Table Contents

Topic Page No

Title 1
Introduction 3-6

Objective 3

Theory 3

Apparatus 6

Procedures 8

Results 9

Sample calculation 19

Discussion 23

Conclusion 25

References 26

Appendix
27

List of figure
Figure Page No
Figure 1: Boundary layer thickness 3
Figure 2 Displacement thickness 4

Figure 3: Apparatus 7

1
List of table
Table Page No
Table 1 Smooth Plate (0.06 m) 9

Table 2 - Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Value 9

Table 3 - Rough Plate (0.06 m) 11

Table 4: Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Value 11

Table 5 - Smooth Plate (0.18 m) 13

Table 6: Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Value 13

Table 7 - Rough plate(0.18 m) 15

Table 8 - Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Value 15

List of graph
Graph Page no
Graph 1 : y against / (0.06 m Smooth Plate) 10
Graph 2 : y against /(1/) (0.06m smooth plate) 10
Graph 3 : y against / (0.18 m Smooth Plate) 12
Graph 4 : y against /(1/) (0.18m smooth plate) 12
Graph 5 : y against / (0.06 m Rough Plate) 14
Graph 6 : y against /(1/) (0.06m rough plate) 14
Graph 7 : y against / (0.18 m Rough Plate) 16
Graph 8 : y against /(1/) (0.18m rough plate) 16
Graph 9 : y against / (comparison graph 0.18 m rough and smooth plate) 18
Graph 10 : y against /(1/) (comparison graph 0.18 m rough and smooth 18
plate)
Graph 11: y against /(comparison graph 0.06 m rough and smooth plate) 19
Graph 12: y against /(1/) (comparison graph 0.06 m rough and smooth 19
plate)

2
OBJECTIVE

1. To measure the boundary layer velocity layer and observed the growth of the boundary
layer for the flat plate with smooth and rough surface
2. To measure the boundary layer properties for the measured velocity profile
3. To study the effect of surface roughness on the development of boundary layer

THEORY
The boundary layer thickness, is used for a thickness beyond which the velocity isessentially
the free-stream velocity U. This is customarily defined as the distance from thewall to the point
where

Figure 1: Boundary layer thickness

The displacement thickness, the distance by which the solid boundary would have to be
displaced in a frictionless flow the same deficit exists in the boundary layer. The mathematical
definition of the displacement thickness for incompressible flow is given by

3
 Figure 2: Displacement thickness

The momentum thickness , is defined as the thickness of the layer fluid velocity, U (free stream
velocity), for which the momentum flux is equal to the deficit of momentum flux through the
boundary layer. Mathematically it is defined as

The equation for velocity measured by pitot tube is given as

2()
=
()
The Blasiuss exact solution to the laminar boundary layer yields the following equation for the
above properties

4
Due to the complexity of the flow, there is no exact solution to the turbulent boundary layer.The
properties of the boundary layer are approximated using the momentum integral equationwhich
result in the following expression:

Another measured of the boundary later is the shape factor, H which is the ratio displacement
thickness to the momentum thickness, H=/. For laminar flow, H increase from 2.6 to 3.5at
separation. For turbulent layer, H increase from 1.3 to approximately 2.5 at separation.
When a viscous uid ows along a xed impermeable wall, or past the rigid surface of an
immersed body, an essential condition is that the velocity at any point on the wall or other xed
surface is zero. The extent to which this condition modies the general character of the ow
depends upon the value of the viscosity. If the body is of streamlined shape and if the viscosity is
small without being negligible, the modifying eect appears to be conned within narrow
regions adjacent to the solid surfaces; these are called boundary layers.
Within such layers the uid velocity changes rapidly from zero to its main stream value, and this
may imply a steep gradient of shearing stress; as a consequence, not all the viscous terms in the
equation of motion will be negligible, even though the viscosity, which they contain as a factor,
is itself very small. A more precise criterion for the existence of a well-dened laminar boundary
layer is that the Reynolds number should be large, though not so large as to imply a breakdown
of the laminar ow.

5
Apparatus

Apparatus Picture Description

-Multi tube manometer (mBar) -A 14-tube multi-range
manometer for use with the
AF10 Airflow Bench.

-Micrometre travers pitot tube -An instrument to measure

set pressure.
-Used to measure fluid flow
velocity.

-Micrometre -An instrument that handles

precise measurement
-The thimble scale of a metric
micrometre has a range of
0.5mm on a one complete
revolution.
-Ruler -An instrument used in
geometry to measure
distances or to rule straight
lines.

