is
decelerated near the wall because of friction, so that for a distance y ≤ δ the streamwise
velocity u(y) < Ue . Actually, u approaches the freestream value asymptotically, so that the
boundary layer thickness δ is defined as the distance where the u is virtually indistinguishable
from Ue . The most common definition of the boundary layer thickness is that
at y = δ, u = 0.99Ue
Since the boundary layer thickness grows with downstream distance, δ = δ(x).
We begin with the conservation of mass. Since u(y) < Ue there is a greater mass flux
into the control volume over face 1 (marked ab in Figure 9.1) than out of the control volume
over face 2 (cd), and there must be a mass flux out of the control volume through face 3 (bc).
On face 3, the velocity in the x-direction is constant and equal to Ue , but the y-component
of the velocity v is unknown. The vector velocities are on face 1: V = Ue i, face 2: V = ui,
and face 3: V = Ue i + vj. Using the continuity equation, we obtain
Zh Zh ZL
(n1 · Ue i) W dy + (n2 · ui) W dy + [n3 · (Ue i + vj)] W dx = 0
0 0 0
where W is the width of the plate, and n1 , n2 and n3 are the unit normal vectors on faces
1, 2 and 3, respectively. Since n1 = −i. n2 = i, n3 = j,
Zh ZL
−Ue h + u dy + v dx = 0 (9.1)
0 0
where u = u(y) and v = v(x).

Next, we use the x-component of the momentum equation. Here, Fv is the force exerted
by the plate on the fluid. It is assumed to be acting to the left, so that
Zh Zh
−Fv = i· (n1 · ρUe i) Ue i W dy + i · (n2 · ρui) ui W dy
0 0
ZL
+ i· [n3 · ρ (Ue i + vj)] (Ue i + vj) W dx
0
9.2. LAMINAR BOUNDARY LAYER 171
That is,
Zh Zh ZL
−Fv = − ρUe2 W dy + 2
ρu W dy + ρvUe W dx
0 0 0
and so
Zh ZL
Fv
− = −Ue2 h + 2
u dy + vUe dx
ρW
0 0
The continuity equation can now be used to eliminate the unknown velocity v(x). Multi-
plying equation 9.1 by Ue and subtracting the result from the momentum equation gives
Zh Zh Zh
Fv
= −Ue2 h + 2
Ue2 h u2 − uUe dy

− u dy + − uUe dy =
ρW
0 0 0
Hence
Zh Zh
u2

Fv 1 2
u
= uUe − u dy = − 2 dy
ρW Ue2 Ue2 Ue Ue
0 0
Finally
Zh Zδ
Fv u u u u
= 1− dy = 1− dy (9.2)
ρW Ue2 Ue Ue Ue Ue
0 0
since u = Ue for y ≥ δ. To proceed further with the analysis, we need to know (or guess) the
shape of the velocity profile. That is, we need to know how u varies with y. This requires
some additional input.
9.2.2 Blasius velocity profile

It was shown by Ludwig Prandtl in 1904 that for the flow in a boundary layer, it is possible
to make some approximations to the full Navier-Stokes equation. The approximations are
based on the observation that a boundary layer grows slowly, and therefore the streamlines
within the layer are nearly parallel. In particular, the pressure across the layer is then
nearly constant (as assumed in the control volume analysis given in Section 9.2.1). These
approximations yield an equation called the boundary layer equation, and for a zero pressure
gradient laminar flow it is given by
∂u ∂u ∂2u
u +v =ν 2 (9.3)
∂x ∂y ∂y
with the boundary conditions given by u = v = 0 at y = 0, and u = Ue at y = ∞.
Paul Blasius, one of Prandtl’s students, showed that this equation has a “similarity” so-
lution. He first proposed that the velocity distribution was a function only of the freestream
velocity Ue , the density ρ, the viscosity µ, the distance from the wall y, and the distance
along the plate x. Dimensional analysis then gives

u Ue x y
= f , .
Ue ν x
Blasius then showed that, instead of depending on two dimensionless variables, the velocity
distribution was a function of only one composite dimensionless variable η, so that
u
= f 0 (η) (9.4)
Ue
Table 9.1: Dimensionless velocity profile for a laminar boundary layer: tabulated values prepared
by by L.N. Howarth, Proc. Roy. Soc. London A, 1938. Adapted from F.M. White, Fluid Mechanics,
2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 1986.
p
where η = y Ue /(νx). The variables u/Ue and η are called similarity variables, which
means that if the velocity distribution is plotted using these non-dimensional variables (in-
stead of dimensional variables such as u and y), it is defined by a universal curve, for any
Reynolds number and any position along the plate. This solution is shown in Figure 9.2.
These particular similarity variables transform the boundary layer equation (a PDE )
into an ODE which can be solved numerically. The solution is called the Blasius velocity
profile, and the results are usually given in the form of a table (see Table 9.1). The Blasius
velocity profile matches the experimental data, such as those shown in Figure 9.2, very well,
thereby justifying the assumptions that were made.1 . Note that in these experiments the
boundary layer remained laminar up to Rex = 1.24 × 106 .
9.2.3 Parabolic velocity profile

The Blasius solution is not an analytical solution, and tabulated values do not reveal the
physics very well. It is convenient to have an analytical form for the velocity profile, and it
turns out that a parabola is a reasonable curve-fit (as can be seen from Figure 9.6). That
is, we can use the approximation that
u y y 2
=2 − for y ≤ δ (9.5)
Ue δ δ
and u/Ue = 1 for y > δ. This approximation satisfies the boundary conditions u = 0 at
y = 0, and u = Ue at y = δ. Most importantly, it retains the correct similarity scaling, as
we will see.
We now have an analytical expression for the velocity distribution, and so we can evaluate
1 Excellent discussions of this topic, and a guide to more general boundary layer problems, may be found
in Schlichting Boundary Layer Theory, 7th ed., McGraw-Hill, 1979, and White Viscous Fluid Flow , 2nd
ed., McGraw-Hill, 1991.
9.2. LAMINAR BOUNDARY LAYER 173
Figure 9.2: Dimensionless velocity profile for a laminar boundary layer: comparison with exper-
iments by H.W. Liepmann, NACA Rept. 890 , 1943. Adapted from F.M. White, Viscous Flow ,
McGraw-Hill, 1991.
the integral in equation 9.2 and find Fv . That is,

Zδ
Fv u u 2
= 1− dy = δ (9.6)
ρW Ue2 Ue Ue 15
0
To eliminate the unknown boundary layer thickness δ, we use the fact that the total force
due to friction Fv is the integral of the shear stress at the wall τw over the area of the plate.
That is,
ZL
Fv = τw W dx
0
By differentiating, we obtain
1 dFv
τw = (9.7)
W dx
The stress at the wall is related to the velocity gradient at the wall (see Example 1.10 in
the Study Guide), so that
∂u
τw = µ
∂y w
For the parabolic profile approximation used here,
2µUe
τw = (9.8)
δ
Combining this result with equation 9.6 to eliminate δ, we obtain
dFv 4
Fv = µρUe3 W 2
dx 15
By integration,
Z Z L
4
Fv dFv = µρUe3 W 2 dx
15 0
so that q
8 3 2
Fv = 15 µρUe W L
This result can be written as

p √
Fv 32/15 µ
1 2
= √ (9.9)
2 ρUe LW ρUe L
so that
1.46
CF = √
ReL
for a parabolic velocity profile. The skin friction coefficient CF and the Reynolds number
ReL are defined by
Fv ρUe L
CF = 1 2 and ReL = (9.10)
2 ρUe LW µ
CF is called the total skin friction coefficient since it measures the total viscous drag on the
plate.
This result holds for a parabolic velocity profile. If we had assumed a different approxi-
mation to the Blasius velocity distribution, such as a linear variation where u/Ue = y/δ, we
would obtain the same result given in equation 9.10, except the constant would be equal to
1.155 instead of 1.46.
We can now find the variation of boundary layer thickness with streamwise distance by
using the result given in equation 9.6 to eliminate Fv in equation 9.9. For the parabolic
profile approximation used here:
δ 5.48
=√
L ReL
For any position along the plate, therefore,
δ 5.48
=√ (9.11)
x Rex
This can be written as √
5.48 x
δ= p
Ue /ν
√
and we see that the boundary layer thickness grows as x.
The total skin friction coefficient CF expresses the magnitude of the viscous force acting
on a plate of width W and length L. We can find the local wall shear ıstress acting at any
position x along the plate from equations 9.8 and 9.11. For the parabolic velocity profile we
otain
0.73
Cf = √ (9.12)
Rex
where the local skin friction coefficient Cf is defined as
τw
Cf ≡ 1 2
(9.13)
2 ρU e
Cf is called the local skin friction coefficient since it measures the local viscous stress on
the plate. The stress at the wall decreases with distance downstream because the velocity
gradient at the wall decreases as a result of the boundary layer growth.
In summary, for a parabolic velocity profile
1.46 δ 5.48 0.73
CF = √ , =√ and Cf = √
ReL x Rex Rex
9.3. DISPLACEMENT AND MOMENTUM THICKNESS 175
We can compare these approximate results with the exact results obtained by Blasius,
who found that
1.328 δ 5.0 0.664

CF = √ , =√ and Cf = √ (9.14)
ReL x Rex Rex
We see that the parabolic velocity profile approximation gives the correct dependence on
Reynolds number (that is, it gives the correct scaling), but the skin friction coefficients and
the boundary layer thickness are about 10% high.
9.3 Displacement and Momentum Thickness

As we noted earlier, the velocity u near the edge of the boundary layer approaches the
freestream value Ue asymptotically, so that the boundary layer thickness δ is defined to
be the distance where the u is “close enough” to Ue . The most common definition of the
boundary layer thickness is that
at y = δ, u = 0.99Ue
Two other thicknesses can be defined, the displacement thickness δ ∗ , and the momentum
thickness θ.
9.3.1 Displacement thickness

By definition, the displacement thickness is given by
Z∞
∗ u
δ ≡ 1− dy (9.15)
Ue
0
What is the purpose of defining the displacement thickness? To answer this question, we
rewrite equation 9.15 as
Z∞
∗
ρUe δ = ρ (Ue − u) dy
0
We see that the mass flux passing through the distance δ ∗ in the absence of a boundary
layer is the same as the deficit in mass flux due to the presence of the boundary layer.
To make this point further, consider a velocity profile where u = 0 for y ≤ ∆, and u = Ue
for y > ∆ (see Figure 9.3). For this profile,
Z∞ Z∆
∗ u
δ = 1− dy = dy = ∆
Ue
0 0
Therefore, from the point of view of the flow outside the boundary layer, δ ∗ can be inter-
preted as the distance that the presence of the boundary layer appears to “displace” the flow
outward from the plate (hence the name). To the external flow, this streamline displacement
also looks like a slight thickening of the body shape.
To illustrate an application of this concept, consider the entrance region of a two-
dimensional duct of width W and height 2h. The flow is steady and incompressible. Bound-
ary layers will grow on the top and bottom surfaces, as shown in Figure 9.4. By continuity,
if the flow near the wall is slowed down, the fluid outside the boundary layers (in the “core”
Figure 9.3: Displacement thickness. (a) Velocity profile. (b) Interpretation.
region) must speed up. If the incoming velocity has a value U∞ , what is the core velocity
Ue at a point where the boundary layer thickness is δ?
For the control volume shown in Figure 9.4, the continuity equation gives
Zh
−U∞ 2hW + u W dy = 0
−h
This may be rewritten as
Zh Zh Zh
u
U∞ 2h = Ue dy − (Ue − u) dy = Ue D − 2Ue 1− dy
Ue
−h −h 0
where we have used symmetry to simplify the integration. Hence
Zh Zδ
δ∗

U∞ 2 u 1 u
=1− 1− dy ≈ 1 − 1− dy = 1 −
Ue 2h Ue h Ue h
0 0
where we have made the approximation, that, as far as the contribution to the displacement
thickness is concerned, δ ≈ h ≈ ∞. This assumption is commonly made because at y = δ
the velocity is very close to its asymptotic freestream value, and the contribution to the
integral for y > δ is negligible. Hence we obtain

h
Ue = U∞
h − δ∗
We see that the increase in the freestream velocity is given by the effective decrease in the
cross-sectional area due to the growth of the boundary layers, and this decrease in area is
measured by the displacement thickness.
Figure 9.4: Flow in the entrance region of a two-dimensional duct.

9.3. DISPLACEMENT AND MOMENTUM THICKNESS 177
9.3.2 Momentum thickness

By definition, the momentum thickness is given by
Z∞
u u
θ≡ 1− dy (9.16)
Ue Ue
0
To interpret the momentum thickness physically, we rewrite equation 9.16 as

Z∞
ρUe2 θ = ρu (Ue − u) dy
0
We see that the momentum flux passing through the distance θ in the absence of a boundary
layer is the same as the deficit in momentum flux due to the presence of the boundary layer.
To illustrate this concept, we return to the analysis of the laminar, two-dimensional
boundary layer. We start by writing equation 9.2 as
Zδ
Fv u u
= 1− dy
ρW Ue2 Ue Ue
0
If we make the approximation, that, as far as the contribution to the momentum thickness
is concerned, δ ≈ ∞, then
Fv
=θ
ρW Ue2
so that
Fv = ρUe2 W θ
Therefore the momentum flux passing through the cross-sectional area W θ at x = L, say, in
the absence of a boundary layer is a measure of the drag on a plate of width W and length
L due to the ıpresence of the boundary layer.
We can also differentiate this relationship and use equation 9.7 to obtain
dθ τw
=
dx ρUe2
That is,
dθ Cf
= (9.17)
dx 2
where the local skin friction coefficient Cf was defined in equation 9.13. The nondimensional
rate of change of the momentum thickness with distance is therefore equal to local frictional
stress at the wall. Equation 9.17 is called the momentum integral equation for a boundary
layer in a zero pressure gradient. Although we did not show it, this equation applies equally
to laminar and turbulent boundary layers.
9.3.3 Shape factor

Another term that is often encountered in discussions of boundary layer behavior is the
form or shape factor H, where H is defined as the ratio of the displacement thickness to
the momentum thickness:
δ∗
H≡
θ
By comparing equations 9.15 and 9.16, we see that δ ∗ > θ, and so H > 1. For a laminar
boundary layer the Blasius solution gives H = 2.59, and for a turbulent boundary layer
experiment shows that 1.4 < H < 1.15, where H decreases with the Reynolds number.
Smaller values of H indicate a “fuller” velocity profile (that is, one with higher velocities
near the wall).
9.4 Turbulent Boundary Layers

As in pipe flows (Section 8.7), boundary layers become turbulent at high Reynolds number.
Transition to turbulence in boundary layers can occur for Rex greater than about 100,000,
where Rex is the Reynolds number based on the freestream velocity, Ue , and the distance
from the leading edge, x. The actual value depends on many factors, including surface
roughness, vibrations, and noise (see also Section 8.6).
In a pipe, the flow is turbulent everywhere, but in a boundary layer the turbulence is
bounded on one side by the wall, and the other side by an external freestream. There exists
a reasonably well-defined edge between the turbulent fluid in the layer and the non-turbulent
fluid in the freestream. An instantaneous picture of the flow in a turbulent boundary layer
reveals that this edge is highly convoluted (Figure 9.5), and the instantaneous boundary
layer thickness is continually varying in time. We generally prefer to use a time-averaged
boundary layer thickness δ defined so that
at y = δ, hU i = 0.99Ue
where hU i is the time-averaged velocity defined by equation 8.21, so that δ has a similar
meaning in laminar and turbulent flows.
Within the boundary layer, the turbulent fluctuations mixes momentum very efficiently,
and as a result the velocity profile is fuller than in a laminar flow (a comparison is shown
in Figure 9.6). No analytical or numerical solution exists for the velocity distribution in a
turbulent boundary layer, and so we must rely on experiment. The actual mean flow profile
is sometimes approximated by a power law similar to that used to describe turbulent pipe
flow. That is,
hU i y 1/n
≈ (9.18)
Ue δ
where the exponent n varies with Reynolds number. For a Reynolds number Rex of about
500,000, n = 7, but for higher Reynolds numbers it may increase to about 9.
Figure 9.5: Streamwise section of a turbulent boundary layer made visible using small oil droplets.
Flow is from left to right. The Reynolds number based on momentum thickness is about 4000.
R.E. Falco, Physics of Fluids 20, 1977.
9.4. TURBULENT BOUNDARY LAYERS 179
Figure 9.6: Comparison of dimensionless laminar and turbulent flat-plate velocity profiles.
Adapted from F.M. White, Fluid Mechanics, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 1986.
This power law approximation is reasonably accurate for the outer part of the velocity
distribution, as seen in Figure 9.6, but it is a very poor approximation near the wall.
Specifically, the velocity gradient at the wall is infinite, implying an infinite wall stress τw .
Therefore a power law profile cannot be used to find the skin friction in a turbulent flow.
Instead, we use the empirical result that the wall stress is given approximately by
τw 0.0576
Cf = 1 = (9.19)
2 ρUe
2 Re0.2
x
where Cf is the local skin friction coefficient defined originally by equation 9.13. The skin
friction distributions for laminar and turbulent flow on a flat plate are shown in Figure 9.7.
At a given Reynolds number, the turbulent skin friction is always higher than the laminar
value, reflecting the fact that the turbulent velocity profile is fuller, and therefore the velocity
gradient at the wall will be steeper.
To find the total skin friction coefficient, we need the total viscous drag on the plate Fv ,
where Z L
Fv = τw W dx
0
where W is the width of the plate, and L its length. Hence,
Fv 0.072
CF = 1 =
2 ρU 2
e LW Re0.2
L
If the constant is changed to 0.074, this result is in good agreement over a reasonable
Reynolds number range with experimental data for plates that are turbulent along their
entire length.2 Therefore, by experiment
0.074
CF = for 5 × 105 < ReL < 107 (9.20)
Re0.2
L
2 H. Schlichting Boundary Layer Theory, 7th edition, published by McGraw-Hill, 1979.
Figure 9.7: Local skin friction coefficient in a flat plate boundary layer as a function of Reynolds
number based on freestream velocity and streamwise distance. Laminar flow, labeled (1), is de-
scribed by equation 9.14, and turbulent flow, labeled (2) is described by equation 9.19 with the
constant equal to 0.074. From H. Schlichting, Boundary Layer Theory, 7th ed., McGraw-Hill, 1979.
Despite the fact that the shear stress at the wall cannot be found from a power law
approximation to the velocity profile, this representation can still be useful. For example, it
can give a good estimate of how the boundary layer thickness varies with Reynolds number.
To find this estimate, we repeat the analysis given in Section 9.2.3 using the power law profile
given by equation 9.18, and the empirical skin friction variation with Reynolds number given
by equation 9.19. We obtain
δ 0.37
= (9.21)
x Re0.2
x
This result agrees reasonably well with experiment. Equation 9.21 can be rewritten as
0.37x 0.37x0.8
δ= =
Rex0.2 (ν/Ue )0.2
We see that a turbulent boundary layer grows approximately as x0.8 , which is faster than a
laminar boundary layer, which grows as x0.5 (equation 9.14). This increased growth rate is
a consequence of the fact that turbulence mixes momentum more efficiently than viscosity.
Also, for a power law profile, we find that
δ∗ 1
= (9.22)
δ n+1
and
θ n
= (9.23)
δ (n + 1)(n + 2)
and the shape factor
δ∗ n+2
H= =
θ n
For n = 7,
δ∗ 1 θ 7 9
= , = , and H = (9.24)
δ 8 δ 72 7
9.5. SEPARATION, REATTACHMENT AND WAKES 181
These estimates for δ ∗ , θ, and H apply reasonably well for moderate Reynolds numbers
where the 1/7th power law is a reasonable approximation. With increasing Reynolds num-
ber, n changes from about 7 to about 9, but it is clear that for turbulent flow δ ∗ , θ, and
H are all smaller than in a laminar boundary layer, again because the turbulent velocity
profile is fuller than the laminar boundary layer velocity profile.
9.5 Separation, Reattachment and Wakes

Now we consider external flows that separate and form wakes. In studying internal flows,
we noted that sharp corners almost always produce a separated flow. The sudden expansion
and contraction flows shown in Figure 3.15 also demonstrate the formation of large separated
regions whenever the duct suddenly changes its area. Sharp corners are not the only cause
of separation. For example, whenever a flow changes direction suddenly, we can expect to
see regions of separated flow.
This phenomenon is very common, and it is illustrated in Figure 9.8 for the case of
external flow over the front of a car. Note that the flow is shown relative to an observer
traveling with the car, so that it appears to be approaching the car from left to right. The
flow is initially uniform and steady, but as it comes into contact with the surface of the car
a boundary layer forms, which then separates as the flow makes the turn over the front part
of the hood. The flow reattaches at some point downstream, so that the boundary layer
re-forms, grows some more and then separates again as the flow meets the windscreen and
is forced to turn again. The separation behavior of boundary layers strongly depends on
the local pressure gradient: when the pressure rises in the flow direction, a resultant force
due to the pressure differences acts to slow the incoming flow. If the force due to pressure
differences is strong enough, the flow can reverse direction, which is what we call separation.
This behavior is discussed further in Section 9.6.
Note that turbulent flow and separated flow are two different phenomena. In separated
flow there is backflow, so that some fluid particles are moving in a direction opposite to the
principal flow direction, and there may be significant unsteadiness and fluctuation observed
in the flow field. In turbulent flow, all the fluid is moving in the principal flow direction, al-
though the velocity fluctuates about an average value, and the fluctuations have components
in all three directions.
Figure 9.8: Sketch of the flow over the front of a car, showing points of separation and reattachment.
From Race Car Aerodynamics, J. Katz, Robert Bentley Publishers, 1995. With permission.
Figure 9.9: Wake flow behind a road vehicle (with flow separation and vortex shedding in the base
area). From Race Car Aerodynamics, J. Katz, Robert Bentley Publishers, 1995, with permission.
Figure 9.10: Periodic vortex formation in the wake of a large truck. From Race Car Aerodynamics,
J. Katz, Robert Bentley Publishers, 1995, with permission.
Separated flows are often found in the wake of a moving body. Wakes almost always
contain large eddying motions which are shed downstream. For some wakes, such as those
produced by cylinders, bluff plates, cars and trucks and other bluff bodies, they often appear
at very regular frequencies (see Figures 9.9 and 9.10). In other cases, they are shed more
irregularly. For instance, the wake of a boat often contains large eddying motions, in more or
less random patterns. Similar flow patterns are observed downstream of pylons supporting
a bridge, and in the wake of airfoils.
The wake of a cylinder is particularly interesting. A large region of separated flow occurs,
and coherent vortices are shed downstream, as seen in Figure 9.11 (see also Figure 4.3). The
flow pattern shown in Figure 9.11 is made visible by illuminating small bubbles suspended in
the fluid. A short exposure photograph is used to create short streaklines that approximate
the instantaneous velocity vector (that is, we see instantaneous streamlines). The flows over
the front and rear of the cylinder are quite different. In the front, the flow passes smoothly
over the cylinder, but in the rear the wake is highly unsteady and large eddies or vortices
are shed downstream. The large eddies are formed at a regular frequency and they produce
pressure disturbances in the flow, which we can sometimes hear as sound . When we talk
of the wind whistling in the trees, it is the sound of eddies being shed from the smallest
branches. An ancient Greek instrument, the Aolian harp, made use of this regular vortex
shedding to produce music. In 1911, Theodore von Kármán made an analysis of this flow
pattern of alternating vortices, which is now generally known as the Kármán vortex street.
The shedding frequency is determined by the nondimensional Strouhal number, which for a
cylinder of diameter D is defined as
fD
St = (9.25)
V
where f is the frequency of vortex shedding from one side of the cylinder (in Hz), and V is
the freestream velocity. In general, the Strouhal number is a function of Reynolds number
(see Figure 9.12), but for Reynolds numbers from about 100 to 105 , the Strouhal number
has an almost constant value of about 0.21.
The wake of a body is always characterized by a region of low velocity, which marks
a region of momentum loss associated with the formation of eddying motions in the wake
9.5. SEPARATION, REATTACHMENT AND WAKES 183
Figure 9.11: Flow over a single cylinder at a Reynolds number of 2000, visualized using small air
bubbles in water. ONERA photograph, Werlé & Gallo, 1972.
Figure 9.12: Dimensionless shedding frequency from a circular cylinder (Strouhal number) as a
function of Reynolds number. Adapted from A. Roshko, Turbulent Wakes from Vortex Streets,
NACA Rept. 1191, 1954.
(see, for example, Figure 9.9. The pressure in this region does not recover to its stagnation
value because of these losses, as we see from the pressure distribution shown in Figure 6.11.
In addition, the alternate shedding of vortices produces fluctuating lift and drag forces on
the cylinder. If the frequency of the shedding couples to a natural frequency of the cylinder
or its supports, large cross-stream oscillations can occur in the cylinder position. This
kind of aerodynamic instability was responsible for the destruction of the Tacoma Narrows
suspension bridge in the state of Washington in 1940,3 and it has led to spectacular cooling
tower failures in England.
3A short video is available at http://media.efluids.com/galleries/all?medium=8 .

9.6 Drag of Bluff and Streamlined Bodies

We have seen that boundary layers exert a drag force on a body moving through a fluid.
In addition, the formation of a wake is associated with eddying motions that lead to a loss
of momentum. The total drag force experienced by a body as it moves through a fluid
is therefore usually divided into two components called viscous drag, and pressure drag.
Viscous drag is associated with the viscous stresses developed within the boundary layers,
and it scales with Reynolds number as we have seen. Pressure drag comes from the eddying
motions that are set up in the wake downstream of the body, and it is usually less sensitive
to Reynolds number than viscous drag. Formally, both types of drag are due to viscosity
(if the body was moving through an an inviscid fluid there would be no drag at all), but
the distinction is useful because the two types of drag are due to different flow phenomena.
Viscous drag is important for attached flows (that is, when there is no separation), and it
is related to the surface area exposed to the flow. Pressure drag is important for separated
flows, and it is related to the cross-sectional area and shape of the body.
We can see the role played by viscous drag (sometimes called frictional drag) and pressure
drag (sometimes called form drag) by considering an airfoil at different angles of attack. At
small angles of attack, the boundary layers on the top and bottom surfaces experience only
mild pressure gradients, and they remain attached along almost the entire chord length
[see Figure 9.13(a) and (b)]. The wake is very small, and the drag is dominated by the
viscous stresses inside the boundary layers. At a given Reynolds number, the drag will be
higher for turbulent flow than for laminar flow. As the angle of attack increases, however,
pressure drag will become more important. With an increased angle of attack, the pressure
gradients on the airfoil increase in magnitude. In particular, the pressure increases toward
the rear portion of the top surface, so that the pressure gradient in that region is positive.
This “adverse” pressure gradient may become sufficiently strong to produce a separated flow
[see Figure 9.13(c) and (d), and also Section 6.9]. Separation will increase the size of the
wake, and increase the magnitude of the pressure losses in the wake due to eddy formation.
Therefore the pressure drag increases. At a higher angle of attack, a large fraction of the
flow over the top surface of the airfoil may be separated, and the airfoil is said to be stalled
[see Figure 9.13(e)]. At this stage, the pressure drag is much greater than the viscous drag.
When the pressure losses are small and the overall drag is mainly due to viscous drag,
we say the body is streamlined . When the viscous drag is small and the total drag is
dominated by pressure losses, we describe the body as bluff . Whether the flow is viscous-
drag dominated or pressure-drag dominated depends entirely on the shape of the body. A
fish, or an airfoil at small angles of attack, behaves like a streamlined body, whereas a brick,
a cylinder, or an airfoil at large angles of attack behaves like a bluff body. For a given
frontal area and velocity, a streamlined body will always have a lower resistance than a bluff
body. For example, the drag of a cylinder of diameter D is about ten times larger than a
streamlined shape of the same thickness.
Cylinders and spheres are considered bluff bodies because at Reynolds numbers much
greater than one, the drag is dominated by the pressure losses in the wake. The variation of
the drag coefficients with Reynolds number is shown in Figure 9.14 and the corresponding
flow patterns are shown in Figure 9.15. We see that as the Reynolds number increases the
variation in the drag coefficient (based on cross-sectional area) decreases, and over a large
range in Reynolds number it is nearly constant.
At a Reynolds number between 105 and 106 , the drag coefficient takes a sudden dip.
The dip indicates that the pressure losses in the wake have suddenly become smaller, and
experiments show that the size of the wake decreases, and that the boundary layer separation
on the cylinder or sphere occurs further along the surface than before. What has happened?
The sudden decrease in drag is related to the differences between laminar and turbulent
9.6. DRAG OF BLUFF AND STREAMLINED BODIES 185
Figure 9.13: Flow over a NACA 4412 airfoil section at Reynolds number based on chord length of
2.1 × 106 . (a) α = 2◦ , (b) α = 5◦ , (c) α = 10◦ , (d) α < 15◦ , (e) α > 15◦ , (f) Lift coefficient versus
angle of attack. From Visualized Flow , Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pergamon Press,
1988.
boundary layers. We saw in Section 6.9 that the boundary layer and its interaction with the
local pressure gradient plays a major role in affecting the flow over a cylinder. In particular,
near the shoulder, the pressure gradient changes from being negative (decreasing pressure, a
favorable pressure gradient) to positive (increasing pressure, an adverse pressure gradient).
The force due to pressure differences changes sign from being an accelerating force to being
a retarding force. In response, the flow slows down. However, the fluid in the boundary
layer has already given up some momentum to overcome the viscous stresses, and it does not
have enough momentum to overcome the retarding force. Some fluid near the wall, where
the momentum was low to begin with, actually reverses direction, and the flow separates.
A turbulent boundary layer has more momentum near the wall than a laminar boundary
layer (see Figure 9.6) because turbulence is a very effective mixing process. More impor-
tantly, turbulent transport of momentum is very effective at replenishing the near-wall
momentum. When a turbulent boundary layer enters a region of adverse pressure gradient,
Figure 9.14: Drag coefficient as a function of Reynolds number for smooth circular cylinders and
smooth spheres. From Munson, Young & Okiishi Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley &
Sons, 1998.
Figure 9.15: Flow patterns for flow over a cylinder. (a) Reynolds number = 0.2; (b) 12; (c) 120;
(d) 30,000; (e) 500,000. Patterns correspond to the points marked on Figure 9.14. Adapted from
Munson, Young & Okiishi Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
9.7. GOLF BALLS, CRICKET BALLS AND BASEBALLS 187
it can therefore persist for a longer distance without separating (compared to a laminar
flow) because its momentum near the wall is higher to begin with, and it is continually (and
quickly) being replenished by turbulent mixing.
We can now reconsider the dip in the drag coefficient that occurs at a Reynolds number
of about 250,000 (Figure 9.14). The boundary layer over the front face of a sphere or
cylinder is laminar at lower Reynolds numbers, and turbulent at higher Reynolds numbers.
The dip in the drag coefficient occurs at the point where the boundary layer changes from
laminar to turbulent. When it is laminar (Re < 105 ), separation starts almost as soon as the
pressure gradient becomes adverse [very near the shoulder, Figure 9.15(d)], and a large wake
forms. When it is turbulent (Re > 106 ), separation is delayed [to a point about 20◦ past the
shoulder, Figure 9.15(e)] and the wake is correspondingly smaller. The Reynolds number
where the flow switches and the drag suddenly decreases is called the critical Reynolds
number.
It follows that, if the boundary layer of a sphere could be made turbulent at a Reynolds
number lower than the critical value, the drag should also decrease at the same time. This
can be demonstrated by using a trip wire. A trip wire is simply a wire placed axisymmet-
rically on the front face of the sphere. As the flow passes over the wire, it introduces a
large disturbance into the boundary layer which causes an early transition to turbulence.
Its effect on the size of the wake is quite dramatic, as shown in Figure 9.16. A similar result
can be achieved using surface roughness to “trip” the boundary layer, and Figure 9.17 shows
the effect of increasing surface roughness on the drag coefficient of a sphere.
Elliptical and airfoil shapes display a similar dip in the drag curve at a critical Reynolds
number (see Figure 9.18). Bodies with sharp edges typically do not, at least for Reynolds
numbers greater than about 3000, as in the case of a flat plate set at right angles to the flow
direction. Here the points of separation are fixed at the edges, and they do not change with
position with Reynolds number. The drag coefficients for a number of sharp-edged bodies
are given in Table 9.2. Drag coefficients for a wide variety of other interesting shapes are
shown in Table 9.3.
9.7 Golf Balls, Cricket Balls and Baseballs

Tripping the boundary layer to reduce the drag of spheres is widely used in sports. For
example, golf balls are dimpled. The dimples act as a very effective trip wire, and the
consequent delay in separation reduces the drag on the ball and allows the ball to travel
further for the same amount of effort. A good golfer can easily make a golf ball carry
250 yards, but the same golfer using a smooth ball will only drive it about 100 yards.
Figure 9.17 shows how different degrees of roughness reduce the drag on a sphere at high
Reynolds number, and how effective dimples are.
The same principle is used in cricket. A cricket ball has a single, circumferential seam
which looks remarkably like a trip wire. If a cricket ball is bowled without spin so that its
seam is tilted forward on the top of the ball, then the boundary layer over the top surface
becomes turbulent, whereas the boundary layer on the bottom surface remains laminar. The
wake becomes asymmetric, and a downward force is produced so that the ball dips sharply.
A similar effect can be obtained with a baseball or a tennis ball if the seam is held correctly.
The seam on a baseball is more convoluted than on a cricket ball, but its tripping effect is
similar.
The addition of spin complicates this picture enormously. We saw in Section 4.3 and
Figure 6.12 that spin can produce a side force on a ball due to the Magnus effect. The
effect depends strongly on the orientation of the seam. Knuckleball pitchers typically pitch
a baseball with very little spin, and they do not use the Magnus effect. Instead, they
rely largely on the uneven tripping of the boundary layer. Even a little spin will make
Figure 9.16: Flow over a sphere. (a) Reynolds number = 15,000 (laminar separation). (b) Reynolds
number = 30,000, with trip wire (turbulent separation). From van Dyke, Album of Fluid Motion,
Parabolic Press, 1982. Original photographs by Werlé, ONERA, 1980.
the direction of the side force change dramatically, however, and it is no wonder that the
behavior of a knuckleball is highly unpredictable.4
9.8 Automobile Flow Fields

As a final topic in this chapter, we examine some aspects of the flow over automobiles. As
we have already seen in Figures 4.1, 6.13, 9.8, 9.9 and 9.10, boundary layers form, which can
separate at points where the flow makes a sudden turn, and where adverse pressure gradients
occur. A typical pressure distribution over a car model is shown in Figure 9.19. The region
of favorable pressure gradient on the roof is indicated by the negative slope in the upper
pressure distribution (where ∂p/∂x < 0). The region of adverse pressure gradient near the
rear of the car is indicated by the positive slope in the upper pressure distribution (where
4 To learn more about these matters, see the article by R. Mehta, “Aerodynamics of sports balls,” Annual
Review of Fluid Mechanics, 17:151–189, 1985.

