Hi everyone, I am a sixth form student in year 13 currently studying my extended project. For my extended project i have decided to base it around fluid mechanics, more specifically I am looking into how you can use equations, laws and formulas to mathematically describe the characteristics of waves (water waves).
Right now i am looking into how it is possible to use the velocity potential of a fluid to work out it's flow velocity. I understand that the flow velocity is equal to the gradient of the velocity potential which is a scalar quantity and how the flow velocity of a fluid can be used to describe it's motion (i.e. Steady flow, Incompressible flow and irrational flow). I know how, vector calculus, Del operators and a tiny bit about how vector field work. HOWEVER I really need help with the equation for velocity potential in the first place as I know that the velocity potential and that however what i really need to know for research purposes, Who actually came up with the equation for velocity potential in the first place? and how was it derived? or Is their a research paper or text which can show me how this is derived? and if there is any other information on this that you think would be useful for me please don't hesitate to share it please?
P.s. I do understand that this is very advanced for someone in sixth form but i'm determined. Also i have asked but no maths or physics teachers in my school have any clue about this stuff so i'm on my own
Many thanks to anyone that can help me
