Past exam of the fluids and waves course of the University of Oxford / 2014 / 1 / a / Solution

Choose the planar streamfunction convention $u={\psi }_y$, $v=-{\psi }_x$. For an irrotational flow, a velocity potential gives $\mathbf{u}=\nabla \varphi$. ThusThe streamfunction enforces incompressibility, since $u_x+v_y={\psi }_{yx}-{\psi }_{xy}=0$. Conversely, incompressibility permits a local streamfunction, while zero curl permits a local velocity potential. These are the Cauchy-Riemann equations for the complex potential of a two-dimensional potential flow $w=\varphi +i\psi$.

The gradients of the two functions satisfyEach gradient is normal to its regular level curves. Therefore regular curves of constant velocity potential and constant streamfunction meet orthogonally. At a stagnation point, both gradients vanish and this tangent-direction argument needs a limiting interpretation. The conclusion concerns regular portions of the two families of curves.