Problems involving the Milne-Thompson Circle theorem

1. State the Milne-Thompson circle theorem and give an example of its

application. For the chosen example show that the derived complex
potential satisfies the relevant boundary conditions. [15]

Solution:
Let f(z) be the complex potential for a flow that does not contain solid
boundaries and does not contain singularities within or on the circle |z| = a. If a
solid circular cylinder |z| = a is now placed in the flow, the complex potential for
flow outside of the cylinder is given by:
| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
+ ++ + = == =
z
a
f ) z ( f
2
[5]
Example might be, a uniform flow of speed U in the positive real direction, for
which Uz ) z ( f = == = . On applying the Milne-Thompson theorem the complex
potential for flow around a circular cylinder of radius a is then given by:
|
|

\
|
+ =
|
|

\
|
+ =
z
a
z U
z
a
f ) z ( f
2 2
[4]

The velocity components u and v are given by:
| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
= == = = == =
2
2
1
z
a
U
dz
dw
iv u

On the cylinder, z =ae
i
: ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )

2 2 1 1
2
sin i cos U e U iv u
i
+ ++ + = == = = == =



The radial velocity component is: sin v cos u v
r
+ ++ + = == = so that on the cylinder:
( (( ( ) )) )

cos sin cos sin cos cos cos U
sin sin U cos ) cos ( U v
r
2 2 2
2
2 2 1
+ ++ + = == =
= == =

= 0 as required. [6]


2. A solid impermeable circular cylinder of radius a, has its centre located at
the origin of a 2-D complex plane, with its axis perpendicular to the plane. A 2-D
line source is locate at z = b (b > a, a, b real). State and make use of the Milne-
Thompson Circle Theorem to determine the complex potential for the flow.
Confirm that the relevant boundary conditions are satisfied. [20]

Apply the Blasius force law to show that there is a suction force on the cylinder
attracting it towards the source. Determine the magnitude of that force. [10]

Solution
Let f(z) be the complex potential of a flow, there being no rigid boundaries and
such that there are no singularities within a distance a of the origin. If a circular
cylinder of radius a is introduced into the flow field, centred at the origin, the
complex potential for the resulting flow field outside of the cylinder will be:
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )
| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
+ ++ + = == =
z
a
f z f z w
2
, where the overbar indicates the partial complex conjugate
of the function f. [5]

For the stated flow problem, without the cylinder the complex potential is:
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) b z ln
m
z f = == =
2

Introducing the cylinder, the complex potential becomes:
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )
| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
= == = b
z
a
ln
m
b z ln
m
z w
2
2 2

This can be written as : ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) z ln
m
b
a
z ln
m
b z ln
m
z w
2 2 2
2
+ ++ +
| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
= == =
where constants with no hydrodynamic significance have been ignored. [5]
The velocity components are:
( (( ( ) )) )


) )) )


` `` `










+ ++ +

= == = = == =
z
b
a
z
b z
m
dz
dw
iv u
1 1 1
2
2

Substitute
i
ae z = to determine u-iv on the boundary of the cylinder:

\
|

+
|

\
|

=

i
i i
e
b
a
e
a
b
e
a
m
iv u
1 1 1
2

( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )


) )) )


` `` `








+ ++ +
+ ++ + | || |

| || |

\ \\ \
| || |
+ ++ + | || |

| || |

\ \\ \
| || |

= == =

cos ab b a
e cos ab b a
b
a
e b
a
b
e a
a
m
iv u
i i i
2
2
2
2 2
2 2 2 2

( (( ( ) )) )
) )) )
` `` `




+ ++ +
+ ++ +
= == =

cos ab b a
i sin cos ab cos ab ab
a
m
iv u
2
2 2 2
2
2 2
2

The radial velocity is:
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
0
2
2 2
2 2
= == =
) )) )
` `` `




+ ++ +
+ ++ + + ++ +
= == = + ++ + = == =

cos ab b a
sin cos ab cos cos ab ab
a
m
sin v cos u u
r

as required. [10]

Blasius theorem states that the force components are given by:
dz
dz
dw i
iY X
C
2
2

| || |

| || |

\ \\ \
| || |
= == =


Substitute for w, determine the residues and apply the Cauchy residue theorem
to obtain:
0
48
2
, Y
a
m
X = =
[10]

3. z and are two complex variables related through the transformation

2
c
z + ++ + = == = , where c R. Explain how this transformation maps a circle
a = into an ellipse. What happens as c a ? [7]
Discuss the role of 2-dimensional hydrodynamic theory for inviscid fluids in
irrotational flow in the context of the aerodynamics of flight. Illustrate the
discussion by solving, in as much detail as possible, the problem of a
uniform stream flowing over an aerofoil in the shape of a thin ellipse
inclined to the direction of flow. Explain the need to incorporate a
circulation about the aerofoil, and include it in the analysis. [23]

