VELOCITY AND ACCELERATION

RESULTANT VELOCITY
Let V be the resultant velocity at
any point in a fluid flow. Let u, v and
w be its components in x, y and z 𝒖 = 𝒇𝟏 (𝒙, 𝒚, 𝒛, 𝒕)
directions, respectively. The velocity 𝒗 = 𝒇𝟐 (𝒙, 𝒚, 𝒛, 𝒕)
components are functions of space- 𝒘 = 𝒇𝟑 (𝒙, 𝒚, 𝒛, 𝒕)
coordinates and time.
Mathematically, the velocity
components are given as:
RESULTANT VELOCITY

𝑽 = 𝒖𝒊 + 𝒗𝒋 + 𝒘𝒌 = 𝒖𝟐 + 𝒗𝟐 + 𝒘𝟐
 TOTAL ACCELERATION

Let ax, ay, and az be the total acceleration in x, y and z

directions, respectively. Then by chain rule of differentiation,
we have
𝑑𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝑑𝑥 𝜕𝑢 𝑑𝑦 𝜕𝑢 𝑑𝑧 𝜕𝑢
𝑎𝑥 = = + + +
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑧 𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑡
 TOTAL ACCELERATION

But
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑧
= 𝑢, = 𝑣, = 𝑤.
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡
Thus,
𝑑𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢
𝑎𝑥 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 + 𝐸𝑞. 2.1(𝑎)
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
 TOTAL ACCELERATION

Similarly,
𝑑𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣
𝑎𝑦 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 + 𝐸𝑞. 2.1(𝑏)
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
𝑑𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
𝑎𝑧 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 + 𝐸𝑞. 2.1(𝑐)
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
 TOTAL ACCELERATION

𝝏𝑽
For steady flow, = 𝟎 , where V is resultant velocity (or
𝝏𝒕
velocity at any direction), therefore,

𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑤
= 0, = 0, =0
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑡
 TOTAL ACCELERATION

Hence, acceleration in x, y and z directions becomes

𝑑𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢
𝑎𝑥 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 𝐸𝑞. 2.2(𝑎)
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑑𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣
𝑎𝑦 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 𝐸𝑞. 2.2(𝑏)
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝑑𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
𝑎𝑧 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 𝐸𝑞. 2.2(𝑐)
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
 TOTAL ACCELERATION

Acceleration vector (A) is expressed as

𝐴 = 𝑎𝑥 𝑖 + 𝑎𝑦 𝑗 + 𝑎𝑧 𝑘 𝐸𝑞. 2.3(𝑎)

𝐴= 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑎𝑦 2 + 𝑎𝑧 2 𝐸𝑞. 2.3(𝑏)
LOCAL ACCELERATION AND
CONVECTIVE ACCELERATION

Local acceleration is defined as the rate of increase

of velocity with respect to time at a given point in a
flow field. In the equation given by equations 2.1a,
𝝏𝒖 𝝏𝒗 𝝏𝒘
2.1b and 2.1c, the expression , , or is known as
𝝏𝒕 𝝏𝒕 𝝏𝒕
local acceleration.
LOCAL ACCELERATION AND
CONVECTIVE ACCELERATION

Convective acceleration is defined as the rate of

change of velocity due to the change of position of
fluid particles in a fluid flow. The expressions other
𝝏𝒖 𝝏𝒗 𝝏𝒘
than , , and in equations 2.1a, 2.1b and 2.1c
𝝏𝒕 𝝏𝒕 𝝏𝒕
are known as convective acceleration.
SAMPLE PROBLEMS

Problem 2.1. The velocity vector in a fluid flow is given as

𝑉 = 4𝑥 3 𝑖 − 10𝑥 2 𝑦𝑗 + 2𝑡𝑘
Find the resultant velocity and acceleration of a fluid particle at
(2,1,3) at time t=1.
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Given: Sol’n:
u = 4x3 x=2 compute for the value of u, v and w
v = -10x2y y = 1 u = 4 x (2)3 = 32 units
w = 2t z=3 v = -10 x (2)2 x 1 = -40 units
t=1 w = 2 x 1 = 2 units
Find: a. V b. A Velocity vector V at (2,1,3) = 32i - 40j + 2k

