BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.

4 Page 1 of 5

Problem 2B.4
Laminar slit flow with a moving wall (“plane Couette flow”). Extend Problem 2B.3 by
allowing the wall at x = B to move in the positive z direction at a steady speed v0 . Obtain (a)
the shear-stress distribution and (b) the velocity distribution. Draw carefully labeled sketches of
these functions.
P0 − PL (P0 − PL )B 2
    x 2  v 
µv0 0 x
Answers: τxz = x− ; vz = 1− + 1+
L 2B 2µL B 2 B

Solution

The analysis in this problem is the same as in Problem 2B.3 except that the boundary conditions
are different. Here the velocity at x = B is equal to v0 , and the velocity at x = −B is equal to 0.

Figure 1: This is Fig. 2B.3 with the wall at x = B moving in the positive z-direction with speed
v0 . Fluid is flowing through the slit with B  W  L.

We assume that the fluid flows in the z-direction and that its velocity varies as a function of x.

vz = vz (x)

As a result, only φxz (the z-momentum in the positive x-direction) and φzz (the z-momentum in
the positive z-direction) contribute to the momentum balance. Also, the boundary conditions are
as follows.

B.C. 1: vz = 0 when x = −B
B.C. 2: vz = v0 when x = B.

We also assume the pressure varies with height.

p = p(z)

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.4 Page 2 of 5

Figure 2: This is the shell over which the momentum balance is made for the flow in a slit.

Rate of z-momentum into the shell at z = 0: (W ∆x)φzz |z=0

Rate of z-momentum out of the shell at z = L: (W ∆x)φzz |z=L
Rate of z-momentum into the shell at x: (W L)φxz |x
Rate of z-momentum out of the shell at x + ∆x: (W L)φxz |x+∆x
Component of gravitational force on the shell in z-direction: (W L∆x)ρg
If we assume steady flow, then the momentum balance is
Rate of momentum in − Rate of momentum out + Force of gravity = 0.
Considering only the z-component, we have
(W ∆x)φzz |z=0 − (W ∆x)φzz |z=L + (W L)φxz |x − (W L)φxz |x+∆x + (W L∆x)ρg = 0.
Factor the left side.
W ∆x( φzz |z=0 − φzz |z=L ) − W L( φxz |x+∆x − φxz |x ) + (W L∆x)ρg = 0
Divide both sides by the volume of the shell W L∆x.
φzz |z=0 − φzz |z=L φxz |x+∆x − φxz |x
− + ρg = 0
L ∆x
Take the limit as ∆x → 0.
φzz |z=0 − φzz |z=L φxz |x+∆x − φxz |x
− lim + ρg = 0
L ∆x→0 ∆x
The second term is the definition of the first derivative.
φzz |z=0 − φzz |z=L dφxz
− + ρg = 0
L dx

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.4 Page 3 of 5

Now substitute the expressions for φxz and φzz .

φxz = τxz + 
ρv
xv
 z = τxz
2
φzz = pδzz + H
τzz
H + ρvz vz = p(z) + ρvz

Since vz does not depend on z, the ρvz2 terms cancel and we get
2  2 
p(0) +  z z=0 − p(L) − 
ρv ρv
z z=L dτxz
− + ρg = 0.
L dx
Make it so ρg is part of the fraction.

p(0) − p(L) + ρgL dτxz

− =0
L dx
Subtract ρg0 from the numerator.

p(0) − ρg0 − [p(L) − ρgL] dτxz

− =0
L dx
Substitute Pz = p(z) − ρgz.
P0 − PL dτxz
− =0
L dx
So we have
dτxz P0 − PL
= .
dx L
From Newton’s law of viscosity we know that τxz = −µ(dvz /dx), so

P0 − PL
 
d dvz
−µ = .
dx dx L

Bring −µ in front of the derivative and then divide both sides by it.

d2 vz P0 − PL
2
=−
dx µL
Integrate both sides of the differential equation with respect to x.
dvz P0 − PL
=− x + C1
dx µL
Integrate both sides of the differential equation with respect to x once more.
P0 − PL 2
vz (x) = − x + C1 x + C2
2µL
Apply the boundary conditions now to determine C1 and C2 .
P0 − PL 2
vz (−B) = − B − C1 B + C2 = 0
2µL
P0 − PL 2
vz (B) = − B + C1 B + C2 = v0
2µL

