On Integral Methods for Predicting Shear Layer Behavior

The origin and consequences of a nonphysical constraint which may arise when boundary-layer momentum integral equations are used to predict the behavior of shear layers are examined. It is pointed out that should the constraint occur within the domain of integration of the momentum integral equations, the effect may either be catastrophic or significantly constrain the solution. Several methods of solution having the usual advantages associated with boundary-layer momentum integral equations, but free from this constraint, are proposed for the specific problem of the plane turbulent near wake. One method developed to avoid this constraint in the case of a plane turbulent near wake appears to be perfectly general, and therefore, it may be possible to apply this method to both boundary layers and wakes.