Example 1

Consider
G
the steady, two-dimensional velocity field given
G G
by V = ( u, v ) = (1.3 + 2.8 x ) i + (1.5 − 2.8 y ) j . Verify that this flow
field is incompressible.
Solution of Example 1:

∂u ∂v
Check if ∂x + ∂y = 0 ?
∂u
u = 1.3 + 2.8 x , = 2.8
∂x
∂v
v = 1.5 − 2.8 y , = −2.8
∂y
∂u ∂v
Since ∂x + ∂y = 0 , the given flow field is incompressible.
Example 2
The u velocity component of a steady, two-dimensional,
incompressible flow field is u = ax − bxy , where a and b
2

are constants. Velocity component v is unknown.

Generate an expression for v as a function of x and y.
Solution of Example 2:

∂u ∂v
Since ∂x + ∂y = 0
∂v ∂u
=− = −2ax + by
∂y ∂x

Integrate with respect to y:

1
v = −2axy + by 2 + f ( x )
2
Example 3
Consider fully developed, two-dimensional channel
flow—flow between two infinite parallel plates separated
by distance h, with both the top plate and bottom plate
stationary, and a forced pressure gradient dP/dx driving
the flow as illustrated in the figure. (dP/dx is constant and
negative.) The flow is steady, incompressible, and two-
dimensional in the xy-plane. The velocity components are
given by u = (1 2 µ )( dP dx ) ( y − hy ) and v = 0 , where µ
2

is the fluid’s viscosity. Generate an expression for stream

function ψ along the vertical dashed line in the Figure.
For convenience, let ψ = 0 along the bottom wall of the
channel. What is the value of ψ along the top wall?
Solution of Example 3:

Start with the definition of stream function:

∂ψ
∂y
=u =
2µ dx
(
1 dP 2
y − hy )

Integrate with respect to y:

1 dP ⎛ y 3 y2 ⎞
ψ= ⎜ − h ⎟ + g ( x)
2µ dx ⎝ 3 2 ⎠
Use the definition of stream function again:
∂ψ
0=v=− = − g′ ( x)
∂x
g ( x) = C
So the stream function is
1 dP ⎛ y 3 y2 ⎞
ψ= ⎜ −h ⎟+C
2µ dx ⎝ 3 2 ⎠

Use the BC for ψ to determine the constant C

ψ = 0 along y = 0 : C = 0
So the stream function is
1 dP ⎛ y 3 y2 ⎞
ψ= ⎜ −h ⎟
2µ dx ⎝ 3 2 ⎠
Stream function along the top wall y = h :
1 dP 3
ψ top = − h
12µ dx
Example 4
As a follow-up to Example 3, calculate the volume flow
rate per unit width into the page of Figure 3 from first
principles (integration of the velocity field). Compare
your result to that obtained directly from the stream
function. Discuss.
Solution of Example 4:

Integrate the velocity along y direction to obtain the

volume flow rate:
( y − hy )Wdy .
y =h 1 dP 2
Q = ∫ udA = ∫
A
y =0 2µ dx
y =h
⎡ 1 dP ⎛ y 3 y2 ⎞ ⎤ 1 dP ⎛ h3 ⎞
=⎢ ⎜ − h ⎟W ⎥ = ⎜ − ⎟W
⎣ 2 µ dx ⎝ 3 2 ⎠ ⎦ y =0 2 µ dx ⎝ 6⎠
1 dP 3
=− hW
12µ dx
Where W is the width of the channel into the page. So the
volume flow rate per unit width
Q 1 dP 3
=− h
W 12µ dx

The volume flow rate per unit width obtained directly

from the stream function according to Example 3:
Q 1 dP 3 1 dP 3
= ψ top −ψ bottom = − h −0 = − h
W 12µ dx 12µ dx

Results from both approaches agree.