Some perturbation solutions in laminar boundary-layer theory

Abstract

The velocity fields associated with a variety of flows which may be described by perturbations of the Blasius solution are considered. These are flows which, for example, because of localized mass transfer, involve the initial-value problem of boundary-layer theory, or which involve a variable ratio of the viscosity-density product, or finally which involve mass transfer. The perturbation solutions are presented so that in accord with the usual linearization procedures further applications for the determination of first-order effects can be readily made. In addition, each of these perturbations involves a common differential operator whose eigenfunctions form a complete orthogonal set. Accordingly, a procedure for systematically improving each perturbation solution to obtain higher-order effects by quadrature is presented. The results of applications in several cases are given and are compared to more accurate solutions where available.