Middle East Technical University

Department of Aerospace Engineering

AE 342
AERODYNAMICS II
Laboratory Report 5
BOUNDARY LAYER MEASUREMENTS

Date :12.06.2017
Instructor : Funda Kurtuluş
Submitted by : Oğuzhan Aydın 1942812
Ali Avanlıer -
Nusret Kİbar-
Yasemin Sayar- 1943141
ABSTRACT
In this experiment, we work to analyze boundary layer properties. To do this, the pressure
values on a flat plate were measured for smooth and rough surfaces at different x locations.
Thanks to this, we observe the effect of roughness when there was a flow passing through it.
Free stream velocities and velocities in boundary layers were calculated by using pressure data
taken during the experiment. By using the data from these measurements and theoretical
method, the velocity profiles for both the smooth and the rough surfaces at different x
(longitudinal) locations were plotted. Also we calculated boundary layer properties like
momentum thickness, displacement thickness, skin friction and shape factor as both
experimentally and theoratically. We conclude that boundary layer were increased with
increasing x distance. Also, boundary layer thickness increased when smooth surface replaced
with rough surface at same x location. As a result, since power law probably was not valid,
there was a contradiction for boundary layer properties between theoretical and measured
results.

3
Table of Contents
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................ii
OBJECT ....................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 5
THEORY .................................................................................................................................................... 5
a) Theoretically definitions: ............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
b) Calculations ................................................................................................................................. 5
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1) AF10 Air Flow Bench: ........................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
2) AF10a Multi-Use Manometer: .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3) Test Section ....................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................... 6
RESULT& DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................. 6
CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................... 27
APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................................. 28
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 33

4
INTRODUCTION

Main objective of this report is analyzing boundary layer parameters such as momentum
thickness, displacement thickness, skin friction, shape factor. Experiment was repeated at
different x locations for constant incoming flow. Boundary layer parameters were calculated
thanks to pressure datas which is obtained during the experiment. Furthermore, theoretical
results were computed by using theoretical relations and computed with the experimental
results. All necessary equations for these calculations were stated in the theory part. After
that, experimental procedure were explained. After calculations and plotted graphs, final
results were discussed and presented result and discussion part.

THEORY Calculations
Definition of pressure coefficient;

P  P
Cp  (1)
1
V 2
2

Definition of displacement thickness;

h
 u 
 *   1  dy (2)
0  U 

Definition of momentum thickness;

u  u 
h
  1  dy (3)
0
U  U 

Definition of shape factor;

5
 *
H (4)


Definition of skin friction coefficient;

d
Cf  2 (5)
dx

Definition of Reynolds number;

Ue x
Re  (6)


Power law;

1/n
u  y
  (7)
U   

where n=7

and theoretical relations are;

x
 *  0.046 (8)
Re0.2

x
  0.036 (9)
Re0.2

0.074
Cf  (10)
Re0.2

H=1.29

The freestream velocity and velocity in the boundary layer can be calculated as;

Pstagnation  Pstatic
Ue  (11)
1

2

Ppitot  Pstatic
u( y)  (12)
1

2

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

TQ Air Flow Bench AF10 and TQ AF10 Inclinable Manometer are used in this experiment.
6
 Figure 1 AF10 Air Flow Bench

This is a small-scale wind tunnel shown in Figure-1, with an electric fan and regulatable air
flow control. A fan delivers atmospheric air via a flow control valve to a plenum chamber.

Figure 2: AF10a Multi-Use Manometer

A multi-use manometer is shown in Figure-2 and used to measure several pressures at the
same time. This manometer is connected to the air flow bench, where stagnation, surface,
static and atmospheric pressures can be read.

7
 Figure 3: Arrangement of Test Section

Figure 3 shows the test section. There is the test plate at middle of the section and moveable
pitot tube is over the plate.

In this experiment, we record the air temperature and the atmospheric pressure. And then,
we calculate air density, air dynamic and kinematic viscosity. After that, we measure the
length of the plate from the leading edge to the first x location of measurement. Experiment
directors explain that the thickness of the pitot-tube tip is 2t = 0.4 mm. The displacement of
the centerline from plate surface when in contact is 0.2 mm.

We measure the stagnation pressure in air box and the static pressure at the entrance of the
test section. And by using these readings, we calculate the free stream velocity.

