First try a dimensional equation

Here is the governing equation for pressure driven pipeflow

[Graphics:../Images/dimensionless_gr_44.gif]
[Graphics:../Images/dimensionless_gr_45.gif]

It is readily solved. The term b is the channel half-height

[Graphics:../Images/dimensionless_gr_46.gif]
[Graphics:../Images/dimensionless_gr_47.gif]
[Graphics:../Images/dimensionless_gr_48.gif]
[Graphics:../Images/dimensionless_gr_49.gif]

We can plot to be sure it behaves as advertised.

[Graphics:../Images/dimensionless_gr_50.gif]

[Graphics:../Images/dimensionless_gr_51.gif]

How big is the second derivative term?

[Graphics:../Images/dimensionless_gr_52.gif]
[Graphics:../Images/dimensionless_gr_53.gif]

We see that while the velocity is "50" in some units, the second derivative terms is "-.01" in corresponding units.  How could we guess this?


Converted by Mathematica      November 6, 2000