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vc2.pdf page26
Theorem 8.3. A vector field $\mathbf{v}$ defined on a simply connected domain $\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^2$ admits a potential, $\mathbf{v}=\nabla \varphi$ for some $\varphi: \Omega \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ if and only if $\nabla \wedge \mathbf{v} \equiv 0$
We can also apply Green's Theorem 8.1 to flux line integrals of the form (6.17). Using the identification (6.19) followed by (8.1), we find that
\[
\oint_{\partial \Omega} \mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{n} d s=\oint_{\partial \Omega} \mathbf{v}^{\perp} \cdot d \mathbf{x}=\iint_{\Omega} \nabla \wedge \mathbf{v}^{\perp} d x d y .
\]
However, note that the curl of the orthogonal vector field (6.18), namely
\[\tag{8.3}
\nabla \wedge \mathbf{v}^{\perp}=\frac{\partial v_1}{\partial x}+\frac{\partial v_2}{\partial y}=\nabla \cdot \mathbf{v},
\]
coincides with the divergence of the original velocity field. Combining these together, we have proved the divergence or flux form of Green's Theorem:
\[\tag{8.4}
\iint_{\Omega} \nabla \cdot \mathbf{v} d x d y=\oint_{\partial \Omega} \mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{n} d s .
\]
As before, $\Omega$ is a bounded domain, and $\mathbf{n}$ is the unit outward normal to its boundary $\partial \Omega$.
In the fluid flow interpretation, the right hand side of (8.4) represents the net fluid flux out of the region $\Omega$. Thus, the double integral of the divergence of the flow vector must equal this net change in area. Thus, in the absence of sources or sinks, the divergence of the velocity vector field, $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{v}$ will represent the local change in area of the fluid at each point. In particular, if the fluid is incompressible if and only if $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{v} \equiv 0$ everywhere.
An ideal fluid flow is both incompressible, $\nabla \cdot \mathbf{v}=0$, and irrotational, $\nabla \wedge \mathbf{v}=\mathbf{0}$. Assuming its domain is simply connected, we introduce velocity potential $u(x, y)$, so that $\nabla u=\mathbf{v}$. Therefore
\[\tag{8.5}
0=\nabla \cdot \mathbf{v}=\nabla \cdot \nabla u=u_{x x}+u_{y y}
\]
Therefore, the velocity potential for an incompressible, irrotational fluid flow is a harmonic function, i.e., it satisfies the Laplace equation. Water waves are typically modeled in this manner, and so many problems in fluid mechanics rely on the solution to Laplace's equation. |
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