To record datas, we did followings:

We set pitot tube at y=0 location and we record the pitot-tube readings and the distance y
from micrometer readings. And then we move pitot tube in the y-direction with proper step
size and we record pitot tube readings and the distance y from micrometer readings. To
conclude, we traverse the pitot-tube towards the plate and we repeat the above recording
processes.

8
RESULTS
The experiment is done for a given atmospheric conditions as 𝜌 = 1.2 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 and dynamic
viscosity, as 𝜇 = 1.852 ∗ 10−5 𝑃𝑎/𝑠. And then by dividing 𝜇 by 𝜌, kinematic viscosity 𝜈 as
𝜇
founded 𝜈 = 𝜌 = 1.5433 ∗ 10−5 𝑚2 /𝑠. To changing mmH2O to Pascal all measured pressure
was taken 9.80665 times as Pascal. Then its converted to mBar as 0.01 mBar as tabulated.

After knowing these standard values, velocity profile of in boundary layer can be calculated
from pressure readings as:

Before starting calculations of velocity profiles in boundary layer, one can be calculate the free
stream velocity as edge velocity, 𝑉𝑒 at any station. For the different x locations, edge velocity will be
same. Edge velocity is calculated for smooth and rough surface. Then edge velocity is taken as;

U 
U e
where N; number of locations and Ue; local edge velocity.
N

2(𝑃𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 − 𝑃𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 )
𝑈∞ = √ = 39.75 𝑚/𝑠
𝜌

Calculated from Matlab. For simplicity, 𝑈∞ is taken this value for each smooth and rough surface
and for all 𝑥 stations. It could be done because the pressure readings for that points are very close to
each other.

After calculating and finding the input parameters,

1. Firstly, velocity distribution calculated for both Smooth and Rough surfaces in the boundary layer
for various x stations as, 𝑥 = 15𝑐𝑚, 𝑥 = 20𝑐𝑚, 𝑥 = 25𝑐𝑚. For each y location, velocity
distribution calculated from,

2(𝑃𝑝𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑡 − 𝑃𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 )
𝑢(𝑦) = √
𝜌

Freestream velocities areand found as 40.0219 m/s and 39.6114 m/s for rough and smooth surfaces
respectively. And the average, the free stream velocity, is 39.7475 m/s.

Velocities at y-locations were calculated and tabulated from pressures. Velocity table for smooth
surface at x=15, 20, 25 cm are shown in Table 2, 4, 6 and for rough surface at x=15, 20, 25 cm are
shown in Table 3, 5, 7.

Micrometer reading (mm) x(cm) Ppitot-Pinfinity u(y) (m/s)

(mbar)
0 15 1,6671305 16.6690
0,25 15 2,941995 22.1435
0,5 15 4,511059 27.4198
0,75 15 4,903325 28.5871

9
1 15 5,88399 31.3156
1,25 15 6,864655 33.8247
1,5 15 7,3549875 35.0119
1,75 15 7,9433865 36.3854
2 15 8,433719 37.4916
2,25 15 8,5317855 37.7089
2,5 15 8,629852 37.9250
2,75 15 8,629852 37.9250
3 15 8,629852 37.9250
3,5 15 8,629852 37.9250
Table 1: Velocity Table for smooth surface at x=15cm

Micrometer reading (mm) x(cm) Ppitot-Pinfinity u(y) (m/s)

(mbar)
0 15 0 0
0,125 15 0,19613 5.7174
0,25 15 0,588399 9.9029
0,375 15 1,17679 14.0047
0,5 15 1,765197 17.1522
0,625 15 2,353596 19.8057
0,75 15 2,941995 22.1435
0,875 15 3,334261 23.5735
1 15 3,726527 24.9216
1,125 15 4,314926 26.8171
1,25 15 4,8052585 28.2998
1,375 15 5,295591 29.7086
1,5 15 5,88399 31.3156
1,625 15 6,276256 32.3426
1,75 15 6,668522 33.3380
1,875 15 7,256921 34.7777
2 15 7,649187 35.7052
2,125 15 8,041453 36.6093
2,25 15 8,237586 37.0531
2,5 15 8,629852 37.9250

10
 2,75 15 9,022118 38.7774
3 15 9,022118 38.7774
3,25 15 9,022118 38.7774
Table 2: Velocity Table for rough surface at x=15cm

Micrometer reading (mm) x (cm) Ppitot-Pinfinity (mbar) u(y) (m/s)

