1.II.17A

Fluid Dynamics
Part IB, 2006

A point source of fluid of strength mm is located at xs=(0,0,a)\mathbf{x}_{s}=(0,0, a) in inviscid fluid of density ρ\rho. Gravity is negligible. The fluid is confined to the region z0z \geqslant 0 by the fixed boundary z=0z=0. Write down the equation and boundary conditions satisfied by the velocity potential ϕ\phi. Find ϕ\phi.

[Hint: consider the flow generated in unbounded fluid by the source mm together with an 'image source' of equal strength at xs=(0,0,a)\overline{\mathbf{x}}_{s}=(0,0,-a).]

Use Bernoulli's theorem, which may be stated without proof, to find the fluid pressure everywhere on z=0z=0. Deduce the magnitude of the hydrodynamic force on the boundary z=0z=0. Determine whether the boundary is attracted toward the source or repelled from it.