Low Reynolds number steady flow in a curved tube of varying cross- section (Q792850)

The authors have studied the effect of curvature and taper on the flow of a fluid through a curved pipe. Solutions are obtained by using a perturbation method involving the curvature and taper parameters. Perturbation streamlines are given. It is found that the shear stress is more on the outside bend than on the inner. The pressure is found to be lower on the outer bend. Wall shear stress at the outer and inner bends decrease as the curvature is increased. Flow in curved tubes has physiological implications.