Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2022 iii Paper 332 1 a Solution 2026-09-28
Let be the pore fraction and put . In the long-wave approximation, the pore pressure is hydrostatic, , so Darcy's law gives the horizontal volume flux per unit widthLocal mass conservation therefore gives the Boussinesq equation for an unconfined aquiferThe river and drainage-divide conditions are
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2023 iii Paper 329 2 a Solution 2026-09-28
The long-wave approximation makes independent of at leading order. Mass conservation and symmetry about then giveFor an incompressible Newtonian fluid,The leading normal-stress balance on either surface isSince , it follows that
For a slice of length , the axial forces are the integrated normal stresses on its vertical ends, ambient pressure on the varying end height, and the horizontal components of surface tension on its two sloping faces. Expanding their difference to first order in cancels the uniform terms and the lower-order capillary terms, leavingThe kinematic condition on is . Substituting gives the second required relation,
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2024 iii Paper 332 1 ii Solution 2026-09-28
Let measure height above the sponge. Under the long-wave approximation, hydrostatic pressure gives , and the horizontal balance for viscous fluid flow isThe no-slip boundary condition and stress-free boundary condition giveIntegrating this lubrication theory profile gives the horizontal volume flux per unit span
Local mass conservation includes the downward loss found in part i:Consequently the required nonlinear partial differential equation isIf the imposed inlet flux is and the moving front is , sufficient boundary conditions areFor a current released onto a dry substrate one also takes the initial condition away from the source. The front position is part of this moving-boundary problem.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2024 iii Paper 332 3 i Solution 2026-09-28
Let be the local water-film thickness. To first order in the interface amplitudes,The lubrication theory flux down the vertical surface, with a no-slip boundary condition at the ice and a stress-free boundary condition at the water-air interface, isFor the unperturbed film , so
The linearized Young–Laplace equation gives the capillary-pressure perturbationBecause the prescribed volume flux is uniform, its first-order perturbation must vanish. Linearization of the flux law givesThus, with ,and henceThe complex amplitude ratio records the phase shift caused by surface tension in the long-wave approximation.