Solution
The transformation converts a circle ||= a in the -plane into an ellipse:
1
2
2
=
|
|

\
|

+
|
|

\
|
+
a
c
a
y
a
c
a
x
2
2
in the z-plane.
As c a, the ellipse approaches a flat plate of length 4a. [7]

The discussion should mention the important and significant assumptions made
in the theory incompressible fluids, irrotational 2-D flow and the relevant
boundary conditions. This should be balanced by mention of Kelvins theorem
as well as the results of Blasius. The most important point is that in practice
effects neglected in the theory (such as viscosity, no-slip at boundaries etc)
allow for the generation of circulation and control over the location of separation
points on the aerofoil. This can be demonstrated theoretically by the artificial
introduction of a circulation in the analysis.
Consider, in the -plane, a uniform flow inclined at an angle , flowing around a
circular cylinder of radius a, with an added circulation, K. The complex potential
is:
2
2
i
i
Ue a iK
w Ue ln

= +

-plane

Use the transformation

2
c
z + ++ + = == = to transform the problem to the z-plane and
convert the circle to a thin ellipse.
z-plane.

The velocity components (in the z-plane) are found from: iv u
dz
dw
= == = .

d
dz
iK e Ua
Ue
dz
dw
i
i
| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
+ ++ + + ++ +
= == =

2
2
2

For stagnation points we require: 0 = == =
dz
dw
. In particular, stagnation points on the
circular cylinder are determined from: 0 = == =
dz
dw
on = ae
i
. Therefore, stagnation
points occur on the cylinder when :

( (( ( ) )) )
0
2
2
2 2
= == = + ++ + + ++ +


a
iKe
a
e Ua
Ue
i i
i

The stagnation point (separation of flow from the aerofoil) can be forced to
occur at the trailing edge ( = 0) by choosing K = 4aUsin. This condition is
the Kutta-Joukowski condition and is required for smooth flow off the aerofoil.

Use Blasius theorem to determine the resultant force on the object:

| || |

| || |

\ \\ \
| || |
= == = + ++ +
C
x y
dz
dz
dw
iF F
2
2

Substitute for w and replace dz in terms of d.



| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |

| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
+ ++ + + ++ + = == = + ++ +
C
i
i
x y
d
c iK e Ua
Ue iF F

1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2 2

Expand the last bracket using the binomial theorem and retain only terms in the
integrand that represent poles of order 1:
| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
= == = + ++ +

C
i
x y
d
iK
Ue iF F

2
2
2

Therefore: K Ue i
iK
Ue iF F
i i
x y

= == = = == = + ++ + 2
2
2
2

It follows that: sin UK F , cos UK F
x y
= == = = == =

The lift (component of force perpendicular to the direction of the uniform stream
is: L = F
y
cos F
x
sin = KU

i.e L = 4aU
2
sin,, after applying the Kutta-Joukowski condition.

The drag is: D = F
x
cos + F
y
sin = 0

Also, the moment of the forces is:
( (( (
( (( (

( (( (




| || |

| || |

\ \\ \
| || |
= == =

C
dz
dz
dw
z Re M
2

2

Substitute for w and replace dz in terms of d.



| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |

| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
+ ++ + + ++ +
| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
+ ++ + = == =
C
i
i
d
c iK e Ua
Ue
c
Re M

1
2
2
2
2
2 2
1
2 2

Expand the last bracket using the binomial theorem and retain only terms in the
integrand that represent poles of order 1:
( (( ( ) )) )

( (( (
( (( (

( (( (




+ ++ +
| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
= == =

C
i
i
i
d
c
Ue
e Ua
Ue
iK
Re M

2
2
2
2
2
2
2 2

( (( ( ) )) )

2 2 2
2
2
2 2
2
2
sin c U i
c
Ue Re
i
= == =
( (( (

( (( (



= == =


Note that = 0 is an unstable position.

