Paper 1, Section II, B

Fluid Dynamics | Part IB, 2010

Starting with the Euler equations for an inviscid incompressible fluid, derive Bernoulli's theorem for unsteady irrotational flow.

Inviscid fluid of density ρ\rho is contained within a U-shaped tube with the arms vertical, of height hh and with the same (unit) cross-section. The ends of the tube are closed. In the equilibrium state the pressures in the two arms are p1p_{1} and p2p_{2} and the heights of the fluid columns are 1,2\ell_{1}, \ell_{2}.

The fluid in arm 1 is displaced upwards by a distance ξ\xi (and in the other arm downward by the same amount). In the subsequent evolution the pressure above each column may be taken as inversely proportional to the length of tube above the fluid surface. Using Bernoulli's theorem, show that ξ(t)\xi(t) obeys the equation

ρ(1+2)ξ¨+p1ξh1ξ+p2ξh2+ξ+2ρgξ=0\rho\left(\ell_{1}+\ell_{2}\right) \ddot{\xi}+\frac{p_{1} \xi}{h-\ell_{1}-\xi}+\frac{p_{2} \xi}{h-\ell_{2}+\xi}+2 \rho g \xi=0

Now consider the special case 1=2=0,p1=p2=p0\ell_{1}=\ell_{2}=\ell_{0}, p_{1}=p_{2}=p_{0}. Construct a first integral of this equation and hence give an expression for the total kinetic energy ρ0ξ˙2\rho \ell_{0} \dot{\xi}^{2} of the flow in terms of ξ\xi and the maximum displacement ξmax\xi_{\max }.

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