Formula Used:
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Source Strength represents the volumetric flow rate from a source in fluid dynamics. For 3D incompressible source flow, it quantifies the rate at which fluid is emanating from a point source per unit time.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula relates source strength to velocity potential and radial distance in three-dimensional incompressible flow fields.
Details: Calculating source strength is essential for analyzing fluid flow patterns, designing aerodynamic systems, and understanding potential flow theory applications in engineering.
Tips: Enter source velocity potential in m²/s and radial coordinate in meters. Ensure radial coordinate is positive for valid calculations.
Q1: What is the physical significance of source strength?
A: Source strength represents the volumetric flow rate emanating from a point source, indicating how much fluid is being added to the flow field per unit time.
Q2: Why is there a negative sign in the formula?
A: The negative sign indicates that fluid flows outward from the source, following the convention in potential flow theory.
Q3: What are typical units for source strength?
A: In 3D flow, source strength has units of square meters per second (m²/s), representing volumetric flow rate.
Q4: How does this relate to sink flow?
A: A sink is simply a negative source, where fluid is being removed from the flow field rather than added.
Q5: What are the limitations of this model?
A: This model assumes ideal, incompressible, irrotational flow and may not accurately represent real viscous fluids or compressible flow conditions.