Potential Flows

Integral Equations
Irrotational Flow
Flow Potential
Conservation of Mass

Laplace Equation
7.2 2D Potential Flows
If restricted to steady two dimensional potential flow, then the
governing equations become
u v
v 0
x y
v u
v k 0
x y
E.g. potential flow past a circular cylinder with D/L <<1 is a 2D
potential flow near the middle of the cylinder, where both w
component and /z0.

U
L y

D z 2
7.2 2D Potential Flows
The 2-D velocity potential function gives

u v
x y

and then the continuity equation becomes

2 2
2 2 0
2

x y

The pressure distribution can be determined by the

Bernoulli equation,

p 12 (u 2 v 2 ) constant

where p is the dynamic pressure

3
7.2 2D Potential Flows
For 2D potential flows, a stream function (x,y) can also be
defined together with (x,y). In Cartisian coordinates,

u v
y x
where continuity equation is automatically satisfied, and
irrotationality leads to the Laplace equation,
2 2
2 2 0
2

x y

Both Laplace equations are satisfied for a 2D potential flow

2 2
2 0
x 2
y
2 2
2 0
x 2
y
4
7.2 Two-Dimensional Potential Flows
For two-dimensional flows, v become:

In a Cartesian coordinate system

v ui vj and u ,v ,
x y
In a Cylindrical coordinate system

v ur i r v i and ur ,v ,
r r

5
Taking into account:

u ,v
y x
Continuity equation

u v
0
x y
u v
0
x y xy xy
 Irrotational Flow
For 2D flows, we can also use the stream function
Recall the definition of stream function for planar (x-y)
Approximation

flows

Since vorticity is zero,

This proves that the Laplace equation holds for the

stream function and the velocity potential
Cylindrical coordinate
system

In cylindrical coordinates (r , q ,z ) with / 0

-axisymmetric case
Taking into account:
1 1
u ,v
r r r z
Continuity equation

( ru ) ( rv )
0
z r
( ru ) ( rv ) u v
r r v
z r z r
1 1 1 1
r r 0
r zr r zr r z r z
7.2 Two-Dimensional Potential Flows
Therefore, there exists a stream function such that

u ,v , in the Cartesian coordinate system and
y x

ur ,v , in the cylindrical coordinate system.
r r

The transformation between the two coordinate systems

ur cos sin u u cos - sin u r

,
v - sin cos v v sin cos v

10
7.2 Two-Dimensional Potential Flows
The potential function and the stream function are
conjugate pair of an analytical function in complex
variable analysis. The conditions:

and
x y y x

These are the Cauchy-Riemann conditions. The

analytical property implies that the constant potential
line and the constant streamline are orthogonal, i.e.,
u , v - v , u 0
and to imply that .
11
Irrotational Flow
Approximation Irrotational

approximation: vorticity
is negligibly small

In general, inviscid
regions are also
irrotational, but there
are situations where
inviscid flow are
rotational, e.g., solid
body rotation
7.3 Simple 2-D Potential Flows

Uniform Flow

Stagnation Flow

Source (Sink)

Free Vortex

13
7.3.1 Uniform Flow
For a uniform flow given by v (U,V ), we have

and

U V
x y y x

Therefore,
Ux Vy and Uy Vx

Where the arbitrary integration constants are

taken to be zero at the origin.

14
7.3.1 Uniform Flow
This is a simple uniform flow along a single direction.

U u2 v 2

15
Elementary Planar
Irrotational Flows
In Cartesian
Uniform Stream
coordinates

Conversion to
cylindrical coordinates
can be achieved using
the transformation

Proof with Mathematica

7.3.2 Stagnation Flow
For a stagnation flow, v Bx , By . Hence,

Bx , By
x y y x

Therefore,
B 2 B 2
( x y ) r cos 2
2

2 2
B 2
Bxy r sin 2
2 17
7.3.2 Stagnation Flow
The flow an incoming far field flow which is
perpendicular to the wall, and then turn its direction
near the wall

The origin is the stagnation point of the flow. The

velocity is zero there.
y

x 18
7.3.3 Source (Sink)
Consider a line source at the origin along the z-
direction. The fluid flows radially outward from
(or inward toward) the origin. If m denotes the
flowrate per unit length, we have 2r u r m
(source if m is positive and sink if negative).