𝑉= 322 + (−40)2 +22 = 𝟓𝟐. 𝟏𝟔 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔

 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Now from velocity components, we have
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢
= 12𝑥 2 , = 0, = 0 and =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣
= −20𝑥𝑦, = −10𝑥 2 , = 0 and =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
= 0, = 0, = 0 and =2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Substituting these values, the acceleration components at
(2,1,3) at t=1 are
𝑑𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢
𝑎𝑥 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 +
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
= 4𝑥 3 12𝑥 2 + −10𝑥 2 𝑦 0 + 2𝑡 0 + 0
= 48𝑥 5 = 48 25
= 𝟏𝟓𝟑𝟔 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
𝑑𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣
𝑎𝑦 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 +
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
= 4𝑥 3 −20𝑥𝑦 + −10𝑥 2 𝑦 −10𝑥 2 + 2𝑡 0 + 0
= −80𝑥 4 𝑦 + 100𝑥 4 𝑦
= −80 24 1 + 100 24 1
= 𝟑𝟐𝟎 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
𝑑𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
𝑎𝑧 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 +
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
= 4𝑥 3 0 + −10𝑥 2 𝑦 0 + 2𝑡 0 + 2
= 𝟐 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔

Acceleration vector A at (2,1,3) = 1536i + 320j + 2k

𝐴= 15362 + 3202 + 22 = 𝟏𝟓𝟔𝟖. 𝟗𝟖 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Problem 2.2. The following cases represent the two velocity
components, determine the third component of velocity
such that they satisfy the continuity equation:

(i) 𝑢 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 ; 𝑣 = 𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑦𝑧 2 + 𝑥𝑦
(ii) 𝑣 = 2𝑦 2 ; 𝑤 = 2𝑥𝑦𝑧
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Sol’n: The continuity equation for incompressible fluid is given
by equation 1.9:
𝝏𝒖 𝝏𝒗 𝝏𝒘
+ + =𝟎
𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒛
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Case (i).
2 2 2
𝜕𝑢
𝑢 =𝑥 +𝑦 +𝑧 ∴ = 2𝑥
𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑣
𝑣 = 𝑥𝑦 2 − 𝑦𝑧 2 + 𝑥𝑦 ∴ = 2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑧 2 + 𝑥
𝜕𝑦
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Substituting these values in continuity equation,
2
𝜕𝑤
2𝑥 + 2𝑥𝑦 − 𝑧 + 𝑥 + =0
𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝑤
= −3𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 2
𝜕𝑧
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Integration of both sides gives

න 𝑑𝑤 = න(−3𝑥 − 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑧 2 )𝑑𝑧

𝑧3
𝑤 = −3𝑥𝑧 − 2𝑥𝑦𝑧 + +𝐶
3
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Where C (constant of integration) cannot be a function
of z but it can be a function of x and y that is f(x,y).
𝒛𝟑
𝒘 = −𝟑𝒙𝒛 − 𝟐𝒙𝒚𝒛 + + 𝒇(𝒙, 𝒚)
𝟑
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Case (ii).

2
𝜕𝑣
𝑣 = 2𝑦 ∴ = 4𝑦
𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝑤
𝑤 = 2𝑥𝑦𝑧 ∴ = 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑧
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Substituting these values in continuity equation,
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢
+ 4𝑦 + 2𝑥𝑦 = 0 = −4𝑦 − 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥

