An approximate method of calculating the laminar boundary layer in two-dimensional incompressible flow

Abstract

Summary.--In the present approximate method the use of a doubly-infinite family of boundary-layer velocity profiles enables the momentum and energy integral equations of the boundary layer to be satisfied exactly, together with the first compatibility condition at the surface. The principal characteristics of the velocity profiles used have been calculated, and are presented graphically in a series of charts which enable calculations to be carried out with a minimum of labour. Several examples of boundary-layer flow have been worked out in detail by the use of the method, and agreement with known exact solutions is in most cases extremely satisfactory. No important restrictions on the application of the method have so far appeared; in particular it has been found possible to deal successfully with certain types of flow giving rise to similar profiles and with distributed suction starting either at the leading edge or at some point downstream.