Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2017 / ib / Paper 3 / 18D (Fluid Dynamics)

For constant-density incompressible inviscid flow with conservative body force, Euler equations for an inviscid fluid give ${\partial }_t\mathbf{u}+(\mathbf{u}\cdot \nabla )\mathbf{u}=-\nabla (p/\rho +\Phi )$. Using $(\mathbf{u}\cdot \nabla )\mathbf{u}=\nabla (|\mathbf{u}{|}^2/2)-\mathbf{u}\times \mathbf{\omega }$, take the curl to obtain ${\partial }_t\mathbf{\omega }=\nabla \times (\mathbf{u}\times \mathbf{\omega })$. Since both divergences vanish, the vector identity expands this toWithout incompressibility or the constant-density/barotropic hypothesis, extra compression or baroclinic terms are present; the printed equation uses these flow assumptions.

Let $\kappa (t)=\dot{h}/h$, with $h>0$. Axisymmetric mass conservation is $r^{-1}{\partial }_r(r{u}_r)+{\partial }_z{u}_z=0$. If $u_r$ is independent of $z$, then $u_z$ is affine in $z$. The impermeable moving-plate conditions $u_z(r,\pm h,t)=\pm \dot{h}$ force $u_z=\kappa z$, and integrating the radial equation gives $u_r=-\kappa r/2+C(t)/r$. Regularity at the axis excludes $C(t)/r$. The meridional part of the axisymmetric inviscid flow between moving parallel plates is thereforeFor no swirl, $u_{\theta }=0$ completes the field. Continuity alone does not determine azimuthal motion; this must be specified separately. More generally, prescribe a smooth regular initial profile $U(r)$ independent of $z$. The azimuthal part of Euler equations for an inviscid fluid isso conservation of $r{u}_{\theta }$ along radial particle paths gives $u_{\theta }(r,t)=\lambda U(\lambda r)$, where $\lambda =\sqrt{h/h_0}$. Together with the meridional components above, this gives a family of complete fields, with a suitable pressure determined by the radial and vertical equations. The field is therefore not unique without rotational data.

With the stated solid-body rotation, $u_{\theta }=\Omega (t)r$ and $\mathbf{\omega }=2\Omega {\mathbf{e}}_z$. The vorticity equation gives $2\dot{\Omega }=2\Omega {\partial }_z{u}_z=2\Omega \kappa$, henceFor a fluid particle, $\dot{r}=-\kappa r/2$, so $r^{2}h$ is constant and $r^2\Omega$ is constant. This is conservation of angular momentum about the axis: radial spreading when the plates approach decreases the angular velocity. The meridional and rotating fields satisfy the inviscid equations with an appropriate pressure; no tangential no-slip condition is imposed on inviscid plates.