Numerical Solution of the Falkner-Skan Equation for Various Wedge Angles

wedge angle

0

The flow past a wedge is governed by the Falkner-Skan equation:

(3)

f

+f

(2)

f

+β1-

2

(f')

=0

with

f(0)=f'(0)=0

and

f'(∞)=1

.

This equation admits only a numerical solution, which requires the application of the shooting technique.

This Demonstration plots the velocity for various wedge angles. The well-known Blasius equation appears as a particular case in this study; it represents the flow past a flat plate (when the wedge angle

β

is zero). Planar stagnation flow is also treated by setting the wedge angle

β

to

π

.