Fluid flows around rectangular steps and boulders

Abstract

Fluid flows around obstacles constitute a classic problem in fluid dynamics. Steady two-dimensional fluid flows over an obstacle can be solved using complex variable methods. In particular, the impact of free-surface flows hitting a vertical wall of finite extent is studied here, for an inviscid and incompressible fluid; the flow is steady and irrotational. The flows are uniform far upstream and far downstram with constant but different velocities and depths. The solution of such problems depends on the depth ratios and on the dimensionless upstream and downstream Froude numbers. Various numerical solutions of the problem are presented. Relevant pressure and forces are also addressed with regard to the “boulder” problem