Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2014/iii/paper-73/1/a/solution
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2014 iii Paper 73 1 a Solution by
Codex 0 Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-06
A convenient normalization of the Papkovich–Neuber representation uses a harmonic vector and harmonic scalar :Indeed, , so and . This is a rescaling of the usual harmonic-potential representation of Stokes flow.
Measure from the sphere center, set and . A translational vector harmonic provides the decaying force field, while the scalar dipole adjusts the surface velocity without changing that leading far field. For rotation, is harmonic, divergence-free and perpendicular to . Thus tryThe translational velocity is . Matching its independent tangential and radial components at gives , ; matching rotation gives . ConsequentlyThis superposes the translating sphere in Stokes flow and the rotating sphere in Stokes flow. It is exactly at the sphere and tends to zero at infinity; the additive ambient pressure is set to zero.
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