Formula Used:
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The formula calculates the polar angle (θ) for lifting flow over a circular cylinder based on radial velocity, cylinder radius, radial coordinate, and freestream velocity. It describes the angular position where a specific radial velocity occurs in the flow field around the cylinder.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the angular position where the specified radial velocity occurs in the potential flow field around a circular cylinder.
Details: Calculating polar angles from radial velocities is crucial for analyzing flow patterns, understanding fluid behavior around cylindrical objects, and designing aerodynamic systems involving cylindrical components.
Tips: Enter radial velocity in m/s, radial coordinate in m, cylinder radius in m, and freestream velocity in m/s. All values must be positive, and radial coordinate must be greater than cylinder radius. The expression inside arccos must be between -1 and 1.
Q1: What is polar angle in fluid dynamics?
A: Polar angle is the angular coordinate measured from a reference direction (usually the flow direction) in cylindrical coordinate systems used to describe flow around circular objects.
Q2: Why is radial coordinate greater than cylinder radius?
A: The formula describes flow outside the cylinder, so the radial coordinate must be greater than the cylinder radius to be in the flow field.
Q3: What are typical applications of this calculation?
A: This calculation is used in aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and various engineering applications involving flow around cylindrical structures like pipes, towers, and aircraft components.
Q4: What if I get an error about arccos domain?
A: This means the calculated value inside arccos is outside the valid range [-1, 1]. Check your input values for consistency with physical constraints.
Q5: Can this formula be used for compressible flow?
A: This specific formula is derived for incompressible potential flow. For compressible flow, different equations and considerations apply.