Paper 1, Section II, A
The velocity field and stress tensor satisfy the Stokes equations in a volume bounded by a surface . Let be another solenoidal velocity field. Show that
where and are the strain-rates corresponding to the velocity fields and respectively, and is the unit normal vector out of . Hence, or otherwise, prove the minimum dissipation theorem for Stokes flow.
A particle moves at velocity through a highly viscous fluid of viscosity contained in a stationary vessel. As the particle moves, the fluid exerts a drag force on it. Show that
Consider now the case when the particle is a small cube, with sides of length , moving in a very large vessel. You may assume that
for some constant . Use the minimum dissipation theorem, being careful to declare the domain(s) involved, to show that
[You may assume Stokes' result for the drag on a sphere of radius .]