Prediction of sudden expansion flows using the boundary-layer equations

A finite-difference calculation method based on the boundary-layer equations is described for the prediction of laminar, developed channel flow undergoing a symmetric sudden expansion. The scheme requires only a fraction of the computational effort required for the numerical solution of the full Navier-Stokes equations which are usually employed for this flow. Predictions of the method compare very favorably with experimental data and solutions of the full Navier-Stokes equations.