9.8. AUTOMOBILE FLOW FIELDS 189
Figure 9.17: Drag coefficient as a function of Reynolds number for spheres with different degrees
of roughness. From Munson, Young & Okiishi Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley &
Sons, 1998.
Figure 9.18: Drag coefficients of bluff and streamlined bodies. From Munson, Young & Okiishi
Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
∂p/∂x > 0), and this is where the boundary layer is susceptible to separation. Similar
regions of adverse pressure gradient are found on the hood, and on the rear underside of the
car.
Table 9.2: Drag coefficient data for sharp-edged bodies. From Fox & McDonald, Introduction to
Fluid Mechanics, 4th ed., John Wiley & Sons, 1992. a Original data from Hoerner, Fluid-Dynamic
Drag, 2nd ed., Midland Park, NJ. Published by the author. b Based on area of ring.
The regions of separated flow on the car body, and the presence of a wake, dominate
the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle (on most cars, the viscous, boundary layer drag makes
only a small contribution to the total drag, and therefore cars are frequently considered to
be bluff bodies).
At low speeds, the major source of resistance on a car is the rolling resistance due to
friction between the moving parts in the drivetrain and the flexing of the tires. As the speed
increases, however, the aerodynamic drag increases rapidly, approximately as the square of
the speed if the drag coefficient is constant with Reynolds number (see Figure 9.20). For the
particular car shown in Figure 9.20, the aerodynamic resistance becomes the major source of
drag at about 80 km/h, that is, 50 mph. At 120 km/h (75 mph), the aerodynamic resistance
accounts for two-thirds of the total drag.
Typical values of lift and drag coefficients for car-shaped bodies are given in Table 9.4.
The most streamlined shape listed in the table has a drag coefficient as low as 0.04, but
when this shape is modified to look like a ground vehicle, it increases to about 0.15, which
might be taken as a realistic lower limit. Most modern cars have values closer to 0.4.
Somewhat surprisingly, race cars have generally higher drag coefficients, primarily because
there are other constraints on their shape, such as a requirement for strong negative lift to
help cornering performance, and the presence of air inlets for the engine and the water and
oil coolers. Also, the downforce generated by wings and other lifting surfaces has a strong
effect on the drag coefficient of a race car, with a corresponding effect on its maximum
speed. The results shown in Figure 9.21 were obtained by using the maximum engine rpm
for each downforce adjustment under full throttle conditions to estimate the drag force.
Table 9.3: Drag coefficient data for selected objects. From Munson, Young & Okiishi Fundamentals
of Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
Figure 9.19: Distribution of measured pressure coefficients over a two-dimensional automobile

shape. Adapted from Race Car Aerodynamics, J. Katz, Robert Bentley Publishers, 1995, with
permission.
Figure 9.20: Aerodynamic and rolling resistances for an average sedan car. From Race Car
Aerodynamics, J. Katz, Robert Bentley Publishers, 1995, with permission.
Another interesting aspect of the flow over cars is the phenomenon of drafting or “tail-
gating.” It is well-known that the air resistance of a car is reduced when it follows another
in close proximity, and the leading car acts as a shield for the trailing car. The resulting
flow field is sketched in Figure 9.22. The data shown in Figure 9.23 indicate a significant
decrease in drag coefficient for the trailing car when the separation is less than about one car
length. Interestingly, the drag coefficient of the leading car is decreased by an even greater
margin, suggesting that under race conditions both cars will travel faster in tandem than
they could by themselves.
Figure 9.21: effect of the drag coefficient on the maximum speed of an Indy-class speedway car.
From Race Car Aerodynamics, J. Katz, Robert Bentley Publishers, 1995, with permission.
Figure 9.22: Sketch of the flow over two cars, separated by a distance ∆x. From Race Car
Aerodynamics, J. Katz, Robert Bentley Publishers, 1995, with permission.
Figure 9.23: Lift and drag coefficients for two cars, separated by a distance ∆x. Notation as
in Figure 9.22. From Race Car Aerodynamics, J. Katz, Robert Bentley Publishers, 1995, with
permission.
Table 9.4: Typical lift and drag coefficients. From Race Car Aerodynamics, J. Katz, Robert
Bentley Publishers, 1995, with permission.
Chapter 10
Open Channel Flow
10.1 Introduction
In this chapter we examine flows where there is a free surface. A free surface is the interface
between a liquid and a gas, a place where the pressure at the interface is effectively constant.
For the case of water flowing in a channel that is open to the atmosphere, the pressure at
the free surface is assumed to be constant and equal to atmospheric pressure. If there are
no strong disturbances present, such as breaking waves, and the flow is steady, Bernoulli’s
equation can be used along the surface. Below the free surface, the pressure will vary
with depth: even if the flow has parallel streamlines, hydrostatic pressure still acts and the
forces due to hydrostatic pressure differences must be taken into account in the momentum
equation.
One of the most interesting aspects of flows with a free surface is the formation of
surface waves. We shall see that the propagation of waves is determined by the Froude
number, F , which is the ratio of the speed of the flow to the speed of propagation of small
amplitude waves. As the Froude number changes from subcritical values (where F < 1) to
supercritical values (where F > 1), the nature of the wave propagation changes radically.
This phenomenon has a profound influence on the nature of the flow, and it is very similar
to the behavior of sound waves in a gas, where subsonic flows (M < 1) behave entirely
differently from supersonic flows (M > 1). In the next chapter, we examine compressible
flows, where the similarity between wave propagation in open channel flows and sound waves
in gases will be explored further. Here, we examine open channel flows.
10.2 Small Amplitude Gravity Waves

To begin the study of open channel flows, we will consider the behavior of small amplitude
gravity waves moving in a shallow, open channel flow . A small amplitude gravity wave is
a wave that is driven by, with a height that is small compared to its wavelength. Energy
losses are very small and the equations of motion can be linearized (see following discussion).
Shallow means that the depth of the water is small compared to the length of the waves, so
that the one-dimensional form of the equations of motion can be used. Open channel flow
means that the flow is open to the atmosphere (it has a free surface where the pressure is
atmospheric).
Consider a long, shallow, open channel containing a stationary liquid. A small distur-
bance is initiated at one end of the channel, perhaps by using a paddle to raise the water
level a small amount and then releasing it. The disturbance will move along the channel
with velocity c, as shown in Figure 10.1. We call this small-amplitude disturbance a wave,
195
196 CHAPTER 10. OPEN CHANNEL FLOW
Figure 10.1: Control volume for a small am- Figure 10.2: Control volume for a small am-
plitude wave in an open channel: unsteady plitude wave in an open channel: steady flow.
flow.
although it is not periodic. It is strictly a bore, which is a type of single-sided wave found
in shallow channel flows (see Section 10.7 for more details). For the case considered here,
the wave is a plane wave, in that it is straight and does not vary across the channel.
We can analyze this flow using a control volume approach, together with Bernoull’s
equation. When the control volume is stationary, as shown in Figure 10.1, we see that
before the arrival of the wave, the control volume contains a motionless body of water of
depth y. The wave then arrives from the left, and as it enters the control volume the depth
of the water behind the wave increases to y + δy. With respect to this stationary control
volume, the flow is unsteady. Also, we see that the fluid behind the wave is moving to the
right with velocity δV . Why is this fluid moving? As the wave passes through the control
volume, the mass of water contained in the control volume increases. The extra mass was
brought in by a mass flux through the left hand face of the control volume, so that the fluid
behind the wave must be moving with a small velocity in the direction of motion of the
wave. This velocity δV is called the drift velocity, and it is typically a small fraction of the
wave speed.
The analysis becomes simpler if you imagine yourself moving with the wave. The wave
is now stationary relative to yourself, but the water in front of the wave is coming towards
you at a speed c. Therefore, if we use a control volume that moves at speed c to the
right, the wave is always at the same location in the control volume and the flow is steady
(Figure 10.2). The shallow channel approximation implies that δV is constant over the
depth y + δy, and that the flow can be treated as one-dimensional. The continuity equation
then gives
(c − δV ) (y + δy) = c y
Expanding, and keeping only first order terms (δy y, and δV c), we obtain:
c δy = y δV (10.1)
If we also assume there are no losses, we can apply Bernoulli’s equation along the surface
(the surface is a streamline where the pressure is constant), so that
1 2 1 2
2 (c − δV ) + g (y + δy) = 2c + gy
Expanding, and keeping only first order terms gives
g δy = c δV (10.2)
Equations 10.1 and 10.2 yield

√
c= gy
10.3. WAVES IN A MOVING FLUID 197
We find that the speed of a small amplitude gravity wave moving over the surface of shallow
√
water is gy.
10.3 Waves in a Moving Fluid

What happens if, instead of being motionless with respect to a fixed observer, the water
ahead of the wave was moving with velocity V to the right? To make this flow steady, we
would have to move with a velocity V + c. In this new framework, a similar analysis to that
√
given above would lead to the result that the speed of the wave is V + gy, relative to a
stationary observer. Similarly, if the water ahead of the wave was flowing with a velocity
√
V to the left, we would find that the wave moves at the speed V − gy. That is, the wave
√
moves at a speed gy relative to the moving fluid .
So far, we have examined plane waves. Consider instead a circular wave that is generated
by point disturbance on the surface of the water. For example, fill a sink or bath to a depth
of about 10 mm. Take a sponge that is soaked with water and, while holding it stationary,
squeeze it gently to make it drip onto the water surface. We expect the ripples made by
√
the drops of water to propagate outward in concentric circular patterns at a speed gy
(≈ 0.3 m/s).1 You can check this with a stopwatch. Now move the sponge slowly as you
squeeze it. As each drop hits the water, a circular disturbance travels outward, as before,
but the parts of the circles that lie in the same direction as the motion of the sponge are
closer together than the parts in the opposite direction. This produces the same effect as
holding the dripping sponge stationary over a flowing body of water. If we were stationary,
and the water was moving, it would appear that the waves move slower upstream then they
do downstream [see Figure 10.3(a)]. The wave speed is constant, so that the wave shape
remains circular, but the wave is also convected downstream by the moving fluid. Relative
to a stationary observer, the parts of the wave that are moving upstream move more slowly
than the parts of the wave moving downstream where the wave velocity and the fluid velocity
are in the same direction. The pattern shown in Figure 10.3(a) is observed whenever the
fluid velocity is less than the speed of the wave.
√
The ratio of fluid speed V to wave speed V / gy is called the Froude number.
V
Froude number = F ≡ √ (10.3)
gy
The Froude number is named after William Froude, who performed many experiments to
study the waves produced by ships. The pattern shown in Figure 10.3(a) is observed when
F < 1. This is called sub-critical flow. This phenomenon is similar to the Doppler effect
for sound waves. The Doppler effect explains why the sound of a whistle on a train that is
moving towards you has a higher pitch (higher frequency, smaller wavelength) than when it
is moving away from you, where it has a lower pitch (lower frequency, longer wavelength).
Let us return to our experiment. As we move the sponge faster, there is a point where
it will be moving with the same velocity as the wave velocity. That is, F = 1. If the sponge
was stationary and the water was moving, the parts of the wave moving upstream at speed
√
gy will be swept downstream at the same speed, and so all the wavefronts collect along a
line [Figure 10.3(b)]. This is called critical flow.
When the water moves still faster, so that F > 1, we obtain the pattern shown in
Figure 10.3(c). Here, the wave fronts are being swept downstream by the current faster
than they can move upstream, and a wedge-shaped pattern forms with a characteristic
angle α (see Section 10.4). This is called supercritical flow.
1 It can be shown that a circular wave spreads at the same speed as a planar wave, that is, at a speed
√
gy far from the center of the disturbance.
Figure 10.3: Wave patterns made by a point disturbance on the free surface of a moving liquid.
√ √ √
(a) V < gy (subcritical). (b) V = gy (critical). (c) V > gy (supercritical).
Some interesting observations can be made. For example, consider a fisherman in his
boat, moored in a river some distance upstream of the point where a disturbance is creating
waves. In subcritical flow, where F < 1, the waves, relative to the stationary fisherman,
spread out at different speeds depending on the direction, but they will all reach him even-
tually. Even if he was not looking at the waves, he would learn of their presence by the
rocking of the boat. All this changes when F = 1 (the critical Froude number ). At this
point, the waves collect along a line downstream of the fisherman, and they never reach the
boat. He never receives the information that waves are being generated. The line of waves
divides the flow into two zones: a downstream zone that is influenced by the presence of
waves and an upstream zone that is not. When F > 1, the zone that is influenced by the
waves shrinks to the wedge-shaped region shown in Figure 10.3(c).
10.4 Froude Number

The Froude number always makes an appearance when gravity is important. It comes
directly from the equations of motion, as we saw from the nondimensional form of the
√
Navier-Stokes equation (equation 7.23). For flow in an open channel, F = V / gy, and it
gives the ratio of the flow velocity to the speed of a small amplitude disturbance. The Froude
number will be small compared to 1 when the velocity is low and/or when the water depth
is large. Large rivers are likely to have low Froude numbers. The Froude number will be
large compared to 1 when the velocity is large and/or the depth is small. As we indicated,
this is called supercritical flow, but it is also sometimes called shooting flow because of its
appearance.
Another interpretation for the Froude number can be found by squaring it and multi-
plying the numerator and denominator by the density. Hence
1 2
2 ρV
F =2 2 (10.4)
ρgy
and so the Froude number is related to the ratio of the fluid kinetic energy to its potential
energy. Fast flow in a shallow channel has a large Froude number, and its kinetic energy is
large compared to its potential energy. Alternatively, from this from of the Froude number,
we could interpret it as the ratio of the dynamic pressure to a typical hydrostatic pressure.
We saw in Section 10.3 that when the Froude number is supercritical (F > 1), a wedge-
shaped pattern of waves forms, with a characteristic angle α (Figure 10.4). In a given time
interval ∆t, the center of the disturbance is convected by the flow a distance V ∆t, while
√
the wave front moves a distance gy∆t. Hence
√ √
gy∆t gy 1
sin α = = = (10.5)
V ∆t V F
10.5. BREAKING WAVES 199
Figure 10.4: Wave patterns made at supercritical Froude numbers.
The Froude number can be estimated, therefore, by measuring the angle the wave fronts
make with the flow direction, as long as the waves have small amplitudes. The angle α
is sometimes called the Froude angle. The line defined by this angle defines the line of
propagation of small disturbances in supercritical flow.
10.5 Breaking Waves

If we have a long water channel, we can create a large planar disturbance traveling down
the channel by using a wave maker (a sort of oscillating airfoil) or a large paddle hinged at
the bottom of the channel. As the wave moves down the channel, it will grow larger and
steeper, and possibly “break” like a wave at the beach.
Why does it steepen and
√ break? To a stationary observer, the front of the wave initially
moves at a speed close to gh2 , that is, the local speed of a small
√ disturbance (Figure 10.5).
The back of the wave moves at a speed very nearly equal to gh1 + δV √ , that is, the√local
speed of a small amplitude disturbance plus the drift speed δV . Since gh1 + δV > gh2 ,
the back of the wave catches up with the front and the wave steepens. Eventually, it will
break and it is then sometimes called a positive surge.
A similar phenomenon occurs at the beach. There the steepening of the wave is aided
by the slope of the bottom: the water depth decreases in the direction of wave movement,
accentuating the differences between the speeds of the front and back of the wave (see
Figures 10.6 and 10.7). In addition, there is significant undertow, which is the result of
mass conservation: as the wave brings water up the beach, there must be a current near
the bottom to bring it back. This undertow accentuates the effects due to the slope of the
beach and hastens the formation of the breaking wave. The most common explanation for
the formation of breaking waves on a beach ascribes the phenomenon to “bottom friction.”
Although there are always effects due to friction, this explanation misses one of the more
important mechanisms.
Figure 10.5: Notation for a steepening wave (station- Figure 10.6: Waves forming on a
ary observer). sloping beach.
10.6 Tsunamis2
ESASHI, Japan, July 14. They can travel as fast as jet planes. They can carry
off entire houses. They can inundate coastal communities with violent flooding. Some
English speakers call them tidal waves, but they have nothing to do with tides; much
of the world recognizes them by their Japanese name, tsunami.
Huge tsunamis inundated northern Japan Monday night, minutes after a powerful
earthquake struck the Sea of Japan west of the northern island of Hokkaido. A tsunami
contributed heavily to damage along the coast and to the virtual demolition of the
Aonae district on Okushiri, a small island known for fishing and resorts.
People were swept away by huge waves and drowned. Cars were flushed into the
sea. Ships were thrown onto land where they crashed into buildings. And hundreds of
houses were destroyed in a torrent of water. One of the most striking television images
of the quake was that of what looked to be an entire house floating out to sea, its roof
protruding above the water.
Many things contributed to the damage in the quake, which measured 7.8 on the
Richter Scale. There was the shaking, the landslides that ruined roads and buried a
hotel, and fires, probably caused by the explosion of ruptured gas lines. But perhaps
the most spectacular phenomenon was the tsunami.
Waves outran warning

While Japan, perhaps the world’s most earthquake-prone country, has learned how to
build structures to withstand earthquakes, it apparently has not yet been able to fully
cope with tsunamis.
‘Even wooden houses in Japan are built strong enough to withstand the shaking
of an earthquake,’ said Nobuo Shuto, a professor of tsunami engineering at Tohoku
University in Sendai.
Japan has a warning system for tsunamis, but on Monday night the waves reached
Okushiri at about the same time as the warning, five minutes after the earthquake.
‘Under this kind of situation, maybe there is little you can do,’ Professor Shuto said.
‘The only way to save human lives is to evacuate immediately, even without a warning.’
Waves up to 35-feet high

Professor Shuto estimated that the wave that struck Okushiri ranged from 10 to 16
feet high, but noted that he said he had not completed his calculations. A researcher
for the Meteorological Agency estimated, based on a survey of the site, that the waves
were as high as 35 feet.
Tsunamis are gigantic versions of the ripples produced by a pebble tossed into a still
pond. But in tsunamis, the water is displaced not by a pebble, but by an earthquake,
volcanic eruption or other violent undersea movement (Figure 10.7). A huge mass of
water can be displaced.
The tsunami’s speed depends on the depth of the water above the displaced sea
bed. In the case of the tsunami on Monday, where the water was about 6,000 feet deep,
the wave travels at 300 miles per hour.
As the wave approaches the land and the ocean becomes shallower, the water in
the back of the wave catches up to the water in the front, and the wave height mounts.
Report seeing 10 waves

Depending on the structure of the coastline, a tsunami might strike one time and
recede, or reverberate, hitting the shoreline many times. Professor Shuto said some
witnesses on Okushiri reported seeing as many as 10 waves.
The professor said that while Japan is most known for tsunamis, they occur else-
where, and can strike with deadly force thousands of miles from their source. A huge
2 From the article “A Wall of Water Traveling at the Speed of a Jet Plane” by Andrew Pollack, New York
Times, July 14, 1994.

10.7. HYDRAULIC JUMPS 201
Figure 10.7: Formation of tsunamis. From Scientific American, May, 1999.
tsunami occurred off the Aleutian Islands of Alaska on April 1,1946, and traveled to
Hawaii. Hawaiians thought warnings of a sea disturbance were an April Fool’s joke
and ignored them, he said, and 159 people were killed.
Japan began constructing defenses against tsunamis after it was hit by what Pro-
fessor Shuto said was the strongest tidal wave in its recorded history, with waves up
to 40 feet high. The tsunami, which struck in 1960 started off the coast of Chile and
took 23 hours to cross the Pacific before slamming into Japan’s Pacific Coast.3
A graphic animation of the July 17, 1998, Papua New Guinea Tsunami is given at
http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/docs/tsunami/PNGhome.html (produced by the U. S. Geological
Survey). Note the generation of multiple waves by a single earthquake.
10.7 Hydraulic Jumps

To understand breaking waves or tsunamis in more detail, we consider a stationary hydraulic
jump. Hydraulic jumps may be seen at home by turning on a faucet and letting the stream
of water fall on a flat, horizontal surface such as a plate. The water spreads out from its
point of impact in a thin layer, and then at some point a sudden rise in water level occurs.
This is a circular hydraulic jump. Waves breaking on a beach are planar hydraulic jumps,
and hydraulic jumps are also often seen in a shallow river bed where a sudden change in
river depth occurs, or in the region just downstream of a large rock (white water enthusiasts
know and love hydraulic jumps). In an open channel water tunnel (sometimes called a
flume), we can form a hydraulic jump by first letting the water flow over a bump (we will
see later that this is a mechanism for making the flow supercritical), and then placing an
obstacle downstream. The hydraulic jump will form upstream of the obstacle, and it will
be stationary with respect to the flume. In the laboratory, we can also produce a planar
hydraulic jump by suddenly removing a barrier between two bodies of water of different
depth. The motion has two parts: a hydraulic jump moving into the region of lower depth,
and a smooth expansion wave moving in the opposite direction into the region of higher
depth.
3 With an average Pacific Ocean depth of 15, 000 f t, the wave speed √gy is about 700 f t/s, or 470 mph.
The distance traveled in 23 hours is therefore about 11,000 miles, which is almost exactly the distance
between Chile and Japan. Tidal waves travel as small amplitude disturbances for long distances (the wave
height may only be several feet, with a very large wavelength), and they only become destructive near the
shore where huge breaking waves can form.
Figure 10.8: A moving hydraulic jump (called a bore) traveling upstream in the Severn River in
England. The bore is caused by the tide moving into the mouth of the river. Photograph by D.H.
Peregrine, with permission.
Moving hydraulic jumps are sometimes called bores or surges. A tidal bore is caused by
a high tide entering a shallow bay or river inlet (see Figure 10.8). As the water proceeds
against the current, a bore is formed by the same mechanism responsible for breaking waves.
Surges, for example, are formed when a river dam breaks. Bores and surges can be very
hazardous, but they can also be useful. For example, they can be used to decelerate a stream
of fluid to reduce scouring in a river or channel bed, and Figure 7.2 shows a hydraulic jump
formed for this purpose near the bottom of a spillway.
To analyze the features of a hydraulic jump, consider a stationary, planar jump formed
in a horizontal, two-dimensional channel flow of width W (Figure 10.9). We will use a
control volume that starts well upstream of the jump where the depth of the water is H1 ,
and that ends well downstream of the jump where the depth is H2 . Large disturbances such
as hydraulic jumps dissipate a lot of energy, so that mechanical energy is not conserved and
Bernoulli’s equation cannot be used. We can, however, use the continuity and momentum
equations.
First, consider the continuity equation. We will assume that the velocities across areas
W H1 and W H2 are constant, so that
ρU1 W H1 = ρU2 W H2
That is,
U1 H1 = U2 H2 (10.6)
Next, consider the momentum equation. In the undisturbed part of the channel flow, the
streamlines are parallel, so that the pressure varies with depth because of the hydrostatic
pressure gradient. In problems involving air or other gases, we have generally ignored these
hydrostatic pressures since they were small. With liquids, however, the hydrostatic pressures
must be taken into account. Since the depth increases across the jump, the force due to
hydrostatic pressure acting on the right hand face of the control volume is larger than that
due to hydrostatic pressure acting on the left hand face. This appears as a resultant force
due to pressure differences in the momentum equation. If we ignore any viscous forces
that might act on the channel bed, there will be no external forces acting on the control
10.7. HYDRAULIC JUMPS 203
Figure 10.9: Control volume for the analysis of a hydraulic jump.
volume, and the force due to hydrostatic pressure differences is equal to the net outflux of
momentum. The x-momentum equation becomes:
Z Z
−i · pn dA = i · (n · ρV) V dA
By using gauge pressure, we obtain:
ZH1 ZH2
p1 W dy − p2 W dy = (−ρU1 ) U1 W H1 + (ρU2 ) U2 W H2
0 0
The pressures are hydrostatic, so that
ZH1 ZH2
ρg (H1 − y) dy − ρg (H2 − y) dy = −ρU12 H1 + ρU22 H2
0 0
That is,
2
1
2 gH1 − 12 gH22 = U22 H2 − U12 H1 (10.7)
Combining equations 10.6 and 10.7 gives

2
H2 H2
+ − 2F12 = 0 (10.8)
H1 H1
√
where F1 is the upstream Froude number (= U1 / gH1 ). This quadratic equation has the
solutions p
H2 −1 ± 1 + 8F12
=
H1 2
We can reject the negative solution because H2 is always positive. Hence
q
H2 1
= 1+ 8F12 −1 (10.9)
H1 2
This is called the hydraulic jump relationship, and it applies to stationary, planar hydraulic
jumps, in channels with negligible bottom friction.
We see that the height of the jump depends only on the upstream Froude number. When
F1 > 1, H2 > H1 , and the jump is “up.” When F1 = 1, H2 = H1 , and there is no jump
at all. When F1 < 1, H2 < H1 , and the jump is “down.” We will show in Section 10.8,
however, that jumps that go down are not possible because of thermodynamic considerations
(entropy cannot decrease). Therefore
A hydraulic jump occurs only if F1 > 1. As a result, H2 > H1 .
How does a hydraulic jump form? Consider supercritical flow in an open channel.
BecauseF > 1, a wave generated by a small change in flow elevation cannot travel up-
stream. If a large bump or a barrier is placed on the channel bottom, the flow cannot adjust
smoothly because the “information” about the presence of the obstacle cannot be signaled
upstream, and therefore the flow will change abruptly close to the obstacle. A hydraulic
jump will occur just upstream of the obstacle.
What about the Froude number downstream of the hydraulic jump? We first write the
continuity equation nondimensionally, as follows. Equation 10.6 gives
U1 H1 = U2 H2
√
Dividing through by gH1 gives
√
U1 U2 U2 gH
√ H1 = √ H2 = √ √ 2 H2
gH1 gH1 gH1 gH2
That is
√
U2 gH
F1 H 1 = √ √ 2 H2
gH2 gH1
and
3/2
H1
F2 = F1 (10.10)
H2
Equation 10.10 is just another way of writing the continuity equation for flow in a channel of
constant width, but it is particularly useful because it is written in terms of nondimensional
parameters such as the Froude number. Writing the equations in terms of nondimensional
parameters can be very effective in solving problems, particularly in problems concerning
open channel flows.
The downstream Froude number can now be found by combining the continuity equa-
tion in the form given by equation 10.10 with the hydraulic jump relationship given by
equation 10.9. That is,
3 3 " 2 #
H1 H1 1 2H2
F22 = F12 = +1 −1
H2 H2 8 H1
That is,

1 H1 H1
F22 = +1
2 H2 H2
For F1 > 1, H1 /H2 < 1 (jumps go up), and therefore F2 is always less than 1. That is,
A hydraulic jump occurs only if F1 > 1. As a result, F2 < 1.