Therefore,

m
ur and u 0
r 2r r r r

19
7.3.3 Source (Sink)
The integration leads to

m m
lnr and
2 2

Where again the arbitrary integration

constants are taken to be zero at r , 1,0 .

20
7.3.3 Source (Sink)
A pure radial flow either away from source or into a sink
A +ve m indicates a source, and ve m indicates a sink
The magnitude of the flow decrease as 1/r
z direction = into the paper. (change graphics)

21
Elementary Planar
Irrotational Flows
Potential and
Line Source/Sink
streamfunction are
derived by observing
that volume flow rate
across any circle is
This gives velocity
components
Elementary Planar
Irrotational Flows
Using definition of (U , U ) r
Line Source/Sink

These can be integrated

to give and

Equations are for a source/sink

Proof with Mathematica at the origin
7.3.4 Free Vortex
Consider the flow circulating around the
origin with a constant circulation . We have:
2r uwhere
fluid moves counter
clockwise if is positive and clockwise if
negative.

Therefore,

ur 0 and u
r r r 2r r

24
7.3.4 Free Vortex
The integration leads to

and

lnr
2 2

where again the arbitrary integration

constants are taken to be zero at r , 1,0

25
7.3.4 Free Vortex
The potential represents a flow swirling around
origin with a constant circulation .
The magnitude of the flow decrease as 1/r.

26
7.4. Superposition of 2-D Potential Flows
Because the potential and stream functions
satisfy the linear Laplace equation, the
superposition of two potential flow is also a
potential flow.

From this, it is possible to construct potential

flows of more complex geometry.

Source and Sink

Doublet
Source in Uniform Stream
2-D Rankine Ovals
Flows Around a Circular Cylinder
27
 7.4.1 Source and Sink
Consider a source of m at (-a, 0) and a sink of m at (a, 0)

For a point P with polar coordinate of (r, ). If the polar

coordinate from (-a,0) to P is r2 , 2 and from (a, 0) to P is
r1 ,1

Then the stream function and potential function obtained

by superposition are given by:

m m
2 1 , lnr2 lnr1
2 2
28
7.4.1 Source and Sink

29
7.4.1 Source and Sink
Hence,
2 tan 2 tan1
tan tan 2 1
m 1 tan 2 tan1
Since
rsin rsin
tan 2 and tan1
rcos a rcos a
We have
2 2arsin
tan 2
m r a 2

30
7.4.1 Source and Sink
We have
m -1 2arsin
tan
2 r a
2 2

By
r22 rsin rcos a r 2 a 2 2arcos
2 2

r rsin rcos a r 2 a 2 2arcos

2 2 2
1

Therefore,
m r 2 a 2 2arcos
ln
2 r 2 a 2 2arcos 31
7.4.1 Source and Sink
The velocity component are:

m rcos a rcos a
u 2 2
2 r a 2arcos r a 2arcos
2 2

m rsin rsin
v 2 2
2 r a 2arsin r a 2arsin
2 2

32
Elementary Planar
Irrotational Flows
A doublet is a
Doublet
combination of a line
sink and source of
equal magnitude
Source

Sink
7.4.1 Source and Sink

34
7.4.2 Doublet
The doublet occurs when a source and a sink
of the same strength are collocated the same
location, say at the origin.

