Modified Reynolds equation for steady flow through a curved pipe

Abstract

A modified Reynolds equation governing the steady flow of a fluid with low Reynolds number through a curvilinear, narrow tube, with its derivation from Stokes equations through asymptotic methods is presented. The channel considered may have large curvature and torsion. Approximations of the velocity and the pressure of the fluid inside the channel are constructed by artificially imposing appropriate boundary conditions at the inlet and the outlet. A justification for the approximations is provided along with a comparison with a simpler case.