6
-Smooth surface plate -A smooth finish plate where it
significantly reduces wear on it

-Rough surface plate -A surface plate is a solid, flat

plate used as the main
horizontal reference plane for
precision inspection,
marking out (layout), and
tooling setup

Figure 3: Apparatus

7
Procedure

1. Measure the smooth plate by 60mm and 180mm using a ruler and mark it using a marker.
2. Insert the plate at a 60mm depth inside the micrometre travers pitot tube first.
3. Adjust the position of the central plate at the required distance from leading edge which is
60mm by using pitot.
4. Set the micrometre to zero.
5. Switch on the fan with the air stream velocity at medium speed.
6. The reading of the pitot tube and static pressure is taken from zero.
7. Repeat step 6 with 0.25mm increment until 5mm.
8. Repeat all the step with 180mm measurement plane and also for the rough plane.

8
7.0 RESULTS AND DATA ANALYSIS

7.1 Test 1 (Smooth Plate)

Distance from leading edge, x (m)= 0.06

Micrometer Static pressure Pitot tube Differential Differential (m/s ) /U ( / U)(1-u/U)
reading,y manometer pressure manometer manometer
(mm) (mbar) manometer height height
(mbar) (mbar) (mm)
0.00 9.4 11.2 1.80 23.04 17.157 0.754 0.185
0.25 9.3 11.2 1.90 24.32 17.627 0.775 0.174
0.50 9.3 11.3 2.00 25.60 18.085 0.795 0.163
0.75 9.2 11.3 2.10 26.88 18.531 0.815 0.151
1.00 9.3 11.6 2.30 29.44 19.394 0.853 0.126
1.25 9.3 11.8 2.50 32.00 20.219 0.889 0.099
1.50 9.3 11.9 2.60 33.28 20.620 0.907 0.085
1.75 9.3 12.1 2.80 35.84 21.398 0.941 0.056
2.00 9.3 12.1 2.80 35.84 21.398 0.941 0.056
2.25 9.3 12.2 2.90 37.12 21.777 0.958 0.041
2.50 9.3 12.1 2.80 35.84 21.398 0.941 0.056
2.75 9.3 12.3 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
3.00 9.3 12.3 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
3.25 9.3 12.3 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
3.50 9.3 12.3 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
3.75 9.3 12.4 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
4.00 9.3 12.4 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
4.25 9.3 12.4 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
4.50 9.3 12.4 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
4.75 9.3 12.4 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
5.00 9.3 12.4 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
Table 1: Smooth Plate (0.06 m)

Free stream velocity, U (m/s) = 22.373 Reynolds number = 91356.42

Based on graph Theoretical value, Theoretical value,

Laminar turbulent

= 3.750103m = 1.104 103 = 2.359103m

= 3.750105m = 3.799104m = 2.952104m

= 3.710105m = 1.467104m = 2.295104m

Table 2: Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Value

9
 Y AGAINST / U
6.00
MICROMETER READING,Y(MM)

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00
0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200
/U

Graph 1 : y against / (0.06 m Smooth Plate)

y against ( / U)(1-u/U)
6.00
Micrometer reading,y (mm)

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00
0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
( / U)(1-u/U

Graph 2 : y against /(1/) (0.06m smooth plate)

10
Test 2 (Smooth Plate)

Distance from leading edge, x (m)= 0.18

Micrometer Static pressure Pitot tube Differential Differential (m/s ) /U ( / U)(1-u/U)

reading,y manometer pressure manometer manometer
(mm) (mbar) manometer height height
(mbar) (mbar) (mm)
0.00 9 11.50 2.50 32.00 20.219 0.889 0.099
0.25 9.1 11.20 2.10 26.88 18.531 0.815 0.151
0.50 9 11.00 2.00 25.60 18.085 0.795 0.163
0.75 9 11.00 2.00 25.60 18.085 0.795 0.163
1.00 9.1 11.10 2.00 25.60 18.085 0.795 0.163
1.25 9.1 11.40 2.30 29.44 19.394 0.853 0.126
1.50 9.1 11.60 2.50 32.00 20.219 0.889 0.099
1.75 9.1 11.70 2.60 33.28 20.620 0.907 0.085
2.00 9.1 11.90 2.80 35.84 21.398 0.941 0.056
2.25 9.1 12.00 2.90 37.12 21.777 0.958 0.041
2.50 9.1 12.00 2.90 37.12 21.777 0.958 0.041
2.75 9.1 12.10 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
3.00 9.1 12.20 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
3.25 9.1 12.20 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
3.50 9.1 12.30 3.20 40.96 22.876 1.006 -0.006
3.75 9.1 12.30 3.20 40.96 22.876 1.006 -0.006
4.00 9.1 12.30 3.20 40.96 22.876 1.006 -0.006
4.25 9.1 12.40 3.30 42.24 23.230 1.021 -0.022
4.50 9.1 12.40 3.30 42.24 23.230 1.021 -0.022
4.75 9.1 12.40 3.30 42.24 23.230 1.021 -0.022
5.00 9.1 12.40 3.30 42.24 23.230 1.021 -0.022

