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A velocity potential is a scalar potential used in potential flow theory. It was introduced by Joseph-Louis Lagrange in 1788.[1]
It is used in continuum mechanics, when a continuum occupies a simply-connected region and is irrotational. In such a case,
where u denotes the flow velocity. As a result, u can be represented as the gradient of a scalar function
A velocity potential is not unique. If
The Laplacian of a velocity potential is equal to the divergence of the corresponding flow. Hence if a velocity potential satisfies Laplace equation, the flow is incompressible.
Unlike a stream function, a velocity potential can exist in three-dimensional flow.
Usage in acoustics
editIn theoretical acoustics,[2] it is often desirable to work with the acoustic wave equation of the velocity potential
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ Anderson, John (1998). A History of Aerodynamics. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521669559.[page needed]
- ^ Pierce, A. D. (1994). Acoustics: An Introduction to Its Physical Principles and Applications. Acoustical Society of America. ISBN 978-0883186121.[page needed]
External links
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