An approximate solution of the Blasius problem using spectral method

Abstract

This paper aims at finding the numerical approximation of a classical Blasius flat plate problem using spectral collocation method. This technique is based on Chebyshev pseudospectral approach that involves the solution is approximated using Chebyshev polynomials, which are orthogonal polynomials defined on the interval [−1, 1]. The Chebyshev pseudospectral method employs Chebyshev- Gauss- Lobatto points, the extrema of the Chebyshev polynomials. The differential equation is approximated as a sum of Chebyshev polynomials. A differentiation matrix, based on these polynomials and their derivatives at the collocation points, transforms the differential equation into a system of algebraic equations. By evaluating the differential equation at these points and applying boundary conditions, the original boundary value problem reduced the solution to the solution of a system of algebraic equations. Solving for the coefficients of the polynomials yields the numerical approximation of the solution. The implementation of this method is carried out in Mathematica and its validity is ensured by comparing it with a built in MATLAB numerical routine called bvp4c.

Keywords

• Blasius problem
• Numerical approximation
• Chebyshev pseudospectral approach
• Spectral collocation method