Low-Reynolds-number flow past a cylindrical body

Abstract

Two-dimensional flow past a cylindrical body of arbitrary profile at small Reynolds numbers is studied theoretically. The asymptotic flow field at large distances from an immersed body is shown to depend only upon the force acting on the cylinder. This universal field is determined by solving the Navier–Stokes equation numerically. The result enables us to evaluate the force acting on the body as a function of the flow Reynolds number. A detailed calculation is made of the drag coefficients of a circular cylinder and a flat plate. Results compare favourably with existing experimental and numerical data.