10.8. HYDRAULIC DROPS? 205
10.8 Hydraulic Drops?

The hydraulic jump relationship (equation 10.9) implies that it is possible to have hydraulic
jumps that go down (H2 < H1 ) when F1 < 1. To show that such hydraulic “drops” are
not possible, consider what happens to the Bernoulli constant B through this flow. The
Bernoulli constant was defined in Section 8.11, and it is constant if energy is conserved. At
the surface of the water upstream of the jump B1 = 12 U12 + gH1 , and downstream of the
jump B2 = 12 U22 + gH2 . That is,
1 2 1 2

B1 = 2 U1
+ gH1 = gH1 2 F1 +1
= gH2 21 F22 + 1

Similarly B2
We know there are energy losses in the hydraulic jump because they are turbulent, so that
B2 < B1 . When F1 > 1, then B2 < B1 , as required, so that jumps that go up are allowed.
However, when F1 < 1, then B2 > B1 , which is not allowed, and so jumps that go down are
not possible.
To demonstrate this result, we first form the ratio of the Bernoulli constants.
F22

B2 H2 1 + 2
=
B1 H1 1 + F12
2
By using the continuity equation (equation 10.10), we obtain

 3 2 
H1 F1
B2 H2  1 + H2 2 
= F12
(10.11)
B1 H1
 
1+ 2
We can find an expression for F1 using the hydraulic jump relationship (equation 10.9).
That is,
1 H2 H2
F12 = +1
2 H1 H1
and use this result to substitute for F1 in equation 10.11 to obtain
 2 
1 H1 H2
B2 H2  1 + 4 H2 H1 + 1
=  (10.12)
B1 H1 1 + 1 H 2
 
H2
4 H1 H1 + 1
This relationship is plotted in Figure 10.10 for a small range of H2 /H1 . For H2 > H1 , we
see that B2 < B1 , indicating that energy is dissipated by the hydraulic jump, as observed.
When H2 < H1 , B2 > B1 , implying that energy is created by a hydraulic drop, which is
not possible. Hydraulic drops cannot occur, and only hydraulic jumps are allowed.
10.9 Surges and Bores

A surge or a bore is a moving hydraulic jump. It may be caused by a tidal flow entering
a shallow estuary (the mouth of a river), as shown in Figure 10.8, or by a sudden increase
in water level, as when a dam on a river is breached. They are similar to tsunamis, but
tsunamis are coastal features where the breaking wave is usually formed on a sloping beach.
Consider a surge, moving with a constant velocity VS into a region where the velocity
is zero and the bottom is level (Figure 10.11). This is an unsteady flow, but if we adopt
Figure 10.10: The ratio of downstream to upstream Bernoulli constants for a hydraulic jump as a
function of the ratio of downstream to upstream water depths. Note the similarity to Figure 11.12.
a frame of reference moving at the same speed as the wave, it becomes a steady problem
(Figure 10.12). The analysis is identical to that followed for the stationary hydraulic jump
given in Section 10.7, with VS replacing U1 , and VS − U2 replacing U2 . To see this, imagine
riding on the wave as a surfer might. What the surfer sees coming towards her is not a
stagnant body of water, but water that appears to be moving towards her at a speed VS .
When she looks back, she sees water moving away from her at a speed VS − U2 . So the
relationship for a surge or bore moving into a stagnant pool of water with a level bottom is
simply q
H2 1 2
= 1 + 8FS − 1
H1 2
√
where FS = VS / gH1 , and VS is the speed of the bore relative to a stationary observer.
Since the appropriate Froude number is based on the bore velocity, this Froude number
must be supercritical (FS > 1) if a jump is to take place.
10.10 Flow Through a Smooth Constriction

To illustrate further the behavior of subcritical and supercritical flows, consider the steady
flow of water through an open channel where the sides of the channel form a symmetric
constriction so that the widths of the inlet and outlet are the same, as shown in Figure 10.13.
Figure 10.11: Surge in a frame of reference Figure 10.12: Surge in a frame of reference
where the flow is unsteady. where the flow is steady.
10.10. FLOW THROUGH A SMOOTH CONSTRICTION 207
Figure 10.13: Steady flow through a smooth constriction. (a) Perspective view. (b) Plan view.
(c) Elevation.
We will assume that the flow is approximately one-dimensional and that there are no losses,
so that there are no hydraulic jumps. A flow where there are no losses is sometimes called
“smooth,” so this is a smooth constriction.
As the flow passes through the constriction, what happens to the water surface? Does
the water level go down, or does it go up? To answer this question we will use the one-
dimensional continuity equation, and apply Bernoulli’s equation along the surface stream-
line. The continuity equation gives
B1 Y1 V1 = BY V (10.13)
where the subscript 1 denotes the inlet conditions upstream of the constriction, and B,
Y , and V are, respectively, the width of the channel, the depth of the stream and the
average velocity in a cross-section of the flow at some location x inside the constriction.
Non-dimensionalizing equation 10.13 in the same way as we did earlier (see equation 10.10),
we obtain
2 3
2 B1 Y1
F = F12 (10.14)
B Y
which is just the continuity equation in nondimensional form. Here, F is the local Froude
number at the location x.
Bernoulli’s equation for steady, incompressible, frictionless flow along the surface stream-
line, where p1 = p2 , gives
1 2 1 2
2 V1 + gY1 = 2V + gY
Non-dimensionalizing this equation by dividing through by gY1 gives
1 2 1 2 Y Y
2 F1 +1 = 2F Y +
Y1
(10.15)
1
By combining equations 10.14 and 10.15, we obtain (after some algebra) a third-order poly-
nomial for Y /Y1
3 2 2 2
Y Y F12 B1 F1
− 1+ + = 0 (10.16)
Y1 Y1 2 B 2
Since this is a cubic, there are in general three solutions. One solution is usually nonphysical
(for example, it could be negative), so that there are at most two nontrivial solutions. These
solutions show that Y /Y1 can be greater than one, or less than one. To answer the question
regarding the behavior of the water surface: the water level can go up, or it can go down,
depending on the values of F1 and B/B1 .
Instead of solving this equation for a wide range of inputs, we can learn a great deal
about the behavior of the water level by examining the slope of the water surface. To find
the slope, we differentiate equation 10.16, and we can show that
Y
dY F 2 dB
= B 2 (10.17)
dx 1 − F dx
√
where F = V / gY is the local Froude number.
Clearly, this is an interesting result. In particular, the slope of the surface changes sign
when the Froude number changes from being less than one, to being greater than one. We
can also anticipate some problems when F = 1. Before we proceed further, we need one
more result.
By differentiating the continuity equation for this flow (equation 10.13), we have
dV dY dB
BY + BV +YV = 0
dx dx dx
That is,
Y dV Y dB dY
− = +
V dx B dx dx
By using equation 10.17, we obtain
Y dV F 2 Y dB Y dB 1 Y dB
− = 2
+ =
V dx 1 − F B dx B dx 1 − F 2 B dx
Finally
V
dV dB
= − B 2 (10.18)
dx 1 − F dx
which provides information on how the flow accelerates or decelerates as it passes through
the smooth constriction.
We will avoid the case where F = 1 for now, and consider the two cases where either
F < 1 everywhere, or F > 1 everywhere.
1. When F < 1 everywhere, then with
dB dY dV
(a) < 0, we find < 0, and >0
dx dx dx
dB dY dV
(b) > 0, we find > 0 and <0
dx dx dx
Figure 10.14: Summary of flow variation in subcritical and supercritical channels.
2. When F > 1 everywhere, then with
dB dY dV
(a) < 0, we find > 0 and <0
dx dx dx
dB dY dV
(b) > 0, we find < 0 and >0
dx dx dx
These results are summarized in Figure 10.14.
When the Froude number is subcritical everywhere, the water level falls as the flow
speeds up in the converging part of the constriction, and it rises as the flow slows down in
the diverging part of the constriction. When the Froude number is supercritical everywhere,
the water level rises as the flow slows down in the converging part of the constriction, and
it falls as the flow speeds up in the diverging part of the constriction (Figure 10.15). It is
possible, therefore, to know whether the flow is subcritical or supercritical by observing its
behavior as it passes through a constriction.
What happens when the Froude number becomes critical (F = 1) somewhere?4 The
initial conclusion from equation 10.17 is that the slope of the water surface becomes infinite.
This is not possible in the real world. It is also not the only conclusion that can be drawn.
The slope of the water surface depends on the value of dB/dx as well as the Froude number,
and it is possible for the Froude number to be equal to one, as long as dB/dx = 0 at the
same location. In that case, the numerator and denominator of equation 10.17 are both
zero, and although the slope is now indeterminate, it is finite, and physically meaningful
solutions can exist. This means that
1. The only place where F = 1 must be where dB/dx = 0, that is, at the point
of minimum area of the constriction. This is called the throat. The Froude number
cannot be one anywhere else.
2. When F = 1 at the throat, the slope of the water at the throat cannot be found
using equation 10.17. Additional information regarding the downstream flow condi-
tions is required before the solution can be determined, as discussed in the following
sections.
What happens if we try to increase F1 beyond the condition where the throat Froude
number is 1? Our first suggestion might be that F becomes unity at some point upstream
where dB/dx 6= 0. But equation 10.17 indicates that when F = 1 and dB/dx 6= 0, dY /dx
becomes infinite. This is not possible. The only place where the flow can become critical
is at the throat. If F = 1 at the throat, and the upstream flow velocity V1 is somehow
4 Note the similarities with the case of compressible nozzle flow, Section 11.5.
Figure 10.15: Steady flow through a smooth constriction. (a) Subcritical flow everywhere. (b)
Supercritical flow everywhere.
increased, then Y1 will increase such that F1 remains as before, and F at the throat remains
equal to one.
10.10.1 Subcritical flow in contraction

Consider a stream that is initially subcritical everywhere (F < 1). This corresponds to the
flow conditions given in the upper part of Figure 10.14. As the water passes through the
constriction, its level falls and its velocity increases. Consequently, the local Froude number
F increases, and its maximum value will occur at the throat where the area is a minimum.
Downstream of the throat, the flow recovers so that the water level rises and the Froude
number decreases. If the upstream and downstream widths of the constriction are equal,
the flow returns to its upstream state (neglecting losses).
When the incoming Froude number F1 is increased, there comes a point when the Froude
number becomes critical somewhere. As we saw previously, this will occur at the throat: it
is the first place where F can become critical, and it is the only place it can occur. From
equation 10.17, we see that when F = 1 the slope of the water surface is indeterminate, and
so we cannot say what happens to the water level downstream of the throat. Will it go up,
or continue to go down? The answer depends on the conditions downstream of the throat.
If we now return to the original equation for the flow through the constriction (equa-
tion 10.16), we find that there exist two possible solutions that have F = 1 at the throat.
That is, two possibilities exist for a continuous surface profile in a steady flow without
losses, and they must satisfy one of two particular boundary conditions at the exit from the
constriction. In other words, under the conditions where there are no losses, only two flows
are possible with F = 1 at the throat, and they can only exist if the downstream water level
Y3 is one of two values, Y30 or Y300 in Figure 10.16.
1. When Y3 = Y30 , the flow returns to subcritical Froude number values, and the water
level rises in the diverging part of the constriction.
2. When Y3 = Y300 , the flow becomes supercritical in the diverging part of the con-
striction, and the water level falls.
If F = 1 at the throat, and the downstream water level Y3 takes a value not equal
to Y30 or Y300 , a continuous surface profile without losses cannot be found. For example, if
Y3 was such that Y300 < Y3 < Y30 (in Figure 10.16, this value of Y3 is shown as Y3000 ), the
flow will be supercritical for some distance downstream of the throat. However, when the
Figure 10.16: Steady flow through a smooth constriction, with subcritical flow upstream, and
critical flow (F = 1) at the throat.
Froude number is such that a jump is possible (according to equation 10.9), a hydraulic
jump occurs and the flow becomes subcritical. Downstream of the hydraulic jump, the flow
will be subcritical, and the water surface begins to rise as it passes through the rest of the
constriction until Y3 = Y3000 at the exit. The actual location of the hydraulic jump is given
by the point where the jump height corresponding to the local Froude number is such as to
match the downstream water level.
The lowest value that Y3000 can take will occur when the hydraulic jump is located at
the end the diverging section. This jump is the strongest jump that can be found in the
constriction, because at this point the Froude number has its highest value and the change
in water level is the largest possible.
What happens if no hydraulic jump is possible? That is, what happens when the hy-
draulic jump relationship cannot be satisfied at any location in the diverging part of the
constriction? In this case, no solution exists, neither without losses, nor in the presence
of a hydraulic jump. However, our analysis has been restricted to one-dimensional flow.
In practice, oblique hydraulic jumps will appear downstream of the constriction, but the
analysis of oblique jumps is beyond the scope of this text.
What happens if Y3 > Y30 ? There is no steady solution: the channel will drown. That
is, the water will flow back upstream and subcritical flow will be established everywhere.
What happens if Y3 < Y300 ? In this case, there is no one-dimensional solution, and oblique
expansion waves will appear downstream of the constriction.
10.10.2 Supercritical flow in contraction

When the conditions are such that the Froude number of the flow is supercritical everywhere
in the converging part of the constriction, the water level will rise, and the local Froude
number will decrease. This corresponds to the flow conditions given in the lower part
of Figure 10.14.. If the Froude number decreases such that the Froude number becomes
critical (F = 1) at the throat, the flow downstream of the throat has the same two solutions
considered in the previous section.
If there are no losses and equation 10.16 applies, the downstream part of the flow has
the same two possible solutions as before, where Y3 = Y30 or Y3 = Y300 (see Figure 10.17),
no matter what the Froude number is upstream of the throat. If Y300 < Y3 < Y30 , then the
flow will be supercritical for some distance downstream of the throat and when the Froude
number is such that, for the given Y3 , a jump is possible (according to the hydraulic jump
relationship, equation 10.9), a hydraulic jump occurs, and the flow becomes subcritical.
An important point is that, once the Froude number at the throat is equal to one, the
upstream and downstream parts of the flow become independent. There is no communication
between them, even if they were both subcritical. The location where F = 1 acts as a
barrier to communication: disturbances in water level such as waves and ripples cannot
pass upstream of this location. Therefore any changes downstream of the throat cannot be
Figure 10.17: Steady flow through a smooth constriction, with supercritical flow upstream, and
critical flow (F = 1) at the throat.
transmitted to the flow upstream of the throat.
10.10.3 Flow over bumps

We have seen that when a subcritical open channel flow passes through a smooth constric-
tion, the Froude number can become critical at the throat and supercritical in the diverging
part of the constriction. A bump on the floor of a channel of constant width can also make
the flow become supercritical. For example, if the depth of the water decreases approaching
the bump, and then continues to decrease downstream of the bump, we can show that the
flow has become supercritical as it passed over the bump. A throat must have formed near
the crest of the bump. This type of flow is often seen in river rapids, where the depth of the
water decreases as the water passes over a submerged rock. Usually, a hydraulic jump forms
a short distance downstream of the rock, indicating that the flow became supercritical as
it passed over the rock. For the flow approaching a bump, if we see that the depth of the
water begins to increase, we know that it is initially supercritical. If the depth continues to
increase downstream of the bump, we know that the flow became subcritical as it passed
over the bump.
Chapter 11
Compressible Flow
11.1 Introduction
To demonstrate why the compressibility of fluids is important, consider the example of a
piston in a long, straight tube filled with gas (Figure 11.1). The piston is initially at rest,
and so is the gas. If the piston suddenly starts moving at a constant speed, what happens
to the fluid? The fluid in contact with the piston must start to move when the piston does,
but what about the fluid further down the tube? If the fluid were incompressible, the gas
would behave like a solid body and the entire mass of fluid would move with the piston. As
soon as the piston begins to move, all the fluid in the tube must start to move at the same
speed, even the fluid far from the piston. In other words, the effect of the piston motion
would travel through the gas at an infinite speed.
Real fluids do not behave like this. Real fluids are compressible. As the piston starts
to move, the gas near the piston gets compressed first (the gas far away has not started to
move yet, so the gas near the piston gets squeezed into a smaller volume), and then the gas
a little further away, and so on. The motion of the piston propagates through the tube as
a pressure wave at a finite speed.
We can identify the “front” between the compressed gas and the undisturbed gas and
measure the speed at which it travels. If the pressure disturbance caused by the piston
motion is small compared to the ambient pressure, this compression front travels at the
local speed of sound (sound waves are just very weak pressure waves). In fact, the most
common evidence of the compressibility of fluids is the propagation of sound waves — if a
fluid were truly incompressible, sound waves could not travel through it. In contrast, if the
pressure disturbances caused by the piston motion are not small, shock waves will appear.
A shock wave is a very thin region where the velocity, pressure, temperature and density all
change significantly. For the case of a shock forming in a tube, the shock is planar, and it
travels into the gas at a speed somewhere between the speed of sound in the undisturbed
gas ahead of it, and the speed of sound in the compressed gas behind it.
We have all heard shock waves: the thunder that accompanies lightning, the boom that
comes with an explosion, and the crack of a whip, are all examples of shock waves. We
know from experience that shock waves produce rapid changes in pressure. In fact, they
often produce such rapid changes that the changes are said to occur “discontinuously.”
For example, an explosion generates a very intense pressure and temperature rise, and the
pressure disturbance travels out as a shock wave. In this case, the shock wave is spherical and
it weakens as it travels outward so that the pressure jump across the shock decreases with
distance. When a bullet issues from a barrel, the hot, high pressure gas that is expelled
from the muzzle also generates a spherical shock. The bullet itself typically travels at a
supersonic speed (that is, at a speed greater than the speed of sound in the undisturbed
213
214 CHAPTER 11. COMPRESSIBLE FLOW
Figure 11.1: The motion of a piston in a tube filled with a gas produces a pressure disturbance,
which travels down the tube at a finite speed.
gas), and its motion will generate shock waves. In fact, whenever a body of finite size travels
through a gas at a supersonic speed, shocks will appear. For example, the crack of a whip
is the audible evidence of shock formed by the supersonic motion of its tip, as shown in
Figure 11.2.
In this chapter, we focus on high speed gas flows where compressibility effects are im-
portant, and analyze the behavior of shocks and other wave phenomena that occur when
bodies travel at supersonic speed.
11.2 Pressure Propagation in a Moving Fluid

The propagation of sound waves in high-speed flow displays many similarities to the propaga-
tion characteristics of small amplitude gravity waves examined in Chapter 11. For example,
Figure 11.2: The motion of the tip of a bull whip is shown to produce shock waves in these
four sequential pictures. The shocks are visible as thin lines near the letter S in each picture.
The tip speed is 1400 f t/s, compared to the sound speed of 1100 f t/s. Courtesy, Naval Research
Laboratory.
11.2. PRESSURE PROPAGATION IN A MOVING FLUID 215
imagine a body suddenly placed in a subsonic air flow [see Figure 11.3(a)]. The presence of
the body creates pressure disturbances, which travel outward from the body at the speed
of sound (as long as the pressure waves are small). It is by the transmission of pressure
waves that the rest of the flow finds out about the presence of the body, in the same way
the fisherman in Section 10.2 found out about the presence of a wave source through the
ripples that traveled outward on the free surface of the water.
An important parameter is the Mach number M , defined as the ratio of the bulk velocity
of the fluid V to the speed of sound a. That is,
V
M=
a
In a subsonic flow (M < 1), the whole of the flow field will be affected by the pressure
waves, and this explains why the flow at some distance upstream of the body adjusts to the
presence of the body: it “knows” that the body is there because pressure waves transmit
the information regarding its presence. For a cylinder, this distance is of the order of 10
diameters. In mathematical terms, the flow field is “elliptic,” which means that all parts of
the flow are affected by all other parts since information is freely transmitted throughout
the flow field.
If the body was placed in a sonic flow field (M = 1), the pressure waves would travel
outward at the speed of sound, but they would also be swept downstream by the flow at
the same speed [see Figure 11.3(b)]. The waves all collect along a line normal to the flow
direction, and the flow upstream of the body never feels the presence of the body. The
adjustment of the flow to the presence of the body is no longer gradual, but sudden.
When the flow is supersonic (M > 1), the pressure waves still travel outward at the
speed of sound, but they are swept downstream at an even greater speed so that the waves
are confined to a wedge-shaped region [see Figure 11.3(c)]. Only the flow inside this region
feels the presence of the body. The angle made by the envelop of waves is αM , where
1
sin αM = (11.1)
M
(see Figure 11.4). The angle αM is called the Mach angle, and it is the angle a weak pressure
wave makes with the flow direction in a supersonic flow. The weak pressure wave is often
called a Mach wave.
If the body has a finite size, the pressure disturbances it generates will no longer be
small. At supersonic speeds, the flow cannot adjust gradually to its presence, and a sudden,
steep adjustment of pressure (a shock wave) is necessary to let the flow pass over the body.
Shock wave patterns made by a sphere moving at Mach 4.01 are shown in Figure 11.5. A
similar phenomenon occurs in open channel flows at the critical Froude number (F = 1),
where an obstruction of finite size forms a sudden change in water level called a hydraulic
jump.
Figure 11.3: Wave patterns made by a point disturbance. (a) U < a (subsonic). (b) U = a (sonic).
(c) U > a (supersonic).
Figure 11.4: Wave patterns made at supersonic Mach numbers.
For a body in a sonic flow, the shock wave that forms in front of the body is at right
angles to the flow direction, and it is called a normal shock. For a supersonic flow, the shock
is inclined to the flow direction, and it is called an oblique shock wave.1 You may have heard
shock waves when an airplane flies over you at sonic or supersonic speeds. If you had your
eyes closed, the first indication that an airplane was present would have been the passage
of the shock wave created by the plane. Until the airplane passed over you, the sound
waves generated by the plane could not have reached you because the source of the sound
was moving faster than the speed of sound. If you have had this experience, you would
also know that the shock wave is a large pressure disturbance, and even at considerable
distances from the plane, the sonic boom can be very unpleasant. In fact, the pressure jump
can be so large that the increased pressure, acting over the area of a window pane, can
1 For very weak shocks, the angle made by an oblique shock β is equal to the Mach angle α . This is
M
not true for shocks of finite strength.
Figure 11.5: Shock wave patterns made by a 0.5 in. sphere in free flight in atmospheric air at Mach
4.01. A strong shock wave is formed upstream of the sphere. The boundary layer separation just
behind the equator is accompanied by a weak shock wave, and a second shock is formed near the
point where the separated shear layers meet. Photograph courtesy of A.C. Charters.
11.3. REGIMES OF FLOW 217
cause it to break. The wave field generated by a supersonic vehicle is considered further in
Section 11.11.
11.3 Regimes of Flow

A flow at very low Mach number can generally be assumed to be incompressible, as long
as we are not concerned with the mechanics of sound propagation. As the Mach number
increases, there comes a point where compressibility effects become important. At what
Mach number does this occur? In Section 1.5, it was suggested that density changes due
to variations in flow velocity can be neglected, as long as the dynamic pressure is small
compared to the static pressure. We see that
1 2
2 V2 2 ρV
M = 2 = 2
a γp
so that the Mach number is related to the ratio of the dynamic pressure to the absolute
pressure. If we accept a 1% level as a tolerable change in density, then if the temperature
remains constant the corresponding change in pressure is 1%.2 This requires 21 ρV 2 < 0.01,
so that at sea level where the density of air is about 1.2 kg/m3 , we are limited to velocities
less than 40 m/s (132 f t/s or 90 mph), which correspond to Mach numbers less than about
0.12.
The limit for the assumption of incompressible flow is often given as M < 0.3. This
corresponds to a maximum change in density of about 5% for an isentropic process. This
may seem somewhat generous, but there are good reasons why changes in density are often
considered to be less important than changes in pressure. When we consider the forces
acting on a wing, for example, the pressure differences acting over the top and bottom
surfaces of the wing give rise to a lift force. The pressure differences also generate density
differences, which lead to a buoyancy force. This buoyancy force is almost always negligible
compared to the lift force and density differences can be ignored.
At higher Mach numbers, changes in density become more and more important, espe-
cially at transonic and supersonic Mach numbers where shocks are formed. Under certain
conditions, compressibility effects can even be important at relatively low Mach numbers.
Just after take-off, for example, the wings on an airplane are developing very high lift. The
flow velocities near the leading edge of the wing can be very high, so that even though the
aircraft may be moving at a Mach number of 0.3, the local Mach number can be supersonic
and shocks can form.
Based on these considerations, we can identify three regimes of fluid flow:
1. Acoustics, where fluid velocities are very small compared with the speed of sound,
but the fractional changes in pressure, temperature and density are important;
2. Incompressible flow, where fluid velocities are small compared with the speed of
sound, and the fractional changes in density are not significant; however, fractional
changes in pressure and temperature may be very important;
3. Compressible flow (“gasdynamics”), where fluid velocities are comparable to the

speed of sound, and the fractional changes in pressure, temperature and density are
all important.
In this chapter, we will consider flows in the gasdynamics regime. Before we begin this
analysis, we need to review some basic thermodynamic principles and relationships.
2 The process is more likely to be isentropic, but that does not change the argument very much.
11.4 Thermodynamics of Compressible Flow

In thermodynamics, we often speak of “systems.” In fluid mechanics, we talk about “control
volumes.” They are identical concepts, in that systems and control volumes both describe a
specific three-dimensional region bounded by a surface. Mass, momentum and energy may
flow through the control volume surface, and the concept of flux can be used to describe
this transport (Section 3.3).
Basic thermodynamic concepts and “state variables” such as total and internal energy
were introduced in Section 3.8.3 In our earlier considerations of the energy equation, it
was always assumed that the system was in “equilibrium.” That is, the heat and work
interactions were assumed to be slow enough for the thermodynamic state of the system to
be described completely by the first law of thermodynamics. What about non-equilibrium
states? In compressible flows where high speeds are common and strong velocity and pres-
sure gradients exist, systems may not be in equilibrium. It has been found by experiment,
however, that the flow still attains an instantaneous local equilibrium, as long as the temper-
atures and pressures are not too extreme. This continues to hold even inside shock waves.
For many flows, therefore, no new non-equilibrium phenomena need to be considered. For
the flows examined here, all systems will be assumed to be in equilibrium at all times.
11.4.1 Ideal gas relationships

The behavior of compressible flow depends critically on the properties of the gas we are
considering. Many gases, including air at reasonable temperatures and pressures, behave
like an “ideal” gas. That is, they obey the ideal gas law (equation 1.3)
p = ρRT or pυ = RT (11.2)
where υ = 1/ρ is the specific volume. All fluids considered here are assumed to follow the
ideal gas law.
It is important to remember that in all thermodynamic and compressible gas relation-
ships, absolute values are used, so that for temperature we use the Kelvin or Rankine
scales, and for pressure we always use the absolute value, never the gauge value. Also, in
equation 11.2,
A
R= (11.3)
MW
where A = 8, 314 m2 /s2 K (or 8, 314 J/kg K) is the universal gas constant, and M W is
the molecular weight of the gas. For air, M W = 28.98 and R = 287.03 m2 /s2 K =
1716.4 f t2 /s2 R.
11.4.2 Specific heats

The heat input to a system is related to temperature changes. The change in temperature
for a given heat interaction depends on material properties such as its specific heats. For
the SI system of units
Specific heat is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg
of substance by 1 K.
A different amount of heat is usually required if the process occurs at a constant volume, or
at a constant pressure. The specific heats at constant volume, Cv , and at constant pressure,
3 An excellent introduction to more general thermodynamic principles is given in An Introduction to
Thermal-Fluid Engineering by Z. Warhaft, published by CUP, 1997.

11.4. THERMODYNAMICS OF COMPRESSIBLE FLOWS 219
Cp are defined as

∂ û ∂h
Cv = and Cp = (11.4)
∂T v ∂T p
where û is the internal energy per unit mass (= Û /ρ), and h is the enthalpy per unit mass,
defined by
p
h = û + or h = û + pυ (11.5)
ρ
Remember that the internal energy is that part of the total energy stored in the fluid due
to molecular activity (e = û + 12 V 2 , see Section 3.8). The units of Cv and Cp are J/(kg K),
that is, N · m/(kg K), or f t · lbf /(slug R).
For an ideal gas, the internal energy per unit mass û is a function of temperature only,
and
∂ û dû
Cv ≡ =
∂T v dT
For a constant specific heat (a reasonable approximation for moderate changes in tempera-
ture), in an ideal gas
û2 − û1 = Cv (T2 − T1 ) (11.6)
For an ideal gas, û and p/ρ depend only on temperature. It follows that the enthalpy
(h = û + pυ) is a function of temperature only, and

∂h dh
Cp ≡ =
∂T p dT
For a constant specific heat, in an ideal gas
h2 − h1 = Cp (T2 − T1 ) (11.7)
For air at 20◦ C, Cv = 718 J/kgK, and Cp = 1005 J/kgK. Note that if the mass of
fluid is thermally insulated from its surroundings, so that all heat interactions are zero, the
change of state of the fluid is called “adiabatic.”
We can also derive some useful relationships between Cv and Cp . From the definition of
enthalpy and the ideal gas law
h = û + RT
Differentiating, we obtain
dh = dû + R dT
or
dh dû
= +R
dT dT
Hence
Cp − Cv = R (11.8)
This relationship holds for all ideal gases, even if the specific heats vary with temperature.
The specific heat ratio γ is defined by
Cp
γ= (11.9)
Cv
For a perfect gas, γ is a constant. Air behaves as a perfect gas over a relatively wide range
of temperatures and pressures, and over this range the specific heat ratio is nearly constant
and equal to 1.4 (see Tables Appendix-C.1 and C.2).
Equations 11.8 and 11.9 lead to
R
Cv = (11.10)
γ−1
and
γR
Cp = (11.11)
γ−1
11.4.3 Entropy variations

For compressible flows, changes in entropy are important. Entropy is the subject of the
second law of thermodynamics. The second law can be stated in a number of different ways,
none of which is easy to understand. We will use the second law only indirectly, and it is
sufficient for us to regard entropy simply as another variable of state defined by
T ds = dû + p dυ (11.12)
We should also understand that the change in entropy during a process is intimately con-
nected with the concept of reversibility. When a process is reversible, it means that no
matter what heat and work interactions occur during the process, the original state of the
system can be recovered by reversing the directions of all the interactions. For an adiabatic,
reversible process, the entropy remains constant, and the process is called isentropic. For
an adiabatic, irreversible process, the second law indicates that the entropy must increase.
Using the definition of enthalpy (equation 11.5), we can write
dh = dû + pdυ + υdp
and so equation 11.12 becomes

T ds = dh − υ dp (11.13)
For a perfect gas (that is, a gas that obeys the ideal gas law and which has constant specific
heats), equation 11.12 becomes
dT dυ
ds = Cv +R (11.14)
T υ
and equation 11.13 becomes
dT dp
ds = Cp −R (11.15)
T p
These two results can be integrated to obtain
T2 ρ2
s2 − s1 = Cv ln − R ln (11.16)
T1 ρ1
and
T2 p2
s2 − s1 = Cp ln − R ln (11.17)
T1 p1
11.4. THERMODYNAMICS OF COMPRESSIBLE FLOWS 221
When a flow is isentropic (s2 = s1 ) and obeys the ideal gas law, it follows that
1
γ−1 γ
γ−1
ρ T p T
= and = (11.18)
ρr Tr pr Tr
The parameters Tr , ρr and pr are the values of the temperature, density and pressure at
some reference point. It is common practice to use the “stagnation conditions” as the
reference conditions (see Section 11.4.5).
11.4.4 Speed of sound

Sound waves are pressure disturbances that are small compared to the ambient pressure.
For example, sound at 100 dB, which is a very noisy sound level,4 corresponds to a pressure
disturbance level of only 1 P a (10−5 atmosphere).
The transmission of sound waves is an isentropic, compressible phenomenon, and sound
waves travel at a speed given by s
∂p
a= (11.19)
∂ρ s
That is, the speed of sound is determined by the rate of change of pressure with respect to
density, at a constant entropy, s. For an ideal gas, the pressure and density in isentropic
flow are related by
p
= constant
ργ
(see equation 11.18). By differentiating this relationship, we find that
dp dρ
−γ =0
p ρ
Therefore,
∂p p
= a2 = γ
∂ρ s ρ
For an ideal gas, therefore, the speed of sound is given by
p
a= γRT (11.20)
For air at 20◦ C the speed of sound is 343 m/s = 1, 126 f t/s = 768 mph.5
Since we can also write the bulk modulus of a fluid K in terms of the rate of change of
pressure with respect to density, that is, from equation 1.2,
dp dp
K= =ρ (11.21)
dρ/ρ dρ
and so, for isentropic flow, p

a= K/ρ
4 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires ear protection for people exposed
to noise levels exceeding 90 dB.

