Velocity potential

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A velocity potential is used in fluid dynamics, when a fluid is irrotational. In such a case,

\nabla \times V =0

As a result, the velocity vector field, V, can be represented as the gradient of a scalar function:

\mathbf{v} = -\nabla \Phi \;,

Φ is the velocity potential.

Unlike a stream function, a velocity potential can exist in three-dimensional flow, although the necessary condition above for its existence is rather restrictive.

[edit] See also

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