A simple numerical method for the calculation of the laminar boundary layer

Abstract

An iteration difference method for the calculation of the incompressible laminar boundary layer is described. The method uses Prandtl's boundary layer equation and the boundary conditions directly and permits the attainment of an arbitrary accuracy. The method has been tested successfully in the continuation of the Blasius profile on the flat plate, on the circular cylinder investigated by Heimenz and on an elliptical cylinder of fineness ratio 1:4. The method makes possible the testing of previously developed methods, all of which contain important assumptions.