BOUNDARY LAYER FLOW OVER A FLAT PLATE

Objective: Study the boundary layer velocity profile over a flat plate.

Theory: This experiment is conducting wind tunnel to gain a better understanding of the
parameters and characteristics of fluid flow over a flat plate. Boundary layer is finding
using the velocity profile. If the boundary is not moving, the velocity of fluid at the
boundary will be zero. Further away from the boundary, the velocity will be increase
gradually and as a result of this variation of velocity, the velocity gradient will exist. The
velocity of fluid increases from zero velocity on the stationary boundary to the free stream
velocity of the fluid in the direction normal to the boundary. Thus, there is a thin layer in
the vicinity of the boundary within which the velocity has been affected, is termed as the
boundary layer.

At the leading edge, x = 0, of the plate, the thickness of the boundary layer zone is zero.
Thickness of these zone increases with increase in x. in the initial portion of the flat plate
(i.e. small values of x) the flow within the boundary is laminar (i.e. the fluid moves in
parallel layers) and accordingly, the boundary layer is termed as the laminar boundary
layer. After some distance downstream of the leading edge the flow within the boundary
layer is however, turbulent. Velocity distribution in the laminar boundary layer zone
follows parabolic variation while the turbulent boundary layer zone the velocity variation
is logarithmic in nature.

Boundary-layer Thickness (δ) is used for a thickness beyond which the velocity is
essentially the free-stream velocity (U). The velocity in the boundary layer increases
towards U is an asymptotic manner.The viscous effect near a boundary is measured in
terms of boundary layer thickness. The normal thickness of a boundary layer δ is defined
as the value of y at which the velocity of flow is 99% of the free stream velocity. In other
words, at y =δ, u = 0.99U0. Here u represents velocity of flow at a distance y from the
boundary and U0 is the free stream velocity.

Boundary Layer Flow

Fig. Regimes of Boundary-layer flow over a flat plate.

Wind Tunnel Description: It is a device in form of a long duct for producing a moving
airstream for experimental purposes. It is used to study the effects of air moving past solid
objects. There are four essential components: Effuser;-This is placed upstream of the
working section. In it the fluid is accelerated from rest to approximately at upstream end
to the required conditions at the working section. The effuse contain a conversing cone,
screens and other devises to refuse the turbulence and produce a uniform airstream at
the exit. Working Section; -It is here that the model is placed in the air stream leaving the
downstream end of the effuser and the required observations are made. The working
section consists of accessories to hold the instruments and models and devices for
facilitating the motion of the model in all directions relative to airstream. Diffuser; - The
function of the diffuser is to recover the kinetic energy of the airstream leaving the
working section efficiently as possible. Driving Unit; -Power is supplied continuously to
maintain the flow through suction (at variable condition). This is done using a fan or
propeller and a motor. Test section: length = 600 cm, Size = 25 cm x 25 cm.
Effuser profile - elliptical,Maximum wind speed – 15 m/s, Length of diffuser – 120 cm, flow
generation – by axial flow fan, Blower (fan) – sweep 600 mm, 1440 rpm. Power – operated
on 220 volt, 50hz, a. c. current. Flat Plate: A smooth flat surface to define a clear leading
edge.

Velocity of wind flow: The pressure and velocity heads are related by the following

expression for the inclined manometer; V = √2g ∆hw × sin α × dw/da

Where, ha = air head in U-tube manometer, hw = difference of water head in U-tube
manometer, α= inclination of manometer (160), da(Relative density of air) = 0.0012.
dw(Relative density of water) = 1, V= velocity of air.

Boundary Layer Flow

Procedure: The flat smooth surface was kept firmly, at the test section of the wind tunnel.
The wind tunnel was set up with a Pitot tube placed, attached to manometer to get the
pressure differentials. Then the wind tunnel was turned on, and the manometer was
calibrated. Increasing ∆y (distance measured from the surface) from 1 mm to 5mm. The
pressure difference was noted carefully, the test was repeated adjusting the pitot tube in
the wind tunnel at a point where the velocity is to be measured. Now switch ON the
blower and set any speed of the wind with the help of variac. This causes the change in
manometer reading. Note down the manometer readings h 1 and h2. Traverse the pitot
tube above the plate to estimate the boundary-layer thickness. This is easily done since u
→ U as y → δ, the outer edge of the layer. Raise Prandtle tube by 2 or 3 mm and repeat
taking manometer readings up to 2-3 free stream velocities.

Thickness of Pitot tube at trip: 2t = 0.4 mm

Hence displacement of tube centre from surface when in contact t = 0.2 mm

Sl. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

y (mm) 0 0.2 3.2 6.2 9.2 12.2 15.2

hw (cm) -- 2.6 2.8 3.4 3.8 4 4

u (m/sec) 0 10.825 11.23 12.378 13.086 13.426 13.426

Report: Plot the Velocity Profile. Find the δ and estimateδˌ. Plot y vs u (with u on x –
axis) on the ordinary graph paper. Fit a smooth curve to the plotted data points.
Determine U0 (free stream velocity). Find out the value of y at which u = .99 U0.

δ =12.2mm; Uo = 13.426m/s; y=10.5mm(approx.);

Boundary Layer Flow

Fig: Typical velocity profiles for laminar and turbulent boundary layers

Boundary Layer Flow