2.I.8E

Fluid Dynamics
Part IB, 2005

For a steady flow of an incompressible fluid of density ρ\rho, show that

u×ω=H,\mathbf{u} \times \boldsymbol{\omega}=\nabla H,

where ω=×u\boldsymbol{\omega}=\nabla \times \mathbf{u} is the vorticity and HH is to be found. Deduce that HH is constant along streamlines.

Now consider a flow in the xyx y-plane described by a streamfunction ψ(x,y)\psi(x, y). Evaluate u×ω\mathbf{u} \times \boldsymbol{\omega} and deduce from H=H(ψ)H=H(\psi) that

dHdψ+ω=0\frac{d H}{d \psi}+\omega=0