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.4 Page 4 of 5

Solving this system of equations for C1 and C2 gives

v0
C1 =
2B
v0 P0 − PL 2
C2 = + B ,
2 2µL
so we get
P0 − PL 2 v0 v0 P0 − PL 2
vz (x) = − x + x+ + B .
2µL 2B 2 2µL
Factor this result.
P0 − PL 2 v0  x
vz (x) = (B − x2 ) + 1+
2µL 2 B
P0 − PL 2 2
 
x v0  x
= B 1− 2 + 1+
2µL B 2 B

Therefore,
(P0 − PL )B 2
  x 2  v 
0 x
vz = 1− + 1+ .
2µL B 2 B

Since τxz = −µ(dvz /dx), we have

P0 − PL
 
v0
τxz = −µ − x+ .
µL 2B

Therefore,
P0 − PL µv0
τxz = x− .
L 2B
The maximum velocity can be obtained by taking the derivative of vz (x) and setting it equal to
zero.
dvz P0 − PL v0
=− x+ =0
dx µL 2B
Solving for x yields the x-coordinate where the maximum occurs.
µLv0
x=
2B(P0 − PL )

Plugging this into vz (x) and simplifying, we get

[2B 2 (P0 − PL ) + µLv0 ]2

 
µLv0
vz =
2B(P0 − PL ) 8B 2 µL(P0 − PL )

for the maximum velocity.

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.4 Page 5 of 5

Figure 3: This is a carefully labeled sketch of the velocity distribution vz (x) and the shear-stress
(momentum-flux) distribution τxz (x) for flow in a slit with one wall moving at speed v0 .

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.6 Page 1 of 6

Problem 2B.6
Flow of a film on the outside of a circular tube (see Fig. 2B.6). In a gas absorption
experiment a viscous fluid flows upward through a small circular tube and then downward in
laminar flow on the outside. Set up a momentum balance over a shell of thickness ∆r in the film,
as shown in Fig. 2B.6. Note that the “momentum in” and “momentum out” arrows are always
taken in the positive coordinate direction, even though in this problem the momentum is flowing
through the cylindrical surfaces in the negative r direction.

Figure 1: Fig. 2B.6 in the text. Velocity distribution and z-momentum balance for the flow of a
falling film on the outside of a circular tube.

(a) Show that the velocity distribution in the falling film (neglecting end effects) is

ρgR2
  r 2  r 
vz = 1− + 2a2 ln (2B.6-1)
4µ R R

(b) Obtain an expression for the mass rate of flow in the film.

(c) Show that the result in (b) simplifies to Eq. 2.2-21 if the film thickness is very small.

Solution

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.6 Page 2 of 6

Part (a)

We assume that the fluid flows only in the z-direction and that its velocity varies with radius r.

vz = vz (r)

As a result, only φrz (the z-momentum in the positive r-direction) and φzz (the z-momentum in
the positive z-direction) contribute to the momentum balance. The fluid is assumed to fall
because of gravity and not because of a pressure difference.

Figure 2: This is the shell over which the momentum balance is made for flow down the exterior
of a cylindrical tube.

Rate of z-momentum into the shell at z: (2πr∆r)φzz |z

Rate of z-momentum out of the shell at z + L: (2πr∆r)φzz |z+L
Rate of z-momentum into the shell at r: (2πrL)φrz |r
Rate of z-momentum out of the shell at r + ∆r: [2π(r + ∆r)L]φrz |r+∆r
Component of gravitational force on the shell in z-direction: (2πr∆rL)ρg

If we assume steady flow, then the momentum balance is

Rate of momentum in − Rate of momentum out + Force of gravity = 0.

Considering only the z-component, we have

(2πr∆r)φzz |z − (2πr∆r)φzz |z+L + (2πrL)φrz |r − [2π(r + ∆r)L]φrz |r+∆r + (2πr∆rL)ρg = 0.

Factor the left side.

−2πr∆r( φzz |z+L − φzz |z ) − 2πL[ (r + ∆r)φrz |r+∆r − rφrz |r ] + 2πr∆rLρg = 0

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.6 Page 3 of 6

Divide both sides by 2π∆rL.

