Optimum Cross Section Profile in Axisymmetric Stokes Flow

Abstract

In this paper, the problem of optimum cross-section profile in axisymmetric Stokes flow has been discussed under the restriction of specific drag. We take up a class of bodies to be of given maximum cross section with fore and aft symmetry about this section. The possible shape under the stationary value drag has been obtained by making use of method of extremals (Fox, C., 1950, An Introduction to the Calculus of Variations, Oxford University Press, Oxford; Elsgolc, L. E., 1962, Calculus of Variations, Pergamon, New York; Sagan, H., 1969, Introduction to the Calculus of Variations, McGraw-Hill, New York). It has been found that body profile possesses conical front and rear ends. The value of the cross-sectional area has also been calculated for the profile and compared with some known values.