Creeping flow past and within a permeable spheroid

Flow past and within an isolated permeable spheroid directed along its axis of symmetry is studied. The flow velocity field is solved using the Stokes creeping flow equations governing the fluid motion outside the spheroid, and the Darcy equation within the spheroid. Expressions for the hydrodynamic resistance experienced by oblate and prolate spheroids are derived and analyzed. The limiting cases of permeable circular disks and elongated rods are examined. It is shown that the spheroid’s resistance varies significantly with its aspect ratio and permeability, expressed via the Brinkman parameter.