Which one of the following statements is correct?Irrotational flow is ...
Irrotational flow is characterized as the one in which:
Irrotational flow refers to the flow of a fluid in which there is no net rotation of fluid particles about their mass centers. In other words, the fluid does not rotate as it moves along. This can be further explained as follows:
Fluid Flow:
Fluid flow can be categorized into two types:
1. Rotational flow: In this type of flow, the fluid particles rotate as they move along the flow path. This results in the formation of vortices and whirlpools within the fluid.
2. Irrotational flow: In this type of flow, the fluid particles do not rotate as they move along the flow path. There is no formation of vortices or whirlpools within the fluid.
Characteristics of Irrotational Flow:
The following characteristics define irrotational flow:
1. No Net Rotation: In irrotational flow, the net rotation of fluid particles about their mass centers remains zero. This means that the fluid particles maintain their orientation without any rotational movement.
2. Streamline Curvature: Although the flow is irrotational, the streamlines of the flow can be curved. This means that the path followed by individual fluid particles may have curved trajectories, but there is no net rotation of the particles.
3. Conservation of Angular Momentum: In irrotational flow, the conservation of angular momentum holds true. This means that the total angular momentum of the fluid particles remains constant along the flow path.
4. Velocity Potential Function: In irrotational flow, the velocity of the fluid can be described by a scalar potential function known as the velocity potential. This potential function satisfies the Laplace's equation, which relates the second derivatives of the potential function.
5. Ideal Fluid Behavior: Irrotational flow is often associated with ideal fluid behavior, where the fluid is assumed to have no viscosity and no energy losses due to friction.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, option 'C' is correct because irrotational flow is characterized by the fact that there is no net rotation of fluid particles about their mass centers. This distinguishes it from rotational flow, where fluid particles do rotate as they move along the flow path.
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