CHAPTER 2: Low-reynolds-number flows

In this chapter, we provide a brief description of some of the main results of low-Reynolds-number hydrodynamics. In particular, we introduce the general subject by way of several example flows and provide derivations or explanations of some of the fluid dynamics themes that are used in later chapters of this book: channel flows, Darcy's approximation, kinematic reversibility, integral equations, point forces, slender body theory, Jeffery orbits, etc. Specifically, we discuss general theoretical principles, and describe various problems involving the motion of rigid spherical particles, deformable particles, and elongated particles. The main goal of this chapter is to present the physical intuition and underlying mathematics of common low-Reynolds-number flow situations.