Solution of the laminar duct flow problem by a boundary integral equation method

Summary A boundary integral equation method is proposed for approximate numerical and exact analytical solutions to fully developed incompressible laminar flow in straight ducts of multiply or simply connected cross-section. It is based on a direct reduction of the problem to the solution of a singular integral equation for the vorticity field in the cross section of the duct. For the numerical solution of the singular integral equation, a simple discretization of it along the cross-section boundary is used. It leads to satisfactory rapid convergency and to accurate results. The concept of hydrodynamic moment of inertia is introduced in order to easily calculate the flow rate, the main velocity, and the fRe-factor. As an example, the exact analytical and, comparatively, the approximate numerical solution of the problem of a circular pipe with two circular rods are presented. In the literature, this is the first non-trivial exact analytical solution of the problem for triply connected cross section domains. The solution to the Saint-Venant torsion problem, as a special case of the laminar duct-flow problem, is herein entirely incorporated.