0 20 14.5766
1,2748645
0,25 20 25.5691
3,92266
0,5 20 29.1532
5,099458
0,75 20 30.7892
5,687857
1 20 32.5943
6,3743225
1,25 20 34.7777
7,256921
1,5 20 35.9334
7,7472535
1,75 20 36.8319
8,1395195
2 20 37.9250
8,629852
2,25 20 38.3536
8,825985
2,5 20 38.7774
9,022118
2,75 20 38.7774
9,022118
3 20 38.7774
9,022118

11
 3,5 20 38.7774
9,022118
Table 4: Velocity Table for smooth surface at x=20cm

Micrometer reading (mm) x (cm) Ppitot-Pinfinity (mbar) u(y) (m/s)

0
20 -0,392266 0
0,125
20 0,196133 6
0,25
20 0,6864655 11
0,375
20 1,176798 14
0,5
20 1,6671305 17
0,625
20 2,157463 19
0,75
20 2,549729 21
0,875
20 2,941995 22
1
20 3,334261 24
1,125
20 3,92266 26
1,25
20 4,118793 26

12
 1,375
20 4,511059 27
1,5
20 5,099458 29
1,625
20 5,295591 30
1,75
20 5,687857 31
2
20 6,472389 33
2,25
20 7,060788 34
2,5
20 7,649187 36
2,75
20 8,1395195 37
3
20 8,5317855 38
3,25
20 8,7279185 38
3,5
20 8,9240515 39
3,75
20 9,022118 39
4
20 9,022118 39
4,5
20 9,022118 39
Table 5: Velocity Table for rough surface at x=20cm

Micrometer reading (mm) x (cm) Ppitot-Pinfinity (mbar) u(y) (m/s)

0 14.0047
25 1,176798

13
 0,25 22.8697
25 3,138128
0,5 25.8867
25 4,0207265
0,75 28.5871
25 4,903325
1 31.3156
25 5,88399
1,25 32.5943
25 6,3743225
1,5 34.3045
25 7,060788
1,75 35.7052
25 7,649187
2 36.6093
25 8,041453
2,25 37.9250
25 8,629852
2,5 38.3536
25 8,825985
2,75 38.5661
25 8,9240515
3 38.7774
25 9,022118
3,25 38.7774
25 9,022118
3,5 38.7774
25 9,022118
Table 6: Velocity Table for smooth surface at x=25cm

14
Micrometer reading (mm) x (cm) Ppitot-Pinfinity (mbar) u(y) (m/s)
0
25 -1,0787315 0
0,125
25 -0,588399 0
0,25
25 0 0
0,375
25 0,392266 8,085645717
0,5
25 0,8825985 12,12846858
0,625
25 1,372931 15,12685801
0,75
25 1,8632635 17,62225629
0,875
25 2,353596 19,80570625
1
25 2,745862 21,39260776
1,125
25 2,8439285 21,77126738
1,25
25 3,334261 23,57350561

15
 1,375
25 3,8245935 25,24742066
1,5
25 4,118793 26,20048664
1,625
25 4,314926 26,81705303
1,75
25 4,903325 28,58707459
1,875
25 5,295591 29,70855937
2
25 5,5897905 30,52264323
2,125
25 6,080123 31,83321902
2,25
25 6,472389 32,84404817
2,375
25 6,668522 33,33797134
2,5
25 6,7665885 33,58220883
2,75
25 7,256921 34,77767723
3
25 7,649187 35,70524471
3,25
25 8,237586 37,05308354
3,5
25 8,629852 37,9250401
3,75
25 8,825985 38,35358523
4
25 9,022118 38,77739462
4,25
25 9,022118 38,77739462
4,5
25 9,1201845 38,98757174
4,75
25 9,218251 39,19662188
5
25 9,218251 39,19662188
5,25
25 9,218251 39,19662188
Table 7: Velocity Table for rough surface at x=25cm

Next step will be calculation of Local Reynolds Number at 𝑥 = 15𝑐𝑚, 𝑥 = 20𝑐𝑚, 𝑥 = 25𝑐𝑚 using
free stream velocity, 𝑈∞ . Reynolds Number, 𝑅𝑒𝑥 is given as:
𝑈∞ ∗ 𝑥
𝑅𝑒𝑥 =
𝜈

16
For other surfaces and x values similar calculations will yield the following table:

Surface Type Re at x=15 cm Re at x=20 cm Re at x=25 cm

Smooth 3.8632e+05 5.1509e+05 6.4386e+05

Rough 3.8632e+05 5.1509e+05 6.4386e+05

Table 0

As can be seen in Table 0, Reynolds numbers increased with increasing x distance and it was an
expected result when considered calculation of Reynolds number.