Table 3: Smooth Plate (0.18 m)

Free stream velocity, U (m/s) = 23.464 Reynolds number = 287434

Based on graph Theoretical value, Theoretical value,

Laminar turbulent

= 4.250103m = 3.13103m = 7.077103m

= 8.925105m = 1.140103m = 8.856104m

= 9.095105m = 4.400104m = 6.886104m

Table 4: Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Value

11
 Y AGAINST / U
6.00
MICROMETER READING, Y (MM)

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00
0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200
/U

Graph 3 : y against / (0.18 m Smooth Plate)

Y AGAINST ( / U)(1 -U/U)

6.00
MICROMETER READING,Y (MM)

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00
-0.050 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
( / U)(1-U/U)

Graph 4 : y against /(1/) (0.18m smooth plate)

12
Test 3 (Rough Plate)

Distance from leading edge, x (m)= 0.06

Micrometer Static pressure Pitot tube Differential Differential (m/s ) /U ( / U)(1-u/U)
reading,y manometer pressure manometer manometer
(mm) (mbar) manometer height height
(mbar) (mbar) (mm)
0.00 9.3 11.10 1.80 23.04 17.157 0.754 0.185
0.25 9.3 11.10 1.80 23.04 17.157 0.754 0.185
0.50 9.3 11.40 2.10 26.88 18.531 0.815 0.151
0.75 9.3 11.60 2.30 29.44 19.394 0.853 0.126
1.00 9.3 12.10 2.80 35.84 21.398 0.941 0.056
1.25 9.3 12.10 2.80 35.84 21.398 0.941 0.056
1.50 9.3 12.20 2.90 37.12 21.777 0.958 0.041
1.75 9.3 12.30 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
2.00 9.3 12.30 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
2.25 9.3 12.30 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
2.50 9.3 12.30 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
2.75 9.3 12.30 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
3.00 9.3 12.30 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
3.25 9.3 12.40 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
3.50 9.3 12.40 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
3.75 9.3 12.40 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
4.00 9.3 12.40 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
4.25 9.3 12.40 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
4.50 9.3 12.40 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
4.75 9.3 12.40 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
5.00 9.3 12.40 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010

Table 5: Smooth Plate (0.06 m)

Free stream velocity, U (m/s) = 22.742 Reynolds number = 92863.17

Based on graph Theoretical value, Theoretical value,

Laminar turbulent

= 3.250103m = 9.845104m = 2.253103m

= 3.250105m = 3.387104m = 2.819104m

= 3.218105m = 1.307104m = 2.192104m

Table 6: Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Value

13
 Y AGAINST / U
MICROMETER READING Y, (MM) 6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00
0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200
/U

Graph 5 : y against / (0.06 m Rough Plate)

y against ( / U)(1-u/U)
6.00
Micrometer reading y (mm)

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00
0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
( / U)(1-u/U)

Graph 6 : y against /(1/) (0.06m rough plate)

14
Test 4 (Rough Plate)

Distance from leading edge, x (m)= 0.18

Micrometer Static pressure Pitot tube Differential Differential (m/s ) /U ( / U)(1-u/U)
reading,y manometer pressure manometer manometer
(mm) (mbar) manometer height height
(mbar) (mbar) (mm)
0.00 9 11.00 2.00 25.60 18.085 0.795 0.163
0.25 9.1 11.00 1.90 24.32 17.627 0.775 0.174
0.50 9.1 11.00 1.90 24.32 17.627 0.775 0.174
0.75 9.1 11.20 2.10 26.88 18.531 0.815 0.151
1.00 9.1 11.50 2.40 30.72 19.811 0.871 0.112
1.25 9.1 11.60 2.50 32.00 20.219 0.889 0.099
1.50 9.1 11.80 2.70 34.56 21.013 0.924 0.070
1.75 9.1 11.90 2.80 35.84 21.398 0.941 0.056
2.00 9.1 12.00 2.90 37.12 21.777 0.958 0.041
2.25 9.1 12.10 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
2.50 9.1 12.10 3.00 38.40 22.149 0.974 0.025
2.75 9.1 12.20 3.10 39.68 22.515 0.990 0.010
3.00 9.1 12.30 3.20 40.96 22.876 1.006 -0.006
3.25 9.1 12.30 3.20 40.96 22.876 1.006 -0.006
3.50 9.1 12.30 3.20 40.96 22.876 1.006 -0.006
3.75 9.1 12.40 3.30 42.24 23.230 1.021 -0.022
4.00 9.1 12.40 3.30 42.24 23.230 1.021 -0.022
4.25 9.1 12.40 3.30 42.24 23.230 1.021 -0.022
4.50 9.1 12.40 3.30 42.24 23.230 1.021 -0.022
4.75 9.1 12.40 3.30 42.24 23.230 1.021 -0.022
5.00 9.1 12.50 3.40 43.52 23.580 1.037 -0.038

