Numerical solution of rotating internal flows

A general numerical method is presented for the solution of pressure-driven laminar flows in straight ducts that are subjected to a steady spanwise rotation. The full nonlinear Navier-Stokes equations are solved by an explicit finite difference technique where the convective terms are formulated using Arakawa's scheme and the viscous diffusion terms are formulated using the DuFort-Frankel scheme. Specific computer calculations are presented for rotating rectangular ducts where the effects of secondary flows and roll-cell instabilities are explored in detail and comparisons are made with previously conducted theoretical and experimental investigations. The advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed along with the extension of this method to include dilute viscoelastic fluid behavior.