 Friction-induced instability of a collapsible-tube flow

Let $R(\alpha )\propto {\alpha }^{-n}$, with $n>0$, and use disturbances $e^{i(kx-\omega t)}$ about uniform velocity $U$. The intrinsic frequency is $\nu =\omega -kU$. Linearized mass conservation and the decrease in friction as area grows give the displayed dispersion relation. For nonzero $k$ and positive flow, one branch grows exactly when $nU>c_0$. At $nU=c_0$, one branch is neutral, $\nu =k{c}_0$, while the other remains damped, $\nu =-k{c}_0-i{R}_0$. The maintained external-pressure gradient supplies the energy; positive friction alone does not imply linear stability of a driven flow.