Classroom Notes

This note gives a simple‐minded approach to the two‐dimensional boundary layer equations. The pressure is eliminated from the equations of motion and the resulting equation is simplified by assuming that certain derivatives in the direction of the boundary are small compared with those at right angles to it. The simplified equation is then integrated to give a single boundary layer equation which, together with the stress rate of strain law and the continuity equation, is sufficient (in theory at least) to predict the flow.

The boundary layer equation as given does not depend on a particular form for the stress rate of strain law and could possibly form the basis for a non‐Newtonian investigation. The viscous boundary layer is given as a special case.