Abstract: Fundamental equations for the analysis of plane flow of elastic-viscous fluid are established. On such a basis, a perturbed-weighted residual finite element model for small Deborah number situations is formulated. The model is further incorporated for investigations on the behavioral characteristics of the elastic-viscous fluid flow when passing an obstacle, which include the mechanisms of the retardation of separation point, and the reduction of drag forces and so forth. The numerical investigations demonstrate the favorable advantages of the present model in its remarkable simplicity and reasonable accuracy attained in plane flow analysis.

Key words: elastic-viscous fluid, fluid passing an obstacle, retardation of separation point, reduction of drag force, perturbation, FEM