4. State the Milne-Thompson circle theorem. [5]
A line vortex of circulation , is located at z = d, (d R, d > a). A solid
circular cylinder of radius a is placed at z = 0 with its axis perpendicular to
the complex plane. Apply the Milne-Thomson theorem to determine the
complex potential for the flow. [4]
State the relevant boundary conditions on the surface of the cylinder and
show that they are satisfied. [9]
Show that stagnation points occur on the cylinder surface at locations
given by
d
a
cos = . [2]

Solution
Let f(z) be the complex potential for a flow that does not contain solid
boundaries and does not contain singularities within or on the circle |z| = a. If a
solid circular cylinder |z| = a is now placed in the flow, the complex potential for
flow outside of the cylinder is given by: ( ) ( )
|
|

\
|
+ =
z
a
f z f z w
2
, where f is the
partial conjugate of f. [5]
For this example: ( ) ( ) d z ln
i
z f =

2

Therefore: ( ) ( )
|
|

\
|
= d
z
a
ln
i
d z ln
i
z w
2
2 2

[4]

This may be written as: ( ) ( )
)
`

+
|
|

\
|
= z ln
d
a
z ln d z ln
i
z w
2
2

after ignoring
irrelevant constants.

The boundary condition is that the radial velocity is zero on r = a. [2]
The complex velocity is:

= =
z
d
a
z
d z
i
dz
dw
iv u
1 1 1
2
2

On the cylinder, z =ae
i
. The velocity components u and v (on the cylinder) are
therefore given by:

= =

i
i
i
ae
d
a
ae
d ae
i
dz
dw
iv u
1 1 1
2
2
[3]

+
+

a
e
d
a
cos
d
a
a
d
a
ae
d cos ad a
d ae i
i
i
i

2
4
3
2
2
2 2
2
2 2

)
`

+
+

i
i i
e
a cos da d
ad e d
d cos ad a
ad e a
a
i
2 2
2
2 2
2
2 2 2

The radial velocity component is sin v cos u v
r
+ = so that on the cylinder:
( )
( )
( ) 0
2
2 2
=
+

sin cos cos sin
d cos ad a
cos d a
as required. [4]
Stagnation points occur on the cylinder at when uiv = 0, i.e.
d
a
cos = [2]


5. The complex potential of a steady 2-dimensional flow of an ideal fluid is
given by: ( )

=
=
1 n
n
n
z c z w , where b
n
are real constants. A solid circular
cylinder a z = , is placed in the flow. Show that the cylinder will experience
a force of magnitude F per unit length, given by:
( )

=
+
+ =
1
1
2
1 2
n
n n
n
c c n n a F .
In what direction does the force act? [20]

Solution
By the Milne-Thomson theorem, the potential for the flow is:
( )

=
+ =
1
2
n
n
n
n n
n
z
a c
z c z w
Therefore:

=
+

|
|

\
|
=
1
1
2
1
n
n
n
n n
n
z
a nc
z nc
dz
dw
[6]
Blasius theorem gives: dz
dz
dw
iF F
C
x y

|

\
|
= +
2
2

=
+

=
+

|
|

\
|

|
|

\
|
= |

\
|
1
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
2
p
p
p
p p
p
n
n
n
n n
n
z
a pc
z pc
z
a nc
z nc
dz
dw
[6]
The only terms that will contribute to the integral will have the form
z
~
1
.
Those terms are:
( )
( ) ( )


=
+

=
+

+
=

=
|
|

\
|

1
2
1
2
2 2
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
2 2
n
n
n n
n
n
n n
n p
p
p
p
n
n
n
z
a c c n n
z
a c c n n
z
a pc
z nc
Hence: ( )

=
+
+ = +
1
2
1
1 2
n
n
n n x y
a c c n n i iF F
Therefore, magnitude is: ( )

=
+
+ =
1
2
1
1 2
n
n
n n
a c c n n F and the direction is that
of the real axis. [8]


6. A source and a sink of equal strength are located at (a,0) and (-a,0),
respectively, within a fixed circular boundary |z| = 2a. Show that the
streamlines are given by:
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
16 4 16 a r a r a r y y a = == = + ++ +
where is a constant. Show also that the speed on the surface of the
cylinder is:
( (( ( ) )) )

2 8 17
20
cos a
sin m

.

Solution
Without the cylinder, the complex potential is:
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) | || |

| || |

\ \\ \
| || |

+ ++ +
= == = + ++ + + ++ + = == =
a z
a z
ln
m
a z ln
m
a z ln
m
z f
2 2 2

By the Milne-Thompson theorem, inserting a circular cylinder of radius 2a at the
origin, produces a complex potential for flow within the cylinder given by:
( (( ( ) )) )
| || |
| || |
| || |

| || |



\ \\ \
| || |

+ ++ +
+ ++ + | || |

| || |

\ \\ \
| || |

+ ++ +
= == =
a
z
a
a
z
a
ln
m
a z
a z
ln
m
z w
2
2
4
4
2 2

Therefore: ( (( ( ) )) ) | || |

| || |

\ \\ \
| || |

+ ++ +
+ ++ + | || |

| || |

\ \\ \
| || |

+ ++ +
= == =
z a
z a
ln
m
a z
a z
ln
m
z w
4
4
2 2


To obtain the streamlines:
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )
) )) )
` `` `




