Finite difference analysis of plane Poiseuille and Couette flow developments

The problem of flow development from an initially flat velocity profile in the plane Poiseuille and Couette flow geometry is investigated for a viscous fluid. The basic governing momentum and continuity equations are expressed in finite difference form and solved numerically on a high speed digital computer for a mesh network superimposed on the flow field. Results are obtained for the variations of velocity, pressure and resistance coefficient throughout the development region. A characteristic development length is defined and evaluated for both types of flow.