Table 7: Rough Plate (0.18 m)

Free stream velocity, U (m/s) = 22.742 Reynolds number = 278589.50

Based on graph Theoretical value, Theoretical value,

Laminar turbulent

= 3.750103m = 1.705103m = 5.426103m

= 7.875105m = 5.866104m = 6.790104m

= 8.040105m = 2.264104m = 5.279104m

Table 8: Comparison of Theoretical and Experimental Value

15
 Y AGAINST / U
6.00
MICROMETER READING Y (MM)

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00
0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200
/U

Graph 7 : y against / (0.18 m Rough Plate)

Y AGAINST ( / U)(1 -U/U)

6.00
MICROMETER READING Y, (MM)

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00
-0.05 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2
( / U)(1-U/U)

Graph 8 : y against /(1/) (0.18m rough plate)

16
Comparison graph

Distance from leading edge, x (m) = 0.18m

Y against / U/ U /U

6.00 /U

5.00
MICROMETER READING Y (MM)

4.00

3.00

2.00 rough
smooth
1.00

0.00
0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200

/U

Graph 9 : y against /

( / U)(1-u/U)
Y against ( / U)(1-u/U)( / U)(1-u/U)
6.00
/U
MICROMETER READING Y (MM)

5.00

4.00 rough

3.00 smooth

2.00

1.00

0.00
-0.050 0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
( / U)(1-U/U)

Graph 10: y against /(1/)

17
Distance from leading edge, x (m)= 0.06 m

Y against / U
5.00
4.50
MICROMETER READING Y (MM)

4.00
3.50 /U rough / U
3.00 smooth
2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
0.000 0.200 0.400 0.600 0.800 1.000 1.200
/U

Graph 11 : y against /U

Y AGAISNT ( / U)(1 -U/U)

6.00
MICROMETER READING Y (MM)

5.00

4.00

3.00
rrough
( / U)(1-u/U)
ough
2.00 ( / U)(1-u/U)
smooth
1.00

0.00
0.000 0.050 0.100 0.150 0.200
( / U)(1-U/U)

Graph 12: y against /U(1/U)

18
Sample calculation

11.2 9.4 = 1.8

64
, ()
5

= , ()

64mBar
1.8 = = 23.04
5

2 ( ) g h
u
( )

2(784 )(9.81 3 )0.02304
3
u

U=17.157

u
, ( ) =
.

Take the constant u in the table to calculate free stream velocity, U;

22.515
, ( ) =
0.99

( )=22.742

19

17.157

=
22.742


=0.754


(1- ) =0.754(1-0.754)


(1- ) = 0.185

0 U

Take the constant in the table to calculate displacement thickness,

, ;

0.00375

dy

= [0.01]0.00375

= 0.01(0.00375) 0.01(0)

= 3.75 105
0.00375

= () ( )
0

0.00375

dy

= [0.01]0.00375

= 3.71 105

20
Theoretical calculation

Laminar boundary layer yields the following equation:

.
=

5(0.06)

91356.42

= 9.925 104

= .

1.72(0.06)

91356.42

= 3.414 104

.
=

0.664(0.06)

91356.42

= 1.318 104

21
Turbulent boundary layer yields the following equation:

.
=
/

0.37(0.05)
0.37(0.06)
=
1
73800.252
91356.425

= 2.260 10 3
.

/
0.0463(0.06)
1
91356.425

=2.829 x 104

.36
.
=
/

0.036(0.06)
=
1
73800.252
91356.425

= 2.199 104

22
Discussion

From the experiment that has been done, the velocity profiles in the boundary layer of a
flat plate were measured for a flat plate with both a smooth and rough surfaces. However, the
values are different from the calculation and theory. This is because of some errors that occurred
during the experiment was done. Based on table 1, table 3, table 5 and table 7 the velocity
profile, u/U and momentum thickness, were measured by using formula. Graph 9,10,11 and 12
shows the comparison between experimental and theoretical value. It is shown that velocity
profile of the boundary layer is different based on the surface of the plate and the position along
the path.

