DE · Glossary · Navier-Stokes Glossary Term

Navier-Stokes

 
 
The Navier-Stokes equations apply to Newton's second law of motion for fluids (liquids and gases; f = ma), because this type of equation essentially describe fluid motion.
 
 

The equation, which is recognized as significant within fluid dynamics, asserts that mass multiplied by fluid particle acceleration is relative to outside forces working upon it. Navier-Stokes equations can work with Newtonian and non-Newtonian, as well as compressible and incompressible fluids. The equations represent what's occurring in movement of fluids as related to internal forces such as volume, electromagnetic and gravity, and surface forces (for examples, shear and pressure). Navier-Stokes derives its name from Claude-Louis Navier and George Gabriel Stokes, a French engineer and Irish mathematician and physicist, respectively. Navier studied viscosity (friction) and its relationship to the issue of viscous fluids. Stokes expanded on what Navier had done and worked to come up with solutions for two-dimensional flows.