Past exam of the theoretical mechanics course of the University of Oxford / 2008 / A / 1 / iii / Solution

Take $\mathbf{u}=(u(y),0)$ and no imposed streamwise pressure gradient. The normal momentum balance gives $p=p_{\ast }-\rho gy\cos \alpha$. The streamwise equation is $\mu u^{\prime \prime }+\rho g\sin \alpha =0$, since the convective acceleration vanishes. With no slip at the lower wall and signed upper-wall traction $\tau$ in the positive $x$ direction, the conditions areIntegration givesThe required upper-wall velocity is its endpoint value $u(h)=\rho g{h}^2\sin \alpha /(2\mu )+\tau h/\mu$. The unfactored formula remains meaningful when $\sin \alpha =0$.

The fluid exerts shear $\boxed{\mu u^{\prime }(0)=\rho gh\sin \alpha +\tau }$ per unit length on the lower plane in the positive $x$ direction. The force of that plane on the fluid has the opposite sign. The total wall force on the fluid balances its downslope weight, providing an independent sign check.