Boussinesq Approximation

The Boussinesq approximation simplifies the study of fluid flow involving temperature differences. It assumes that variations in fluid density are negligible except where they cause buoyancy forces (like hot water rising). Essentially, it treats the fluid as incompressible for most calculations, making equations easier to solve without losing accuracy in predicting natural convection, weather patterns, or ocean currents. This approximation helps engineers and scientists analyze how temperature differences drive flow, while ignoring minor density changes that have little impact on the overall behavior.