Abstract :

This experiment was conducted to focuses on investigation and discussion of the characteristics
of fluids flow over a flat plate. This experiment was observed by using the air bench flow.
Reading of the boundary layer were taken at five location along a flat plane at an average free
scream velocity of 2.6 until 3.8 cm giving Reynolds numbers corresponding to laminar through
turbulent flows. The height of the boundary layer ranged from around 3 mm to 5 mm. The next
experiment is conducted by added the rectifier. Picture of the air behavior when they passed the
accessories unit is captured by camera.

1.0Introduction

1.1 Boundary Layer

Boundary layer is a layer adjacent to a For a flat plate aligned parallel to the free
surface where viscous effects are important. stream, as in Fig. 2 the transition length xT
Figure (1) depicts flow of a fluid over a flat may be influenced by several factors. It may
plate. The fluid particles at the flat plate
be computed from U.xT/ν ≅ 3 x 105 as a lower
surface have zero velocity and they act as a
retardant to reduce velocity of adjacent limit. If the body is shorter than the transition
particles in the vertical direction. Similar length then transition will not occur. As well
actions continue by other particles until at the as on the Reynolds number, the transition
edge of the boundary layer where the length is dependent on the pressure gradient,
particles’ velocity is 99% of the free stream the intensity of free-stream fluctuations, wall
velocity. roughness, wall temperature, vibration, and
sound.

Figure 1: Flow over a flat plat

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 Fig. 2 Transition to turbulent flow in a boundary layer on a flat plate

Measurement for Reynolds No: direction of and resisting the motion, is of

concern in most external flows. The
component of force normal to the direction of
motion, the lift, is also of obvious importance
in many flows. The fluid imposes the force on
the body through the surface as viscous shear
forces and pressure forces. The drag
Measurement of speed: components due to viscous forces and due
pressure forces are called skin friction drag
and form (pressure) drag respectively.

Measurement total pressure:

Separation and wake region

Ptotal = P stat + Pdyn

1.2 Flow Over Immersed Body

The study of flows around bodies-external

flows are great importance in many Fig.3 Examples of separation of fluid on a body
engineering fields. Effective and safe design
of aircraft components, compressors, Separation is of particular interest
automobile bodies, and structures can benefit when studying external flows. It happen when
from a general understanding of these flows. the main stream "separates" from the surface
Also the flow of air past buildings, bridges, of the body, (Figure 3) and causes large drag.
and parachutes are other examples external It generates for "stall" and cause loss of
flows. control of aircraft. It also effect the operation
There are various phenomena of turbo machines, poor performance of
associated with flow around bodies. One of diffusers, and the large drag on transporting
the most important of these is the force acting vehicles. In design of bodies, certain measures
on the body due to the fluid. The drag, that should be taken to prevent separation by using
component of the force parallel to the

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streamline contours and using boundary-layer control techniques.

To look into how the streamlines are arranged The air flow bench (Fig. 4 and 5) comprises
a flow standard flow bench is used to visualize the following components:
smoke
blown on a body. The capabilities of the  Mobile rolling frame (1) with benchtop
device are as below: (2)
 Radial fan 0.55 kW (3)
 With the air flow bench wide-ranging  Switchbox (4) and drawer for small
experiments can be performed in the parts (5)
field of aerodynamics.  Air intake pipe (6) with throttle valve
 The air flow bench consists of a (7) and thermometer (8)
mobile frame with a radial fan, with  Rectifier (9)
which flow speeds of up to 40 m/s can  Removable nozzle (effusor) (10)
be generated. The flow speed can be  Funnel (11) for air inlet
smoothly adjusted by means of a  Off-air pipe (12)
precision regulator. A stabilising  Fixture (13) for 16-fold water pressure
element ensures regular and gauge (14), not included
reproducible flow in the measurement
 Measuring glands for measuring tubes
section.
(15)

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Figure 4: Side view of air flow bench Figure 5: Front view of air flow bench
Operation of Flow Bench

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The radial fan (3) draws air in on its back Under the measurement section the off-air is
and conveys it via the air intake pipe into the forced into a funnel (11) and blown through
rectifier (9), where the flowing air is the off-air pipe (12) towards the rear into the
stabilized. open air.

By means of a throttle valve (7) the volume The system has a total of three measuring
of through-flowing air can be regulated glands at which pressures can be tapped:
(Fig.2).
 On the air intake pipe upstream of
In a nozzle (10) the air is accelerated, and is the throttle valve
injected into the measurement section. The  On the air intake pipe downstream of
accessory units can be inserted in the the throttle valve
measurement section in two ways:  On the underside of the rectifier

 Attaching in the nozzle clamp fixture 2.0 Equipment and Materials

 Removing the nozzle and attaching
the accessory unit in the clamp  225.08 Flow Visualisation Apparatus
fixture of the rectifier.  HM 225 Air Flow Bench
 HM 225.02 Boundary Layer
Apparatus
 Pitot tube
 Micrometer adjustment bolt

4.0 Experiment Setup

Figure 6: Sample of Streamline that can be

visualized

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