𝑢(𝑦)
2. Velocity deflect, which is given as 1 − 𝑈𝑒
, can be calculated for all 𝑦 values at each velocity
profile. U(y) is still determined previously.

𝑢(𝑦) 𝑢(𝑦)
3. Also as momentum deficit, 𝑈𝑒
(1 − 𝑈𝑒
) calculated for all 𝑦 values at each velocity profile.

For the momentum and mass deficit for smooth surface at x=15 cm and rough surface at x=15cm is
given below as Table 3 and 4. Remaining tables were put in the appendix.

Reynolds number at different x locations were calculated and tabulated as Table 8.

Distance from plate [cm] Reynolds Number

Smooth 15 386315,054205338
Surface 20 515086,738940451
25 643858,423675564
15 386315,054205338
Rough 20 515086,738940451
Surface 25 643858,423675564
Table 8: Reynolds Number at different x locations for both smooth and rough surface

New tables of velocity property for smooth surface at x=15, 20, 25cm are formed and shown in Table
9, 11 and 13 below. Also velocity properties for rough surface at x=15, 20, 25 cm are formed and shown
in Table 10, 12 and 14 below.

Micrometer
reading Ppitot-Pinfinity
(mm) (mbar) u(y) (m/s) 1-u(y)/Ue u(y)/Ue *(1-u(y)/Ue)
0 1,6671305 16,669 0.5806 0.2435
0,25 2,941995 22,1435 0.4429 0.2467
0,5 4,511059 27,4198 0.3102 0.2140

17
 0,75 4,903325 28,5871 0.2808 0.2019
1 5,88399 31,3156 0.2121 0.1671
1,25 6,864655 33,8247 0.1490 0.1268
1,5 7,3549875 35,0119 0.1191 0.1049
1,75 7,9433865 36,3854 0.0846 0.0774
2 8,433719 37,4916 0.0568 0.0535
2,25 8,5317855 37,7089 0.0513 0.0487
2,5 8,629852 37,925 0.0459 0.0437
2,75 8,629852 37,925 0.0459 0.0437
3 8,629852 37,925 0.0459 0.0437
3,5 8,629852 37,925 0.0459 0.0437

Table9: Velocity properties for smooth surface at x=15cm

Ppitot-
Micrometer
Pinfinity u(y)/Ue *(1-
reading (mm)
(mbar) u(y) (m/s) 1-u(y)/Ue u(y)/Ue)
0 0 0 1 0
0,125 0,196133 5,7174 0.8562 0.1232
0,25 0,588399 9,9029 0.7509 0.1871
0,375 1,176798 14,0047 0.6477 0.2282
0,5 1,765197 17,1522 0.5685 0.2453
0,625 2,353596 19,8057 0.5017 0.2500
0,75 2,941995 22,1435 0.4429 0.2467
0,875 3,334261 23,5735 0.4069 0.2413
1 3,726527 24,9216 0.3730 0.2339
1,125 4,314926 26,8171 0.3253 0.2195
1,25 4,8052585 28,2998 0.2880 0.2051
1,375 5,295591 29,7086 0.2526 0.1888
1,5 5,88399 31,3156 0.2121 0.1671
1,625 6,276256 32,3426 0.1863 0.1516
1,75 6,668522 33,338 0.1613 0.1353
1,875 7,256921 34,7777 0.1250 0.1094
2 7,649187 35,7052 0.1017 0.0914
2,125 8,041453 36,6093 0.0790 0.0727
2,25 8,237586 37,0531 0.0678 0.0632
2,5 8,629852 37,925 0.0459 0.0437
2,75 9,022118 38,7774 0.0244 0.0238
3 9,022118 38,7774 0.0244 0.0238
3,25 9,022118 38,7774 0.0244 0.0238
Table 10: Velocity properties for rough surface at x=15cm

18
 Micromete
r reading Ppitot-Pinfinity
(mm) (mbar) u(y) (m/s) 1-u(y)/Ue u(y)/Ue *(1-u(y)/Ue)
0 1,2748645 15 0.6333 0.2322
0,25 3,92266 26 0.3567 0.2295
0,5 5,099458 29 0.2665 0.1955
0,75 5,687857 31 0.2254 0.1746
1 6,3743225 33 0.1800 0.1476
1,25 7,256921 35 0.1250 0.1094
1,5 7,7472535 36 0.0960 0.0868
1,75 8,1395195 37 0.0734 0.0680
2 8,629852 38 0.0459 0.0437
2,25 8,825985 38 0.0351 0.0338
2,5 9,022118 39 0.0244 0.0238
2,75 9,022118 39 0.0244 0.0238
3 9,022118 39 0.0244 0.0238
3,5 9,022118 39 0.0244 0.0238
Table 11: Velocity properties for smooth surface at x=20cm