න 𝑑𝑢 = න(−4𝑦 − 2𝑥𝑦)𝑑𝑥

𝒖 = −𝟒𝒙𝒚 − 𝒙𝟐 𝒚 + 𝒇(𝒚, 𝒛)
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Problem 2.3. A fluid flow field is given by
𝑉 = 𝑥 2 𝑦𝑖 + 𝑦 2 𝑧𝑗 − 2𝑥𝑦𝑧 + 𝑦𝑧 2 𝑘
Prove that it is a case of possible steady incompressible
fluid flow. Also, calculate the velocity and acceleration
at point (2,1,3).
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Sol’n: For the given fluid flow field
2
𝜕𝑢
𝑢=𝑥 𝑦 ∴ = 2𝑥𝑦
𝜕𝑥
𝜕𝑣
𝑣 = 𝑦2𝑧 ∴ = 2𝑦𝑧
𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝑤
𝑤 = −2𝑥𝑦𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧 2 ∴ = −2𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑦𝑧
𝜕𝑧
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
For a case of possible steady incompressible fluid flow, the
continuity equation 1.9 should be satisfied,
𝝏𝒖 𝝏𝒗 𝝏𝒘
+ + =𝟎
𝝏𝒙 𝝏𝒚 𝝏𝒛
Substituting the values,
2𝑥𝑦 + 2𝑦𝑧 − 2𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑦𝑧 = 0
Hence, 𝑽 = 𝒙𝟐 𝒚𝒊 + 𝒚𝟐 𝒛𝒋 − 𝟐𝒙𝒚𝒛 + 𝒚𝒛𝟐 𝒌 is a possible case of
steady incompressible fluid flow.
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Velocity at (2,1,3)
𝑉 = 𝑥 2 𝑦𝑖 + 𝑦 2 𝑧𝑗 − 2𝑥𝑦𝑧 + 𝑦𝑧 2 𝑘
= 22 1 𝑖 + 12 3 𝑗 − 2 2 1 3 + 1 32 𝑘
= 𝟒𝒊 + 𝟑𝒋 − 𝟐𝟏𝒌

𝑉= 42 + 32 + (−21)2 = 𝟐𝟏. 𝟓𝟗 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔

 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Acceleration at (2,1,3)
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢
= 2𝑥𝑦, = 𝑥 2, =0
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣
= 0, = 2𝑦𝑧, = 𝑦2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
= −2𝑦𝑧, = −2𝑥𝑧 − 𝑧 2 , = −2𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑦𝑧
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
𝑑𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢
𝑎𝑥 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 +
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
= 𝑥 2 𝑦 2𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦 2 𝑧 𝑥 2 + −2𝑥𝑦𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧 2 0
= 2𝑥 3 𝑦 2 + 𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑧 = 2(2)3 (1)2 + 2 2
1 2
3
= 𝟐𝟖 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
𝑑𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣
𝑎𝑦 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 +
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
= 𝑥 2 𝑦 0 + 𝑦 2 𝑧 2𝑦𝑧 + −2𝑥𝑦𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧 2 𝑦 2
= 2𝑦 3 𝑧 2 − 2𝑥𝑦 3 𝑧 − 𝑦 3 𝑧 2
=2 1 3 3 2−2 2 1 3 3 − 1 3
3 2

= −𝟑 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS
𝑑𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤 𝜕𝑤
𝑎𝑧 = =𝑢 +𝑣 +𝑤 +
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑧 𝜕𝑡
= 𝑥 2 𝑦 −2𝑦𝑧 + 𝑦 2 𝑧 −2𝑥𝑧 − 𝑧 2 + −2𝑥𝑦𝑧 − 𝑦𝑧 2 −2𝑥𝑦 − 2𝑦𝑧
= −2𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑧 − 2𝑥𝑦 2 𝑧 2 − 𝑦 2 𝑧 3 + 4𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑧 + 4𝑥𝑦 2 𝑧 2 + 2𝑥𝑦 2 𝑧 2 + 2𝑦 2 𝑧 3
= 2𝑥 2 𝑦 2 𝑧 + 4𝑥𝑦 2 𝑧 2 + 𝑦 2 𝑧 3
=2 2 2 1 2 3 +4 2 1 2 3 2+ 1 2 3 3
= 𝟏𝟐𝟑 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
𝐴 = 𝟐𝟖𝒊 − 𝟑𝒋 + 𝟏𝟐𝟑𝒌

𝐴= 282 + (−3)2 +1232 = 𝟏𝟐𝟔. 𝟏𝟖 𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒔