Show that two-dimensional Stokes flow u=(u(r,ϕ),v(r,ϕ),0) in cylindrical polar coordinates (r,ϕ,z) has a stream function ψ(r,ϕ), with u=r−1∂ψ/∂ϕ,v=−∂ψ/∂r, that satisfies the biharmonic equation
∇4ψ=0
Give, in terms of ψ and/or its derivatives, the boundary conditions satisfied by ψ on an impermeable plane of constant ϕ which is either (a) rigid or (b) stress-free.
A rigid plane passes through the origin and lies along ϕ=−α. Fluid with viscosity μ is confined in the region −α<ϕ<0. A uniform tangential stress S is applied on ϕ=0. Show that the resulting flow may be described by a stream function ψ of the form ψ(r,ϕ)=Sr2f(ϕ), where f(ϕ) is to be found. Hence show that the radial flow U(r)=u(r,0) on ϕ=0 is given by
U(r)=μSr(sin2α−2αcos2α1−cos2α−αsin2α)
By expanding this expression for small α show that U and S have the same sign, provided that α is not too large. Discuss the situation when α>αc, where tan 2αc=2αc.
[Hint: In plane polar coordinates
∇2=∂r2∂2+r1∂r∂+r21∂ϕ2∂2
and the component σrϕ of the stress tensor takes the form
σrϕ=μ(r∂r∂(v/r)+r1∂ϕ∂u)