Micrometer Ppitot-Pinfinity u(y) u(y)/Ue *(1-

1-u(y)/Ue
reading (mm) (mbar) (m/s) u(y)/Ue)
0 -0,392266 0 1 0.0414
0,125 0,196133 6 0.8562 0.1232
0,25 0,6864655 11 0.7309 0.1967
0,375 1,176798 14 0.6477 0.2282
0,5 1,6671305 17 0.5806 0.2435
0,625 2,157463 19 0.5229 0.2495
0,75 2,549729 21 0.4814 0.2497
0,875 2,941995 22 0.4429 0.2467
1 3,334261 24 0.4069 0.2413
1,125 3,92266 26 0.3567 0.2295
1,25 4,118793 26 0.3408 0.2247
1,375 4,511059 27 0.3102 0.2140
1,5 5,099458 29 0.2665 0.1955
1,625 5,295591 30 0.2526 0.1888
1,75 5,687857 31 0.2254 0.1746
2 6,472389 33 0.1737 0.1435
2,25 7,060788 34 0.1369 0.1182
2,5 7,649187 36 0.1017 0.0914
2,75 8,1395195 37 0.0734 0.0680
3 8,5317855 38 0.0513 0.0487
3,25 8,7279185 38 0.0404 0.0388
3,5 8,9240515 39 0.0297 0.0288

19
 3,75 9,022118 39 0.0244 0.0238
4 9,022118 39 0.0244 0.0238
4,5 9,022118 39 0.0244 0.0238
Table 12: Velocity properties for rough surface at x=20cm

Micrometer u(y)/Ue
Ppitot-Pinfinity
reading u(y) (m/s) 1-u(y)/Ue *(1-
(mbar)
(mm) u(y)/Ue)
0 1,176798 14,0047 0.6477 0.2282
0,25 3,138128 22,8697 0.4246 0.2443
0,5 4,0207265 25,8867 0.3487 0.2271
0,75 4,903325 28,5871 0.2808 0.2019
1 5,88399 31,3156 0.2121 0.1671
1,25 6,3743225 32,5943 0.1800 0.1476
1,5 7,060788 34,3045 0.1369 0.1182
1,75 7,649187 35,7052 0.1017 0.0914
2 8,041453 36,6093 0.0790 0.0727
2,25 8,629852 37,925 0.0459 0.0437
2,5 8,825985 38,3536 0.0351 0.0338
2,75 8,9240515 38,5661 0.0297 0.0288
3 9,022118 38,7774 0.0244 0.0238
3,25 9,022118 38,7774 0.0244 0.0238
3,5 9,022118 38,7774 0.0244 0.0238
Table 13: Velocity properties for smooth surface at x=25cm

Micrometer Ppitot- u(y)/Ue

reading Pinfinity *(1-
(mm) (mbar) u(y) (m/s) 1-u(y)/Ue u(y)/Ue)
0 -1,0787315 0 1 0.1138
0,125 -0,588399 0 1 0.0621
0,25 0 0 1 0.0000
0,375 0,392266 8,085645717 0.7966 0.1620
0,5 0,8825985 12,12846858 0.6949 0.2120
0,625 1,372931 15,12685801 0.6194 0.2357
0,75 1,8632635 17,62225629 0.5566 0.2468
0,875 2,353596 19,80570625 0.5017 0.2500
1 2,745862 21,39260776 0.4618 0.2485
1,125 2,8439285 21,77126738 0.4523 0.2477
1,25 3,334261 23,57350561 0.4069 0.2413
1,375 3,8245935 25,24742066 0.3648 0.2317
1,5 4,118793 26,20048664 0.3408 0.2247
1,625 4,314926 26,81705303 0.3253 0.2195
1,75 4,903325 28,58707459 0.2808 0.2019
1,875 5,295591 29,70855937 0.2526 0.1888

