Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2020 / ii / Paper 2 / 38B / i / Solution

Let $x$ point down the plane and $z$ normal to it, with velocity $(u,w)$. The two-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equation isThe lubrication theory limit has film thickness much smaller than its streamwise length. Transverse viscous derivatives dominate, inertia is negligible at late times, and the leading equations areAt the wall, $u=w=0$ by the no-slip boundary condition. At the free surface $z=h(x,t)$, take $p=p_{\mathrm{atm}}$ and $u_z=0$, neglecting surface tension. The normal balance gives the hydrostatic pressureIf the current has thickness scale $H$ and length scale $L$, thenThus the streamwise pressure gradient is asymptotically smaller than the downslope body force for a fixed nonzero inclination. The streamwise equation becomesUsing $u(0)=0$ and $u_z(h)=0$ givesThe volume flux isIntegrating incompressibility across the film and using the kinematic boundary condition gives $h_t+q_x=0$, hence