Numerical Solutions of the Viscous Flow Equations for a Class of Closed Flows

Abstract

The Navier-Stokes equations are solved iteratively on a small digital computer for the class of flows generated within a rectangular “cavity” by a surface passing over its open end. Solutions are presented for depth/breadth ratios ƛ=0.5 (shallow), 10 (square), 20 (deep) and Reynolds number 100. Flow photographs ore obtained which largely confirm the predicted flows. The theoretical velocity profiles and pressure distributions through the centre of the vortex in the square cavity are calculated.In an appendix an improved finite difference formula is given for the vorticity generated at a moving boundary.Since Thorn began his pioneering work some thirty-five years ago the number of numerical solutions which have been obtained for the equations of incompressible viscous fluid motion remains small (see bibliographies of Thom and Apelt, Fromm). The known solutions are principally for steady streaming flows, although two methods have now been used with success for non-steady flows (Payne jets and Fromm flow past obstacles). By contrast this paper is concerned with the class of closed flows generated in a rectangular region of varying depth/breadth ratio by a surface passing over an open end. This problem has been considered for a number of reasons.