A finite element analysis of laminar flows through planar and axisymmetric abrupt expansions

Laminar flow of a Newtonian fluid in planar and axisymmetric abrupt expansions is studied by solving the Navier-Stokes equations using the finite element method. The results consolidate information provided in the literature and provide a broader picture of how the expansion ratio and Reynolds number influence the reattachment length, downstream location of the eddy and the relative eddy intensity in both co-ordinate systems.