Orthogonal signed-distance coordinates and vector calculus near evolving curves and surfaces

We provide an elementary derivation of an orthogonal coordinate system for boundary layers around evolving smooth surfaces and curves based on the signed-distance function. We go beyond previous works on the signed-distance function and collate useful vector calculus identities for these coordinates. These results and provided code allow consistent derivation of boundary layer asymptotics in arbitrary geometries, with arbitrary physics, to arbitrary orders.

Proceedings of the Royal Society A