Effect of an oscillating time-dependent pressure gradient on Dean flow: transient solution

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Abstract
Background: Navier-Stokes and continuity equations are utilized to simulate fully developed laminar Dean flow with an oscillating time-dependent pressure gradient. These equations are solved analytically with the appropriate boundary and initial conditions in terms of Laplace domain and inverted to time domain using a numerical inversion technique known as Riemann-Sum Approximation (RSA). The flow is assumed to be triggered by the applied circumferential pressure gradient (azimuthal pressure gradient) and the oscillating time-dependent pressure gradient. The influence of the various flow parameters on the flow formation are depicted graphically. Comparisons with previously established result has been made as a limit case when the frequency of the oscillation is taken as 0 (ω = 0). Results: It was revealed that maintaining the frequency of oscillation, the velocity and skin frictions can be made increasing functions of time. An increasing frequency of the oscillating time-dependent pressure gradient and relatively a small amount of time is desirable for a decreasing velocity and skin frictions. The fluid vorticity decreases with further distance towards the outer cylinder as time passes. Conclusion: Findings confirm that increasing the frequency of oscillation weakens the fluid velocity and the drag on both walls of the cylinders.

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