Complex variable boundary element method for potential flow with thin objects

Abstract

A complex variable boundary element method (CVBEM) is developed for potential flow in the presence of thin objects. Singularities caused by such objects are expressed analytically through the conformal mapping technique, and the resultant singular solution is coupled with the CVBEM by the principle of superposition. This can be done by virtue of the semi-analytic nature of the CVBEM. The numerical results for example problems including flow barriers and high-conductivity fractures confirm that the proposed model yields accurate solutions of the velocity potential and the stream function within the flow domain.