Görbületáramlat

Görbületáramlat is a Hungarian term that translates to "curvature current" or "bending current" in English. It refers to a phenomenon observed in fluid dynamics where a fluid flowing around a curved surface experiences a force that deviates from simple Bernoulli's principle. This deviation is primarily due to the effect of the curvature on the pressure distribution within the fluid.

When a fluid flows past a convex surface, the streamlines on the outer side of the curve must travel a longer distance than those on the inner side in the same amount of time. This leads to a lower velocity on the outer side and a higher velocity on the inner side. According to Bernoulli's principle, where velocity is lower, pressure is higher, and where velocity is higher, pressure is lower. Consequently, there is a pressure difference across the flow, with higher pressure on the outer, convex side and lower pressure on the inner, concave side. This pressure gradient, acting perpendicular to the flow direction and towards the center of curvature, is the essence of görbületáramlat.

This effect is fundamental to the generation of lift on airfoils. The curved upper surface of an airplane wing causes the air flowing over it to travel a longer path and thus at a higher speed than the air flowing under the flatter lower surface. This results in lower pressure above the wing and higher pressure below it, creating an upward force – lift. Similarly, a spinning ball in flight experiences a pressure difference due to the curvature effect induced by its rotation, leading to the Magnus effect. Understanding görbületáramlat is crucial in aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and the design of various fluid-handling machinery.