Problem:

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

Given:

Distance of vertex from plate = 20cm

Velocity at vertex = 120cm/sec

Dynamic viscosity = 8.5 poise

Take note that: 1 poise = 0.1 Newton second/ square meter

Dynamic viscosity = 0.85 Ns/m²

Required:

Velocity gradient = ?

Shear Stress =?

Solution:

Equation of parabolic velocity profile

U = ay2 + by + c -----------(equation 1)

where a, b, c are constants and their values are determined by 3

boundary conditions

First Boundary Condition: At y=0, U=0

Therefore, equation 1 becomes

0=a (0) +b (0) + c

c=0

Second Boundary Condition: At y=20cm, U=120cm/sec.

Therefore, equation 1 becomes

120=a (20)2 + b(20)

120=400a + 20b ----------- (equation 2)

Third Boundary Condition: At y=20cm, dU/dy=0

Note: Since the value is maximum and constant therefore its differentiation is zero.

Differentiating (equation 1) with respect to y

dU/dy=2ay + b

0= 2 a 20 +b

0= 40a + b

-40a= b ---------------(equation 3)

Substituting (3) in (2)

120= 400a + 20 (-40a)

120=400 -800a

120=-400a

a = -0.3

Now substituting the value of a in (equation 2)

b = 12

Therefore, substituting the values of a, b, c in equation (equation1) we have

U= -0.3y2 +12y

Velocity gradient:

differentiate U with respect to y

dU/dy = -0.3 y 2 +12

Velocity gradient at y=10cm from the plate:

dU/dy = -0.3*2*10 +12

= -6 + 12

= 6 cm/sec. (Answer)

Shear stress:

t= u dU/dy --- where u = coefficient of viscosity

= 0.85*6

= 5.1 N/m2 or 5.1 Pa (Answer)