2005-59.md

course	course_year	question_number	tags	title	year
Fluid Dynamics	IB	59	IB 2005 Fluid Dynamics	2.I.8E	2005

For a steady flow of an incompressible fluid of density $\rho$, show that

$$\mathbf{u} \times \boldsymbol{\omega}=\nabla H,$$

where $\boldsymbol{\omega}=\nabla \times \mathbf{u}$ is the vorticity and $H$ is to be found. Deduce that $H$ is constant along streamlines.

Now consider a flow in the $x y$-plane described by a streamfunction $\psi(x, y)$. Evaluate $\mathbf{u} \times \boldsymbol{\omega}$ and deduce from $H=H(\psi)$ that

$$\frac{d H}{d \psi}+\omega=0$$