Navier-Stokes Equations |
The motion of a non-turbulent, Newtonian fluid is governed by the Navier-Stokes equation: |
The above equation can also be used to model turbulent flow, where the fluid parameters are interpreted
as time-averaged values.
The time-derivative of the fluid velocity in the Navier-Stokes equation is the material derivative, defined as: |
The material derivative is distinct from a normal derivative because it includes a convection term, a very important term in fluid mechanics. This unique derivative will be denoted by a "dot" placed above the variable it operates on. |
Quantity | Symbol | Object | Units |
fluid stress | T | 2nd order tensor | N/m2 |
strain rate | D | 2nd order tensor | 1/s |
unity tensor | I | 2nd order tensor | 1 |