5 It takes sound about 4.7 seconds to travel a mile. Since the noise made by thunder travels at approx-
imately the isentropic speed of sound, the time delay between the thunder and the lightning flash can be
used as a rough guide to determine how far away a lightning strike has occurred: after the flash, count 5
seconds for every mile.
For fluids, therefore, the speed of sound and the bulk modulus of the fluid are directly
related. For isentropic flow of a gas, it can be shown that K = γp (see Section 11.5), and so
p
a= γp/ρ (11.22)
√
For an ideal gas, we obtain a = γRT , as before.
11.4.5 Stagnation quantities

For steady, adiabatic flow in a streamtube, with no work interactions, the one-dimensional
energy equation (equation 8.29) becomes
h1 + 12 V12 = h2 + 21 V22
where we have used h = û + p/ρ, and gravity has been ignored. This relationship can be
written as
h0 = h + 21 V 2 (11.23)
where the constant h0 is the enthalpy of the fluid at a point where V = 0. The quantity h0
is called the stagnation enthalpy or total enthalpy. For steady adiabatic flow, the stagnation
enthalpy is constant along a streamtube. For an ideal gas with constant specific heats (a
perfect gas), h = Cp T , and
Cp T0 = Cp T + 21 V 2 (11.24)
where T0 is the stagnation temperature or total temperature. Using
γR V2
Cp = , and M 2 =
γ−1 γRT
we obtain
T0 γ−1 2
=1+ M (11.25)
T 2
which is a particular form of the one-dimensional energy equation for steady, adiabatic flow
of a perfect gas. Also
For steady, adiabatic flow of a perfect gas, T0 is constant along a streamtube.
Even if the flow does not obey all of these restrictions, it is still possible to compute a
stagnation temperature at any point according to equation 11.25, so that this equation may
be used as a definition of the stagnation or total temperature. For an adiabatic, steady flow
of a perfect gas, we know that T0 is constant along a streamline, but if these conditions are
not satisfied no conclusions can be drawn regarding the behavior of T0 .
We can also define stagnation or reservoir conditions for the density and pressure. It is
necessary to specify how the flow is brought to rest, and so we define ρ0 and p0 as the density
and pressure of the gas if it was brought to rest isentropically. The stagnation density and
pressure are constant along a streamline only if the flow itself is isentropic.
The isentropic relationships are commonly referred to as stagnation conditions, so that
1
γ−1 γ
γ−1
ρ T p T
= and = (11.26)
ρ0 T0 p0 T0
11.5. COMPRESSIBLE FLOW THROUGH A NOZZLE 223
where ρ0 and p0 are the density and pressure of the gas if it was brought to rest isentropically.
They are called the stagnation or total density and pressure. Using equation 11.25, we find
that for isentropic flow
1
γ−1
ρ0 γ−1 2
= 1+ M (11.27)
ρ 2
and
γ
γ−1
p0 γ−1 2
= 1+ M (11.28)
p 2
These functions are tabulated in Table Appendix-C.10 for γ = 1.4. Solutions to the isen-
tropic flow relations may also be found using the compressible flow calculator available on
the web at http://www.engapplets.vt.edu/ .
11.5 Compressible Flow Through a Nozzle

We have seen how water passing through a constriction in an open channel can become
supercritical (Chapter 10). Similarly, when a gas passes through a converging and diverging
duct, a supersonic flow can be produced. The converging and diverging duct is called a
nozzle, but the principles of its operation are very similar to what we have already discussed
with respect to open channel flow. In a supersonic wind tunnel, for example, a subsonic flow
accelerates as it passes through the converging part of the nozzle, and if the downstream
pressure is low enough, the flow becomes sonic at the throat and expands to supersonic
Mach numbers in the diverging part of the nozzle (see Figure 11.6). The nozzle can then be
attached to a test section, where experiments in supersonic flow can be performed. When
the downstream pressure is not low enough, shock waves can appear in the expansion, in
the same way hydraulic jumps can appear in the diverging part of a channel flow. If the
downstream pressure is too high, the whole flow will become subsonic and the tunnel is said
to choke (see Section 11.5.3).
We will now consider the variations in pressure, temperature, density and velocity expe-
rienced by a compressible gas flowing isentropically through a nozzle similar to that shown
in Figure 11.6 (sometimes called a Laval nozzle, after the Swedish engineer Karl Gustav Pa-
trik de Laval, who invented the convergent-divergent nozzle for steam turbine applications
in 1888).
11.5.1 Isentropic flow analysis

For isentropic flow, there is no heat transfer and all processes are reversible. No shocks
are allowed. The flow is steady, and quasi-one-dimensional. We assume a perfect gas, and
Figure 11.6: Isentropic, compressible flow through a converging and diverging duct.
Figure 11.7: Elemental control volume for the derivation of the momentum equation for steady,
quasi-one-dimensional flow.
neglect the effects of gravity. By differentiating equation 11.18, we obtain
dρ 1 dT
= (11.29)
ρ γ−1 T
and
dp γ dT
= (11.30)
p γ−1 T
Consider an elemental control volume that follows the inside contours of the nozzle, as
shown in Figure 11.7. The one-dimensional continuity equation, ρAV = constant, can be
differentiated to give
dρ dA dV
+ + = 0 (11.31)
ρ A V
Similarly, we apply the momentum equation for steady flow (equation 3.20) to this control
volume. For isentropic flow, there is no wall friction, and so
2
pA + ρV 2 A + p dA = (p + dp) (A + dA) + (ρ + dρ) (V + dV ) (A + dA)
Note that the term p dA on the left hand side of the equation represents the force due to
pressure acting on the side walls of the control volume. Neglecting all higher order terms,
this becomes
A dp + AV 2 dρ + ρV 2 dA + 2ρV A dV = 0
With ρAV = constant, we obtain
dp + ρV dV = 0 (11.32)
This is the momentum equation for steady, quasi-one-dimensional flow, in the absence of
viscous and gravitational forces. For isentropic (inviscid, no heat transfer) flow, this equation
can be written as
dp dp dρ dρ
V dV = − = − = −a2 (11.33)
ρ dρ ρ ρ
since the speed of sound (squared) is equal to the rate of change of pressure with density at
constant entropy (equation 11.19). Introducing the Mach number (equation 1.5) and using
the continuity equation (equation 11.31), we obtain
V
dV dA
= − A 2 (11.34)
dx 1 − M dx
Figure 11.8: Summary of flow variation in subsonic and supersonic ducts.
In addition, by using the isentropic relationships given in equations 11.29 and 11.30, we find
that
ρ 2
dρ AM dA
=
dx 1− M2 dx
p 2
dp A γM dA
=
dx 1 − M2 dx
ρ
dT A (γ− 1)M 2 dA
and =
dx 1 − M 2 dx
If we avoid the case where M = 1, and consider the two cases where M < 1 everywhere, or
M > 1 everywhere:
1. When M < 1 everywhere, then with
dA dp dρ dT dV
(a) < 0, < 0, < 0, < 0, and >0
dx dx dx dx dx
dA dp dρ dT dV
(b) > 0, > 0, > 0, > 0, and <0
dx dx dx dx dx
2. When M > 1 everywhere, then with

dA dp dρ dT dV
(a) < 0, > 0, > 0, > 0, and <0
dx dx dx dx dx
dA dp dρ dT dV
(b) > 0, < 0, < 0, < 0, and >0
dx dx dx dx dx
These results are summarized in Figure 11.8. The similarity with respect to the frictionless
flow of a liquid in an open channel is clear by comparing Figures 10.14 and 11.8.
We see that when the Mach number is subsonic everywhere, the pressure, density and
temperature drop as the flow speeds up in the converging part of the nozzle, and they rise
as the flow slows down in the diverging part of the nozzle. When the Mach number is
supersonic everywhere, the pressure, density and temperature rise as the flow slows down in
the converging part of the nozzle, and they fall as the flow speeds up in the diverging part
of the nozzle. In particular, for supersonic flow downstream of the throat (Case 2b above),
the velocity increases and the temperature decreases as the area continues to expand, and
we can show that the Mach number is set by the area ratio A/A∗ , where A∗ is the cross-
sectional area of the nozzle throat (see Section 11.5.2). Note that the flow in a subsonic
diffuser (a diffuser is a duct of increasing area) has a falling velocity and a rising pressure,
but the flow in a supersonic diffuser has a rising velocity and a falling pressure.
What happens when the Mach number becomes critical (M = 1) somewhere?6 The
initial conclusion from equation 11.34 is that the velocity becomes infinite. This is not
possible in the real world. It is also not the only conclusion that can be drawn. The velocity
depends on the value of dA/dx as well as the Mach number, and it is possible for the Mach
number to be equal to one, as long as dA/dx = 0 at the same location. In that case, the
numerator and denominator of equation 11.34 are both zero, and although the velocity is
now indeterminate, it is finite, and physically meaningful solutions can exist. This means
that
1. The only place where M = 1 must be where dA/dx = 0, that is, at the point of
minimum area of the nozzle. This is called the throat. The Mach number cannot be
one anywhere else.
2. When M = 1 at the throat, the velocity at the throat cannot be found using
equation 11.34. Additional information regarding the downstream flow conditions is
required before the solution can be determined, as discussed in the following sections.
What happens if we try to increase the upstream Mach number beyond the condition
where the throat Mach number is 1? Our first suggestion might be that M becomes unity
at some point upstream where dA/dx 6= 0. But equation 11.34 indicates that when M = 1
and dA/dx 6= 0, dV /dx becomes infinite. This is not possible. The only place where
the flow can become critical is at the throat. If M = 1 at the throat, and the upstream
flow velocity is somehow increased, then the upstream pressure will increase such that the
upstream Mach number remains as before, and M at the throat remains equal to one.
The downstream pressure level defines a series of flow regimes, much as the downstream
water level did in the case of open channel flow through a smooth constriction:
1. Only two solutions exist with M = 1 at the throat when there are no losses
(Figure 11.9, cases c and i);
2. Normal shocks are found in the nozzle for exit pressures in the range marked by
points c and f ;
3. Oblique shocks form outside the nozzle for the range between points f and i; and
4. Oblique expansion waves form outside the nozzle for exit pressures below point i.
Shocks and expansion waves are considered further in Sections 11.6 to 11.10.
11.5.2 Area ratio

For supersonic flow in the diverging part of the nozzle (Case 2b above), the velocity increases
and the temperature decreases as the area continues to expand. The Mach number therefore
increases as the area A increases, and we shall now show that it depends entirely on the
area ratio A/A∗ , where A∗ is the cross-sectional area of the nozzle throat.
To find this relationship, we write the continuity equation between the throat and a
location in the nozzle
ρV A = ρ∗ V ∗ A∗
6 Note the similarities with the case of flow in an open channel, Section 10.10.
Figure 11.9: Pressure and Mach number distributions through a converging-diverging nozzle. From
Liepmann & Roshko, Elements of Gasdynamics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1957.
where the asterisk denotes the throat location. We will only consider flows where supersonic
flow exists in the test section. At the throat, therefore, M = 1, and U ∗ = a∗ . That is,
A ρ∗ a∗ ρ∗ ρ0 a∗
= =
A∗ ρ V ρ0 ρ V
By using the isentropic relations (equations 11.27 and 11.28), we can show that
2 (γ+1)/(γ−1)
A 1 2 γ−1 2
= 2 1+ M (11.35)
A∗ M γ+1 2
This is the area relation for isentropic, supersonic flow in a nozzle. To obtain a Mach number
of 8, for example, an area ratio of about 200 is required.
11.5.3 Choked flow

What is the mass flow through the nozzle? For steady, one-dimensional nozzle flow, the
mass flow rate ṁ is given by
ṁ = ρV A = constant.
The energy equation gives
Cp T0 = Cp T + 21 V 2
That is,
1 2
2V = Cp (T0 − T )

T
= Cp T0 1 −
T0
Figure 11.10: Variation of mass flow rate as a function of pressure for steady, isentropic flow in
a converging-diverging duct. The “theoretical” curve corresponds to equation 11.36. The “actual”
curve corresponds to choked flow.
For isentropic flow this becomes

" γ−1 #
1 2 p γ
2V = Cp T0 1 −
p0
Hence,
γ1 " γ−1 !# 12
p p γ
ṁ = ρV A = ρ0 A 2Cp T0 1−
p0 p0
so that
" γ2 γ+1 !# 12
2γ p p γ
ṁ = A p0 ρ0 − (11.36)
γ−1 p0 p0
This curve is plotted in Figure 11.10 for a flow that exits to a pressure pb , called the back
pressure. We see that the mass flow rate curve has a maximum. To find the pressure ratio
at which the maximum mass flow rate occurs, we differentiate equation 11.36 with respect
to the pressure ratio p/p0
" 2−γ 1 #
∂ ṁ A2 2γ 2 p γ
γ+1 p γ
= p0 ρ0 −
∂ pp0 2ṁ γ − 1 γ p0 γ p0
A
This derivative is zero when

2−γ γ1
2 p γ
γ+1 p
=
γ p0 γ p0
That is, when
γ
1−γ
p γ+1
= = 0.528 for air (11.37)
p0 2
We can now find where this pressure ratio occurs in the nozzle. For isentropic flow, we have
γ
p0 γ − 1 2 γ−1
= 1+ M
p 2
Substituting the pressure ratio at which the maximum mass flow rate occurs from equa-
tion 11.37, we find that this critical pressure ratio occurs when M = 1, that is, it occurs at
the throat.
11.6. NORMAL SHOCKS 229
Figure 11.11: A normal shock in one-dimensional flow.
Since the maximum mass flow rate occurs when the Mach number at the throat is sonic,
it cannot be affected by the pressure distribution downstream of the throat: the pressure
changes cannot propagate upstream of the point where the flow is sonic. As a result,
lowering the back pressure cannot increase the mass flow rate. Once the flow at the throat
is sonic, the nozzle is said to be “choked.” At this point, the mass flow rate has reached its
maximum value and it remains fixed at that value even when the back pressure is lowered.
Therefore, equation 11.36 does not apply at pressure ratios below the critical value given by
equation 11.37. This fact is indicated in Figure 11.10 by the “actual” curve (choked flow)
compared to the “theoretical” curve (equation 11.37).
11.6 Normal Shocks

So far, we have qualitatively discussed the formation of shock waves in compressible flow. To
understand this phenomenon more quantitatively,, we will now analyze a one-dimensional
flow containing a stationary normal shock. In this framework, the flow is steady. The gas is
assumed to be “perfect” so that it obeys the ideal gas law and its specific heats are constant.
Consider the control volume shown in Figure 11.11. Stations 1 and 2 are placed well
outside the shock so that all gradients are zero. That is, the velocity, pressure and tem-
perature are all constant at these locations, and the one-dimensional equations of motion
apply between stations 1 and 2. With no temperature gradients at the control volume
boundaries, the flow is taken to be adiabatic, so that the total temperature is constant (see
Section 11.4.5).
For steady, adiabatic flow of a perfect gas, T0 is constant across a shock wave.
The flow is not reversible, however, because the entropy is expected to change. The equations
describing this flow are
Continuity: ρ1 V 1 = ρ2 V2
Momentum: p1 + ρ1 V12 = p2 + ρ2 V22
Energy: Cp T1 + 21 V12 = Cp T2 + 12 V22 = Cp T0 = constant
Second law: s2 − s1 = Cp ln (T2 /T1 ) − R ln (p2 /p1 )
Equation of state: p = ρRT
We have five equations and five unknowns (ρ, u, p, s, T ), which implies that for any given
upstream state a unique downstream state exists.
By using these equations in different ways, a number of results can be obtained, as
shown below. It should be emphasized that all these results stem from the one-dimensional
equations of motion, and no new phenomena are introduced. We simply manipulate the
equations to obtain some useful results called the normal shock relations.
11.6.1 Temperature ratio

The temperature ratio across the shock can be expressed in terms of the upstream and
downstream Mach number and the ratio of specific heats, as follows.
T2 T2 T02 T01
= · ·
T1 T02 T01 T1
Since T01 = T02 across a shock, we use the definition of the stagnation temperature to obtain
γ−1 2
T2 1+ 2 M1
= γ−1 2
(11.38)
T1 1+ 2 M2
11.6.2 Velocity ratio

From the definition of the Mach number
√
V2 M2 a 2 M2 γRT2
= = √
V1 M1 a 1 M1 γRT1
Using equation 11.38,
" # 12
γ−1 2
V2 M2 1+ 2 M1
= γ−1 2
(11.39)
V1 M1 1+ 2 M2
11.6.3 Density ratio

From the continuity equation,
" # 12
γ−1 2
ρ2 V1 M1 1+ 2 M2
= = γ−1 2
(11.40)
ρ1 V2 M2 1+ 2 M1
11.6.4 Pressure ratio

From the momentum equation and the ideal gas law,
V2 V2

p1 1 + 1 = p2 1 + 2
RT1 RT2
and since
V2 M 2 a2 M 2 γRT
= = = M 2γ
RT RT RT
then
p2 1 + γM12
= (11.41)
p1 1 + γM22
11.6.5 Mach number ratio

From the equation of state,
p2 ρ2 T2
=
p1 ρ1 T1
Using equations 11.38, 11.40, and 11.41, this relationship can be expressed in terms of M1
and M2 . Two solutions can be found:
M2 = M1 (11.42)
2
M12 + γ−1
or M22 = 2γ 2
(11.43)
γ−1 M1 − 1
11.6. NORMAL SHOCKS 231
The first solution implies a shock of zero strength, since we see from equation 11.41 that the
pressure does not change across the shock. The second solution indicates that, for M1 > 1,
it is possible to have a shock of finite strength in a one-dimensional steady flow. It can also
be shown that the downstream Mach number M2 will always be subsonic. Therefore
A normal shock occurs only if M1 > 1. As a result, M2 < 1.
Substituting for M2 in equations 11.40 and 11.41, we obtain
ρ2 V1 (γ + 1)M12
= = (11.44)
ρ1 V2 (γ − 1)M12 + 2
and
p2 2γ
M12 − 1

= 1+ (11.45)
p1 (γ + 1)
11.6.6 Stagnation pressure ratio

The stagnation pressure ratio across the shock can be found as follows. Using the definitions
of the total temperature and pressure (equations 11.25 and 11.28), we have
γ
γ−1 γ
γ−1
p02 p02 p1 p2 p2 T02 T1
= · · =
p01 p2 p01 p1 p1 T2 T01
Since T02 = T01 across the shock,

γ
γ−1
p02 p2 T1
= (11.46)
p01 p1 T2
Using equations 11.38 and 11.41, we obtain

γ
1 + γM12

p02 γ−1 2 γ − 1 2 γ−1
= 1+ M2 1+ M1
p01 1 + γM22 2 2
Using equation 11.43 to eliminate M2

γ
" # γ−1 −1
γ+1 2 γ−1
p02 2 M1 2γ γ−1
= M12 − (11.47)
p01 1 + γ−1
2 M1
2 γ−1 γ+1
Equation 11.47 is plotted in Figure 11.12. The figure is very similar to that given for the
height ratio across a planar hydraulic jump in Figure 10.10. The interpretation of these
results requires a consideration of the entropy changes that occur.
11.6.7 Entropy changes

Figure 11.12 indicates that for a shock with For M1 > 1 (a “compression” shock), p02 < p01 ,
and for a shock with M1 < 1 (an “expansion” shock), p02 > p01 . We will now use the second
law of thermodynamics to show that only compression shocks can occur.7
7 This is true for all gases obeying the ideal gas law.
Figure 11.12: Stagnation pressure ratio across a normal shock as a function of Mach number,
according to equation 11.47. Note the similarity to Figure 10.10.
The entropy change across the shock is given by equation 11.17:

T2 p2
s2 − s1 = Cp ln − R ln
T1 p1
Since R = Cp (γ − 1)/γ,
 
" # T2 T02 T01
T2 /T1  T02 · T01 · T1

s2 − s1 = Cp ln γ−1 = Cp ln 
 γ−1


(p2 /p1 ) γ p2
· p02
· p01 γ
p02 p01 p1
By using the definitions of the stagnation temperature (equation 11.25) and stagnation
pressure (equation 11.28), this relationship can be simplified to give a very elegant result
" γ−1 #
p01 γ
p01
s2 − s1 = Cp ln = R ln (11.48)
p02 p02
Therefore the entropy change is related to the change in stagnation pressure. Since the
entropy can only increase across a shock, we see that p02 < p01 , and Figure 11.12 indicates
that M1 must be supersonic. If p02 were greater than p01 the entropy would decrease across
a shock, which is impossible.
11.6.8 Summary: normal shocks

The normal shock relations were derived directly from the equations of motion for one-
dimensional flow. Nevertheless, some of the relations are quite complicated, and for conve-
nience they are often presented in tabulated form (see Table Appendix-C.11). Since we are
most commonly interested in air flows, the tables are given only for γ = 1.4. Alternatively,
the compressible flow calculator available on the Web at http://www.engapplets.vt.edu/ ,
could be used, or you could download compressible flow apps for your smart phone.
In many problems the initial conditions are known, but we need to find the downstream
conditions. In that case, equation 11.43 represents the starting point of the solution. Once
11.7. WEAK NORMAL SHOCKS 233
M2 is found using equation 11.43, all the other downstream variables can be determined
using the normal shock relations. Alternatively, we can use equation 11.43 to express the
normal shock relations in terms of M1 :
ρ2 V1 (γ + 1) M12
= = (11.49)
ρ1 V2 (γ − 1) M12 + 2
and
p2 2γ
M12 − 1

= 1+ (11.50)
p1 γ+1
The temperature rise is most conveniently found using
T2 p 2 ρ1
= (11.51)
T1 p 1 ρ2
and the stagnation pressure ratio can be expressed as

γ
γ−1
p02 p2 T1
= (11.52)
p01 p1 T2
The entropy rise is given by

s2 − s1 p01
= ln (11.53)
R p02
11.7 Weak Normal Shocks

The pressure ratio across a normal shock is given by equation 11.50. This can be written in
terms of the pressure jump ∆p, where ∆p = p2 − p1 , so that
∆p 2γ
M12 − 1

= (11.54)
p1 γ+1
The ratio ∆p/p1 is often called the shock strength. When the shock is weak, an interesting
relationship may be obtained between the shock strength and the change in entropy. Weak
shocks are found when M1 is close to one, and so the parameter m, defined by m = M12 − 1,
is small compared to one. This allows a series expansion of the equation 11.53 in the small
quantity m (using equations 11.50, 11.51 and 11.52). The final result is8
3
s2 − s1 γ+1 ∆p
≈ (11.55)
R 12γ 2 p1
For the small pressure change that accompanies a weak normal shock, the entropy rise is
therefore very small. A weak shock produces a nearly isentropic change of state. In the
limit, a very weak shock becomes an isentropic acoustic wave, that is, a Mach wave (see
Section 11.2).
11.8 Oblique Shocks

What happens in a supersonic flow that is not one-dimensional? For example, what happens
when a supersonic flow is deflected through an angle α? From experiment, we know that
an oblique shock forms, as illustrated in Figure 11.13 for a cone-cylinder body.
Figure 11.13: A cone-cylinder body is shot through air at Mach 1.84. Oblique shocks are formed
as the flow deflects to pass over the body, and expansion fans are formed at the shoulder, and at the
start of the wake. A turbulent boundary layer is visible over the main part of the body. Photograph
courtesy of A.C. Charters.
The flow through a plane oblique shock may be examined using the velocity diagrams
shown in Figure 11.14. We will assume that the flow upstream and downstream of the shock
is uniform, and that all changes occur discontinuously across the shock.
The incoming velocity V1 can be resolved into a component normal to the shock, V1n ,
and a component parallel to the shock, V1p . Similarly, we resolve the downstream velocity
V2 into its components V2n and V2p . The angle between V1 and the shock wave is β, and
the deflection of the flow is α.
Conservation of mass across the shock gives
ρ1 V1n = ρ2 V2n (11.56)
Conservation of momentum normal and parallel to the shock gives

2 2
p1 + ρ1 V1n = p2 + ρ2 V2n (11.57)
8 For details, see Liepmann & Roshko, Elements of Gasdynamics, John Wiley & Sons, 1957.
Figure 11.14: (a) Flow through an oblique shock. (b) Resolution of velocity components.
11.8. OBLIQUE SHOCKS 235
and
ρ1 V1n V1p = ρ2 V2n V2p (11.58)
From equations 11.56 and 11.58 we see that
V1p = V2p (11.59)
This is a very useful result since it indicates that
Any velocity change introduced by the oblique shock depends solely on the component
normal to it, and the component parallel to the shock is unchanged.
11.8.1 Oblique shock relations

The conditions before and after the shock can now be found using the normal shock relations
with the normal Mach number M1 sin β replacing M1 . We obtain the following oblique shock
relations:
ρ2 V1n (γ + 1) M12 sin2 β

= = (11.60)
ρ1 V2n (γ − 1) M12 sin2 β + 2
and
p2 2γ
M12 sin2 β − 1

= 1+ (11.61)
p1 γ+1
The change in Mach number may be found by replacing M2 in the normal shock rela-
tion 11.43 with the normal component M2 sin (β − α). That is:
M12 sin2 β + 2
γ−1
M22 sin2 (β − α) = 2γ (11.62)
2
γ−1 M1 sin2 β − 1
The relationships between the upstream and downstream variables depend only on the
normal components of the Mach numbers. The incoming component must be supersonic, so
that M1 sin β ≥ 1. This condition sets the minimum wave angle for an oblique shock. The
maximum angle corresponds to a normal shock, where β = π/2, so that
1 π
sin−1 ≤β≤ (11.63)
M1 2
Also, the outgoing component M2 sin (β − α) will be subsonic since it is downstream of a
normal shock, although M2 can remain supersonic.
11.8.2 Flow deflection

From Figure 11.14 we see that
V1n V2n
tan β = , and tan (β − α) =
V1p V2p
Since V1p = V2p (equation 11.59), we can use equation 11.60 to show that
tan β ρ2 V1n (γ + 1) M12 sin2 β

= = = (11.64)
tan (β − α) ρ1 V2n (γ − 1) M12 sin2 β + 2
or, after a considerable amount of algebra,
M12 sin2 β − 1
tan α = 2 cot β (11.65)
M12
(γ + cos 2β) + 2
Figure 11.15: Variation of shock angle β with turning angle α, as a function of Mach number.
Adapted from Liepmann & Roshko, Elements of Gasdynamics, John Wiley & Sons, 1957.
Equation 11.65 has the right limiting behavior, since α = 0 for β = π/2 and β = sin−1 (1/M1 ),
as required by the limits given in equation 11.63. Between these two extremes where α = 0,
the deflection angle α must be positive, and therefore it has a maximum value somewhere,
as shown in Figure 11.15. For each value of M1 , there is a corresponding αmax , which is the
maximum deflection angle for which an oblique shock solution can be found.
When α > αmax , however, no solution can be found. The analysis given here no longer
applies. By experiment, we know that a new phenomenon occurs: the shock detaches from
the body, so that it moves upstream away from the body, and it curves, so that portions
of the shock become normal to the direction of the flow. An example is given by the bow
shock shown in Figure 11.5. Downstream of a detached shock, regions of mixed supersonic
and subsonic flow occur, and the analysis becomes very complicated. Detached shocks will
not be considered any further.
In addition, when α < αmax , there are two solutions for the shock angle β for each value
of α and M1 , one to the left of the dashed line in Figure 11.15, called the weak solution,
and one to the right, called the strong solution. In solutions with the stronger shock (on
the right), the flow becomes subsonic as it passes through the shock. In solutions with the
weaker shock (on the left), the flow remains supersonic, except for a small range of values of
α. In practice, the solution adopted by a particular flow depends on the downstream flow
condition. The weak solution is the one that is most commonly observed. Unless otherwise
indicated, the weak solution is usually assumed to hold.
11.8.3 Summary: oblique shocks

Equation 11.65 is the key to solving many oblique shock problems: when the shock angle
can be found for a given deflection angle, the other variables can be found using the normal
shock relations (equations 11.49 to 11.53), or the normal shock tables (Table Appendix-
11.9. WEAK OBLIQUE SHOCKS AND COMPRESSION WAVES 237
C.11). It is also possible to write a short computer program to solve these relationships,
even using a hand-held calculator. The compressible flow calculator provided on the web at
http://www.engapplets.vt.edu/ provides solutions to the relations for isentropic flow, normal
shock and oblique shocks. You could also download compressible flow apps for your smart
phone.
11.9 Weak Oblique Shocks and Compression Waves

What happens when the deflection angle for an oblique shock becomes very small? Obvi-
ously, the strength of the shock becomes weak, and the changes in temperature, density,
and entropy become small. It is particularly interesting to compare the change in entropy
to the change in the other variables. We will assume that the downstream Mach number
remains supersonic.
If we rearrange equation 11.64, we obtain9
1 γ + 1 tan (β − α) γ − 1
2 = −
M12 sin β 2 tan β 2
Further rearrangement gives

γ + 1 2 sin β sin α
M12 sin2 β − 1 = M1 (11.66)
2 cos (β − α)
When the deflection angle is small, sin α ≈ α, and cos(β − α) ≈ cos β, so that

2 2 γ+1 2
M1 sin β − 1 ≈ M1 tan β α (11.67)
2
Also, from equation 11.65 and Figure 11.15, we see that for the cases where M2 > 1
tan β ≈ tan αM
That is, the angle of the shock approaches the angle of a Mach wave. Since
1
tan αM = p 2
M1 − 1
(Section 11.2) then

γ+1 M2
M12 sin2 β − 1 ≈ p 1 α (11.68)
2 M12 − 1
Equation 11.68 provides the basis for deriving all the other relationships that apply to
weak oblique shocks. For example, by using equations 11.68 and 11.61, we obtain
p2 − p1 ∆p γM 2
= = p 21 α (11.69)
p1 p1 M1 − 1
We see that the strength of the wave is proportional to the deflection angle. The changes
in the other flow quantities, except entropy, are also proportional to α. Entropy, however,
is proportional to the third power of the shock strength (equation 11.55). A weak oblique
shock, therefore, causes a finite change in pressure, temperature and flow angle, but these
changes occur almost isentropically. In the limit of a very weak wave, all changes are
isentropic, and so we can compress a flow isentropically using a succession of weak oblique
Mach waves. For example, a supersonic flow can be deflected through a certain angle by
a single shock [Figure 11.16(a)], and the stagnation pressure will decrease. However, if we
Figure 11.16: Compression of a supersonic flow by turning an angle α. (a) Single oblique shock;
(b) Series of weak compression waves; (c) Smooth, continuous turning. From Liepmann & Roshko,
Elements of Gasdynamics, John Wiley & Sons, 1957.
replaced the single turn by a series of smaller turns [Figure 11.16(b)], each generating a weak
oblique shock or compression wave, there will be almost no change in entropy or stagnation
pressure. In the limit of a smooth turn, the flow is exactly isentropic [Figure 11.16(c)].
In example 12.4, a Mach 3 flow was deflected by a single shock through an angle of
10◦ , and we found that the rise in entropy was equal to 0.0334R m2 /s2 K. If instead we
accomplished the same turning in 10 steps, each of 1◦ , we would find that the rise in
entropy was equal to 0.00033R m2 /s2 K, that is, 100 times smaller.
We see that compression by Mach waves is an isentropic process. Therefore, if we know
the Mach number at any point, all the other flow variables can be found using the isentropic
flow relationships derived in Section 11.4.5. The most important relationship that we need
to know, therefore, is the relationship between the Mach number and the deflection angle.
That is, we need to know the function
α = ν (M ) (11.70)
This is called the Prandtl-Meyer function. It may be evaluated explicitly by finding how an
infinitesimal flow deflection is related to the change in flow speed, and integrating the result
for a finite deflection. The details are given in textbooks on gasdynamics and compressible
flow.10 Here we give only the final result
r r
γ+1 −1 γ−1 p
ν (M ) = tan (M 2 − 1) − tan−1 M 2 − 1 (11.71)
γ−1 γ+1
For convenience, this function is tabulated in Table Appendix-C.12.
Any given supersonic flow with a Mach number M has a particular value of ν. To find the
Mach number M2 after an isentropic compression by a deflection of α, we begin by finding
the value of ν1 corresponding to the initial Mach number M1 . Then we find ν2 by subtracting
the deflection angle from the upstream Prandtl-Meyer function [see Figure 11.17(a)]. That
is,
ν2 = ν1 − (α − α1 ) isentropic compression (11.72)
9 See Liepmann & Roshko, Elements of Gasdynamics, published by John Wiley & Sons, 1957.
10 For example, see Liepmann & Roshko, Elements of Gasdynamics, John Wiley & Sons, 1957.
11.10. EXPANSION WAVES 239
Figure 11.17: Simple isentropic deflections. (a) Compression; (b) Expansion. From Liepmann &
Roshko, Elements of Gasdynamics, John Wiley & Sons, 1957.
which gives M2 , either from equation 11.71 or Table Appendix-C.12. All other variables
can then be found using the isentropic relationships (or the compressible flow calculator
available at http://www.engapplets.vt.edu/ ). Note that ν2 < ν1 , so that M2 < M1 .
11.10 Expansion Waves

