Computer aided analysis of viscous film flow along an inclined wavy wall

The steady, laminar flow of a Newtonian liquid along an inclined wavy wall is studied in a two-dimensional numerical experiment using the Galerkin fin ite element method. The dimensionless Navier-Stokes equations are solved in the whole range of the laminar flow regime. Numerical predictions are comp ared with available experimental data for very low Reynolds numbers. The em phasis in the discussion of results is given in the presentation of free su rface profiles, streamlines, velocity, and pressure distributions along the free surface and the wall. The interaction of the dimensionless numbers of the flow is studied, criteria for flow reversal are established, and a res onance phenomenon at high Reynolds numbers is investigated. (C) 1999 Academ ic Press.