This can be obtained by placing a source at

(-a,0) and a sink of equal strength at (a,0)
and then letting a 0, and m , with ma
keeping constant, say 2am=M

35
7.4.2 Doublet
For source of m at (-a,0) and sink of m at (a,0)

m 2arsin m r 2 a 2 2arcos
tan -1 and ln
2 r 2
a 2
2 r 2 a 2 2arcos

Under these limiting conditions of a0, m ,

we have
2arsin 2asin
lim tan -1
r a
2 2
a 0 r

r 2 a 2 2arcos 2a
lim ln cos
a 0 r a 2arcos
2 2 r
36
7.4.2 Doublet
Therefore, as a0 and m with 2am=M

Msin Mcos
and
2r 2r

The corresponding velocity components are

Mcos Msin
un and u
2r 2
2r 2
37
7.4.2 Doublet

38
7.4.3 Source in Uniform Stream
Assuming the uniform flow U is in x-direction
and the source of m at(0,0), the velocity
potential and stream function of the
superposed potential flow become:

m m
Ux lnr Urcos lnr
2 2
m m
Uy Ursin
2 2
39
7.4.3 Source in Uniform Stream

m

2 m

2

40
7.4.3 Source in Uniform Stream
The velocity components are:
m
ur Ucos and u Usin
r 2r r
m
A stagnation point occurs at and rs
2U

Therefore, the streamline passing through the

m
stagnation point when s rsU .
2
m
The maximum height of the
2 curve is
s
m
h rsin as 0 and r 41
2U
7.4.3 Source in Uniform Stream
For underground flows in an aquifer of constant
thickness, the flow through porous media are
potential flows.

An injection well at the origin than act as a point

source and the underground flow can be regarded
as a uniform flow.

42
7.4.4 2-D Rankine Ovals
The 2D Rankine ovals are the results of the
superposition of equal strength sink and
source at x=a and a with a uniform flow in
x-direction.

Hence,
m
Urcos lnr2 lnr1
2
m
Ursin 2 1
2
43
7.4.4 2-D Rankine Ovals
Equivalently,
m r 2 a 2 2arcos

Urcos ln
2 r 2 a 2 2arcos

m 1 2arsin
Ursin tan 2 2
2 r a

m rcos a rcos a
u 2
2 r a 2arcos r a 2arcos
2 2 2

m rsin rsin
v 2
2 r a 2arsin r a 2arsin
2 2 2
44
7.4.4 2-D Rankine Ovals
The stagnation points occur at

1 1
ma 2
2 xs m 2
xs a , i.e., 1
U a Ua
ys 0

where v 0 with corresponding s 0 .

45
7.4.4 2-D Rankine Ovals
The maximum height of the Rankine oval is

located at r0 , when s 0 ,i.e.,
2
m 2ar0
Ur0 tan 2
1
2
0
2 r0 a
or

r0 1 r0
2
2Ua ro
1 tan
a 2 a m a

which can only be solved numerically. 46

7.4.4 2-D Rankine Ovals

ro

ro

rs rs
47
7.4.5.1 Steady Cylinder
Flow around a steady circular cylinder is the
limiting case of a Rankine oval when a0.

This becomes the superposition of a uniform

parallel flow with a doublet in x-direction.

Under this limit and with M=2a. m=constant,

1
M 2
r0 rs
2U is the radius of the cylinder.

48
7.4.5.1 Steady Cylinder
The stream function and velocity potential
become:
Mcos ro2
Urcos Ur 1 2 cos
2r r
and
Msin ro2
Ursin Ur 1 2 sin
2r r

The radial and circumferential velocities are:

r02 r02
U r U 1 2 cos and U U 1 2 sin
r r 49
7.4.5.1 Steady Cylinder

ro

50
Examples of Irrotational Flows Formed by Superposition
Flow over a circular
cylinder: Free stream
+ doublet

Assume body is = 0
(r = a) K = Va2
Examples of Irrotational Flows Formed by Superposition
Velocity field can be found
by differentiating
streamfunction

On the cylinder surface

(r=a)

Normal velocity (Ur) is zero, Tangential

velocity (U) is non-zero slip condition.