+ ++ +
+ ++ + + ++ + + ++ + + ++ +
= == =
) )) )
` `` `





+ ++ + + ++ +
= == =
iy x a iy a x
iy x a iy a x
ln
m
z a a z
z a a z
ln
m
z w
4
4
2 4
4
2

( (( ( ) )) ) [ [[ [ ] ]] ] ( (( ( ) )) ) [ [[ [ ] ]] ]
( (( ( ) )) ) [ [[ [ ] ]] ] ( (( ( ) )) ) [ [[ [ ] ]] ]
) )) )
` `` `




+ ++ + + ++ +
+ ++ + + ++ +
= == =
2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
4
8 16 2
2 y x a y a x
ayi y x a aiy a y x
ln
m

For streamlines, Im w(z) = constant. Therefore arg {w(z)} = constant and so
tan[arg{w(z)}] = constant. Hence:
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )
= == =
+ ++ + + ++ +
+ ++ +
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
16 16
16 2 8
y a y x a a y x
y x a ay a y x ay

Replace x
2
using:
2 2 2
r y x = == = + ++ +
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )
= == =
+ ++ +

2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2
16 16
16 2 8
y a r a a r
r a ay a r ay

( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )

2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
16 2 8
16 16
r a ay a r ay
y a r a a r

= == = + ++ +
( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
4 4
10
16 16 a r y a r
ay
y a r a a r = == = = == = + ++ +

Hence:
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
16 4 16 a r a r a r y y a = == = + ++ +

The velocity components are:
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )
) )) )
` `` `





+ ++ +
+ ++ +
+ ++ +


+ ++ +
= == = = == =
z a a z a z a z
m
dz
dw
iv u
4
1
4
1 1 1
2


On
i
ae z 2 = == = :

( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )
) )) )
` `` `





+ ++ +
+ ++ +
+ ++ +


+ ++ +
= == =

i i i i
e e e e a
m
iv u
2 4
1
4 2
1
1 2
1
1 2
1
2


( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
) )) )
` `` `






+ ++ +
+ ++ +
+ ++ +
+ ++ +



+ ++ +
+ ++ +
= == =



cos
e
cos
e
cos
e
cos
e
a
m
i i i i
8 10
2
8 10
2
4 5
1 2
4 5
1 2
2

( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
) )) )
` `` `







+ ++ +
+ ++ +
= == =



cos
e
cos
e
a
m
i i
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4


Hence, on
i
ae z 2 = == = :

( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) )
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )

cos cos a
sin m
cos
cos
cos
cos
a
m
u
4 5 4 5
10
4 5
4 5
4 5
4 5
4
2
+ ++ +

= == =
) )) )
` `` `







+ ++ +
+ ++ +
= == = ,

( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )

cos cos a
cos sin m
cos cos a
sin m
v
4 5 4 5
10
4 5
1
4 5
1
4
5
+ ++ +
= == =
) )) )
` `` `






+ ++ +
= == =

0 = == = + ++ + = == = sin v cos u v
r
, as required.

( (( ( ) )) )( (( ( ) )) )

cos cos a
sin m
cos v sin u v
4 5 4 5
10
+ ++ +
= == = + ++ + = == =

i.e:
( (( ( ) )) )

2 8 17
10
cos a
sin m
v

= == =


7. Find the resultant force on a fixed circular boundary C of radius a with
centre at the origin if the fluid motion is caused entirely by a vortex of strength
located at 2a +0i and there is no circulation around C.

Solution
For the stated flow problem, without the cylinder the complex potential is:
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) a z ln
i
z f 2
2
= == =

Introducing the cylinder, the complex potential becomes:
( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) )
| || |
| || |

| || |


\ \\ \
| || |
= == = a
z
a
ln
i
a z ln
i
z w 2
2
2
2
2

This can be written as : ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) ( (( ( ) )) ) z ln
i
a z ln
i
a z ln
i
z w

2
2
2
2
2
+ ++ + = == =
where constants with no hydrodynamic significance have been ignored.
The velocity components are:
( (( ( ) )) )
) )) )
` `` `




+ ++ +



= == = = == =
z a z a z
i
dz
dw
iv u
1
2
2
2
1
2

Blasius theorem states that the force components are given by:
dz
dz
dw i
iY X
C
2
2

| || |

| || |

\ \\ \
| || |
= == =


Substitute for w, determine the residues and apply the Cauchy residue theorem
to obtain:
a
iY X

12
2
= == =