φzz |z+L − φzz |z (r + ∆r)φrz |r+∆r − rφrz |r

−r − + ρgr = 0
L ∆r
Take the limit as ∆r → 0.
φzz |z+L − φzz |z (r + ∆r)φrz |r+∆r − rφrz |r
−r − lim + ρgr = 0
L ∆r→0 ∆r
The second term is the definition of the first derivative of rφrz .

φzz |z+L − φzz |z d

−r − (rφrz ) + ρgr = 0
L dr
Now substitute the expressions for φrz and φzz .

φrz = τrz + 
ρv
rv
 z = τrz

φzz =   τzz + ρvz vz = ρv 2

pδ
zz + HH z

Since vz does not depend on z, the ρvz2 terms cancel.

2  2
z z+L − 
ρv ρv
z z d
−r −

(rτrz ) + ρgr = 0
L dr
So we have
d
(rτrz ) = ρgr.
dr
From Newton’s law of viscosity we know that τrz = −µ(dvz /dr), so
 
d dvz
−µr = ρgr.
dr dr

At the wall r = R, we assume the no-slip boundary condition, and at the gas-liquid interface
r = aR, we assume the free-surface boundary condition.
dvz
B.C. 1: = 0 when r = aR
dr
B.C. 2: vz = 0 when r = R

Integrate both sides of the differential equation with respect to r.

dvz ρg 2
−µr = r + C1
dr 2
Apply the first boundary condition now to determine C1 .

ρg ρga2 R2
0= (aR)2 + C1 → C1 = −
2 2
Divide both sides by −µr to solve for dvz /dr.

dvz ρg C1
=− r−
dr 2µ µr

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.6 Page 4 of 6

Integrate both sides of the differential equation with respect to r once more.
ρg 2 C1
vz (r) = − r − ln r + C2
4µ µ
Apply the second boundary condition now to determine C2 .
ρg 2 C1 ρg 2 C1
vz (R) = − R − ln R + C2 = 0 → C2 = R + ln R
4µ µ 4µ µ
ρg 2 ρga2 R2
= R − ln R
4µ 2µ
With the constants of integration in hand, the velocity distribution is known.
ρg 2 ρga2 R2 ρg 2 ρga2 R2
vz (r) = − r + ln r + R − ln R
4µ 2µ 4µ 2µ
ρgR2 r2
 
2 2
= − 2 + 2a ln r + 1 − 2a ln R
4µ R
2
 
ρgR  r 2
= 1− + 2a2 (ln r − ln R)
4µ R
Therefore,
ρgR2
  r 2  r 
2
vz = 1− + 2a ln .
4µ R R
Part (b)

The mass flow rate w is, assuming constant density ρ,

dm d(ρV ) dV
w= = =ρ .
dt dt dt
The volumetric flow rate dV /dt is average velocity times cross-sectional area.

w = ρhvz iA
The average velocity is obtained by integrating the velocity over the area the fluid is flowing
through and then dividing by that area.
 ˆ 
1

= ρ
vz dA A

A
ˆ aR
=ρ vz (2πr dr)
R
ˆ aR
= 2πρ rvz dr
R
ˆ aR
ρgR2
  r 2  r 
2
= 2πρ r 1− + 2a ln dr
R 4µ R R
Make a substitution to solve the integral.
r
u= → r = Ru
R
dr
du = → R du = dr
R

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.6 Page 5 of 6

The mass flow rate becomes

ˆ a
ρgR2
w = 2πρ (Ru)(1 − u2 + 2a2 ln u)(R du)
1 4µ
ˆ
πρ2 gR4 a
= (u − u3 + 2a2 u ln u) du
2µ 1
 a
πρ2 gR4 u2 u4
 2
u2

2 u
= − + 2a − + ln u
2µ 2 4 4 2
2 4
 2 4
 2 2
 12
14
 2
12

πρ gR a a a a 1 1
= − + 2a2 − + ln a − + − 2a2 − + ln 1
2µ 2 4 4 2 2 4 4 2
2 4
 2 4 4 2

πρ gR a a a 1 a
= − − + a4 ln a − +
2µ 2 4 2 4 2
2 4
 
πρ gR 3 1
= a4 ln a − a4 + a2 −
2µ 4 4

Therefore,
πρ2 gR4
w= (4a4 ln a − 3a4 + 4a2 − 1).
8µ
Part (c)

If the film thickness is very small, then we can say that a is only slightly above 1. That is, we can
say a = 1 + ε, where 0 < ε  1. Substitute this into the final answer for w.