A most remarkable result can now be obtained. Since the compression by weak oblique
shocks (Mach waves) is isentropic, it is reversible. In other words, the flow direction can be
altered without violating any of the laws of thermodynamics.
It is therefore possible to describe isentropic expansions using the

same Prandtl-Meyer function derived for isentropic compressions.
For an isentropic expansion, the only difference is the sign convention on α. To deter-
mine the Mach number M2 after an isentropic expansion caused by a flow deflection of α
[Figure 11.17(b)], we find ν2 by adding the deflection angle to the upstream Prandtl-Meyer
function [see Figure 11.17(b)]. That is,
ν2 = ν1 + (α − α1 ) isentropic expansion (11.73)
Note that ν2 > ν1 , so that M2 > M1 .
11.11 Wave Drag on Supersonic Vehicles

The formation of shocks on vehicles traveling at supersonic speeds gives rise to a drag on
the vehicle called wave drag. It is most easily demonstrated by considering the flow over a
diamond-shaped airfoil, such as that shown in Figure 11.18. The oblique shock attached to
the leading edge causes the pressure to rise above its ambient value. This pressure acts on
the front part of the airfoil, and it has a resultant component in the downstream direction
equal to the pressure downstream of the shock times the cross-sectional area of the airfoil,
Ac . The flow then expands isentropically through a series of expansion waves centered on
the apex of the diamond (this is called an expansion fan), so that the pressure drops below
the ambient value, thereby augmenting the drag force on the airfoil. The wave drag is equal
to the total force due to pressure differences acting on the airfoil in the streamwise direction.
Figure 11.18: Diamond-shaped airfoil in a supersonic flow.
The rise in pressure and its subsequent fall can be computed using the oblique shock
relations and the Prandtl-Meyer function, so for the diamond-shaped airfoil the total wave
drag can be computed quite easily (see Example 11.4). For three-dimensional shapes, esti-
mating the wave drag can be very difficult, but it is very important to do it accurately since
for supersonic vehicles it is the dominant source of drag.
In addition to causing drag, the wave pattern formed over the vehicle translates into a
sonic boom problem on the ground. For the flow over the diamond-shaped airfoil, we see
that the wave pattern impinging on the ground would consist of a shock, followed by an
expansion, and then another shock attached to the trailing edge (which turns the flow back
into its original direction). The pressure signal looks like the letter N (see Figure 11.19), and
it is sometimes called the “N-wave.” The environmental nuisance caused by sonic booms is
one of the principal problems that needs to be solved before the extensive use of supersonic
passenger transports becomes commonplace.
Figure 11.19: Sonic boom pattern generated by a supersonic transport. From Compressible Flow ,
M.A. Saad, Prentice-Hall, 1985.
Chapter 12
Turbomachines
12.1 Introduction
In this chapter we examine the performance and design of turbomachinery. Turbomachines
are widely used in engineering applications, and many different types of machine exist.
They can be classified according to whether they add energy to (+Ẇshaf t ), or extract
mechanical energy from, the fluid stream (+Ẇshaf t ). See Figure 12.1. Pumps, fans, blowers,
compressors and propellers are examples of turbomachines that add energy to a fluid, and
windmills and water turbines are examples of turbomachines that extract energy from the
fluid.
Turbomachines come in many different shapes, sizes and geometries, but their common
feature is that they have a rotor or impeller , that is, a wheel equipped with blades. In the
case of a water turbine, the fluid stream acts on the rotor blades to produce a force with a
significant component in the circumferential direction, and in the case of a pump, the blades
act on the fluid with a significant torque to increase the pressure of the stream.
Turbomachines are further subdivided according to the direction the exit flow takes
compared to the entry flow. For example, a propeller turbine is an axial-flow machine since
Figure 12.1: Classification of turbomachines, with examples.
241
242 CHAPTER 12. TURBOMACHINES
Figure 12.2: (a) Axial-flow (or propeller) turbine. (b) Radial-flow (or centrifugal) fan. Adapted
from Munson, Young & Okishii Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.
the directions of the entry and exit flow are aligned along a common axis [Figure 12.2(a)].
The fan shown in Figure 12.2(b) is a radial-flow or centrifugal machine since the directions
of the inlet end entry flow are orthogonal. There are also mixed-flow devices that fall
somewhere in between the axial- and radial-flow machines (Figure 12.3). The design of each
machine is adapted to a particular application. Sometimes a high flow rate is required,
sometimes a high pressure, and at other times, a high flow rate and a high pressure are
needed.
We will consider some common examples of turbomachines such as pumps, turbines,
propellers and windmills. Before we analyze these particular devices, we will consider the
Figure 12.3: Mixed-flow pump. From John & Haberman Introduction to Fluid Mechanics, Prentice
Hall, 1988.
12.2. ANGULAR MOMENTUM EQUATION FOR A TURBINE 243
underlying momentum and energy principles that apply to all turbomachinery.
12.2 Angular Momentum Equation for a Turbine

Since we are dealing with machines where the blades or rotors spin on an axis, angular
momentum is an important variable. In Chapter 3, we applied Newton’s second law to
the flow of fluid through a fixed control volume to derive a linear momentum equation in
integral form. Here, we will derive a similar equation for the angular momentum. The basic
angular momentum principle for a system of fixed mass is

dH
T= (12.1)
dt sys
where T is the total torque or moment applied to the system by its surroundings, and H is
the angular momentum of the system given by the integral of the moment over all the mass
in the system. That is,
Z Z
H= r × V dm = r × Vρ dυ (12.2)
sys sys
(V is the velocity of any point, and r is the distance of the point from the center of rotation).
We can now relate the system formulation to the fixed control volume formulation in the
same way we did in deriving the continuity and linear momentum equations (see Chapter 3).1
We consider the mass of fluid that is coincident with the control volume at time t = 0
(the system). At time t + ∆t, the mass has moved a small distance downstream, and in
terms of the control volume, there is a certain amount of angular momentum that has
entered the control volume, and a certain amount that has left. In addition, if the flow is
unsteady, the angular momentum of the system can change internal to the system. At the
instant the system and the control volume occupy the same space, the rate of change of the
angular momentum of the system is given by the sum of the unsteady rate of change of the
angular momentum of the fluid contained in the control volume, and the net flux of angular
momentum leaving the control volume. That is,
Z Z
dH ∂
= r × Vρ dυ + (n · ρV) r × V dA (12.3)
dt sys ∂t
The sum is equal to the total torque applied to the mass of fluid that is contained in the
control volume at time t, and so for a fixed control volume
Z Z
∂
T = r × Vρ dυ + (n · ρV) r × V dA (12.4)
∂t
This is the integral form of the momentum equation for a fixed control volume, in a three-
dimensional, time-dependent flow.
In all the applications considered here, the flow is steady and the only external torque
is applied by a shaft. In that case
Z
Tshaf t = (n · ρV) r × V dA (12.5)
A fixed coordinate system is chosen so that the axis of rotation of the machine coincides
with the z-axis (Figure 12.4). The rotor spins inside an annular control volume at a fixed
angular speed, ω (rad/s). One-dimensional flow is assumed, so that the fluid enters the
1 We could also use the Reynolds transport theorem, as outlined in Section A.15.
Figure 12.4: Fixed annular control volume and absolute velocity components for angular momen-
tum analysis. From Fox & Macdonald, Introduction to Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, 4th
ed., 1992.
rotor at the radial location r1 with a uniform absolute velocity V1 , and it leaves the rotor
at the radial location r2 with a uniform absolute velocity V2 . Equation 12.5 reduces to
Z Z
Tshaf t k = (n · ρV) r × V dA1 + (n · ρV) r × V dA2
= ρq̇ (r2 Vt2 − r1 Vt1 ) k

where q̇ is the volume flow rate and Vt1 and Vt2 are the tangential components of the absolute
velocities of the fluid crossing the surface of the control volume. In scalar form
Tshaf t = ρq̇ (r2 Vt2 − r1 Vt1 ) (12.6)
The tangential velocities Vt1 and Vt2 are positive when they point in the same direction
as the blade speed. This sign convention gives positive torques for machines that do work
on the fluid (for example, pumps, fans, blowers and compressors), and negative torques for
machines that extract work from the fluid (for example, hydraulic turbines and windmills).
Equation 12.6 is the basic relationship between torque and angular momentum for all
turbomachines. It is sometimes called the Euler momentum equation.
The rate of work done on a turbomachine rotor, that is, the mechanical power Ẇshaf t ,
is given by ωTshaf t , so that
Ẇshaf t = ωTshaf t = ρq̇ω (r2 Vt2 − r1 Vt1 ) (12.7)
We see that the mechanical power increases linearly with the mass flow rate ṁ = ρq̇, the
rotational speed ω (rad/s), and the change in angular momentum.
By dividing the mechanical power by ṁg, we obtain a quantity with the dimensions of
length, called the head :
Ẇshaf t 1
H = = (r2 Vt2 − r1 Vt1 ) (12.8)
ṁg g
12.3 Velocity Diagrams

We see that, to find the torque produced by or applied to a turbomachine, it is necessary to
know the velocity components at the entry and exit sections. Velocity diagrams are used for
12.3. VELOCITY DIAGRAMS 245
Figure 12.5: Velocity diagrams for three types of centrifugal fans. (a) Forward-curved blades; (b)
flat blades; (c) backward-curved blades. V is the absolute velocity of air leaving the blade (shown
equal for all three blade types); Vrb is the velocity of air leaving the blade relative to the blade, U
is the velocity of the blade tip.
this purpose, and some examples are given in Figure 12.5 for different types of centrifugal
fan. A velocity diagram is simply a vector diagram showing the relationship between the
absolute and relative velocities. The symbol V is used for absolute velocities, Vrb denotes a
velocity relative to the blade, and U is the velocity of the blade tip.
It is always assumed that the flow relative to the rotor enters and leaves tangent to the
blade profile. The blade angles, β, are measured relative to the circumferential direction, as
shown in Figure 12.6(a). The absolute speed of the fluid is the vector sum of the impeller
velocity and the flow velocity relative to the blade, and this sum may be found graphically,
as shown in Figures 12.6(b) and 12.6(c). Here, U1 = ωR1 , and U2 = ωR2 . The absolute
fluid velocity makes an angle α1 relative to the normal direction at the inlet, and an angle
α2 relative to the normal direction at the outlet. At each section, the normal component of
the absolute velocity, Vn , is equal to the normal component of the velocity relative to the
blade, Vrbn .
Figure 12.6: Velocity diagram for a typical radial-flow machine. From Fox & Macdonald, Intro-
duction to Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, 4th ed., 1992.
12.4 Hydraulic Turbines

A hydraulic turbine converts gravitational potential energy of water into shaft work. As
water passes through the wheel of the turbine, which is fitted with vanes or buckets, its
momentum changes. The forces resulting from this momentum change turn the wheel
against some external load, causing it to do work. The difference between the initial and
final water levels is called the head H (see equation 12.8), and it measures the change in
potential energy.2 Different types of turbine are used, depending on the size of the available
head. When the head is high (greater or equal to about 300 m, or 1000 f t), impulse turbines
are used almost exclusively. In this design, one or more jets of water at atmospheric pressure
are directed against buckets on the rim of the wheel (Figure 12.7). Most of the kinetic energy
of the water is converted into work, and the discharge has just enough velocity left to clear
the buckets and fall into the low-level reservoir or tail water . The water loses kinetic energy
as it passes through an impulse wheel but it enters and leaves at the same pressure.
For lower heads, reaction turbines are used. Here, the flow through the wheel, or “run-
ner,” is completely enclosed by a housing, and the pressure and velocity at the exit are
different from their values at the entry. There are two basic types of reaction turbines:
radial-flow turbines and axial-flow turbines, which refer to the direction of water movement
through the runner.
We will now examine the performance of impulse, radial-flow and axial-flow turbines in
more detail.
12.4.1 Impulse turbine

The Pelton wheel shown in Figure 12.7 was developed in California about 1880. It is named
after Lester A. Pelton (1829–1908), who developed the first efficient design. The concept
2 The available head will always be greater than the head produced by the turbine because the turbine
efficiency will always be less than one (see Section 12.6).
Figure 12.7: The Pelton wheel (an impulse turbine). (a) Side elevation. (b) Section through
bucket. From Hunsaker & Rightmire, Engineering Applications of Fluid Mechanics, McGraw-Hill,
1947.
12.4. HYDRAULIC TURBINES 247
dates back to the simple water wheels used by the Sumerians. In the case of the Pelton
wheel, high velocity water jets strike the buckets, which are shaped like a spoon with a
central ridge. The ridge divides the impinging jet in half, and each half is deflected back
through an angle of about 165◦ . The torque exerted on the runner is given by the change
in momentum of the water.
The performance of the impulse turbine can be analyzed using the tools developed in
Section 12.2. From equation 12.6, the torque is given by
Tshaf t = ρq̇r (V2 − Vt3 ) (12.9)
where V2 and Vt3 are the absolute tangential velocities, which are assumed to √
have the same
moment arm, r. When there are no losses upstream of the nozzle, V2 = 2gH, but in
practice V2 may be significantly less than this value.
We can also use Bernoulli’s equation in this flow, but we need to follow a streamline,
and we need to move with the buckets so that we are in a steady frame of reference. Since
the pressure is atmospheric everywhere, and we neglect changes in height
1 2 2
2 Vrb2 = 12 Vrb 3
so that
Vrb2 = Vrb3
where Vrb2 and Vrb3 are the magnitudes of the velocities relative to the bucket (see Fig-
ure 12.7). That is,
V2 = Vrb2 + ωr and Vt3 = ωr − Vrb3 cos (π − β)
Therefore
Tshaf t = ρq̇r (Vrb2 − Vrb3 cos β)

= ρq̇r (V2 − ωr) (1 − cos β) (12.10)
Due to losses in the system, the actual torque available in practice has a maximum value of
about 0.91Tshaf t .
The mechanical power generated by the turbine is given by
Ẇshaf t = ρq̇rω (V2 − ωr) (1 − cos β) (12.11)
In nondimensional terms,
Ẇshaf t
CP = 1 2
= 2ξ (1 − ξ) (1 − cos β) (12.12)
2 ρq̇V2
where CP is a power coefficient and the parameter ξ represents the ratio of the speed of the
bucket to the absolute speed of the impinging water jet. That is,
ωr
ξ=
V2
For a given value of β, the power coefficient is maximum when the speed of the bucket is
half the absolute speed of the water jet, so that ξ = 0.5 (this can be shown by differentiating
equation 12.12 with respect to ξ). In an actual turbine, the optimum value of ξ is a little
less, closer to 0.45, because of losses in the system. We also see that the maximum power
coefficient is achieved when β is as close as possible to 180◦ . In practice, the angle must
be less than 180◦ since the flow must clear the following bucket. As we indicated earlier, a
practical maximum is probably close to 165◦ .
Figure 12.8: Radial-flow hydraulic turbine of the Francis type. From Fox & Macdonald, Introduc-
tion to Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley & Sons, 4th ed., 1992.
12.4.2 Radial-flow turbine

An example of a radial-flow hydraulic turbine is shown in Figure 12.8. The flow is completely
enclosed in a casing, so that the pressure in the machine can be different from atmospheric.
The water enters the stationary guide vanes directly from the inlet duct. The guides impart
angular momentum to the water before it enters the rotating runner, where its angular
momentum is reduced as work is done by the flow. This type of turbine is also known as
the Francis turbine after James B. Francis, who developed it in 1849. The purely radial
type shown in Figure 12.8 is suited to relatively small volume flow rates and high heads,
whereas the mixed-flow type shown in Figure 12.9 works efficiently with larger volume flow
rates and lower heads. Taken together, it is possible to run these machines at heads from
as low as 5 m to as high as 250 m. Efficiencies can be as high as 94%.
To analyze the performance of a radial-flow turbine, we need to find the change in
angular momentum. Consider the velocity diagrams for the runner shown in Figure 12.10.
For steady, one-dimensional flow, we obtain from equation 12.6
Tshaf t = ρq̇ (r2 Vt2 − r20 Vt20 ) (12.13)
where Vt2 and Vt20 are the absolute tangential velocities, which are assumed to have the
moment arms r2 and r20 , respectively.
Figure 12.9: Schematic of a mixed-flow hydraulic turbine. From Hunsaker & Rightmire, Engineer-
ing Applications of Fluid Mechanics, McGraw-Hill, 1947.
12.5. PUMPS 249
Figure 12.10: Notation for a radial-flow turbine. From Hunsaker & Rightmire, Engineering Ap-
plications of Fluid Mechanics, McGraw-Hill, 1947.
12.4.3 Axial-flow turbine

An example of an axial-flow turbine is shown in Figure 12.11. Axial-flow (or propeller)
turbines are usually fitted with blades that can be adjusted to suit the operating conditions,
a feature developed by a Czech engineer named Viktor Kaplan. It is more compact than the
Francis type, runs faster, and it maintains a high efficiency over a broad range of conditions
because of the flexibility afforded by the adjustable blades. It is more costly than the Francis
type because of its greater complexity, but an efficiency of greater than 92% is possible with
units up to 60, 000 hp capacity.
As shown in Figure 12.11, the guide vanes are arranged in the same way as in a Francis
turbine, and they serve the same purpose, which is to turn the flow. Before entering the
runner, however, the stream turns through a right angle and is assumed to have no radial
velocity component as it passes through the runner. It is also assumed that the axial
component is uniform across the outlet, and that the flow is steady. In this case, we obtain
from equation 12.6 between stations 2’ and 3
Tshaf t = ρq̇ (r20 Vt20 − r3 Vt3 ) (12.14)
where Vt20 and Vt3 are the absolute tangential velocities, which are assumed to have the
mean moment arms r20 and r3 , respectively. A more detailed analysis would allow deviation
from one-dimensional flow, and require the torque to be found by integration over the inlet
and outlet areas.
12.5 Pumps
Rotary pumps, like turbines, come in three types: radial-flow or centrifugal pumps, mixed-
flow or screw pumps, and axial-flow or propeller pumps (Figure 12.12). For centrifugal
pumps, the inlet is typically on one side of the impeller, in line with the axis of rotation, but
the flow may enter from both sides to balance the thrust. The inlet flow can be assumed to
have no swirl, so that its tangential velocity is zero. Centrifugal pumps are used for high
Figure 12.11: Notation for an axial-flow turbine of the Kaplan type. From Hunsaker & Rightmire,
Engineering Applications of Fluid Mechanics, McGraw-Hill, 1947.
head (≥ 6 m), low volume flow rate applications. Screw pumps have a number of screw-
shaped blades, and are used for heads between 3 to 5 m. Propeller pumps are used for low
head (< 6 m), high volume flow rate applications. They also have the advantage of being
able to handle solids in suspensions, and they are used to pump foodstuffs, slurries and
sewage. All rotary pumps generally need priming, which means that if they are filled with
air they cannot suck up a liquid from below their inlet.
All three types of pump are widely used in industry. However, the centrifugal pump is
undoubtedly the most common of the three, and it is the only type considered here.3
12.5.1 Centrifugal pumps

As shown in Figure 12.12, a centrifugal pump has an impeller rotating within a casing.
The fluid enters along the axis of rotation, moves through the impeller radially outward
gaining velocity and pressure, and then discharges into the volute or diffuser, where the
velocity decreases and the pressure increases. The flow leaves the impeller with a velocity
which has an outward and backward component relative to the impeller. The absolute
3 For a discussion on mixed-flow and axial-flow pump performance, see F.M. White, Fluid Mechanics,
2nd.ed., McGraw-Hill, 1986.

12.5. PUMPS 251
Figure 12.12: Typical pump impeller types. Adapted from Duncan, Thom & Young, Mechanics
of Fluids, Edward Arnold, 2nd ed., 1970.
tangential component, Vt2 , is then the tip speed of the impeller, U2 = ωr2 , less the tangential
component of the relative velocity, Vrb2 cos β2 . A typical velocity diagram is shown in
Figure 12.13.
If the flow enters the impeller with purely axial absolute velocity, the entering fluid has
no angular momentum and Vt1 = 0. The torque is then given by equation 12.6, so that
Tshaf t = ρq̇r2 Vt2 (12.15)
The mechanical power input to the pump is given by:
Ẇshaf t = ωTshaf t = ρq̇ωr2 Vt2 (12.16)
The performance of a particular centrifugal pump is shown in Figure 12.14 as a function

of discharge. Performance charts are usually plotted for a constant shaft rotation speed,
Figure 12.13: Velocity diagram at the exit from a centrifugal pump impeller.
Figure 12.14: Typical characteristic performance curves for a centrifugal pump. From Daugherty,
Franzini and Finnemore, Fluid Mechanics with Engineering Applications, 8th ed., published by
McGraw-Hill, 1985.
as shown in Figure 12.15. The independent variable is the discharge or volume flow rate,
q̇, and the dependent variables are the output head, H, the input power, Ẇshaf t , and the
efficiency, η (see also Section 12.7). In practice, the variables are almost always expressed
dimensionally.
12.5.2 Cavitation
Cavitation can occur in turbomachines when the local pressure falls below the vapor pressure
of the liquid. Small bubbles of gas will form, which can have a devastating effect on the
impeller. As they collapse on the impeller surface, intense pressures are developed which can
cause pitting damage to the impeller, with the possibility of eventual failure of the surface
material.
There are two sources of cavitation in pumps: the velocities at the tip of the impeller
can produce very low pressure regions where bubbles can form, and the inlet pressures may
be so low that bubbles are formed on the inlet side. The first source of cavitation can occur
in hydraulic turbines, but the second source is restricted to pumps. The pump inlet is the
low-pressure side where cavitation will first occur and the bubbles are then entrained into
the impeller, where they can collapse and cause erosion.
Near the top of the graphs given in Figure 12.15 for centrifugal water pumps is plotted
the net positive-suction head (NPSH), which is the head required at the pump inlet to keep
the liquid at the inlet from cavitating. The NPSH is defined as
pi − pv V2
NPSH = + i (12.17)
ρg 2g
where pi and Vi are the pressure and velocity on the inlet side, and pv is the vapor pressure
of the liquid. If the pump inlet is located a distance h above the reservoir, and there are no
12.5. PUMPS 253
Figure 12.15: Measured performance curves for two models of a centrifugal water pump. (a) Basic
casing with three impeller sizes; (b) Twenty percent larger casing with three larger impellers at
slower speed. From the Ingersoll-Rand Corporation, Cameron Pump Division.
significant losses in the inlet piping, then, by Bernoulli’s equation for steady flow,
pi V2 pr
+ i + hi =
ρg 2g ρg
where pr is the pressure at the surface of the reservoir. That is,
pr − pv
NPSH = − hi
ρg
Figure 12.16: Optimum efficiency of hydraulic turbines as a function of specific speed. The specific
0
speed Nsd (equation 12.21) is calculated in U.S. customary units of rpm, hp, and f t, so it is not
dimensionless. From Munson, Young & Okishii Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, John Wiley &
Sons, 1998.
As long as the machine is operated above the NPSH line, there should be no problems with
cavitation at the pump inlet.
12.6 Relative Performance Measures

An important parameter is the efficiency of the turbine, which measures how much useful
work is done compared to the theoretical maximum.
For a hydraulic turbine with a head difference H (the difference between the highest and
lowest water levels), there is a certain amount of ideal power available called the hydraulic
power Ẇh , given by
Ẇh = ρq̇gH (12.18)
and the efficiency is defined as ηt = Ẇshaf t /Ẇh , so that
Ẇshaf t ωTshaf t
ηt = = (12.19)
Ẇh ρq̇gH
For pumps, Ẇh measures the power produced by the pump and Ẇshaf t the power applied
to the pump, so that the efficiency is defined as ηp = Ẇh /Ẇshaf t , and
Ẇh ρq̇gH
ηp = = (12.20)
Ẇshaf t ωTshaf t
The optimum efficiency of turbines as a function of specific speed is shown in Figure 12.16.
0
Here, the specific speed Nsd is defined by
q
N (rpm) Ẇshaf t (hp)
0
Nsd = 5/4
(12.21)
[H(f t)]
and it is calculated in U.S. customary units of rpm, hp, and f t, so it is not dimensionless.
The figure illustrates that the three different types of hydraulic turbine are suited to different
operating ranges, based on the value of the specific speed.
12.7. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS 255
The specific speed is the principal factor determining the choice of turbine.
These curves may be compared to the optimum efficiencies of different pump types,
which are shown as a function of specific speed in Figure 12.17. Here, the specific speed Ns
is defined by: p
N (rpm) q̇(gpm)
Ns = 3/4
(12.22)
[H(f t)]
and it is calculated in U.S. customary units of rpm, gpm, and f t, so it is not dimensionless.
We see a very similar behavior based on the value of the specific speed: radial-flow machines
are suited to low values, mixed-flow devices are suited to intermediate values, and axial-flow
machines are suited to high values.
The efficiency behavior of two models of a particular commercial centrifugal water pump
is shown for a range of sizes and discharge values in Figure 12.15. The behavior is quite
complex, and the challenge to the designer is to design or specify the pump so that it
operates as close as possible to its optimum value for its given duty cycle.
12.7 Dimensional Analysis

As we have seen, it is possible to derive relatively simple equations to describe the perfor-
mance of turbomachines. However, the equations were obtained under the assumption of
steady, one-dimensional flow, and in most cases the actual flow through a turbomachine is
extremely complex. The actual performance will differ from the ideal performance through
the effects of nonuniform velocity distributions, viscous losses, separation losses, and me-
chanical friction. To estimate the losses in a given machine, the full equations of motion need
to be solved. However, an analytical approach is not generally possible. Even computer-
generated solutions of the governing equations can provide only a limited set of guidelines
for design purposes, and therefore new designs always need to be tested experimentally,
usually by building a model. Then, in order to make predictions regarding the full-scale
performance, we need to use dimensional analysis. Scale modeling, dimensional analysis,
Figure 12.17: Optimum efficiency of pump types as a function of specific speed. The specific speed
Ns is calculated in U.S. customary units of rpm, gpm, and f t, so it is not dimensionless. From
F.M. White, Fluid Mechanics, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986.
and experiment are often the only practical approaches, although a basic understanding of
the underlying physical phenomena is essential.
The performance of a turbomachine is described in terms of the pressure difference across
the machine ∆p, the flow rate through the machine q̇, the size of the machine (indicated
by, for example, the diameter of the rotor D), the rotational speed N (usually measured in
rev/s or rps), and the properties of the fluid, ρ and µ. That is,
∆p = f 00 (D, N, q̇, ρ, µ) (12.23)
By dimensional analysis we obtain
N D2

∆p q̇
= f0 , (12.24)
ρN 2 D2 N D3 ν
The pressure difference is often expressed in terms of the total head difference H, where
∆p ∼ gH, so that
N D2

gH q̇
= f1 , (12.25)
N 2 D2 N D3 ν
Alternatively, we could write the left hand side of equation 12.24 in terms of the power
of the machine Ẇshaf t , where Ẇshaf t ∝ ∆pAV , where A and V are a representative area
and velocity, respectively. In terms of the primary variables D and N , we could write
Ẇshaf t ∝ ∆pD3 N , so that
N D2

Ẇshaf t q̇
= f2 , (12.26)
ρN 3 D5 N D3 ν
Similarly, we can write the left hand side of equation 12.24 in terms of the torque of the
machine Tshaf t , where Tshaf t ∝ ∆pAD, so that in terms of the primary variables Tshaf t ∝
∆pD3 , and
N D2

Tshaf t q̇
= f3 , (12.27)
ρN 2 D5 N D3 ν
As we saw in Section 12.2, the definition of the efficiency η depends on whether the shaft
work is done on the fluid or whether the fluid does work on the shaft. For the case of a
hydraulic turbine, the mechanical output power is less than the hydraulic power, so that
q̇ N D2

ρq̇ gH
ηt = = ft (12.28)
Tshaf t N N D3 ν
For a pump, the input power is greater than the hydraulic power produced, so that
N D2

Tshaf t N q̇
ηp = = fp , (12.29)
ρq̇ gH N D3 ν
The dimensionless parameters developed here have the following names.
gH
head coefficient CH
N 2 D2
Ẇshaf t
power coefficient CP
ρN 3 D5
Tshaf t
torque coefficient
ρN 2 D5
q̇
flow coefficient CQ
N D3
g(NPSH)
suction-head coefficient CHS
N 2 D2
N D2
Reynolds number
ν
12.8. PROPELLERS AND WINDMILLS 257
Here, N is usually measured in rev/s, not rad/s. Note that the power coefficient defined
here differs from that given in equation 12.12 by the exclusion of some dimensional constants
such as 21 and π.
An additional dimensionless parameter called the specific speed Ns00 can be formed by
dividing the flow coefficient by the head coefficient and taking the square root
q
q̇ √
N D3 N q̇
Ns00 = q = 3 specific speed (12.30)
gH (gH) 4
2 2
N D
From equation 12.25 we then have

√
N D2

N q̇ q̇
Ns00 = 3 = f4 , (12.31)
(gH) 4 N D3 ν
The parameter Ns00 is nondimensional , but the quantities Nsd 0

and Ns , defined by equa-
tions 12.21 and 12.22, are not.
The Reynolds number for most turbomachines is large, even for scale models, so that
turbulent flow will usually occur in the model and the prototype. In that case, it has been
found that the effects of viscosity can often be neglected. It is generally assumed, therefore,
that

gH q̇
= g1 (12.32)
N 2 D2 N D3

P q̇
= g2 (12.33)
ρN 3 D5 N D3

T q̇
= g3 (12.34)
ρN 2 D5 N D3

q̇
ηt,p = gt,p (12.35)
N D3
These functional relationships provide the basis for model testing, presenting experimen-
tal data, and for presenting performance data (see also Chapter 7). It is not uncommon,
however, to see mixed dimensionless and dimensional parameters being used to describe
the performance of pumps and turbines, as shown in Figure 12.17 describing the average
efficiency of commercial water pumps.
To demonstrate the scaling laws for pump performance, the dimensional data given in
Figure 12.15 are replotted in nondimensional form in Figure 12.18. The collapse of the
data is reasonably convincing, especially for the power and suction-head coefficients. The
nondimensional curves can then be used to scale a wide variety of pumps of the same family,
as long as the performance does not depart too far from the range covered by the original
experimental data.
12.8 Propellers and Windmills

