Creeping Flow Through an Axisymmetric Sudden Contraction or Expansion

Creeping flow through a sudden contraction/expansion in an axisymmetric pipe is studied. Sampson’s solution for flow through a circular orifice in an infinite wall is used to derive an approximation for the excess pressure drop due to a sudden contraction/expansion in a pipe with a finite expansion ratio. The accuracy of this approximation obtained is verified by comparing its results to finite-element simulations and other previous numerical studies. The result can also be extended to a thin annular obstacle in a circular pipe. The “equivalent length” corresponding to the excess pressure drop is found to be barely half the radius of the smaller tube.