Asymptotically based self-similarity solution of the Navier–Stokes equations for a porous tube with a non-circular cross-section

Abstract

This work introduces a similarity solution to the problem of a viscous, incompressible and rotational fluid in a right-cylindrical chamber with uniformly porous walls and a non-circular cross-section. The attendant idealization may be used to model the non-reactive internal flow field of a solid rocket motor with a star-shaped grain configuration. By mapping the radial domain to a circular pipe flow, the Navier–Stokes equations are converted to a fourth-order differential equation that is reminiscent of Berman’s classic expression. Then assuming a small radial deviation from a fixed chamber radius, asymptotic expansions of the three-component velocity and pressure fields are systematically pursued to the second order in the radial deviation amplitude. This enables us to derive a set of ordinary differential relations that can be readily solved for the mean flow variables. In the process of characterizing the ensuing flow motion, the axial, radial and tangential velocities are compared and shown to agree favourably with the simulation results of a finite-volume Navier–Stokes solver at different cross-flow Reynolds numbers, deviation amplitudes and circular wavenumbers.