The differences between laminar and turbulence flow of fluid on the flat surface can be
seen on the graph that have been plotted. The roughness of the surfaces affects the values of the
pressures. Greater value of was obtained when the plane is rough while the value becomes
lesser when the distance from the edge of the plate is further. The free stream velocity calculated
was based on the roughness or smoothness of the surfaces. Laminar flat plat eventually becomes
turbulent but there is no unique value for this change to occur. When the surface is smooth, the
transition of laminar to be turbulent will delay. However when the surface is rough, the transition
of laminar to become turbulent will be quick as there are small disturbances in the velocity
profiles that make the flow easily pass through it. The differences of the profiles showed on the
graph plotted.

For u/U is a velocity profile of the boundary layer. Based on the table, for the shape of
the graph of Smooth plate (x= 0.06 m), Smooth plate (x= 0.18m), Rough pate (x=0.06m) and
Rough plate (x=0.18m) is almost the same which is in parabolic form (as the distance of
micrometer reading, y (mm) increase, the velocity profile (u/U) is increases). For all 4 tests that
have been conducted, the only different is the micrometer reading, y (mm) taken for velocity
profile to archive uniform velocity. As we know experimentally, reading of the micrometer, y is
equal to the boundary layer thickness (mm). For test 1, smooth plate (x= 0.06m) the boundary

layer thickness taken for it to achieve uniform velocity is at distance 0.0035 m with value of

23
is 0.990. For test 2, smooth plate (x= 0.18 m) the boundary layer thickness taken for it to

achieve uniform velocity is at distance 0.00425 m with value of is 1.021. For test 3, rough

plate (x= 0.06m) the boundary layer thickness taken for it to achieve uniform velocity is at

distance 0.00325 m with value of is 0.990. For test 4, rough plate (x= 0.18 m) the leading edge

taken for it to achieve uniform velocity is at distance 0.00375 m with value of 1.021.

u u
For (1 U) is momentum thickness, which refer to the thickness of a layer of fluid of
U

velocity, U (free stream velocity), for which the momentum flux is equal to the deficit of
momentum flux through the boundary layer. It is used to determining the drag on the object. The
highest drag is on the surface of the plate. For test 1, smooth plate (x=0.06 m), the momentum
thickness at the surface plate is 3.750105 m and the momentum thickness at the boundary
layer is 3.710105 m. For test 2, smooth plate (x= 0.18 m), the momentum thickness at the
surface plate is 8.925105 m and the momentum thickness at the boundary layer is 9.095105
m. For test 3, rough plate (x= 0.06 m), the momentum thickness at surface plate is 3.250105
m and the momentum thickness at the boundary layer is 3.218105 m. For test 4, rough plate
(x= 0.18 m), the momentum thickness at the surface plate is 7.875105 m and the momentum
thickness at the boundary layer is 8.040105 m. Based on the table and the graph, it is proven
that the momentum thickness value is depend on the surface of the plate since rough surface
plate has higher momentum thickness value compare to the smooth surface plate.

Based on the graph in Figure 7.1, the rough surface line is not really in parabolic form, as
conclusion it is not very success experiment. But the shape of the graph can be referring as the
velocity profile of the boundary layer. Based on the research from the other source, this
experiment is not very successful because there should be a turbulent on the rough surface
(Reynolds number > 500000). In this experiment the Reynolds number is less than expected
value. The errors might be occurred because of the micrometer values were not accurate as there
are parallax error when the data was taken. Furthermore the micrometer was not in good
condition as it was not firmly gripped at the holder. Some of vibration that occurred at the
machine was also caused the errors.
CONCLUSION

24

As conclusion, comparisons made between experimental results and theoretical

data allow the determination to be made that the boundary layer over the smooth plate was a
laminar boundary layer, and the boundary layer over the rough side of the plate was
turbulent. The differences between these two types of boundary layers was clearly
demonstrated. We also able to plot the boundary layer velocity profile and observed the
growth of the boundary layer for the flat plate with smooth and rough surface, to measure the
boundary layer properties for the measured velocity profile and to study the effect of surface
roughness on the development of the boundary layer.
REFFERENCE

1.Van Dyke M, 1982,An Album of Fluid Motion, Parabolic Press, pp,28-31

2.Bertin J J,2002, Aerodynamics for Engineers, 4th edition, Prentice Hall.
3.Surfing , web.iitd.ac.in/~pmvs/courses/mel705/boundarylayer.pd.
4.Surfing , https://www.bu.edu/eng/files/2016/09/ME.Example_Lab_Report.pdf.

26
APPENDIX

27