Another topic of interest is the performance of propellers and windmills. They are considered
separately from pumps and turbines, in that they usually operate in a free flow, that is,
they are usually unshrouded.
Propellers and windmills are devices that use airfoil sections to change the fluid pressure
in order to produce a force, and the change in pressure occurs because the fluid momentum
changes. The blade of an airplane propeller, for example, has an airfoil cross-section at
Figure 12.18: Nondimensional plot of the pump performance data given in Figure 12.15. These
data are not representative of other pump designs. The coefficients are evaluated using N in revs/s.
From F.M. White, Fluid Mechanics, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, 1986.
each radial position. The speed of rotation is proportional to the radius, and therefore the
direction of the resultant velocity also changes with radial distance. The propeller blade is
twisted so that the angle of attack stays within the design limits of the airfoil, and that lift
is produced efficiently at each section. The blades that drive a simple cooling fan are also a
type of propeller, but they are usually made of a twisted sheet of metal or plastic to reduce
costs. Ship propellers, on the other hand, need to be designed for maximum thrust while
limiting the tip speed to avoid cavitation (Figure 7.1).
A propeller increases the fluid momentum, and a windmill decreases it, but the analysis
of their performance is very similar and only the direction of the resultant force is different.
We begin our analysis of a propeller by assuming that the force due to pressure differences
accelerates the flow in the axial direction without swirl, and that flow friction can be ne-
glected. Under these assumptions, we can find the thrust and relative speed V across the
propeller. Let F be the force exerted by the propeller on the fluid (Figure 12.19). Relative
to the propeller, the velocity of the flow far upstream is V1 . We choose a frame of reference
moving with the propeller (we need to move at a velocity V1 ), so that the flow is steady
with respect to the observer. The fluid is assumed to be incompressible, and the propeller
sweeps out an area A.
The propeller draws fluid in over an area larger than A, and expels it over an area smaller
than A. If we draw the streamlines that bound the fluid flow through the propeller, we define
a slipstream boundary. The volume defined by the slipstream boundary and the areas 1 and
4, where the flow velocity is parallel and in the streamwise direction, is often used as the
control volume for the analysis of a propeller or windmill (CV 1). A second control volume is
used to enclose the propeller itself (CV 2). This volume is approximated to be rectangular.
Under the assumption of one-dimensional flow, the continuity and x-momentum equations
12.8. PROPELLERS AND WINDMILLS 259
Figure 12.19: Control volume for a propeller.
for CV 2, are
ρV2 A = ρV3 A
and F + p2 A − p3 A = −ρV22 A + ρV32 A
respectively. The continuity equation gives V2 = V3 : there is no jump in velocity across the
propeller, only a jump in pressure. Hence,
F = (p3 − p2 ) A
Bernoulli’s equation cannot be applied across CV 2 because the propeller increases the
energy of the flow (the pressure rise does work on the flow). However, for CV 1, Bernoulli’s
equation applies between sections 1 and 2, and between sections 3 and 4. So
p1 + 12 ρV12 + ρgh1 = p2 + 21 ρV22 + ρgh2
p3 + 12 ρV32 + ρgh3 = p4 + 21 ρV42 + ρgh4
The pressure on the slipstream boundary will assumed to be equal to atmospheric pressure
so that p1 = p4 = pa . Also, from continuity, V2 = V3 (= V ), and if we neglect hydrostatic
head differences across the streamlines (this is reasonable if they are small compared to
p3 − p2 ), then
1 2 1 2
2 ρV1 = p2 + 2 ρV
and
p3 + 12 ρV 2 = 1
2 ρV4
2
Therefore
1
V42 − V12

p3 − p2 = 2ρ
and
1
V42 − V12 A

F = 2ρ (12.36)
If we now apply the continuity and x-momentum equations between sections 1 and 4 on
CV 1, we obtain, respectively,
ρV1 A1 = ρV4 A4 = ṁ
and
F = (−ṁ) V1 + (+ṁ) V4 = ṁ (V4 − V1 ) (12.37)
Eliminating F from equations 12.36 and 12.37, we find
1
V = 2 (V1 + V4 ) (12.38)
so that the velocity through the propeller disk is just the average of the velocities at stations
upstream and downstream of the propeller. In other words, there is the same increase of
velocity ahead of the propeller as there is behind it.
Finally, consider the power required to drive the propeller. The work done by the
propeller is equal to the thrust F , multiplied by a distance. In a time ∆t, the propeller
moves a distance V1 ∆t, and so the work done per unit time (= the power Ẇshaf t ), is given
by:
Ẇshaf t = F V1 = ṁ (V4 − V1 ) V1
The rate of change in the kinetic energy of the slipstream between sections 1 and 4, PKE ,
is given by the mass flow rate times half the difference in the velocities squared, so that
PKE = 21 ṁ V42 − V12

(see Section 3.3). The ideal efficiency of the propeller is then given by
P V1
ηprop = =
PKE V
and since V > V1 , the efficiency of an ideal propeller is always less than 100% (actual ship
and airplane propellers approach 80%).
The magnitude of the thrust produced by a windmill is the same as that calculated for a
propeller, but it acts in the opposite direction. The average velocity through the windmill is
still given by equation 12.38, but since the windmill reduces the kinetic energy of the flow,
the rate of change in the kinetic energy is now given by
PKE = 12 ṁ V12 − V42

For a windmill, V1 is the undisturbed wind speed.

The efficiency for a windmill is defined by comparing the rate of change of the kinetic
energy produced by the windmill PKE to the kinetic energy flux through a streamtube of
undisturbed flow, equal in area to the area of the windmill itself. This energy flux, PKEF ,
is given by
PKEF = 12 ρV1 AV12
The ideal efficiency of a windmill is then given by

PKE (V1 + V4 ) V12 − V42
ηw = =
PKEF 2V13
The maximum efficiency is found by differentiating ηw with respect to V4 /V1 and setting
the result equal to zero. This gives a maximum efficiency of 59.3%.4 Because of friction
and other losses, this efficiency is not found in practice: the highest possible efficiency for
a real windmill appears to be about 50% (Figure 12.20), but example 13.3 shows that the
traditional Dutch windmill operates at an efficiency of only about 15%.
In this analysis we have made a number of assumptions. In particular, we assumed that
the pressure on the slipstream boundary was equal to atmospheric pressure. At the same
time, we assumed that the pressures over sections 2 and 3 were different from atmospheric,
which leads to a mismatch in pressures at the tips of the propeller. In reality, the pressure
cannot be uniform over the propeller disk.
An alternative control volume is sometimes used to avoid these difficulties. Here, a
cylindrical control volume is used with a very large diameter (Figure 12.21). The following
boundary conditions are then applied: (1) the pressure is atmospheric on the control volume
4 Glauert, H. Airplane Propellers. Aerodynamic Theory, Vol. IV, ed. W.F. Durand. Published by Dover
Publications, New York, 1963.

12.9. WIND ENERGY GENERATION 261
Figure 12.20: Efficiency trends for wind turbine types (ηw ) versus tip speed ratio χ (= ωR/V1 ).
From Baumeister, T., Avallone, E.A. and Baumeister, T. III, eds., Mark’s Standard Handbook for
Mechanical Engineers, 8th. ed. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986.
surface; (2) there is negligible flow across the cylindrical part of the control volume surface,
and (3) the change of fluid momentum outside the slipstream boundary is negligible. The
first assumption seems reasonable, since the effects of pressure die off as velocity squared.
However, even if the flow velocities vc across the area Ac of the cylindrical part of the surface
are very small, the product vc Ac may still be important. Also, the change in momentum of
the fluid outside the slipstream boundary may not be negligible. It turns out that the error
in the second assumption cancels out the error in the third assumption, and the same answer
is obtained as in our original analysis. In fact, it can be shown that these two assumptions
are equivalent to that made for the boundary conditions on the slipstream boundary control
volume CV1 .
12.9 Wind Energy Generation

We saw that the theoretical upper limit on the efficiency of a propeller is 100%, so that in
the absence of losses, in an ideal flow, all the energy supplied by the propeller is converted
Figure 12.21: Alternative control volume for a propeller.

into flow energy. In contrast, the efficiency of a windmill is limited to about 59%, and in
practice it is often much less. This limits the generation of power using wind turbines, and
great efforts have been made to improve the efficiency and performance of wind turbines.
The conventional wind turbine is mounted horizontally, and a vane is used to align the
propeller with the wind direction. Vertical axis machines, such as the Savonius rotor and
the Darrieus turbine, have the advantage that their operation is independent of the wind
direction. The Savonius rotor consists of two curved blades forming an S-shaped passage
for the airflow, and the Darrieus turbine has two or three airfoils attached to a vertical
shaft (Figures 12.22). They are typically shaped so that under load the stress distribution
is constant along the length of the airfoil. The maximum efficiency of a Savonius rotor is
only about 15%, whereas the Darrieus turbine has a superior maximum efficiency of about
32%, but the Darrieus turbine is not self starting.
The efficiency of a wind turbine ηw is a strong function of the tip speed ratio χ, which
is the ratio of the maximum speed seen by the blade (which occurs at the tip of a propeller
blade) and the speed of the incoming air stream. That is,
χ = ωR (12.39)
V1
where ω is the rotation rate in rads/s, R is the radius of the turbine, and V1 is the wind
speed. Figure 12.20 illustrates that each type of wind-powered system has a corresponding
tip speed ratio for maximum efficiency.
There are three main difficulties in designing a wind-powered generating system. First,
the wind strength and direction continually change. The variation in the wind direction
is not a severe problem, because the machine can be designed to be self-aligning, but the
variation in the wind strength is. The variation in average wind strength in the United
States is illustrated in Figure 12.23, and locations with little or no prevailing wind strength
are obviously not suitable for producing wind energy. On the other hand, “runaway” can
occur when storms produce unusually strong winds. The rotor can then begin to turn at
such high speeds that the material strength limits are exceeded and the blade elements fail.
A governor is required to limit the rotation rate, or the blades can be designed to twist,
so that at high wing loading corresponding to high wind speeds the blades produce less lift
and runaway is prevented.
Perhaps the most severe shortcoming due to variable wind strength is the long-term
variations that result in power output. This is not a particular limitation for pumping
water from a well, where a large reservoir is used to average out the fluctuations in the
water flow. However, when the windmill is used to generate electricity, a battery storage
Figure 12.22: Darrieus rotor. From Baumeister, T., Avallone, E.A. and Baumeister, T. III, eds.,
Mark’s Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, 8th. ed. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986.
12.9. WIND ENERGY GENERATION 263
Figure 12.23: Annual average available wind power in the U.S.A, in W/m2 . From Baumeister, T.,
Avallone, E.A. and Baumeister, T. III, eds., Mark’s Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers,
8th. ed. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1986.
system is required, or the windmill must be combined with another source of electricity (such
as a fossil-fuel driven system) to produce a constant power output. In commercial systems,
the wind-driven system is usually connected to a “grid,” that is, a common distribution
system which receives energy from a variety of sources and regulates and distributes the
power supply to the customers. Alternatively, the irregular power output from the windmill
can be used to pump water to a reservoir located on top of a nearby hill, and then a
water-powered turbine can be used to generate electricity in response to the demand.
The second difficulty in designing a wind-powered generating system is that the flow
energy contained in the wind is rather low. For example, if we took a wind speed of 15 m/s
(about 33 mph, a rather stiff breeze), and a rotor diameter of 3 m (about 10 f t), we find that
the maximum power available (with a theoretical maximum efficiency of 59.3%) is given by
1 3 2
max theoretical power = 2 ηw ρV1 πR = 8.49 kW
which is enough to run a typical house. However, the average power generated by this system
will be much lower because of variability in the wind speed and the much lower efficiencies
found in actual systems. There are great benefits to increasing the size of the rotor; doubling
the rotor diameter will increase the power by a factor of four. However, the static stresses in
the blades due to wind loads will double and the deflection will increase by a factor of eight.
With rotation, the static load will be augmented by the inertia force due to the centripetal
acceleration. At any location along the blade, this force is proportional to (ωR)2 /R = ω 2 R,
so that it increases linearly with the size and quadratically with the rotational speed. We
see that the size and rotation rate of a wind-powered turbine are limited by the possibility
of material failure, and to generate significant amounts of electricity a large number of
machines will be required. Such wind “farms” exist, and a large scale example is located
east of San Francisco (see Figure 12.24).
The third difficulty is that the rotational speeds generated by common wind turbines
are not well matched to generator speeds. Generators in the United States are typically
designed to run at 3600 rpm, to produce alternating electric current at 60 Hz. If we choose
a high-speed two-bladed design, operating at peak efficiency, we see from Figure 12.20 that
the tip speed ratio χ should equal about 5.5. For the example given earlier, we will need a
Figure 12.24: Wind farm located in Altamont Pass, near Livermore, CA. Maximum power output
is 5 M W at a wind speed of 15 mph. Courtesy U.S. Department of Energy.
rotational speed ω = V1 χ/R = 55 rads/s = 525 rpm. So, even if the wind speed was constant
at 15 m/s, a speed-up gearbox will be required. The variability of the wind speed will mean
that the gearbox will need to operate over a large speed range, and that the frequency of
the alternating current will vary with wind speed. Consequently, a considerable amount of
control and regulation circuitry is necessary for the output to be useful for running standard
appliances, or to be acceptable to a grid.
Chapter 13
Environmental Fluid Mechanics
13.1 Atmospheric Flows

The understanding of wind flows and atmospheric transport processes is crucial to, for
example, the ability to predict and quantify the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere,
estimating the greenhouse effect, and predicting the weather.
The atmosphere is made up of two basic layers: the troposphere and the stratosphere.
In the troposphere, the temperature decreases linearly with height (the slope of the curve is
called the lapse rate), whereas in the stratosphere the temperature remains approximately
constant with height. The lapse rate, and the height of the troposphere, vary with time
and location but the U.S Weather Service has compiled a set of average conditions over the
United States at 40◦ N latitude called the U.S. Standard Atmosphere.
According to this standard atmosphere, which does not necessarily give an accurate
description of the atmosphere at any one time or place, the stratosphere extends from sea
level to a height of 11 km (36, 000 f t), with a lapse rate of 6.50◦ K/km (called the standard
lapse rate). The stratosphere begins at the top of the troposphere and extends to an altitude
of 32.2 km (106, 000 f t), and its temperature is constant at 216.7◦ K (−56.5◦ C) up to an
altitude of 20.1 km (66, 000 f t).1 The troposphere contains 80 to 85% of the total mass of the
atmosphere and virtually all of its water, and therefore it plays the major role in determining
our weather and climate. Above 20.1 km, the temperature gradually increases with height,
due to the absorption of the sun’s infrared radiation by ozone, which is formed by the intense
ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is also this absorption by ozone that protects living
things on earth from the destructive effects of ultra-violet rays. The temperature profile of
the U.S. Standard Atmosphere is shown in Figure 13.1.
To put these altitudes into perspective, Mount Everest has a height of about 29, 000 f t
(8840 m), long range airplanes travel near the top of the troposphere at about 35, 000 f t
(10, 670 m), and Concorde traveled well into the stratosphere at about 56, 000 f t (17, 070 m).
Most clouds appear at heights less than about 10 to 12 km so that they are mainly confined
to the troposphere, although occasionally the top of particularly large clouds may extend
to 18 km or higher.
The atmosphere extends well beyond the stratosphere, but the air densities become very
small. For example, at the top of the stratosphere the density is only 1% of the sea level
value. Vehicles traveling in the upper reaches of the atmosphere (called the ionosphere)
experience very low density conditions where the continuum approximation may no longer
apply.
1 Some authors consider the stratosphere to extend only up to 20.1 km, so that it is confined to the region
of constant temperature.
265
266 CHAPTER 13. ENVIRONMENTAL FLUID MECHANICS
Figure 13.1: Temperature variation with altitude in the U.S. Standard Atmosphere. Data from
The U.S. Standard Atmosphere, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1976.
13.2 Equilibrium of the Atmosphere

The lower part of the atmosphere, that is, the troposphere, is constantly being mixed by
convection.2 Water vapor is taken up and then precipitated, and there are great movements
of polar air and of tropical air into the temperate regions. In the tropics, due to the intense
heating of the ground, air is rising. This produces a general large scale circulation of air
from the temperate regions toward the tropics (trade winds) and a drift near the top of the
troposphere from the tropics toward the poles. Cold air from the higher levels will settle
toward the ground to maintain continuity. This convective mixing of the atmosphere is due
to unequal heating of the earth’s surface, caused by the variation of solar intensity with
latitude and by the unequal heat-absorption characteristics of land and water areas. As a
result, the troposphere is kept in some relatively stable thermal and mechanical equilibrium
which determines our climate. Departures from this equilibrium are what we know as
weather. Weather varies from day to day or even from hour to hour in an irregular manner.
Climate is the average weather at a given place at a particular time of year, over many
seasons, and climatology predicts from past records the safe date for planting crops, for ex-
ample. Meteorology predicts tomorrow’s weather from a knowledge of the present condition
of the atmosphere near a given locality.
The fundamental nature of convection suggests that the lower atmosphere should have
an approximately adiabatic temperature gradient. Air next to the ground that is heated
2 The material in this section was adapted from Engineering Applications of Fluid Mechanics, by J.C.
Hunsaker & B.G. Rightmire, McGraw-Hill, 1947.

13.2. EQUILIBRIUM OF THE ATMOSPHERE 267
Figure 13.2: Cloud formation by condensation of water vapor carried upward in a rising column
of air. Hunsaker & Rightmire 2.23, p.51
more in one place than in another will rise like warm air in a chimney. Colder and denser air
will flow in to take its place. The rising air will cool almost adiabatically, for air is a poor
conductor. To find this cooling rate, we start with the hydrostatic equation (dp/dz = −ρg)
and use the thermodynamic relationships given for adiabatic, inviscid flow (that is, isentropic
flow) by equation 11.18. We obtain the adiabatic lapse rate:

dT γ−1
adiabatic lapse rate = − = g (13.1)
dz ad γR
which is equal to 0.00098◦ C/m for dry air.

It is interesting to observe that the natural temperature lapse rate makes for stability
of the lower atmosphere; that is, an air mass, displaced vertically for some reason, tends to
return to its original level. Consider a mass of air rising by convection because it became
slightly unstable at ground level due to local heating. This air will cool at the adiabatic
lapse rate of 0.98◦ C per 100 m. At any level, however, it will be subject to the same pressure
as the surrounding atmosphere. Hence, since the usual atmospheric lapse rate is less than
the adiabatic lapse rate (it is only 0.65◦ C per 100 m), the displaced air mass will be denser
than its surroundings and will tend to fall back.
Usually, the air is stable, and large-scale convection does not occur. However, when the
atmospheric lapse rate exceeds the adiabatic rate, the air is unstable. Thunderstorms arise
in an unstable atmosphere in which the lapse rate is temporarily excessive from abnormal
heating of the ground and the lower levels of the air. This condition frequently occurs in
summer. In winter, when the ground is covered with snow, the lower levels are cold, the
lapse rate is small, and the air is likely to be stable. On a clear summer night the ground
cools quickly by radiation, and the lower level of air may become cooler than that lying
above it. Here the lapse rate may be zero or even reversed. This is called a temperature
inversion and makes for great stability.
The formation of cumulus clouds and thunderstorms is a result of instability. Warm,
moist air next to the ground becomes unstable and rises, cooling adiabatically until the
dew point is reached, when condensation of water vapor creates a cloud (see Figure 13.2).
If the initial uprush is violent, the rising air may overshoot its equilibrium altitude. If
there is an inversion or a stable layer of air at this elevation, further upward motion is
stopped. However, if the upper air is neutral or slightly unstable, the latent heat released
by condensation may be enough to carry the convection current to greater heights. As we
indicated earlier, storm clouds have been found to extend up to 50, 000 f t, although the air
is usually clear above 20, 000 f t.
Air motion is invariably turbulent, and clouds are usually turbulent also. The Reynolds
number is based on an approximate characteristic dimension of the cloud such as its height
or width (both are generally of the same order). With a cloud dimension of about 500 m,
and a characteristic internal motion of 5 m/s, then with ν = 10−5 m2 /s (it is approximately
the same for water vapor as it is for air), the Reynolds number = (500×5)/10−5 = 2.5×108 .
It is no surprise that clouds always have a turbulent appearance.
13.3 Circulatory Patterns and Coriolis Effects

The sun, the earth, and the earth’s atmosphere form one very large dynamic system. The
differential heating of the air gives rise to horizontal pressure gradients, which in turn lead to
horizontal motions in the atmosphere.3 The temperature difference between the atmosphere
at the poles and at the equator, and between the atmosphere over the continents and over
the oceans, causes the large-scale motions of the atmosphere. Local winds, such as lake
breezes, are also caused by temperature differences. The land surface generally heats and
cools faster by radiation than a large body of water, and so during the day the air tends
to rise over the land, causing the air to move from the water to the land. At night, the
land surface cools at a faster rate so that the air over the land gradually becomes cooler
and more dense than that over the water, and the movement of air is from the land to the
water.
If the earth were not rotating, air would normally tend to flow down the pressure gradient,
that is, from regions of higher pressure to lower pressure. The flow would be perpendicular
to the isobars (contours of constant pressure). However, the rotation of the earth prevents
this from happening, at least on the scale of large weather patterns. If we are an observer
located in a rotating reference frame, such as we are on earth, there are apparent forces
that can act, in addition to the effects of pressure gradient, gravity, and viscous forces. The
most important is the Coriolis force.
The “truest” inertial frame is the distant stars. On the earth’s surface, we are actually
accelerating because of the motion about the sun, the spinning of the earth about its axis
of rotation, and by other motions we are not aware of. The most important of these is the
spin, being 365 times greater than the angular velocity about the sun. So the center of the
earth is a good choice as an inertial reference frame ([X, Y, Z] in Figure 13.3).
The positions, velocities and accelerations that we see (fixed to the earth’s surface)
are not those seen by an observer fixed to the earth’s center. For many applications, the
difference between the two reference frames is negligible. The differences are evident only
on a large scale, such as in atmospheric and oceanic movements.
We can develop expressions for the equations of motion with reference to the earth’s
surface, and we will see that we can add a term to Euler’s equation that represents an
“apparent” acceleration and treat it mathematically and conceptually as a force.
The earth spins on its axis from west to east, so that the rotation looking down from
the North Pole is counterclockwise (see Figure 13.3). If the angular velocity vector of the
~ that is equal to the angular rotation of a particle of fluid at a latitude
earth’s rotation is Ω,
of β, and we know that Ω = 2π rad/day. The angular momentum of the particle per unit
mass relative to the inertial frame of reference (the earth’s center) will be r × V, where r
is the radius of rotation and V its velocity, where V = Ω ~ × r. Since r is measured from the
axis of rotation, r = R cos β, where R is the radius of the earth (= 6380 km).
3 Air Pollution: Its Origin and Control, K. Wark, C.F. Warner & W.T. Davis, published by Addison-
Wesley, 1998.
13.3. CIRCULATORY PATTERNS AND CORIOLIS EFFECTS 269
Figure 13.3: Coordinate system for the earth spinning around its axis. XY Z is the inertial
coordinate system with its origin at the center of the earth, and xyz is the local coordinate system
at the latitude β (at the equator, the latitude is zero). R is the radius of the earth.
A particle in the northern hemisphere, moving in the northerly direction, will be moving
toward the axis of rotation. In the absence of friction, angular momentum will be conserved,
and the fluid will acquire a greater angular velocity since its radius is decreasing (β increases).
This is the familiar effect seen when a spinning skater pulls in his arms to increase her rate
of rotation. So a north-bound particle will deflect to the right (the east) in the northern
hemisphere. A south-bound particle acquires a lower angular velocity to conserve angular
momentum, and it will deflect to the west.
We can also consider motions in the east-west direction, at a constant latitude. A
particle in the northern hemisphere, moving in the easterly direction, will increase its angular
velocity. To conserve its angular momentum, it will experience a tendency to move to a
larger radius of rotation; it is deflected to the right (to the south). Similarly, a west-bound
particle will have a lower angular velocity and experience a tendency to deflect to the north
to conserve angular momentum.
The overall result of these Coriolis effects is to create clockwise circulatory patterns
for the northern hemisphere, and counter-clockwise circulatory patterns for the southern
hemisphere. This is true for the atmosphere, and for the oceans. Coriolis effects are the
dominant mechanisms controlling these circulatory patterns, and therefore they effectively
control weather patterns.
To see how the Coriolis effects enter into the equations of motion, we note that the
acceleration of a particle (fluid or otherwise) near the earth’s surface in the earth’s inertial
reference frame can be written as the sum of a number of accelerations seen by an observer on
the earth’s surface in the [x, y, z]-coordinate system (where the positive z-direction is in the
direction of increasing altitude). These include the rectilinear acceleration, the centripetal
acceleration, and the Coriolis acceleration, 2Ω ~ × V. The centripetal acceleration is usually
very small for motions in the atmosphere, and therefore the acceleration of a fluid particle
in the inertial reference frame (based on the earth’s center) is given by the sum of its
acceleration in the local reference frame plus the Coriolis acceleration. That is,
DV ~ ×V
+ 2Ω
Dt
If we ignore viscous effects, we obtain
DV ~ × V = − 1 ∇p − g
+ 2Ω
Dt ρ
or
DV ~ × V − 1 ∇p − g
= −2Ω (13.2)
Dt ρ
An apparent force, the Coriolis force, appears in the equations of motion due to the earth’s
rotation. Since the vertical velocities are typically much smaller than the velocities in the
horizontal plane, we have
~ × V = −fc vi + fc uj
2Ω
where fc is the Coriolis parameter defined by
fc = 2Ω sin β (13.3)
−4 −1
On earth, 0 ≤ fc ≤ 1.44 × 10 s .
If we non-dimensionalize equation 13.2 (as we did with the Navier-Stokes equation in
Section 7.7), we find that the Coriolis term becomes

2 sin β
V0
Ro
where V0 is the velocity non-dimensionalized by the characteristic velocity scale V0 , and
V0
Ro =
ΩL
This is the Rossby number, which measures the importance of the inertia force relative to
the Coriolis force. For a typical 40 km/hr wind, for the Rossby number to be of order one,
the Coriolis force must act over a characteristic distance L of about 150 km. As it acts over
a greater and greater distance, the Coriolis effect becomes more and more important.
For example, in the atmosphere the boundary layer thickness varies bewteen 200 m and
1 km (see Section 13.4). Outside this region, in the free layer , friction is negligible under
“normal” conditions. In the free layer, without Coriolis effects, the acceleration term in
the momentum equation is balanced by the force due to pressure differences, and the flow
tends to be in the direction of the pressure gradient (from high to low pressure). However,
in the simplest possible wind system, that of straight uniform flow, there is no acceleration
and the force due to pressure differences is balanced by the Coriolis force. So the velocity
vector is turned at right angles to the direction of the pressure gradient. Streamlines are
therefore almost parallel to the isobars. This is called geostrophic balance. It follows that
in the atmosphere the pressure in a uniform flow is always higher to the right (looking
downstream).
Geostrophic balance approximates the conditions found at altitudes a few hundred meters
or more above the surface of the earth. Except in the case of very light winds, the direction
and magnitude of the actual winds at this height generally do not differ by more than 10◦
and 20%, respectively, from their geostrophic values. For this reason isobaric maps can be
used to determine wind speed and direction. The isobars yield direction, and the magnitude
of the gradient (the distance between the isobars, which are also streamlines) determines
the speed.
When the wind follows a curved path, the centripetal acceleration needs to be taken into
account. This effect is only important near the center of high- or low-pressure region where
the isobars have significant curvature. The wind then deviates from its geostrophic value
and is called the gradient wind .
Within the earth’s boundary layer, that is, at heights less than a few hundred meters,
viscous effects become important. In particular, the variation of horizontal velocity with
height also produces Coriolis effects which vary with height, and the wind direction near
the earth’s surface will be skewed from its geostrophic or gradient direction.
13.4 Planetary Boundary Layer

The nature of the terrain, the location and density of the trees, the location and size of
lakes, rivers, hills, and buildings strongly affects the velocity distribution in the atmospheric
13.5. PREVAILING WIND STRENGTH AND DIRECTION 271
Figure 13.4: Effect of terrain roughness on the planetary boundary layer velocity profile. From Air
Pollution: Its Origin and Control , K. Wark, C.F. Warner & W.T. Davis, Addison-Wesley, 1998.
or planetary boundary layer.4 The depth of the boundary layer can vary from a few hun-
dred meters to several kilometers, and it is greater for unstable conditions than for stable
conditions.
The general effect of terrain roughness on the velocity profile is shown in Figure 13.4. In
this particular example, the change in the overall boundary layer thickness is from approxi-
mately 500 m to 280 m, for decreasing roughness. Because of the change in wind speed with
height, any wind speed value must be quoted with respect to the elevation at which it is
measured. The international standard height for surface wind measurements is 10 m. The
profile is often modeled as a power law similar to that given in Section 9.4 for a flat plate
turbulent boundary layer. When the lapse rate is approximately adiabatic and the terrain is
generally level with little surface cover, the exponent p is approximately 0.15, which is close
to the 1/7th value used in Section 9.4, but it can vary widely depending on the roughness
and the stability of the atmosphere.
The variation in wind profile is important for a number of reasons, but it is felt most
directly in the approach of an airplane to a landing strip. The speed of the airplane relative
to the wind speed determines its lift and drag performance, but the speed of the airplane
relative to the ground dictates its landing pattern. The wind speed naturally decreases with
altitude due to the presence of the planetary boundary layer, and this needs to be taken
into account by the pilot. The rapid variation in the wind profile close to the ground adds
to the difficulty in judging the approach.
13.5 Prevailing Wind Strength and Direction

The large-scale circulatory patterns in the atmosphere are modified by local conditions,
which can vary with time. For example, in the mid-latitudes, in the free layer of the
4 Air Pollution: Its Origin and Control, K. Wark, C.F. Warner & W.T. Davis, published by Addison-
Wesley, 1998.
Figure 13.5: (a) A typical wind rose representation of wind-speed data. (b) A day-night wind rose
for New York City showing diurnal effect of the sea breeze. From Air Pollution: Its Origin and
Control , K. Wark, C.F. Warner & W.T. Davis, Addison-Wesley, 1998.
atmosphere, the air currents meander, forming the zonal currents which are a type of wave
motion. Nevertheless, there are recurring patterns, which help to set the average conditions
at any location. At any particular time, in any given season, we have expectations for the
average condition including the temperature, precipation, and the prevailing wind strength
and direction. Charts are available for most locations indicating the prevailing wind strength
and direction, averaged over many years, as shown by the example given in Figure 13.5. In
addition, data are available for maximum wind conditions, rainfall rate, and snow deposits,
which are important for designing buildings and providing services such as storm drains.
Such data are often incorporated in building codes or national standards for drainage systems
or other services.
The prevailing wind conditions provide vital information for other purposes as well.
Predicting the probable distribution by air currents of a toxic emission from an industrial
site requires the use of charts such as that shown in Figure 13.5. Choosing the location
of a wind turbine and predicting its likely power output, requires similar data, as do long-
distance sailing and tracking weather balloons.
13.6 Atmospheric Pollution

Atmospheric pollution is a very broad term, which describes the dispersion of airborne
particles and reactive agents, and their chemical interaction in the presence of sunlight.
Here, we are concerned with the dispersion of airborne particles and other material, of
which there is a great variety.
Airborne particles are produced by two very different mechanisms.5 The larger particles
are fragments of still larger ones which, through weathering, mechanical breakage, solution,
5 V.J. Schaefer and J.A. Day, A Field Guide to the Atmosphere, The Peterson Field Guide Series, pub-
lished by Houghton Mifflin, 1981.

