Having derived Blasius’ Theorem, in this lecture from his second year 'Fluid Dynamics and Waves' course, Dominic Vella (re)-considers flow past a cylinder and confirms D’Alembert’s paradox that simple flow past a cylinder leads to no drag force. He also shows how the presence of circulation around the cylinder leads to a lift force (though still no drag). The sign of this force is different than would be predicted based on a simple molecular picture of fluid flow, and shows a continuum effect.

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All first and second year lectures are followed by tutorials where students meet their tutor in pairs to go through the lecture and associated problem sheet and to talk and think more about the maths. Third and fourth year lectures are followed by classes.