πρ2 gR4
w= [4(1 + ε)4 ln(1 + ε) − 3(1 + ε)4 + 4(1 + ε)2 − 1]
8µ

The Taylor series expansion for ln(1 + ε) is as follows.

ε2 ε3 ε4
ln(1 + ε) = ε − + − + ···
2 3 4
Substitute this into the equation for w.

πρ2 gR4 ε 2 ε3 ε4
   
4 4 2
w= 4(1 + ε) ε − + − + · · · − 3(1 + ε) + 4(1 + ε) − 1
8µ 2 3 4

Expand the other terms.

πρ2 gR4 ε 2 ε3 ε4
   
2 3 4 2 3 4
= (4 + 16ε + 24ε + 16ε + 4ε ) ε − + − + · · · − 4ε − 14ε − 12ε − 3ε
8µ 2 3 4

Multiply the two terms in parentheses together. Only powers up to ε4 in the resulting series are
needed.
πρ2 gR4
       
4 2 16 4 3 24 16
= 4ε + 16 − ε + 24 − + ε + 16 − + − 1 ε4 + · · · − 4ε − 14ε2 − 12ε3 − 3ε4
8µ 2 2 3 2 3
2 4
 
πρ gR 2 52 3 25 4 2 3 4
= 4ε
 + 14ε
H+ ε + ε + ··· −  − 14ε
4ε H − 12ε − 3ε
H H
 H H
8µ 3 3

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.6 Page 6 of 6

We’re left with

πρ2 gR4 16 3 16 4
 
w= ε + ε + ···
8µ 3 3
2 4
πρ gR 16 3
= ε (1 + ε + · · · )
8µ 3
2πρ2 gε3 R4
= (1 + ε + · · · )
3µ
2πρ2 gε3 R4 2πρ2 gε3 R4
= +ε + ··· .
3µ 3µ
Keep only the first term of this series for the flow rate.

2πρ2 gε3 R4
w≈
3µ
Comparing this with Eq. 2.2-21 on page 46,

ρ2 gW δ 3 cos β
w= , (2.2-21)
3µ
we see that they are equivalent if W = 2πR and δ = εR. Note that since the fluid here is flowing
straight down, β = 0 and cos β = 1.

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.7 Page 1 of 7

Problem 2B.7
Annular flow with inner cylinder moving axially (see Fig. 2B.7). A cylindrical rod of
radius κR moves axially with velocity vz = v0 along the axis of a cylindrical cavity of radius R as
seen in the figure. The pressure at both ends of the cavity is the same, so that the fluid moves
through the annular region solely because of the rod motion.

(a) Find the velocity distribution in the narrow annular region.

(b) Find the mass rate of flow through the annular region.
(c) Obtain the viscous force acting on the rod over the length L.
(d) Show that the result in (c) can be written as a “plane slit” formula multiplied by a
“curvature correction.” Problems of this kind arise in studying the performance of
wire-coating dies.1

vz ln(r/R)
Answers: (a) =
v0 ln κ
πR2 v0 ρ (1 − κ2 )
 
2
(b) w = − 2κ
2 ln(1/κ)
(c) Fz = −2πLµv0 / ln(1/κ)
 
−2πLµv0 1 1
(d) Fz = 1 − ε − ε2 + · · · where ε = 1 − κ (see Problem 2B.5)
ε 2 12

Solution

Unlike the previous problem, the fluid here is flowing horizontally, so gravity will not influence its
velocity. If we assume no-slip boundary conditions, then the fluid velocity at the cylindrical rod
r = κR is v0 and the fluid velocity at the outer wall r = R is 0.

Part (a)

Choose a cylindrical coordinate system with the positive z-axis pointing to the right, the direction
the inner cylinder is moving in. Then the fluid flows in the z-direction and varies as a function of
radius from the cylinder’s axis.
vz = vz (r)
1
J. B. Paton, P. H. Squires, W. H. Darnell, F. M. Cash, and J. F. Carley, Processing of Thermoplastic Materials,
E. C. Bernhardt (ed.), Reinhold, New York (1959), Chapter 4.

