Question

Which type of the following flow is characterized by density being a single-valued function of pressure only?

(a) Viscous Flow

(b) Barotropic Flow

(c) Inviscid Flow

(d) Baroclinic Flow

This question was addressed to me in an online interview.

This key question is from Kelvin’s Circulation Theorem and the Starting Vortex topic in division Incompressible Flow over Airfoils of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) Barotropic Flow

To explain I would say: A barotropic flow is a fluid where density is a function of pressure only, i.e. ρ = ρ(p). Baroclinic flow is the fluid which is not only dependent on the pressure but on other factors also. Viscous and inviscid flows are not necessarily dependent on pressure only.