Generalized Couette–Poiseuille flow with boundary mass transfer

Abstract

A generalized similarity formulation extending the work of Terrill (1967) for Couette–Poiseuille flow in the annulus between concentric cylinders of infinite extent is given. Boundary conditions compatible with the formulation allow a study of the effects of inner and outer cylinder transpiration, rotation, translation, stretching and twisting, in addition to that of an externally imposed constant axial pressure gradient. The problem is governed by η, the ratio of inner to outer radii, a Poiseuille number, and nine Reynolds numbers. Single-cylinder and planar problems can be recovered in the limits η→0 and η→1, respectively. Two coupled primary nonlinear equations govern the meridional motion generated by uniform mass flux through the porous walls and the azimuthal motion generated by torsional movement of the cylinders; subsidiary equations linearly slaved to the primary flow govern the effects of cylinder translation, cylinder rotation, and an external pressure gradient. Steady solutions of the primary equations for uniform source/sink flow of strength F through the inner cylinder are reported for 0[les ]η[les ]1. Asymptotic results corroborating the numerical solutions are found in different limiting cases. For F<0 fluid emitted through the inner cylinder fills the gap and flows uniaxially down the annulus; an asymptotic analysis leads to a scaling that removes the effect of η in the pressure parameter β, namely β=π2R*2, where R*=F(1−η)/(1+η). The case of sink flow for F>0 is more complex in that unique solutions are found at low Reynolds numbers, a region of triple solutions exists at moderate Reynolds numbers, and a two-cell solution prevails at large Reynolds numbers. The subsidiary linear equations are solved at η=0.5 to exhibit the effects of cylinder translation, rotation, and an axial pressure gradient on the source/sink flows.