Potential flow in in-line and staggered tube banks

An analytical solution for the potential flow in in-line and staggered banks of tubes is derived using complex variable theory. The complex potential is written as a power series in terms of displacement. Series coefficients are provided for in-line square, rotated square, and equilateral triangle tube banks with pitch to diameter ratios in the range of 1.05:1 to 100:1. Contour plots of velocity potential, streamlines, and pressure, together with graphs of velocity and pressure around the cylinder diameter and across the minimum cross section, are illustrated for typical tube bank arrangements. A listing of the computer program that generates tables of coefficients as well as pressure and velocity data is appended.