13.7. DISPERSION OF POLLUTANTS 273
or some other attrition process, finally become small enough to float in the atmosphere when
lifted up by the wind. These particles may sometimes be reduced in size to 1 µm or smaller,
but when found in the air are generally 5 µm or larger, the smaller ones may be joined to the
larger ones by adhesion, electrical forces, or surface tension. Many of these larger particles
are of natural origin, although some are of human origin, resulting from processes such as
the production of cement, quarrying and strip mining.
The other major mechanism of small-particle formation begins in the vapor phase and
proceeds by condensation, crystalization, or related mechanisms. The cooling of hot satu-
rated or supersaturated vapor, the combination of chemicals, photolytic reactions, and other
condensation processes typically produce such particles. Their sizes range from molecular
clusters of 0.001 to 0.003 µm to about 1 µm. In the presence of high temperatures and a
rich source of condensable material, as in a volcano or the exhaust gases from a coal-burning
power plant, some particles can grow to sizes considerably larger than 1 µm.
The largest airborne particles may be in the air for minutes or hours. The intermediate
sizes are likely to be suspended for hours or days, and the smallest particles may reside
in the atmosphere for weeks, months, and even years. All particles in the atmosphere will
tend to fall to the ground under its own weight. In the absence of air resistance, a particle
experiences a constant acceleration of g, and its velocity increases linearly with time. As its
velocity increases, however, the aerodynamic drag increases. If we ignore the buoyancy, then
at some point the drag force will balance the weight of the particle, and the particle reaches
a constant velocity called the terminal velocity. The terminal velocity Vp of a spherical
particle of radius R may be found from an equilibrium force balance, where
ρp g 34 πR3 = 12 ρa Vp2 πR2 CD (13.4)
where ρp is the density of the particle material, ρa is the air density, and CD is the particle
drag coefficient. Small particles settle very slowly, and therefore their Reynolds numbers
are typically much less than one. Stokes showed analytically that the drag coefficient for
spheres for Reynolds numbers less than one is given by:6
drag force = 6πRµVp
or
24
CD = (13.5)
Re
where the Reynolds number is based on the diameter. Flows at these low Reynolds numbers
are dominated by viscous effects, and they are often called creeping flows (see Figure 9.14).
Equation 13.4 becomes
2ρp gR2
Vp =
9µ
A particle of soot, for example, with R = 1 µm and a density similar to that of pure carbon
(ρp = 1, 600 kg/m3 ) has a terminal velocity in air at sea level of 0.02 mm/s, which is equal to
1.7 m/day. We see that small particles are extremely slow to settle to the ground once they
have become airborne. Their terminal velocity increases with size. Larger particles may
have Reynolds numbers considerably larger than one, and Stokes’ drag law (equation 13.5)
will not apply. In that case, the terminal velocity may be found using equation 13.4, in
combination with the results given in Figure 9.14.
13.7 Dispersion of Pollutants

The dispersion of pollutants in the lower atmosphere is greatly aided by thermal convection
and turbulent mixing. Buoyancy effects determine the depth of the convective mixing layer,
called the maximum mixing depth (MMD). The MMD is the height where a thermally
6 Stokes, G. Transactions of the Cambridge Philosophical Society, 8, 1845; 9, 1851.
Figure 13.6: Typical velocity profile, temperature profile, and plume shape for various atmospheric
conditions ( ——– ambient lapse rate; – – – – dry adiabatic lapse rate). (a) Strong instability; (b)
Near neutral stability; (c) Surface inversion; (d) Inversion above stack; (e) Inversion below stack;
(f) Inversion below and above stack. From Air Pollution: Its Origin and Control , K. Wark, C.F.
Warner & W.T. Davis, Addison-Wesley, 1998.
heated fluid particle will stop rising, and it is given approximately by the intersection of the
air temperature profile with the adiabatic lapse line. When the atmosphere is very stable,
so that the air temperature increases with altitude, the MMD can be very small. These
temperature inversions can produce very high pollution levels in urban areas.
Turbulence in the atmosphere is usually defined as the fluctuations in velocity with
frequencies greater than 2 cycles per hour (0.6 × 10−3 Hz), with the most energetic fluctua-
tions in the 0.01 to 1 Hz range. There are fluctuations due to the “mechanical” turbulence
produced by velocity gradients, and there is also turbulence produced by thermal eddies
associated with temperature gradients (these eddies are much smaller than the convective
motions that transport pollutants up to the MMD). Thermal eddies are prevalent on sunny
days when light winds occur and the temperature gradient is unstable. They typically have
13.8. DIFFUSION AND MIXING 275
Figure 13.7: Effect of local flow patterns on the dispersion of gaseous effluent from a stack. From
Air Pollution: Its Origin and Control , K. Wark, C.F. Warner & W.T. Davis, Addison-Wesley, 1998.
periods measured in minutes. Mechanical eddies predominate on windy nights with neutral
stability, and they have periods on the order of seconds.
The wind, the stability of the atmosphere, and the resulting level of atmospheric turbu-
lence will all affect the shape of the plume produced by a tall smoke stack, as illustrated
in Figure 13.6. A wide range of possibilities is shown, and the strong influence of the
temperature stability can be seen.
Another significant influence is the terrain surrounding the stack. The proximity of
buildings can have a particularly strong effect, as seen in Figure 13.7. If the stack is placed
improperly, or it is too low, the backflow in the wake of the building can cause heavy
pollutant concentrations in the vicinity of the building.
13.8 Diffusion and Mixing

It is of great interest to know how the properties of a fluid at one point influence the
properties at another point. For example, we know that when dye is introduced into a fluid,
it slowly diffuses throughout the fluid. How does this process occur, and at what rate?
Think of how a scent travels through a room. If a perfume bottle is opened in one corner
of the room, there will be a high concentration of perfume molecules near the bottle and
a low concentration elsewhere. The molecules will move and mix with the surrounding air
by diffusion, even in the complete absence of drafts, so that after a sufficiently long time
they will be distributed uniformly throughout the room. The rate at which this happens
depends on the diffusion coefficient (a property of the perfume), and the strength of the
concentration gradient. So the diffusion will happen quickly to begin with and then slow
down as the concentration becomes more uniform and the strength of the gradients decrease
(see Figure 13.8). This type of diffusion, where there is no mean flow, is described by Fick’s
first law of diffusion,
dC
J = −Dm (13.6)
dx
where J is the mass of perfume crossing a unit area per unit time (the mass flux of perfume),
Dm is the mass diffusion coefficient for perfume in air, with dimensions = L2 T −1 , and C is
Figure 13.8: One-dimensional spreading of perfume in air as a function of time. From Potter &
Wiggert, Mechanics of Fluids, 2nd ed., Prentice Hall, with permission.
the local concentration of perfume (mass per unit volume). The minus sign indicates that
the diffusion of perfume is from regions of high to low concentration. Note how similar this
equation is to equation 1.7, which described the diffusion of momentum by viscosity due to
velocity differences, and also to the Fourier heat conduction equation
dT
q = −k (13.7)
dx
which describes the diffusion of heat due to temperature differences.
Since diffusion is a molecular transport process, the amount of diffusion across an inter-
face is proportional to the surface area. Increasing the surface area will increase the rate of
mixing proportionally. This is why we stir a fluid to mix it. When we add sugar to coffee,
we could sit and wait for the sugar to diffuse into the coffee. For it to mix thoroughly by
diffusion, we would have to wait a long time (molecular diffusion processes are typically
very slow) and the coffee would undoubtedly be very cold. Instead, we stir the coffee. The
resulting turbulence stretches and distorts the fluid particles that contain high concentra-
tions of sugar molecules, which increases their surface area, and allows the molecular mixing
process to occur in a very short time, before the coffee has cooled.
Mixing also enhances the diffusion of heat, and therefore turbulent flows are very efficient
for cooling a surface. The turbulent eddies mix the flow very thoroughly, so that hot fluid can
be quickly transported to regions where the surrounding fluid is cold, and vice versa. The
turbulent eddies also stretch and distort the fluid particles, thereby increasing the surface
area over which the heat conduction takes place.
In addition, mixing enhances the diffusion of momentum. For example, whenever veloc-
ity gradients are present, we also have gradients of momentum. As we saw in Section 1.6.3,
viscosity diffuses momentum by molecular exchanges which cause slower fluid to speed up,
and faster fluid to speed up. This is typically a slow process. However, in turbulent flows
we have strong, large-scale mixing present, and the momentum is redistributed very much
faster. Because of this stirring process, the momentum distribution becomes more uni-
form and the strength of the velocity gradients tends to be reduced. As we indicated in
Section 8.7, this process is similar to viscous diffusion, except that it is more effective. Tur-
bulent “diffusion” is often modeled using an equivalent “eddy” viscosity, which is typically
orders of magnitude larger than the molecular viscosity. Since the turbulent diffusion of
heat, mass , and momentum all depend on the fluctuating velocity field, the eddy viscosities
13.8. DIFFUSION AND MIXING 277
for each transport process are all about the same magnitude.
Appendices
279
Appendix A
Analytical Tools
Here, we consider a number of basic analytical skills necessary for the study of fluid mechan-
ics. This material is by way of summary only, and neither the selection nor its treatment is
comprehensive. It is in the nature of a review, and it will be assumed that you have seen
this material elsewhere in greater depth.
A.1 Rank of a Matrix

The customary notation for a determinant A of order n consists of a square array of n2
quantities enclosed between vertical bars
a11 a12 . a1n

a a22 . a2n

|A| = |aij | = 21
. . . .

an1 an2 . ann

This notation implies a particular summation process that applies to the elements of the
determinant. For a determinant of order 2, the summation is

a11 a12
a21 a22 = a11 a22 − a12 a21

For a determinant of order 3, the summation is

a11 a12 a13 = a (a a − a a ) − a (a a − a a )
11 22 33 23 32 12 21 33 23 31
a21 a22 a23

a31 a32 a33
+ a13 (a21 a32 − a22 a31 )
The order of a determinant gives the rank of a matrix. The rank of a matrix r is given by
the largest non-zero determinant that fits in the matrix. For example, a 3 by 6 matrix (3
rows by 6 columns) has a maximum rank of 3, since a determinant is by definition square.
However, four different determinants can be found, depending on which column of the matrix
corresponds to the first column of the determinant. The first two possibilities for the matrix
kAk are
a11 a12 a13 a14 a15 a16

a21 a22 a23 a24 a25 a26

a31 a32 a33 a34 a35 a36
and
a11 a12 a13 a14 a15 a16

a21 a22 a23 a24 a25 a26

a31 a32 a33 a34 a35 a36
281
282 APPENDIX A. ANALYTICAL TOOLS
If any of the four possible determinants of order 3 is non-zero, the rank of this matrix is 3.
A.2 Scalar Product

Consider two vectors A and B, in Cartesian coordinates, so that
A(x, y, z, t) = Ax i + Ay j + Az k
and B(x, y, z, t) = Bx i + By j + Bz k
Then the scalar product is given by
A · B = |A| |B| cos θ = B · A
where θ is the angle between A and B. The scalar product, or the dot product, of two
vectors is a scalar, and it is commutative, which means that
A·B=B·A
In other words, the scalar product is independent of the sign of θ, as indicated by the cosine:
it may be measured from A to B, or B to A. We also have
A · B = Ax Bx + Ay By + Az Bz
A very useful scalar product is the one where one of the vectors is a unit vector, say, n.
Then
n · A = |n| |A| cos θ = A cos θ
which gives the component of A in the direction of n. This particular scalar product can
be used whenever we need to find the component of the velocity or momentum in a given
direction. For example, the x-component of the velocity V is given by i · V = u, the y-
component is given by j · V = v, and the z-component is given by k · V = w. In general,
the component of V in the direction of n is given by n · V.
A.3 Vector Product

For the vectors A and B we have the vector product
A × B = |A| |B| sin θ e = −B × A
where θ is the (smaller) angle between A and B, and the direction of the unit vector e is
given by the right-hand-screw rule. The vector product, or the cross product, of two vectors
is not commutative, which means that
A × B = −B × A
and it depends on the sign of θ, as indicated by the sine: for A × B it must be measured
from A to B, and for B × A it must be measured from B to A. To find the components of
the vector product in Cartesian coordinates we can use the determinant form

i j k

A × B = Ax Ay Az
Bx By Bz
= (Ay Bz − Az By ) i − (Ax Bz − Az Bx ) j + (Ax By − Ay Bx ) k

A.4. GRADIENT OPERATOR ∇ 283
A.4 Gradient Operator ∇

The gradient of a scalar quantity φ is the rate of change of that quantity in space. The
gradient operator, ∇, or grad , operates on a scalar so that ∇φ is a vector. For example,
we can find the grad of the pressure field, the temperature field or the density field. The
gradient vector ∇φ has the property that its projection in any direction is equal to the
derivative of φ in that direction. That is, for a unit vector n, the scalar product n · ∇φ gives
the rate of change of φ in the direction of n. Since the maximum projection of a vector is in
the direction of the vector itself, it is clear that ∇φ extends in the direction of the maximum
rate of change of φ.
Consider a closed volume V with a surface area A. Then the gradient of any scalar such
as φ is formally defined as Z
1
∇φ ≡ lim nφ dA
V →0 V
where n is an outward facing unit normal vector. So the gradient of φ is the ratio of the
integral of nφ over an area A, to the volume V enclosed by A, as the volume shrinks to zero
about some point.
∂φ ∂φ ∂φ
∇φ = i+ j+ k
∂x ∂y ∂z
∂φ 1 ∂φ ∂φ
∇φ = er + eθ + ez
∂r r ∂θ ∂z
Note that the operator ∇ looks like a vector. In fact, it has many properties that are similar
to the properties vectors have. However, it differs from a vector in some important ways, as
we shall see, and it is best thought of as an operator with special properties. We can write
∇φ in Cartesian coordinates as

∂ ∂ ∂
∇φ = i+ j+ k φ
∂x ∂y ∂z
which emphasizes that ∇φ is shorthand for the result obtained when ∇ operates on a scalar
φ.
A.5 Divergence Operator ∇·

The divergence of a vector quantity is the outflow of that quantity per unit time per unit
volume. The divergence operator ∇· operates on a vector, and the result is a scalar. That
is, the divergence of a vector is a scalar (note the contrast with the gradient operator ∇).
The divergence of any vector, such as the velocity V, is formally defined as
Z
1
∇ · V ≡ lim n · V dA
V →0 V
So the divergence of the velocity is the ratio of the integral of n · V over an area A, to the
volume V enclosed by A, as the volume shrinks to zero about some point, say P . More
physically, V is the velocity through any small surface element dA, and n · V = |V| cos θ is
the volume flux per unit area. The area integral is the total volume flux through the surface
area A, and the divergence of V is the volume flux per unit volume at the point P .
In Cartesian coordinates, the divergence of V(x, t) = V(x, y, z, t) is simply

∂ ∂ ∂
∇·V = i+ j+ k · (ui + vj + wk)
∂x ∂y ∂z
That is,
∂u ∂v ∂w
∇·V = + +
∂x ∂y ∂z
1 ∂rur 1 ∂uθ ∂uz
∇·V = + +
r ∂r r ∂θ ∂z
Note: We see that the divergence operator ∇· behaves in some ways like a scalar product.
However, as we have already noted, ∇ differs from a vector in some important ways, and it is
best thought of as an operator with special properties. In particular, ∇· is not commutative,
so that ∇ · V 6= V · ∇ (see Section A.11).
Also, a vector field that has zero divergence (for example, ∇ · A = 0) is sometimes called
a solenoidal vector field. A velocity field that has zero divergence (∇ · V = 0) is called an
incompressible velocity field.
A.6 Laplacian Operator ∇2

The Laplacian operator is composed of second derivatives in space. When it operates on a
scalar, the result is a scalar; when it operates on a vector, the result is a vector.
∂2φ ∂2φ ∂2φ
∇2 φ = + 2 + 2 (A.1)
∂x2 ∂y ∂z
∂ 2 φ 1 ∂φ 1 ∂2φ ∂2φ
∇2 φ = + + + 2 (A.2)
∂r2 r ∂r r2 ∂θ2 ∂z
We see that the Laplacian operator behaves in some ways like the scalar product ∇ · ∇.
However, as we have already noted, ∇ differs from a vector in some important ways, and it
is best thought of as an operator with special properties.
Also, when a parameter φ is operated on by the Laplacian ∇2 , and the result is zero, it
is said to satisfy Laplace’s equation ∇2 φ = 0.
A.7 Curl Operator ∇×

The curl operator ∇× operates on a vector and the result is another vector. That is, the
curl of a vector is a vector. A physical interpretation relevant to fluid dynamics is that the
curl of the velocity field ∇ × V is equal to twice the angular velocity of the flow field at a
given point (this is not obvious, of course, but it is useful to realize that ∇ × V is related
to the rotation of the flow — see Section 6.1). The curl of any vector, such as the velocity
V, is formally defined as Z
1
∇ × V ≡ lim n × V dA
V →0 V
So the curl of the velocity is the ratio of the integral of n × V over an area A, to the volume
V enclosed by A, as the volume shrinks to zero about some point.
A.8. DIV, GRAD, AND CURL 285
In Cartesian coordinates, the curl of V(x, t) = V(x, y, z, t) is given in the shorthand,

determinant form by
i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∇ × V = ∂x ∂y ∂z
u v w
That is,
∂w ∂v ∂w ∂u ∂v ∂u
∇×V = − i− − j+ − k
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y

1 ∂uz ∂uθ ∂uz ∂ur 1 ∂ruθ 1 ∂ur
∇×V = − er − − eθ + − ez
r ∂θ ∂z ∂r ∂z r ∂r r ∂θ
We see that the curl operator ∇× behaves in some ways like a vector product. For example,
it is true that ∇ × V = −V × ∇. However, ∇ differs from a vector in some important ways,
and it is best thought of as an operator with special properties.
A vector field that has zero curl (for example, ∇ × V = 0) is commonly called an
irrotational vector field.
A.8 Div, Grad, and Curl

Z
1
∇φ = lim nφ dA
V →0 V
Z
1
∇·V = lim n · V dA
V →0 V
Z
1
∇×V = lim n × V dA
V →0 V
where φ is a scalar and V is a vector.

We also have the differential forms, and in Cartesian coordinates,
∂φ ∂φ ∂φ
∇φ = i+ j+ k
∂x ∂y ∂z
∂u ∂v ∂w
∇·V = + +
∂x ∂y ∂z

i j k
∂ ∂ ∂
∇×V = ∂x ∂y ∂z
u v w

∂w ∂v ∂w ∂u ∂v ∂u
= − i− − j+ − k
∂y ∂z ∂x ∂z ∂x ∂y
∂φ 1 ∂φ ∂φ
∇φ = er + eθ + ez
∂r r ∂θ ∂z
1 ∂rur 1 ∂uθ ∂uz
∇·V = + +
r ∂r r ∂θ ∂z

1 ∂uz ∂uθ ∂uz ∂ur 1 ∂ruθ 1 ∂ur
∇×V = − er − − eθ + − ez
r ∂θ ∂z ∂r ∂z r ∂r r ∂θ
A.9 Integral Theorems

Stokes’ Theorem relates the line integral of the velocity to the area integral of the vorticity.
That is,
Z Z I
n·Ω~ dS = n · ∇ × V dS = V · d~`
C
where the line integral is taken around the closed curve C defining the perimeter of the area
S, where the direction of integration around C is positive with respect to the side of S om
which the unit normals are drawn (by the right hand screw rule).
Additional theorems relate area integrals to volume integrals. For a closed volume V
with surface area A,
Z Z
n p dA = ∇p dV
Z Z
n · V dA = ∇ · V dV
Z Z
n × V dA = ∇ × V dV
The second of these is sometimes called the divergence theorem.
A.10 Taylor-Series Expansion

The Taylor-series expansion allows us to estimate the variation of a quantity in the neigh-
borhood of a known point in a formal and complete way. To find how the pressure p varies
with z, for example, the pressure is expanded in a power series in the neighborhood of z = α,
where α is a known point (see Figure A.1). The expansion is given by
(z − α)2 ∂ 2 p

∂p
p(z) = p(α) + (z − α) + + ...
∂z z=α 2! ∂z 2 z=α
We need to assume that the pressure and its derivatives exist at z = α (it is obvious that
if the function p(z) has a discontinuity close to the point α where the derivative takes an
infinite value, the Taylor-series expansion will not give a good estimate). With (z − α) = δz,
we can write this relationship as
(δz)2 ∂ 2 p (δz)3 ∂ 3 p

∂p
p(α + δz) = p(α) + δz + + + ...
∂z α 2! ∂z 2 α 3! ∂z 3 α
Figure A.1: Estimating the pressure at z by using the pressure at α, by applying the Taylor-series
expansion.
A.11. TOTAL DERIVATIVE AND THE OPERATOR V · ∇ 287
The dots represent higher order terms, that is, terms which contain δz in a higher order
(for example, (δz)2 is one order higher than δz, and (δz)3 is one order higher than (δz)2 ).
If δz is very small, (δz)2 is much smaller still, and in the limit of δz going to very small
values, higher order terms can usually be neglected. This may be illustrated by using some
numerical values. For a quantity ∆ that is small compared to unity, ∆ 1, then ∆2 ∆.
For example,
∆ = 0.1 ∆2 = 0.01
∆ = 0.01 ∆2 = 0.0001, etc.
Therefore, higher order terms rapidly become small, and in the limit of an infinitesimally
small value of ∆, terms that contain ∆2 can normally be neglected. This approach is called
linearization (since quadratic terms are neglected), and it can be very useful, as we shall
see.
A.11 Total Derivative and the Operator V · ∇


DV ∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u
= +u +v +w i

∂v ∂v ∂v ∂v
+ +u +v +w j
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z

∂w ∂w ∂w ∂w
+ +u +v +w k
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z
u2

DV ∂ur ∂ur uθ ∂ur ∂ur
= + ur + + uz − θ er
Dt ∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z r

∂uθ ∂uθ uθ ∂uθ ∂uθ ur uθ
+ + ur + + uz + eθ
∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z r

∂uz ∂uz uθ ∂uz ∂uz
+ + ur + + uz ez
∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z
By writing the total derivative as

DV ∂V
= + (V · ∇) V
Dt ∂t
we define a new operator V · ∇. In this form, the total derivative is written in a way that is
independent of the coordinate system. The expansion of V · ∇ depends on the coordinate
system. In Cartesian coordinates,
∂ ∂ ∂
V·∇ = u +v +w
∂x ∂y ∂z
Compare this with the divergence of V, where
∂u ∂v ∂w
∇·V = + +
∂x ∂y ∂z
∂ uθ ∂ ∂
V · ∇ = ur + + uz
∂r r ∂θ ∂z
The operator V·∇ should not be thought of as a dot product of the velocity and a “vector” ∇.
As we indicated earlier, ∇ is not a true vector, and it only behaves like a vector sometimes.
It is best to think of V · ∇ as an operator in its own right. To make this clear, it is preferable
to write it in parentheses, as (V · ∇), although formally there is no ambiguity.1
Care must be taken in expanding V · ∇ in other than Cartesian coordinates. In fact,
V · ∇ is an example of a dyad , and it is more easily handled in tensor notation. It can be
expressed in true vector form using the (very useful) vector identity:
(V · ∇) V = ∇ 12 V 2 − V × (∇ × V)

(A.3)
A.12 Integral and Differential Forms

Instead of deriving the differential forms of the continuity and momentum equations for
inviscid flow (the Euler equation) using elemental control volumes, as we did in sections 5.2
and 5.3, we can obtain them directly from their integral forms.
The continuity equation for a fixed control volume (equation 3.9) states
Z Z
∂
ρ dV + n · ρV dA = 0
∂t
Since the control volume is fixed, the derivative can be moved inside the integral, so that
Z Z
∂ρ
dV + n · ρV dA = 0
∂t
The area integral can be converted to a volume integral using the divergence theorem (see
Section A.9). Hence, Z
∂ρ
+ ∇ · ρV dV = 0
∂t
Since the control volume is arbitrary, the integrand itself must be zero, so that
∂ρ
+ ∇ · ρV = 0
∂t
as before (equation 5.8).
The momentum equation for a fixed control volume (equation 3.20) states
Z Z Z Z
∂
Rext + Fv − n p dA + ρg dV = ρV dV + (n · ρV) V dA
∂t
If we examine the the interior of the fluid, and ignore viscous forces, Rext and Fv can be
neglected. Since the control volume is fixed, the derivative can be moved inside the integral,
so that Z Z Z Z
∂ρV
− n p dA + ρg dV = dV + (n · ρV) V dA
∂t
Changing the area integrals to volume integrals and collecting terms,
Z Z
∂ρV
− (∇ p + ρg) dV = + (∇ · ρV) V + (ρV · ∇) V dV
∂t
Z
∂V ∂ρ
= ρ + ρ (V · ∇) V + V + V (∇ · ρV) dV
∂t ∂t
1 Gibbs, “Vector Analysis,” Dover Publications, Chapter III.
A.13. GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL 289
Using the continuity equation yields

Z
∂V
ρ + ρ (V · ∇) V + ∇ p − ρg dV = 0
∂t
Since the control volume is arbitrary, the integrand itself must be zero, so that

∂V
ρ + (V · ∇) V + ∇ p − ρg = 0
∂t
That is,
DV
ρ = −∇p + ρg
Dt
as before (equation 5.10).
For viscous, incompressible flows, with constant (Newtonian) viscosity µ, we have the
Navier-Stokes equation
DV
ρ = −∇p + ρg + µ∇2 V
Dt
(equation 5.19).
A.13 Gravitational Potential

To take the next step, we need to introduce the concept of a potential function. We will
simply define a function φg such that
g = −g∇φg
The vector ∇φg is a unit vector that points in the direction opposite to the vector g. The
parameter φg is called a potential function, and in this case is identified with the altitude or
elevation. Here the term “potential” is clearly connected with the idea of potential energy,
which is only a function of elevation. If a body moves from point a to point b, its potential
energy will be unchanged as long as the two points have the same elevation. Gravity is
called a “conservative” force field since the potential energy of a body depends only on
the elevation and not on the particular path used to get from a to b. The quantity that
measures the change in potential energy is the elevation, which is also the potential function
associated with the conservative force field due to gravity, φg .
The Euler equation may then be written as
DV 1 1
= − ∇p + g = − ∇p − g∇φg (A.4)
Dt ρ ρ
Therefore, in Cartesian coordinates, we have
∂u ∂u ∂u ∂u 1 ∂p ∂φg
+u +v +w = − −g
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z ρ ∂x ∂x
∂v ∂v ∂v ∂v 1 ∂p ∂φg
+u +v +w = − −g
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z ρ ∂y ∂y
∂w ∂w ∂w ∂w 1 ∂p ∂φg
+u +v +w = − −g
∂t ∂x ∂y ∂z ρ ∂z ∂z
In cylindrical coordinates, we have
∂ur ∂ur uθ ∂ur ∂ur u2 1 ∂p ∂φg
+ ur + + uz − θ = − −g
∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z r ρ ∂r ∂r
∂uθ ∂uθ uθ ∂uθ ∂uθ ur uθ 1 1 ∂p 1 ∂φg
+ ur + + uz + = − −g
∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z r ρ r ∂θ r ∂θ
∂uz ∂uz uθ ∂uz ∂uz 1 ∂p ∂φg
+ ur + + uz = − −g
∂t ∂r r ∂θ ∂z ρ ∂z ∂z
A.14 Bernoulli’s Equation

Bernoulli’s equation holds for steady, inviscid, constant density flow between two points
along a streamline, or across streamlines if the flow is irrotational. In Section 4.2, it was
derived by considering the forces acting on a particle of fluid moving along a streamline. It
may also be derived directly from the Navier-Stokes equation, which reduces to the Euler
equation (equation A.4) under the condition of inviscid flow. With the added condition of
steady flow, and using the vector identity given in equation A.3, the Euler equation reduces
to
1
∇ 12 V 2 − V × (∇ × V) = − ∇p − g∇φg

ρ
If the flow is of constant density, then

1 2
p p
∇ 2V − V × (∇ × V) = −∇ − g∇φg = −∇ + gφg
ρ ρ
That is,
1 2 p
∇ 2V + + gz = V × (∇ × V) (A.5)
ρ
We have used z = φg , where z is the altitude or elevation above a horizontal reference plane.
For irrotational flows, ∇ × V = 0, so that

p
∇ 12 V 2 + + gz = 0
ρ
and we find that
p + 21 ρV 2 + ρgz = Bi
where Bi is a constant throughout the (irrotational) flow field.
For rotational flows, we take the component of equation A.5 along a streamline. That is,
we take a dot product with a unit vector ds that lies along the direction of the streamline,
so that
1 2 p
∇ 2 V + + gz · ds = V × (∇ × V) · ds
ρ
Since V and ds lie in the same direction, V × (∇ × V) · ds = 0, and by integrating along
the streamline we obtain
p + 21 ρV 2 + ρgz = Bs
where Bs is a constant along the streamline.
A.15 Reynolds Transport Theorem

In Sections 3.4 and 3.6, the integral forms of the continuity and the momentum equations
for a fixed control volume (equations 3.9 and 3.20) were derived from first principles. It is
possible to express the conservation concepts embodied in these equations in a more general
way. The left hand sides of the continuity and momentum equations describe the total
rate of change in a property of the fluid (mass, momentum) contained in a given volume,
accounting for the flow in and out of the control volume and the changes that may be
occurring inside the control volume. In other words, they provide a link between the total
rate of change of a property of a fixed mass of fluid and the rate of change of that property
in a fixed volume of fluid. For instance, for a fixed mass of fluid, the rate of change of the
property called mass is obviously zero. For a fixed volume of fluid, the same principle is
expressed as a balance between the rate of change of mass in the control volume and the
net mass transported out across the surface of the control volume.
A.15. REYNOLDS TRANSPORT THEOREM 291
In more general terms, we can define an extensive property of the fluid B, which could
be mass, momentum, energy, and so on. An intensive property b can also be defined, which
is simply the property B per unit mass, so that
B = mb,
where m is the mass of fluid being considered. The value of B is directly proportional to
the amount of mass being considered, whereas the value of b is independent of the amount
of mass. It follows that Z
BCV = ρb dυ
CV
where the integral is over the control volume CV .
The question is, therefore, what is the rate of change of Bsys , which is the rate of change
of B following a system (that is, a fixed mass of fluid) in terms of the rate of change of
BCV , which is the amount of B contained in the control volume at any time. The Reynolds
transport theorem for a fixed control volume states that the rate of change of B (following
a given mass of fluid) is equal to the rate of change of B contained in the control volume
plus the net outflux of B through the surface of the control volume. That is,
Z
DBsys ∂BCV
= + (n · ρV) b dA
dt ∂t
and therefore Z Z
DBsys ∂
= ρb dυ + (n · ρV) b dA (A.6)
dt ∂t
The Reynolds transport theorem provides a link between control volume and system con-
cepts. It serves the same function for a large control volume as the total derivative serves
for a small control volume (see Section 5.1). We have not given a formal derivation here,
but the link with the continuity and momentum equations is clear.2 For example, when the
property B is mass,
dB
B=m and b= =1
dm
and we obtain the left hand side of the continuity equation (equation 3.9). When the
property B is linear momentum,
dB
B = mV and b= =V
dm
and we obtain the left hand side of the momentum equation (equation 3.20). When the
property B is the total energy E,
dB
B = E = me and b= =e
dm
and we obtain the left hand side of the energy equation (equation 3.25).
The power of the Reynolds’ transport theorem lies in the fact that the property B can
be anything that is transported by the fluid: mass, linear momentum, angular momentum,
kinetic energy, and so forth.
2 Formal derivations can be found in White Fluid Mechanics, McGraw-Hill 1986; Shapiro Elements of
Gasdynamics, Wiley 1962; Munson, Young & Okiishi Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, Wiley 1998;and
Potter & Wiggert Mechanics of Fluids, Prentice-Hall 1997.
Appendix B
Conversion Factors
Length 1 m = 1, 000 mm = 39.4 in = 3.281 f t