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.7 Page 2 of 7

As a result, the boundary conditions are written as follows.

B.C. 1: vz = v0 when r = κR
B.C. 2: vz = 0 when r = R

Gravity is pointing down, so we can say that the pressure does not depend on z.

p 6= p(z)

Because vz = vz (r), only φrz (the z-momentum in the positive r-direction) and φzz (the
z-momentum in the positive z-direction) contribute to the momentum balance.

Figure 1: This is the shell over which the momentum balance is made for flow in a horizontally
oriented annulus.

Rate of z-momentum into the shell at z: (2πr∆r)φzz |z

Rate of z-momentum out of the shell at z + L: (2πr∆r)φzz |z+L
Rate of z-momentum into the shell at r: (2πrL)φrz |r
Rate of z-momentum out of the shell at r + ∆r: [2π(r + ∆r)L]φrz |r+∆r
Component of gravitational force on the shell in z-direction: 0

If we assume steady flow, then the momentum balance is

Rate of momentum in − Rate of momentum out + Force of gravity = 0.

Considering only the z-component, we have

(2πr∆r)φzz |z − (2πr∆r)φzz |z+L + (2πrL)φrz |r − [2π(r + ∆r)L]φrz |r+∆r = 0.

Factor the left side.

−2πr∆r( φzz |z+L − φzz |z ) − 2πL[ (r + ∆r)φrz |r+∆r − rφrz |r ] = 0

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.7 Page 3 of 7

Divide both sides by 2π∆rL.

φzz |z+L − φzz |z (r + ∆r)φrz |r+∆r − rφrz |r

−r − =0
L ∆r
Take the limit as ∆r → 0.
φzz |z+L − φzz |z (r + ∆r)φrz |r+∆r − rφrz |r
−r − lim =0
L ∆r→0 ∆r
The second term is the definition of the first derivative of rφrz .

φzz |z+L − φzz |z d

−r − (rφrz ) = 0
L dr
Now substitute the expressions for φrz and φzz .

φrz = τrz + 
ρv
rv
 z = τrz
2
φzz = pδzz + H
τzz
H + ρvz vz = p + ρvz

Since p and vz do not depend on z, the p and ρvz2 terms cancel.

2 H2
p|
z+L + ρvz X X− z − ρvH
p|
 XX
z+L zHz d
−r  − (rτrz ) = 0
L dr
So we have
d
(rτrz ) = 0.
dr
From Newton’s law of viscosity we know that τrz = −µ(dvz /dr), so
 
d dvz
−µr = 0.
dr dr

Integrate both sides of the differential equation with respect to r.

dvz
−µr = C1
dr
Divide both sides by −µr.
dvz C1
=−
dr µr
Integrate both sides of the differential equation with respect to r once more.
C1
vz (r) = − ln r + C2
µ
Apply the boundary conditions now to determine C1 and C2 .
C1
vz (κR) = − ln(κR) + C2 = v0
µ
C1
vz (R) = − ln R + C2 = 0
µ

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.7 Page 4 of 7

Solving the system of equations, we get

µ
C1 = − v0
ln κ
ln R
C2 = − v0 .
ln κ
Armed with the constants of integration, the velocity distribution is known.
1 ln R
vz (r) = v0 ln r − v0
ln κ ln κ
v0
= (ln r − ln R)
ln κ
v0 r
= ln
ln κ R
Therefore,
vz ln(r/R)
= .
v0 ln κ
Part (b)

The mass flow rate w is, assuming constant density ρ,

dm d(ρV ) dV
w= = =ρ .
dt dt dt
The volumetric flow rate dV /dt is average velocity times cross-sectional area.
w = ρhvz iA
The average velocity is obtained by integrating the velocity over the area the fluid is flowing
through and then dividing by that area.
 ˆ 
1
= ρ

vz dA A

A
ˆ R
=ρ vz (2πr dr)
κR
ˆ R
= 2πρ rvz dr
κR
ˆ R
v0 r
= 2πρ r ln dr
κR ln κ R
Make a substitution to solve the integral.
r
u= → r = Ru
R
dr
du = → R du = dr
R
The mass flow rate becomes
ˆ 1
v0
w = 2πρ (Ru) ln u(R du)
κ ln κ
ˆ
2πρv0 R2 1
= u ln u du
ln κ κ
1
2πρv0 R2
 2
u2

