Incompressible Navier–Stokes equation
Fluid inertia balances pressure, viscosity and gravity.
Key knowledge
A constant-density Newtonian fluid with constant viscosity satisfies ρ(∂v/∂t + (v·∇)v) = −∇p + μ∇²v + ρg, together with ∇·v = 0.
Values and equations
ρ(∂v/∂t + (v·∇)v) = −∇p + μ∇²v + ρg; ∇·v = 0
- ρ
- Constant mass density kg m⁻³
- v
- Velocity field m s⁻¹
- p
- Pressure Pa
- μ
- Dynamic viscosity Pa s
- g
- Gravitational acceleration vector m s⁻²
- t
- Time s
- ∇
- Spatial derivative operator m⁻¹
Conditions and scope
- Continuum, classical, incompressible Newtonian model in an inertial frame.
- Specify initial/boundary conditions; non-Newtonian rheology needs other stress laws.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
MIT section 29.10.2, equation 29.4.24: constant-viscosity momentum equation and incompressibility.
2026-10-10 · Displayed viscous-fluid model only; no general existence, turbulence solution or universal rheology claim.
Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- physics-navier-stokes-equation
- Revision
- university-reference.1
- Structured reference record
- University reference · University core expansion