If the velocity profile of a fluid over a flat plate is parabolic with free stream velocity

of 120 cm/s occurring at 20 cm from the plate. Find the velocity gradient and shear
stress at a distance of 10 cm from plate. Dynamic viscosity = 8.5 Poise.

Solution:

Since the velocity profile over the flat plate is parabolic, let’s assume its equation is
given by:

v=a x 2+ bx+ c Eq. 1

where, v is the velocity, a, b & c are the constants and x is the vertical distance normal
to the plate surface.

Also,

∂v Eq. 2
=2 a x +b
∂x
The free stream velocity of the fluid is 120 cm/s ant distance 20 cm from the plate.

So, the boundary conditions are:

i. At x = 0, v = 0 m/s.
ii. At x = 20 cm, v = 120 cm/s
dv
iii. At x = 20 cm, =0
dx

Substituting boundary (i) in Equation 1,

0=0+0+ c

c=0

Substituting boundary (ii) in Equation 1,

120=a ×202 +b × 20=400 a+20 b

Substituting boundary (iii) in Equation 2,

0=2× a ×20+ b=40 a+b

Hence solving these equations,

a=−0.3 , b=12∧c=0

Hence, Equation 1 becomes,

v=−0.3 x 2+12 x

Velocity gradient is given by Equation 2. So, at x = 10 cm,

∂v
=2 ax +b=2×−0.3× 10+12=6 s−1
∂x

Shear stress at x = 10 cm is given by,

∂v
τ =μ =μ ( 2ax +b )=8.5 × ( 2 ×−0.3 ×10+12 )=5.1 Pa
∂x