Mathematical methods in chemical engineering

Assignment I: Vector algebra.

Submission deadline: 7 PM, 03-07-2020

Question 1:
For three spatial dimensions, first rewrite the following expressions in index notation
(Einstein’s summation convention) and then evaluate or simplify them if values or
parameters are given.
(a) 𝐛 ∙ 𝐜 where b = (1, 4, 17) and c = (−4, −3, 1).
(b) (𝐮 ∙ ∇)x where 𝐮 is a vector with components ui and x is position vector with
components xi.
(Hint. Use definition of 𝛿𝑖𝑗 to show that the result comes out to be ui.)
1 2 3
(c) M ∙ x where 𝑀 = {0 1 2} and x is position vector with components xi.
0 0 1
3 2 1 0 0 1
(d) M ∙ N where 𝑀 = {0 2 1} and 𝑁 = {0 1 2}.
0 0 1 1 2 3

(e) (𝑢 ∙ ∇)𝑢 where 𝐮 is a velocity vector and position vector is given by 𝐱 = (𝑥1 , 𝑥2 , 𝑥3 ).

Question 2:
Prove that if u (𝑢1 , 𝑢2 ) and v (𝑣1 , 𝑣2 ) are vectors in 2D space, then there product uivj is a second
order tensor.
(Hint: A second order tensor is an entity having four elements (nine elements in case of 3D
Cartesian frame of reference) if it obeys the transformation rule 𝐓 ′ = 𝐂 𝐓 . 𝐓. 𝐂. Apply this rule
separately to components of u and v, to get 𝑢′ , 𝑣′. Compare if 𝑢′ 𝑣 ′ = (𝑢𝑣)′. Same as example
2.4 in book Fluid mechanics by P. Kundu, I. Coren and D. Rowling which we have taken in
class as well. Only difference here all the elements of vector u and v are non-zero.)

Question 3:
(a) Write a short note on kronecker delta and alternating tensor.
(b) Using summation convention, prove that 𝛿𝑖,𝑗 𝑢𝑗 = 𝑢𝑖
(c) Verify epsilon delta relation for at least 3 different pairs of elements of alternating
tensor. 𝑖. 𝑒 verify 𝜀𝑖𝑗𝑘 𝜀𝑘𝑙𝑚 = 𝛿𝑖𝑙 𝛿𝑗𝑚 − 𝛿𝑖𝑚 𝛿𝑗𝑙 for minimum 3 pair of elements of
𝜀𝑖𝑗𝑘 .
(d) Prove the following: (i) 𝛿𝑖𝑗 𝛿𝑖𝑗 = 3, (ii) 𝜀𝑝𝑞𝑟 𝜀𝑝𝑞𝑟 = 6

Question 4:
For the two-dimensional steady flow having velocity components (u = Sy) and (v = Sx),
determine the following when S is a positive real constant having units of 1/time.
a) Equation for the streamline passing through (0, 0). What is nature of streamlines in general?
b) The components of the strain rate tensor
c) The components of the rotation tensor
d) The coordinate rotation that diagonalises the strain rate tensor. (Hint: Refer to example 2.6
of book Fluid mechanics by P. Kundu, I. Coren and D. Rowling for this part.)

Question 5:
(a) The velocity components in an unsteady plane flow are given by 𝑢 = 𝑥/(1 + 𝑡)
and v = 2y (2 + t). Determine equations for the streamlines and path lines
subject to x = x0 at t = 0.
(b) The velocity in a certain flow field is given by 𝑉 = 3𝑦𝑧𝒆𝟏 + 𝑥𝑧𝒆𝟐 + 𝑦𝒆𝟑
Determine the expressions for the three rectangular components of acceleration.
(Hint: Use substantial derivative to find out acceleration.)
(c) Determine an expression for the vorticity of the flow field described by
𝑉 = 𝑥 2 𝑦𝒆𝟏 + 𝑥𝑦 2 𝒆𝟐 − 𝑥𝑦𝑧𝒆𝟑 . Is this flow irrotational?