Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2023 / iii / Paper 329 / 1 / a / Solution

The Papkovich–Neuber representation writes a homogeneous incompressible Stokes flow in terms of a harmonic vector field $\mathbf{\Phi }$ and harmonic scalar $\chi$:with ${\nabla }^2\mathbf{\Phi }=0$ and ${\nabla }^2\chi =0$. The representation satisfies incompressibility because ${\nabla }^2(\mathbf{x}\cdot \mathbf{\Phi })=2\nabla \cdot \mathbf{\Phi }$, and substitution then verifies the Stokes equation.

For a sphere translating with constant vector velocity $\mathbf{U}$, rotational covariance and decay at infinity suggest a harmonic vector monopole and scalar dipole:Substitution gives the translating sphere in Stokes flowAt $r=a$ the radial tensor terms cancel and $\mathbf{u}=\mathbf{U}$, while $\mathbf{u}\to 0$ as $r\to \infty$, so the no-slip boundary condition and far-field condition hold. The resulting traction integrates to the Stokes drag law $6\pi \mu a\mathbf{U}$ in magnitude.