u
= − + ln u
ln κ 4 2 κ

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.7 Page 5 of 7

2πρv0 R2
 2
12   κ2 κ2

1
w= − + ln 1 + + ln κ
ln κ 4 2 4 2
2πρv0 R2 κ2 − 1 κ2
 
= + ln κ
ln κ 4 2
2
 2 
2πρv0 R κ −1 2
= + 2κ
4 ln κ
πρv0 R2 1 − κ2
 
2
= + 2κ
2 − ln κ

Therefore,
πR2 v0 ρ (1 − κ2 )
 
2
w= − 2κ .
2 ln(1/κ)
Part (c)

The viscous stress τrz physically represents the force in the z-direction on a unit area
perpendicular to the r-direction. By evaluating τrz at r = κR and multiplying it by the surface
area of the inner cylinder, we obtain the viscous force acting on it over its length. The final point
to note is that because the fluid is acting from a larger radius r on the inner cylinder, which has a
smaller radius κR, we place a minus sign in front of τrz .

Fz = −τrz |r=κR · 2π(κR)L

From Newton’s law of viscosity, we have

dvz
τrz = −µ
dr
d  v0 r
= −µ ln
dr ln κ R
v0 R 1
= −µ ·
ln κ r R
µv0 1
=− · .
ln κ r
Now we can find the force.
 
µv0 1
Fz = − − · · 2π(κR)L
ln κ r r=κR
2πκRLµv
 0 1
= · 
ln κ κR

2πLµv0
=
ln κ
2πLµv0
=−
− ln κ
Therefore,
2πLµv0
Fz = − .
ln(1/κ)
The minus sign here makes sense because the viscous (frictional) force of the fluid opposes the
motion of the cylinder, which is moving in the positive z-direction.

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.7 Page 6 of 7

Part (d)

To make the annulus a plane slit, we let the radius of the inner cylinder tend towards the radius
of the outer cylinder; that is, κ is very slightly less than 1.

κ = 1 − ε, where 0 < ε  1

Substitute this into the formula for Fz .

2πLµv0
Fz =
ln κ
2πLµv0
=
ln(1 − ε)

The Taylor series expansion for ln(1 − ε) is as follows.

ε2 ε3
ln(1 − ε) = −ε − − − ···
2 3
Substitute this formula into Fz .
2πLµv0
Fz = 2 3
−ε − ε2 − ε3 − · · ·
2πLµv0 1
=− 2
ε 1 + 2 + ε3 + · · ·
ε

Use long division to obtain a series for the fraction.

ε ε2
1− − − ···
2 12
ε ε2

1+ + + ··· 1 + 0ε + 0ε2
2 3
ε ε2
(−) 1 + + + ···
2 3
ε2
− 2ε − 3 − ···
ε ε2
(−) − − − 2ε5 − · · ·
2 4
ε2
− 12 − ···

Therefore,
ε2
 
−2πLµv0 ε
Fz = 1− − − ··· .
ε 2 12
The viscous stress τxz for laminar slit flow with a wall moving at speed v0 was obtained in
Problem 2B.4.
P0 − PL
 
µv0
τxz = x−
L 2B

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BSL Transport Phenomena 2e Revised: Chapter 2 - Problem 2B.7 Page 7 of 7

If we orient the slit horizontally so that pressure and gravity do not influence the fluid flow as is
the case in this problem, then τxz simplifies.

Figure 2: This is Couette flow in a horizontal slit with one moving wall at x = B.

µv0
τxz = −
2B
The viscous force acting on the moving wall is Fz = +τxz |x=B · W L. There is no minus sign here
because the fluid acting on the wall has a lower x-coordinate than the moving wall at x = B.
 µv 
0
Fz = − · WL
2B x=B
W Lµv0
=−
2B
Comparing this formula with the boxed result, we see that they are equivalent if ε = 2B, the slit
width, and W = 2π. W should be a distance, but it’s only an angle; thus, the fraction in the
boxed result is not truly a plane slit formula. The remaining series in parentheses then must be a
curvature correction.
ε2
 
2πLµv0 ε
Fz = − 1− − − ···
| {zε } | 2 12
{z }
“plane slit” formula curvature correction

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