Numerical computation of steady boundary layers - A survey

The paper surveys types of steady boundary layers, classified as two, two-and-a-half, and three-dimensional parabolic; and two and three-dimensional partially parabolic. Points emphasized are: (1) For two-dimensional problems the most convenient coordinate system uses nondimensional stream function in the transverse direction. (2) For two-dimensional supersonic parabolic problems, a method has been developed for solving both momentum equations simultaneously. (3) Almost all three-dimensional boundary layer methods are of the restricted kind in which only two momentum equations are solved (the two-and-a-half dimensional problems). (4) Methods now exist for solving three-dimensional parabolic problems solving all three momentum equations. (5) For subsonic flows, uncoupling of pressures is needed, but not for supersonic.