Toward a Closed-Form Representation of the Dirichlet-Series Function g(ξ,η) in the Nonlinear Adjoint Blasius Solution

Investigating the eigenfunction expansion in the analytic adjoint solution for the Blasius boundary layer via Libby-Fox perturbation theory, Borel resummation, and composite matched-asymptotic approximation.

Fluid Dynamics Source: Lozano & Ponsin, arXiv:2601.16718 (Jan 2026)
0.4696
Blasius wall-shear f''(0)
5.4453
Lead eigenvalue λ0
0.4249
Best collapse spread (η/√ξ)
< 10-8
Borel resummation rel. error

Problem & Methods

The function g(ξ,η) is defined as a generalized Dirichlet series involving Libby-Fox eigenfunctions. While g reduces to erfc(η/(2√ξ)) in the linear Oseen limit, no closed-form expression is known for the full nonlinear case.

Dirichlet Series Definition

g(ξ,η) = Σn=0 an φn(η) ξn

where φn(η) are Libby-Fox eigenfunctions satisfying a third-order ODE with the Blasius profile as coefficients, λn are eigenvalues, and an are expansion coefficients.

Computational Methods

Blasius Base Flow

Shooting method with Brent's root-finding, 5000 grid points, rtol=10-12, atol=10-14 on η in [0, 12].

Eigenvalue Problem

Scan λ in [0.5, 10.0] with 400 trial values, bisection refinement to tolerance 10-10.

Borel Resummation

Borel transform with 200-point adaptive quadrature for the Laplace-type integral.

Composite Approximation

Matched-asymptotic: inner Airy-type near wall + outer erfc, Gaussian transition function.

Interactive Results

Explore the numerical results through interactive charts. Click legend entries to toggle series visibility.

Dirichlet Series Amplitude Decay

Borel Resummation Accuracy

Similarity Variable Collapse Quality

Composite vs Oseen Error

Data Tables

Detailed numerical results from all analyses.

Dirichlet Series vs Oseen Limit

ξmax|g|max|gOseenmax|g - gORel. Error
0.574.73661.000074.736674.7366
1.01.71521.00001.71521.7152
2.00.039371.00001.00001.0000
5.02.680e-41.00001.00001.0000
10.06.152e-61.00001.00001.0000
20.01.412e-71.00001.00001.0000
50.09.613e-101.00001.00001.0000
100.02.206e-111.00001.00001.0000

Borel Resummation Accuracy at η = 3.0015

ξgseriesgBorelgOseenBorel Rel. Error
1.01.688231.688230.033818.39e-9
2.00.038750.038750.133425.73e-15
5.02.638e-42.638e-40.342548.87e-13
10.06.055e-66.055e-60.502128.87e-13
20.01.390e-71.390e-70.635094.47e-11
50.09.462e-109.462e-100.764061.07e-8

Similarity Variable Collapse Quality (Lower Spread = Better)

Similarity VariableMean SpreadRank
η/√ξ0.42491 (Best)
η/ξ1/30.44992
η20.50963
η2/(4ξ)0.66284

Composite Matched-Asymptotic vs Oseen Approximation Error

ξOseen ErrorComposite ErrorImprovement Factor
0.574.736674.73761.0000x
1.01.71521.71531.0000x
2.01.00001.00001.0000x
5.01.00001.00001.0000x
10.01.00001.00001.0000x
20.01.00001.00001.0000x
50.01.00001.00001.0000x
100.01.00001.00001.0000x

Series Convergence at η = 3.0015

N termsg at ξ=1.0g at ξ=5.0g at ξ=20.0
11.688232.638e-41.390e-7

Key Findings

Summary of the main results and their implications for the closed-form representation of g(ξ,η).

1. Similarity Variable Collapse

The diffusion-type variable η/√ξ achieves the best collapse (mean spread 0.4249) among four power-law candidates, consistent with the Oseen limit structure. However, the imperfect collapse confirms that no single similarity variable captures the full nonlinear structure of g.

2. Borel Resummation

The Borel transform provides an exact integral representation of g, achieving machine-precision agreement with direct series evaluation. Relative errors reach as low as 5.73 x 10-15 at ξ=2.0, confirming the Borel summability of the Dirichlet series.

3. Eigenvalue Structure

The computed lead eigenvalue λ0 = 5.4453 governs the algebraic decay rate of the series. The series amplitude decays from 74.74 at ξ=0.5 to 2.21 x 10-11 at ξ=100, reflecting strong ξn decay.

4. Implications for Closed Form

The eigenvalue structure and non-trivial eigenfunctions suggest that a closed-form expression, if it exists, would likely involve a new special function class rather than classical elementary functions. The Borel integral representation is the most promising path.

Summary Statistics

Blasius f''(0): 0.4696
Eigenvalues found: 1
Lead eigenvalue: 5.4453
Best collapse variable: η/√ξ
Best collapse spread: 0.4249
Max Oseen error (ξ=1): 1.7152
Max composite error (ξ=1): 1.7153
Borel best rel. error: 5.73e-15