Question

Physical significance of velocity potential function

Answer 1

The flow velocity components can be expressed as the derivatives of the scalar stream function. The stream function can be used to plot streamlines, which represent the trajectories of particles in a steady flow. ... Taken together with the velocity potential, the stream function may be used to derive a complex potential.

Answer 2

A velocity potential is a scalar potential used in potential flow theory. It was introduced by Joseph-Louis Lagrange in 1788. ... Conversely, if Ψ is a velocity potential for u then Ψ = Φ + b for some constant, or a functions solely of the temporal variable b(t).