1 km = 0.622 mile
Velocity 1 m/s = 3.281 f t/s = 3.60 km/hr = 2.28 mph
1 knot = 0.5155 m/s
Volume 1 m3 = 1000 liters = 35.31 f t3
1 f t3 = 28.32 liters = 7.48 gal (U.S.)
1 gal (U.S.) = 3.785 liters
Mass 1 kg = 1, 000 g = 2.205 lbm = 0.0685 slug
1 slug = 32.174 lbm
Density 1 kg/m3 = 0.00194 slug/f t3 = 0.06243 lbm /f t3
= 36.13 × 10−6 lbm /in3
Force 1N = 0.2248 lbf
Pressure 1 P ascal = 1 N/m2 = 10−5 bar = 10 dyne/cm2
= 0.14504 × 10−3 psi or lbf /in2
= 0.02088 psf or lbf /f t2
1 atm = 101, 325 N/m2 or P a
= 1.01325 bar
= 760 T orr
= 14.70 psi or lbf /in2
= 2, 116 psf or lbf /f t2
= 29.92 in Hg = 760.0 mm Hg
= 10.33 m H2 O = 33.90 f t H2 O
Viscosity 1 P a · s = 1 N s/m2
= 10 poise = 1, 000 cp (centipoise)
= 0.02088 lbf s/f t2
1 lbf s/f t = 32.174 lbm /s f t2
2
293
294 APPENDIX B. CONVERSION FACTORS
Kinematic
viscosity 1 m2 /s = 104 Stokes = 106 centiStokes (cSt)
= 10.76 f t2 /s
1 cSt ≈ kinematic viscosity of water at 20◦ C
Energy 1 N ·m = 1 Joule
= 0.7375 f t · lbf = 0.000948 BT U
= 0.2388 cal
Power 1W = 1 J/s
= 0.7375 f t · lbf /s
1 kW = 1.341 hp = 737.5 f t · lbf /s
Temperature 1 ◦C = 1 ◦ K = 95 ◦ R
0 ◦C = 273.15 ◦ K
= 32 ◦ F = 459.67 ◦ R
Appendix C
Fluid and Flow Properties
295
296 APPENDIX C. FLUID AND FLOW PROPERTIES
APPENDIX C. FLUID AND FLOW PROPERTIES 297
Figure C.1: Dynamic viscosity of common fluids as a function of temperature (at one atmosphere).
Adapted from Fox & Macdonald, Introduction to Fluid Mechanics.
Figure C.2: Kinematic viscosity of common fluids as a function of temperature (at one atmosphere).
Adapted from Fox & Macdonald, Introduction to Fluid Mechanics.
313
Index
Absolute pressure, 28–30, 35–38 pollution, 272–275

Acceleration, 91–93 Atmospheric pollution, 272–275
and stress gradients, 148 particle size, 272
convective, 92 Atmospheric pressure
Coriolis, 268–270 barometers, 32
dimensions of, 5, 128 common equivalents, 33
Eulerian, 54, 91 Automobile flow fields, 181, 188
following a fluid particle, 92 Average velocity, 139, 152
Lagrangian, 54 Axial-flow turbine, 241, 249
local, 92
of particle in velocity field Back pressure, 227
Cartesian coordinates, 93 Ball valve, 165
cylindrical coordinates, 94–95 Barometer, 32–34
nonlinearity, 100 aneroid, 34
rigid body, 48–51, 101–102 Fortin, 33
Adiabatic flow, 219 mercury, 32
Adverse pressure gradient, 118, 184, 188 Basic equations
Air, properties of, 295–313 angular momentum, 243
Airfoil Bernoulli, 76
angle of attack, 123, 184 Bernoulli equation, 290
bound vortex, 124 conservation of mass
chord, 184 differential, 97
chord length, 123 integral form, 61–62
drag, 66, 103, 184 integral form, one-dimensional, 57–59
form drag, 184 energy
lift, 31, 66, 103, 121–125, 184, 217 integral form, 71
stall, 123, 184 Energy, for pipe systems, 161
starting vortex, 124 Energy, two-dimensional flow, 160–161
Altitude Euler, 97–99
change in pressure, 11, 30, 89 one-dimensional, 78
lapse rate, 265–268 with Coriolis, 269
Angle of attack, 123, 184 Euler momentum equation, 244
Angle of contact, 21 First law of thermodynamics, 69
Archimedes’ principle, 46–48 hydraulic jump, 203
Area ratio, supersonic flow, 225 hydrostatic pressure variation, 25–27
Atmosphere, 30, 265–268 Laplace, 109
lapse rate, 265–268 momentum
properties of, 313 differential, 97–99
Standard, 30 differential, one-dimensional, 78
Atmospheric boundary layer, 270 integral form, 68
Atmospheric flows, 265–268 integral form, one-dimensional, 62–66
Coriolis effects, 268–270 Navier-Stokes, 100
free layer, 270 one-dimensional energy equation, 166
314
INDEX 315
Reynolds transport theorem, 290–291 Capillary action, 23

Bends, loss coefficients, 163 Cavitation, 89
Bends, losses in, 162 pump, 252
Bernoulli constant, 167 Center of buoyancy, 47, 48
Bernoulli equation, 76, 290 Center of pressure, 36
Bernoulli constant, 205 Centroid, 43, 47
derivation, momentum balance, 78–79 Choked flow, 223, 228
differential form, 78 Chord length, 123, 146, 184
dimensions, 129 Circulation, 112
energy interpretation, 79 Complete physical equation, see Dimensional
non-dimensionalization, 142 homogeneity
Blasius velocity profile, 171 Compressibility, 11, 213–217
Blasius, Heinrich, 171 criterion for, 97, 217
Bluff body, 119, 184–187 Compressible flow, 12, 213–226
Body forces, 9, 62 Compression waves, 236
Bore, 201, 205–206 Conservation of mass, 57–62, 95–97
Boundary layer, 18, 55, 103, 105, 148–149 differential, 95–97
atmospheric, 270 integral form, 60–62
automobile flow fields, 188 one-dimensional, 57–59
in pressure gradients, 118, 184–185, 188 Contact angle, 21
laminar, 169–175 Continuity equation, 57–62, 95–97
displacement thickness, 175–176 Cartesian coordinates, 96
momentum thickness, 177 cylindrical coordinates, 96
separation, 185 differential, 95–97
shape factor, 177 integral form, 60–62
skin friction coefficient, 175 one-dimensional, 57–59
thickness, 175 Continuum hypothesis, 7, 55
momentum integral equation, 177 Control volume, 53–56
planetary, 270 moving, 196, 205
reattachment, 181 pressure convention, 8
separation, 68, 118, 181, 184–188 unsteady flow, 196, 205
sports balls, 187 Convective acceleration, 92
transition, 178, 187 Converging-diverging compressible nozzle flow,
turbulent, 178–181 223–226
displacement thickness, 180 Converging-diverging open channel flow,
momentum thickness, 180 206–212
separation, 187 Core region, duct flow, 176
shape factor, 177, 180 Coriolis
skin friction coefficient, 179 acceleration, 268, 269
thickness, 180 force, 268
visualization, 18 parameter, 270
Boundary layer equation, 171 Couette flow, 17, 143
Breaking waves, 199 Creeping flow, 148, 273
Buckingham Π theorem, 136 Critical flow, definition, 197
Bulk modulus, 6, 9 Critical Froude number, 198, 209–211, 215
fluids, 12, 221 Critical points, 73, 83
water, 11 Critical Reynolds number, 187
Bulk stress and strain, fluids, 9, 12 Curl operator, 284
Bulk velocity, 15 Curved surface, hydrostatic forces on, 40–43
Buoyancy force, 47 Cylinder
critical Reynolds number, 187
Capillarity, 23 drag, 118
316 INDEX
drag coefficient, 186, 189 viscosity, 5

flow patterns, 186 Dimensions, fundamental, 5, 128
potential flow, 116–118 Discharge, 90
spinning, 114, 121 Displacement thickness
unsteady lift and drag, 182 definition, 175
vortex shedding, 182, 183 laminar boundary layer, 175–176
wake, 182, 186 turbulent boundary layer, 180
Cylindrical coordinates, 94–95 Divergence operator, 283
continuity equation, 96 Divergence theorem, 286
curl operator, 285 Doppler effect, 197
divergence operator, 284 Doublet, 116
Euler equation, 99, 289 Drag, 66, 103
gradient operator, 283 Drag coefficient, 135, 146
Laplacian operator, 284 bluff and streamlined bodies, 189
total derivative, 287 cylinder, 186
for various shapes, 194
d’Alembert’s Paradox, 119 sphere, 186, 189
d’Alembert, Jean Le Rond, 119 sphere, creeping flow, 273
Darrieus rotor, 262 Drift velocity, 196
Deformation Drowned flow, 211
shear, in fluids, 3, 5, 12 Duct flow
Density core region, 176
definition, 27 entrance region, 175
dimensions of, 5, 27 fully developed, 151
of common fluids, 15, 295–313 laminar, 151
of common solids, 299 non-circular, 166
Derivative, total, 92 Dyads, 287
Detached shocks, 235 Dynamic pressure, 12, 84, 217
Determinant, 137, 281 Dynamic similarity, 145
Diffuser Dynamic viscosity, see Viscosity
subsonic, 68, 225
supersonic, 225 Earth radius, 268
Diffusion Eddy viscosity, 158, 276
Fick’s law, 275 Efficiency
of mass, 275–277 propeller, 260
of momentum, 15, 148, 180, 275–277 pump, 254
Dimensional analysis turbine, 254, 256
turbomachines, 255 wind turbines, 262
Dimensional homogeneity, 128–130 windmill, 260
Dimensional matrix, 133 Energy equation
Dimensionality of a flow, 56 for pipe systems, 161
Dimensions of integral form, 69–71
acceleration, 5 kinetic energy coefficient, 160–161
angle, 5 two-dimensional flow, 160–161
density, 5 Enthalpy, 161, 219
force, 5 Entrance flow, two-dimensional duct, 175
head loss, 161 Entropy, 220
mass diffusion coefficient, 275 Entry length, pipes, 141, 153
specific gravity, 5 Entry, loss coefficients, 163
strain, 5 Equation of state, see Ideal gas law
stress, 5 Equations of motion, see Basic equations
surface tension, 20 Equivalent length of fittings, 163
INDEX 317
Euler equation, 97, 99, 288 Fluid particle, 1, 5, 276

boundary conditions, 101 Fluid properties, see also Properties of fluids
Cartesian coordinates, 99, 289 density, 27
cylindrical coordinates, 99, 289 diffusion, 275
derivation, 97–99 surface tension, 20
one-dimensional, 78 viscosity, 15
across streamlines, 80, 99 Fluid statics, 25–51
along streamlines, 78, 99 basic equation of, 27
with Coriolis, 269 pressure variation with height, 30
Euler momentum equation, 244 Flume, 201
Eulerian method of description, 53, 54 Flux, 59
Expansion fan, 239 Force, dimensions of, 5
Expansion waves, 238 Form drag, 184
Extensive property, 290 Form factor, see Shape factor
External flow, 147 Free fall, 49, 88
Free layer, in atmosphere, 270
Faucet, transition to turbulence, 149 Free surface, 21, 195
Faucets, losses in, see Valves Free vortex, 112
Favorable pressure gradient, 118, 184 Freestream, 148
Fick’s law, 275 Friction
Finite wing, 124 laminar boundary layer, 175
Fittings, loss coefficients, 163 turbulent boundary layer, 179
Flat plate boundary layer, 169 Friction coefficient
Floating bodies, stability, 48 local, 174, 179
Flow coefficient, 256 total, 174, 179
Flow field dimensionality, 56 Friction factor, 162
Flow measurement definition, 141, 154
Barometer laminar duct flow, 152
aneroid, 34 laminar pipe flow, 155
Fortin, 33 Moody diagram, 141, 162
mercury, 32 non-circular ducts, 166
Manometer, 31 Frictionless flow, see Inviscid flow
Pitot static tube, 85 Froude angle, 199
Pitot tube, 84 Froude number, 146, 198–199
PIV, 74 critical, 198, 209–211, 215
static pressure tap, 84 definition, 197
Venturi tube, 86 in Navier-Stokes equation, 143
Flow visualization, 18, 73–76 in unsteady flow, 206
hydrogen bubbles, 76 variation in channel flow, 206–212
pathline, 74 Froude, William, 197
streakline, 75, 181 Fully developed flow, 100, 141, 151, 153
streamline, 73 fully developed flow, 148
streamtube, 75 Fundamental dimensions, 5, 128
surface streamline, 74
timeline, 18, 76 Gas constant
Fluid universal, 218
definition of, 4 Gas constant, for air, 221
inviscid, 62, 97, 115, 117–119 Gas dynamics, see Compressible flow
Newtonian, 14 Gauge pressure, 28–30, 35–38
non-Newtonian, 14 Geometric similarity, 144
visco-elastic, 14 Geostrophic balance, 270
Fluid element, 53–56 Geostrophic wind, 270
318 INDEX
Gradient operator, 98, 108, 283 Isobaric surface, 50

Gravity waves Isotropic, 8
drift velocity, 196
small amplitude, 195–198 Jet exit pressure, 80
speed, 197
Kármán, see von Kármán
Head, 32 Kármán vortex street, 182
Head coefficient, 256 Kilogram-force, 5
Head loss, 161 Kinematic similarity, 145
across hydraulic jump, 205 Kinematic viscosity, 16, 128
dimensions of, 161 dimensions of, 16, 128
major, 162 of common fluids, 295–313
minor, 162 Kinetic energy, 165
Head, for turbomachines, 161, 244 coefficient, 160–161
Heat, 69 Kinetic energy flux, 60, 160
Honey, properties of, 14 Kutta condition, 123
Hydraulic diameter, 166 Kutta-Joukowski theorem, 123
Hydraulic jump, 201–205, 215
depth ratio across, 203 Lagrangian method of description, 53, 54
Froude ratio across, 204 Laminar boundary layer
head loss across, 205 displacement thickness, 175–176
relationship, 203 momentum thickness, 177
Hydraulic turbine, 246 shape factor, 177
Hydrogen bubble technique, 76 skin friction coefficient, 175
Hydrostatic force on thickness, 175
curved surfaces, 40–43 visualization, 18
sloping walls of constant width, 38–40 Laminar flow, 19
two-dimensional surfaces, 43–46 Laplace’s equation, 109
vertical walls, 34–38 linearity, 110
walls of constant width, 34–38 Laplacian operator, 284
Hydrostatic pressure variation, 25–27 Lapse rate, 265–268
Hypersonic flow, 149 adiabatic, 267
standard, 265
Ideal fluid, see Inviscid fluid, and Laval nozzle, 223
Inviscid flow Lift, 103, 120–125
Ideal gas law, 11, 218 airfoil, 121–125, 217
Impulse turbine, 246 Lift coefficient, 146
Incompressible flow, 11, 213 for various shapes, 194
criterion for, 97, 217 Llift, 31, 66
solenoidal, 97, 284 Local acceleration, 92
Independent variables, 133, 139 Loss coefficient, 162
Intensive property, 290 entry, 163
Internal energy, 70, 219 pipe fittings, 164
Internal flow, 147 Loss, major and minor, see Head loss
Inviscid flow, 62, 97, 115, 117–119
Ionosphere, 265 Mach angle, 215
Irrotational flow, 103–119 Mach number, 146, 215, 217
definition, 103 compressibility criterion, 217
rotation, 104 definition, 12
Isentropic flow, 220, 223 variation in nozzle flow, 223–226
tabulated values, 303 Mach wave, 215, 233, 236
Isobar, 31 Mach, Ernst, 12
atmospheric flows, 270 Magnus effect, 121
INDEX 319
Magnus, Gustav, 121 finding them, 138

Major head loss, 162 flow coefficient, 256
Manometer, 31 force coefficient, 83
Mass diffusion coefficient Froude number, 197
dimensions of, 275 head coefficient, 256
Mass flow rate, dimensions of, 58 Mach number, 12, 217
Mass flux, 60 physical significance, 146
Material derivative, 92 power coefficient, 256
Matrix of dimensions, 133 pressure coefficient, 84
Maximum mixing depth, 273 Reynolds number, 20, 256
Mean free path, 7, 16 Rossby number, 270
Measurement, of flow, see Flow measurement shearing strain, 5
Mercury, properties of, 14 specific gravity, 5, 28
Method of indices, 139 specific speed, 257
Minor head loss, 162 strain, 5
Modeling laws, 144–146 Strouhal number, 182
Moment arm, 36, 40 torque coefficient, 256
Moment of area, 45, 46 Nondimensionalization, 83
Momentum equation, 62–68, 97–99 independent variables, 133
Cartesian coordinates, 99, 289 Nondimensionalizing
cylindrical coordinates, 99, 289 problems, 138
differential, 97–99 Normal shock
one-dimensional, 78 relations, 228–232
integral form, 66–68 tabulated values, 307
one-dimensional, 62–66 Normal shocks
with Coriolis, 269 weak, 232
Momentum flux, 60 Normal stress in fluids, 3, 5, 14
Momentum integral equation, 177 Nozzle
Momentum thickness area ratio, 225
definition, 177 back pressure, 227
laminar boundary layer, 177 Nozzle flow, 223–226
turbulent boundary layer, 180
Oblique shock
Moody diagram, 162
relations, 233–236
Moody, Lewis Ferry, 156, 162
Oblique shocks
Moving control volume, 196, 205 detached, 235
strong solution, 236
Navier-Stokes equation, 100, 142 weak, 236
boundary conditions, 101 weak solution, 236
derivation, 99–100 Oil, properties of, 14
non-dimensionalization, 142 One-dimensional flow, 56
Newtonian fluids, 14 Open channel flow, 195–212
No-slip condition, 18, 101, 115 breaking waves, 199
Non-circular ducts, 166 drowned flow, 211
Non-dimensionalization, 136, 204 Froude number, 198
independent variables, 139 hydraulic jump, 201–205
method of indices, 139 small amplitude waves, 195–198
Non-dimensionalizing smooth constriction, 206–212
equations, 142, 270 surges and bores, 205–206
Non-Newtonian fluid, 14
Nondimensional parameters, 5, 146 Parallel axis theorem, 46
angle, 5 Particle derivative, 92
efficiency, 260 Particle image velocimetry, 74
320 INDEX
Pathline, 74 Prandtl, Ludwig, 119, 171

Pelton turbine, 246 Prandtl-Meyer function, 237
Perfect gas, 219, 220 tabulated values, 310
Π products, 136 Pressure
Π theorem, 136 absolute, 28–30, 35–38
Pipe across streamlines, 80
entry length, 153 at jet exit, 80
fittings, loss coefficients, 164 atmospheric, 33
friction factor, 159, 162 direction of action, 7
fully developed flow, 153 dynamic, 12, 84
head loss, see Head loss forces, 8
hydraulically smooth, 162 gauge, 28–30, 35–38
laminar flow, 153 in a gas, 6
major losses, 162 isobar, 31
non-circular, 166 isobaric surface, 50
roughness, 162 isotropicity, 8
transition to turbulence, 156–157 sign of force due to, 8
turbulent flow, 157–159 stagnation, 84
Pipe fittings, loss coefficients, 164 static, 84
Pitot static tube, 85 total, 84
Pitot tube, 84 transmission through fluids, 10
Plane Poiseuille flow, 151 vacuum, 28
Planetary boundary layer, 270 vapor, 89
Point sink, 111, 115 Pressure coefficient, 84, 146
Point source, 111, 115 Pressure gradient
Poise, 15 adverse, 118, 184, 188
Poiseuille flow, 151 favorable, 118, 184
Poiseuille, Jean, 15 Priming, 249
Pollution Propeller, 257–261
atmospheric, 272–275 efficiency, 260
Potential due to gravity, 289 power required, 260
Potential energy, 165 thrust, 259
Potential flow Properties of air, 295–313
closed-body, 116 Properties of water, 313
cylinder, 116 Prototype, 144
doublet, 116 Pump, 249–254
half-body, 115 cavitation, 252
linearity, 110 centrifugal, 250
point sink, 111, 115 efficiency, 254
point source, 111, 115 performance charts, 252
potential vortex, 112 power, 251
stream function, 107 priming, 249
superposition, 115 velocity diagrams, 250
uniform flow, 110 Quasi-steady flow, 87
velocity potential, 105
Potential vortex, 112 Radial-flow turbine, 241, 248
Power, 18 Radius, of earth, 268
propeller, 260 Rank, of matrix, 137, 281
pump, 251 Rate of change, following a fluid particle, 92
turbine, 247 Ratio of specific heats, 219
windmill, 260 Reattachment, 181
Power coefficient, 256 Reduced frequency, see Strouhal number
INDEX 321
Relative motion, 1 Similarity solution, laminar boundary layer,

Relative roughness, 141, 156 171
non-circular ducts, 166 Similitude, see Similarity
Reynolds number, 20, 143, 146, 156, 256 Simply connected fluids, 31
critical, 187 Singular points, 73, 83
for transition in a duct, 151 Sink, 111, 115
for transition in a pipe, 156 Siphon, 87
for transition on a flat plate, 178 Skin friction
Reynolds transport theorem, 290–291 laminar boundary layer, 175
Rigid body motion, 48–51, 101–102 turbulent boundary layer, 179
in rotation, 50 Skin friction coefficient
in whirlpool, 114 local, 174
Ripples, see Small amplitude gravity waves total, 174
Rossby number, 270 Sloping walls of constant width, hydrostatic
Rotation, 104 force, 38–40
rigid body, 50 Slug, 5, 27
Rotational flow, 103 Small amplitude gravity waves, 195–198
Roughness, 162 drift velocity, 196
effect on laminar flow, 156 wave speed, 197
effect on pipe friction, 162 Smooth constriction, open channel flow, 206–
effect on transition, 156, 187 212
effect on turbulent flow, 157 Smooth flow, 206
trip wire, 187 Solenoidal flow, 97, 284
typical values of, 162 Sonic boom, 216, 239
Sound speed, 12, 15, 213, 221
Sound waves, 10, 12, 197, 213–217, 223–226
Savonius rotor, 262 Source, 111, 115
Scalar product, 282 Specific gravity, 27
Scale modeling, 144–146 Specific heat, 218
Sea water, properties of, 14 at constant pressure, 219
Separation, 68, 118, 181, 184–188 at constant volume, 219
laminar boundary layer, 185 Specific speed, 257
turbulent boundary layer, 187 Speed of sound, 12, 15, 213, 221
Shaft work, 71 Sphere
Shallow channel, 195 critical Reynolds number, 187
Shape factor drag coefficient, 135, 186
laminar boundary layer, 177 effect of trip, 187
turbulent boundary layer, 177, 180 in supersonic flow, 216
Shear strain rate in fluids, 3, 5 spinning, 121
Shear stress in fluids, 3, 5 wake, 187
Shock wave, 214–217 Sports balls, 187
detached, 235 effect of spin, 187
normal, 215, 228–232 effect of trip, 187
oblique, 215, 233–236 Stability, of floating bodies, 48
Shooting flow, see Supercritical flow Stagnation point, 83
Sign conventions Stagnation pressure, 84
force due to pressure, 8 Stagnation pressure probe, see Pitot tube
Similarity Stagnation quantities, 222
dynamic, 145 Stagnation streamline, 83
geometric, 144 Stall, 123, 184
kinematic, 145 Standard Atmosphere, 30, 265
Similarity requirements, 144–146 properties of, 313
322 INDEX
Static pressure, 84 Heat, 69

Static pressure tap, 84 Internal energy, 70
Steady flow, 56, 92 Total energy, 70
definition, 56 Work, 69
streaklines, streamlines, pathlines, 75 Throat
Stokes’ theorem, 286 compressible nozzle flow, 223
Stokes, George, 273 open channel flow, 210
Strain Timeline, 18, 76
bulk, in fluids, 9, 12 Torque coefficient, 256
rate, in fluids, 3, 5, 12 Torricelli’s formula, 90
Stratosphere, 265 Torricelli, Evangelista, 32
Streakline, 75, 181 Total density, 222
Stream function, 107 Total derivative, 92
Streamline, 73 Cartesian coordinates, 287
pressure across, 80 cylindrical coordinates, 287
stagnation, 83 Total energy, 70
Streamlined body, 119, 184–187 Total enthalpy, 222
Streamtube, 75 Total head loss, see Head loss
Stress Total pressure, 84, 222
dimensions of, 5 Total temperature, see Stagnation tempera-
normal, in fluids, 3, 5, 14 ture, 222
shear, in fluids, 3, 5 Transition to turbulence, 19
Stress-strain in a boundary layer, 178
bulk, in fluids, 9, 12 in a faucet flow, 149
rate, in fluids, 3, 5, 12 in a pipe, 156–157
Strouhal number, 146, 182 on a sphere, 187
values, 183 Trip wire, 187
Subcritical flow, definition, 197 Troposphere, 265
Substantial derivative, 92 Tsunami, 200–201
Supercritical flow Turbine
definition, 197 angular momentum equation, 243
Froude angle, 199 axial-flow, 241, 249
Superposition, in potential flow, 115 efficiency, 254, 256
Supersonic flow, 149, 223–226 flow coefficient, 256
choked flow, 223 head coefficient, 256
Mach angle, 215 hydraulic, 246
Supersonic wind tunnel, 223 impulse, 246
Surface forces, 9, 62 Pelton, 246
Surface profile, open channel flow, 206–212 power, 247
Surface streamline, 74, 75 power coefficient, 256
Surface tension, 20–24 radial-flow, 241, 248
dimensions of, 20 relative performance measures, 254
of common fluids, 313 Reynolds number, 256
of water, 313 specific speed, 257
Surge, 199, 201, 205–206 torque coefficient, 256
System, 57, 63, 243, 291 Turbomachines, 241–264
Systems of units, 4 head, 244
power, 244
Tail water, 246 torque, 244
Taylor-series expansion, 25, 286 velocity diagrams, 244
Terminal velocity, 273 Turbulence
Thermodynamics intensity, 158
INDEX 323
mean value, 158 eddy, 158

Turbulent boundary layer, 178–181 inviscid flow, 62, 97, 103
displacement thickness, 180 kinematic, 16, 128
momentum thickness, 180 measures of, 16–17
shape factor, 177, 180 of common fluids, 15, 295–313
skin friction coefficient, 179 temperature dependence, 16
thickness, 180 Viscous flow, Navier-Stokes equation, 99
visualization, 18 Viscous stress, 99
Turbulent flow, 19 Visualization, see Flow visualization
Turbulent pipe flow, 157–159 Volume flow rate, dimensions of, 58
Two-dimensional surfaces, hydrostatic Volume flux, 59
forces on, 43–46 von Kármán, Theodore, 182
Vortex
Uniform flow, 110 bound, 124
Universal gas constant, 218 induced velocity, 125
Unsteady flow, 56, 92 Kármán vortex street, 182
definition, 56 potential, 112
moving control volume, 196, 205
ring, 126
streaklines, streamlines, pathlines, 75
shedding, 182
Vacuum, 28 shedding frequency, 182
Valves starting, 124
loss coefficients, 164 trailing, 114, 124, 125
losses in, 163–165 Vorticity
Vapor pressure, 89 definition, 105
of water, 313 rotation, 104
Vapor trails, 114
Vector product, 282 Wake
Velocity diagrams, 244 bluff body, 181, 184
pump, 250 cylinder, 76, 182
Velocity measurement, see Flow measurement effect of trip, 187
Velocity potential, 105 streamlined body, 184
Velocity profile Wall shear stress, 17
Blasius, 171 Walls of constant width, hydrostatic force on,
in a boundary layer, 148 34–38
laminar, 171 Water, properties of, 313
turbulent, 178 Wave drag, 239
in a laminar duct, 152 Waves
in a pipe, 148 at the beach, 199
fully developed, 141 breaking waves, 199, 201, 205–206
laminar, 154, 161 drift velocity, 196
turbulent, 158, 161 gravity waves, 195–198
in Couette flow, 17 small amplitude, 195
power law, 178 sound waves, 10, 12, 197, 213–217, 223–
Venturi tube, 86 226
Vertical walls, hydrostatic force on, 34–38 tsunami, 200–201
Visco-elastic fluid, 14 Weber number, 146
Viscometer Wetting liquids, 21
Saybolt, 16 Whirlpool, 114
Viscosity, 4, 6, 12–16 Wind
and rotational flow, 103 direction, 271
dimensions of, 5, 15, 128, 137 geostrophic, 270
dynamic, 12–16, 128 gradient, 270
324 INDEX
strength, 271
Wind energy, 261–264
Wind tunnel, 149
Wind turbines, 261–264
Darrieus rotor, 262
efficiency, 262
Savonius rotor, 262
Windmill, 257–261
efficiency, 260
power, 260
thrust, 260
Work, 18, 69, 71

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A Physical Introduction to

April 22, 2019

Copyright A.J. Smits

2.5.4 Gauge pressure or absolute pressure? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

3 Equations of Motion in Integral Form 53

4 Kinematics and Bernoulli’s Equation 73

4.3.3 Venturi tube and atomizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

5 Differential Equations of Motion 91

6 Irrotational, Incompressible Flows 103

7 Dimensional Analysis 127

8 Viscous Internal Flows 147

9 Viscous External Flows 169

10 Open Channel Flow 195

11 Compressible Flow 213

13 Environmental Fluid Mechanics 265

A Analytical Tools 281

B Conversion Factors 293

C Fluid and Flow Properties 295

1.1 The Nature of Fluids

1.2 Units and Dimensions

1.3 Stresses in Fluids

Quantity Dimension Units

Mass M kilogram slug

Table 1.1: Units and dimensions.

1.4.1 Pressure: direction of action

times smaller than the thickness of a human hair.

Figure 1.5: Molecules rebounding of a macroscopically rough surface

1.4.2 Forces due to pressure

1.4.3 Bulk stress and fluid pressure

An important example of a surface force is the force due to pressure.

1.4.4 Pressure: transmission through a fluid

1.4.5 Ideal gas law

1.5 Compressibility in Fluids

Figure 1.7: Air compressed in a bicycle pump.

1.6 Viscous Stresses

1.6.1 Viscous shear stresses

Figure 1.9: Solid under shear.

1.6.2 Viscous normal stresses

Air 1.204 18.2 × 10−6

1.6.4 Measures of viscosity

1.6.5 Energy and work considerations

1.7 Boundary Layers

1.8 Laminar and Turbulent Flow

1.9 Surface Tension

Figure 1.18: Surface tension and “spheres of molecular attraction.”

1.9.1 Drops and bubbles

1.9.2 Forming a meniscus

Figure 1.22: A drop of liquid squeezed between two glass plates.

by 2πRt. That is,

ρgπr2 h = 2πrσ cos θ

Figure 1.23: Water in a glass tube: a demonstration of capillarity.

In this chapter, we consider fluids in static equilibrium. To be in static equilibrium, the

2.1 The Hydrostatic Equation

and so the weight of the fluid particle is given by

Fweight = (ρ0 + . . .) g dxdydz (2.4)

2.2 Density and Specific Gravity

2.3 Absolute and Gauge Pressure

F = (pa + ρgh) A − pa A = ρghA

2.4 Applications of the Hydrostatic Equation