Fundamentals Of Boundary Layer Theory

What is boundary layer?

The boundary layer of a flowing fluid is a thin layer close to the wall. It is the fluid layer in the neighborhood of the solid boundary where the effects of fluid friction or viscous effects are predominant. The main flow velocity with in this layer tends to zero while approaching the wall. Where ever flowing fluid comes in contact with solid boundary layer 1. element energy 2.internal energy 3.kinetic energy Moving fluid element A d / dt (e v 2 / 2)dxdydz

Actual energy balance A=B+C

Significance of boundary layer

This boundary layer occurs in case of flow past blunt body cylinders, spheres , airfoils and associated with the formation of vortices resulting in large energy losses Downstream of such bodies exists a region of highly deceleration This region is called wake zone or wake characterized by pressure distribution

NOMINAL THICKNESS
Boundary layer is arbitrary as transition starts from zero velocity to free stream velocity Boundary layer thickness is defines as the velocity at a small distance from the boundary measured in y-direction attains a value which is close to 0.99 of free stream velocity

DISPLACEMENT THICKNESS
Boundary layer formation and resulting velocity distribution displaces the flow rate slightly outward form solid boundary as compared with potential flow in boundary layer