Math Problem Statement

Consider a velocity field u⃗ = (−x + y)ˆex + (−y − x)ˆey (a) (2 points) Produce a proper quiver plot of u⃗ with a meaningful caption. This velocity field is the superposition of two “simple” fields. Could you guess what they are?

Solution

Here is the quiver plot of the velocity field u=(x+y)ex^+(yx)ey^\vec{u} = (-x + y)\hat{e_x} + (-y - x)\hat{e_y}.

Caption:

The plot represents the velocity field as a combination of two components: a radial inward flow (towards the origin) and a counter-clockwise rotational (vortex-like) flow. The field vectors rotate around the origin while also converging towards it.

Would you like any further details or clarifications?

Related Questions:

  1. How would the velocity field change if the components uxu_x and uyu_y were swapped?
  2. Can you derive the divergence and curl of this velocity field?
  3. What is the physical interpretation of this velocity field in a fluid dynamics context?
  4. How would the quiver plot change for a field with only a rotational component?
  5. Could you find the streamlines of this velocity field?

Tip:

In fluid mechanics, the superposition of radial and rotational fields often describes more complex flows like vortex flows or saddle points, useful for visualizing fluid behaviors near singularities.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Fields
Fluid Dynamics
Vector Calculus

Formulas

u⃗ = (−x + y)ˆex + (−y − x)ˆey
Divergence of a vector field: ∇·u⃗
Curl of a vector field: ∇×u⃗

Theorems

Gauss's Theorem (Divergence Theorem)
Stokes' Theorem (Curl Theorem)

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate