18. Introduction to wave mechanics
The chapter focuses on the fundamentals of wave mechanics as applied to hydraulic engineering, particularly in inviscid flow. It introduces linear wave theory, boundary value problems, and the mathematical formulations that yield unique solutions for fluid dynamics. Key concepts such as velocity potential and stream function are discussed in relation to the conditions of irrotational flow and incompressible fluids.
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2.1Next Topic: Bottom Boundary Condition
What we have learnt
- Linear wave theory describes waves in an inviscid fluid.
- Boundary value problems are crucial in ensuring unique solutions for fluid dynamics.
- Velocity potential and stream functions exist under the assumption of irrotational motion in incompressible fluids.
Key Concepts
- -- Linear Wave Theory
- A theoretical framework that describes wave propagation in fluids, acknowledging that real water waves may be nonlinear but can be approximated as linear for analysis.
- -- Boundary Value Problems
- Mathematical formulations that define problems in physics where unique solutions are found by specifying boundary conditions.
- -- Velocity Potential
- A scalar function whose gradient defines the velocity field in irrotational flow, satisfying the continuity equation.
- -- Stream Function
- A function that defines the flow field in two-dimensional incompressible flow and is valid only under specific symmetry conditions.
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