1.

0 INTRODUCTION

External flows past objects have been studied extensively because of their many practical
applications. For example, airfoils are made into streamline shapes in order to increase the lifts,
and at the same time, reducing the aerodynamic drags exerted on the wings. On the other hand,
flow past a blunt body, such as a circular cylinder, usually experiences boundary layer separation
and very strong flow oscillations in the wake region behind the body. In certain Reynolds
number range, a periodic flow motion will develop in the wake as a result of boundary layer
vortice being shed alternatively from either side of the cylinder. This regular pattern of vortices
in the wake is called a Karman vortex street. It creates an oscillating flow at a discrete frequency
that is correlated to the Reynolds number of the flow.

The periodic nature of the vortex

shedding phenomenon can sometimes lead to unwanted structural vibrations, especially when the
shedding frequency matches one of the resonant frequencies of the structure.

2.0 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this experiment is to study the pressure profile and flow characteristics for flow
around a circular cylinder.

3.0 THEORY
The structure and the development of viscous flow over a cylinder are described in figure 1(a)
below. The development of the boundary layer and changes in velocity profile from the
stagnation point at A until flow separation at point E are described in figure 1(b). These changes
are closely linked to the changes of pressure gradient from A to F. Negative pressure gradient
tents to maintain laminar boundary layer, while positive pressure gradient will accelerate it to
turbulent and (subsequent) reverse flow resulting in flow separation.

Figure 1(a)

Figure 1(b)

Figure 1(c)

Figure 1: Boundary layer characteristic on a circular cylinder (a) boundary layer separation
location, (b) typical boundary layer velocity profile at various location on the cylinder, (c)
surface pressure distribution for inviscid flow and boundary layer flow.
Figure 1(c) compares the pressure distribution (it is customary to plot the coefficient of pressure)
around the cylinder between low Re number and high Re flows and of that predicted by inviscid
flow theory.

4.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

4.1 Apparatus
4.1.1

Forced Convection Heat Transfer Device

Figure 4.2.1

4.1.2

Finned Surface

Figure 4.2.2

4.1.3

Pinned Surface

Figure 4.2.3

4.1.4

Stopwatch

Figure 4.2.4

4.2 Procedure
1. A 2-inch diameter circular cylinder of is placed at across 300mmx300mm test
section of wind tunnel.
2. In order to measure pressure around the cylinder, 19 pressure tapping holes are
drilled at equidistance over half of the circumference of the cylinder.
3. These holes are connected using flexible tubes to the multi tube manometer for
pressure measurements.
4. Velocity about 10m/s and 20 m/s was set up.
5. Pressure measurement corresponding to each pressure tapping location by reading
the multi tube manometer was taken.
6. Data is collected and pressure coefficient was calculated.

5.0 RESULTS

Sample calculation:
For velocity 10 m/s at location 2
= 10
h = 222 mm
ho = 220 mm
H = h ho
= 222 220
= 2 mm
H = 2x10-3 m
Using formula as below:
P = Po + gH
Given = 784 kg/m2
g = 9.81 m/s2
H = 2x10-3
Substitute the values we get,
P Po = gH
= 784 x 9.81 x 2x10-3
= 15.382 Pa

The Coefficient of pressure:

CP =

=
= 3.924x10-4

For velocity 20 m/s at location 2

= 10
h = 184 mm
ho = 180 mm
H = h ho
= 184 180
= 4 mm
H = 4x10-3 m
Using formula as below:
P = Po + gH
Given = 784 kg/m2
g = 9.81 m/s2
H = 4x10-3
Substitute the values we get,
P Po = gH
= 784 x 9.81 x 4x10-3
= 30.764 Pa

The Coefficient of pressure:

CP =

=
= 1.962x10-4

Graph

Coefficient of Pressure, Cp vs Angle ()

50
40

Cp (10)

30
20
10
0
-10

Velocity 10 m/s
0

50

100

150

200

Theoretical

-20
-30
-40
-50

Angle ()
Table 1

Coefficient of Pressure, Cp vs Angle ()

40
30

Cp (104)

20
10
0

Velocity 20 m/s
0

50

100

-10
-20
-30
-40

Angle ()
Table 2

150

200

Theoretical

6.0 DISCUSSION

7.0 CONCLUSION

8.0 REFERENCES

1. Fluids Mechanics, Fundamentals and Applications, Yunus A.Cengal, John M. Cimbala,

Mc Graw Hill.
2. Fluids Mechanics, Volume 2, J.F Doughlas & R.D Matthews, Third Edition.
3. http://www.nzifst.org.nz/unitoperations/httrtheory6.htm#forced
4. https://www.eng.fsu.edu/~shih/succeed/cylinder/cylinder.htm#Introduction