# Streamlines & Pathlines Problem

I have a 2D flow velocity field $\bar{V} = y^2\hat{i} + 2\hat{j}$. I'd like to find the equations for the streamlines and pathlines. Since $\bar{V}$ has 0 time derivative, the flow is steady, and so the equations for the streamlines should be identica, right?

Streamlines: $$\left. \frac{dy}{dx} \right)_{streamline} = \frac{v}{u} = \frac{2}{y^2}$$ $$\therefore y^2 dy = 2 dx \Rightarrow \int_{y_0}^y y^2 \, dy = \int_{x_0}^x 2 \, dx$$ $$\therefore \tfrac{1}{3}y^3 - \tfrac{1}{3}y_0^3 = 2(x - x_0) \Rightarrow y^3 - 6x = y_0^3 - 6x_0$$

Pathlines ($x_p$ and $y_p$ the particle coordinates):

$$\frac{dx_p}{dt} = y^2 \Rightarrow x_p = y^2(t-t_0) + x_{p,0}$$ $$\frac{dy_p}{dt} = 2 \Rightarrow y_p = 2(t - t_0) + y_{p,0}$$ Now eliminating $(t-t_0)$: $$x_p = y^2 \left( \frac{y_p - y_{p,0}}{2} \right) + x_{p,0}$$ Without expanding this final equation for the pathline, it is obviously different from the equation of the streamlines; but it shouldn't be, as the flow is steady? Normally this might suggest I've been fast and loose with the math, but I just can't see where I'm wrong here...

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y is changing in time, you integrated the x equation as if it were constant. –  Ron Maimon Aug 25 '11 at 23:49
@Ron: you might want to post that as an answer (and maybe expand on it a bit). –  David Z Sep 4 '11 at 0:18

y is changing in time, but in your second solution you integrated the x equation as if it were constant, which is illegitimate.

$${dy_p\over dt} = 2 \implies y=2t+y_0$$ $${dx_p\over dt} = y^2 = (2t+y_0)^2 \implies x_p = {4\over 3}t^3 + 2y_0 t^2 + y_0^2 t + x_0$$

Which is consistent with the first solution.

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