20
 2 5,5897905 30,52264323 0.2321 0.1782
2,125 6,080123 31,83321902 0.1991 0.1595
2,25 6,472389 32,84404817 0.1737 0.1435
2,375 6,668522 33,33797134 0.1613 0.1353
2,5 6,7665885 33,58220883 0.1551 0.1311
2,75 7,256921 34,77767723 0.1250 0.1094
3 7,649187 35,70524471 0.1017 0.0914
3,25 8,237586 37,05308354 0.0678 0.0632
3,5 8,629852 37,9250401 0.0459 0.0437
3,75 8,825985 38,35358523 0.0351 0.0338
4 9,022118 38,77739462 0.0244 0.0238
4,25 9,022118 38,77739462 0.0244 0.0238
4,5 9,1201845 38,98757174 0.0191 0.0188
4,75 9,218251 39,19662188 0.0139 0.0137
5 9,218251 39,19662188 0.0139 0.0137
5,25 9,218251 39,19662188 0.0139 0.0137
Table 14: Velocity properties for rough surface at x=25cm

From the given table of Ppitot boundary layer 𝛿 is taken as when the point of Ppitot staying constant.
Then the values of 𝛿 is added to power-law variation: for smooth surface 𝛿 is taken 5, 4.5, 6 and 5.5,
7.5, 9.5 for rough surfaces.

𝑢(𝑦) 𝑦 1/7
= ( )
𝑈𝑒 𝛿

𝑢(𝑦)
When using power law, one can be note that after a certain point it may yield ( ) > 1.
𝑈𝑒
Obviously this is not possible, so one should use power-law for small y points. The maximum
𝑢(𝑦)
value of must be equal to 1.
𝑈𝑒

𝑢(𝑦)
Then theoretical can be found for each x location. After all one can be compare the
𝑈𝑒
results of the theoretical and experimental velocity profile with respesct to the y distance.

Velocities at different y and x location were calculated from measured and theoretical equations. Also
their ratio with respect to incoming flow velocity was calculated. Y location versus both measured and
theoretical velocity ratio was plotted for different x-locations. The plot was shown in below for smooth
at x=15cm and remaining plots were put in Appendix.

21
Figure 1 1

22
Figure 1 2

Figure 1 3

23
Figure 1 4

24
Figure 1 5

25
Figure 1 6

Displacement thickness, momentum thickness, shape factor and skin friction coefficient are
calculated for different x locations with the using theoretical equations.

Displacement Thickness:
𝑥
𝛿 ∗ = 0.046 ∗
(𝑅𝑒)0.2

Momentum Thickness:
𝑥
𝜃 = 0.036 ∗
(𝑅𝑒)0.2

Shape Factor:

𝛿∗
𝐻=
𝜃
Skin Friction Coefficient:

0.074
𝐶𝑓 =
(𝑅𝑒)0.2
𝑑𝜃
After the finding skin friction coefficient as theoretically it can be calculated as measured from the
𝑑𝑥
value.

26
 𝑑𝜃
Firstly, 𝜃𝑥=15 = 7.798𝑥10−4 and 𝜃𝑥=20 = 6.56𝑥10−4 as calculated previously.Then 𝑑𝑥 can
be found by:

𝑑𝜃 𝜃𝑥=20𝑐𝑚 − 𝜃𝑥=15𝑐𝑚
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=0−15 𝑐𝑚 (0,15 − 0)𝑥10−2

𝑑𝜃 𝜃𝑥=20𝑐𝑚 − 𝜃𝑥=15𝑐𝑚
=
𝑑𝑥 𝑥=15−20 𝑐𝑚 (0,2 − 0,15)𝑥10−2

The other derivation process follows that termination.

𝑑𝜃
𝐶𝑓𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 = 2 𝑥
𝑑𝑥
Finally all founded values are tabulated as experimental and theoretical ones

x (cm) *  Cf H
15 Experimental 0,00177359285304266 0,0008494513 9.57e-09 2.09
Theoretical 0,000526575639992312 0,0004121026 0,00328 2.09
20 Experimental 0.0021 0,0010887595 1.698e-08 1.93
Rough Theoretical 0,000662844647291816 0,000518747 0,0053315 1.93
25 Experimental 0.0026 0,00118174 3,71e-09 2.2
Theoretical 0,000792391419262467 0,000620 0,005098 2.2
15 Experimental 0,00110170180136972 0,00077988 1,56e-08 1.41
Theoretical 0,000526575639992312 0,0004121 0.005647 1.41
Smooth 20 Experimental 0,000915169641323931 0,000656 -4,9e-09 1.4
Theoretical 0,000662844647291816 0,000519 0.0053 1.4
25 Experimental 0,00112966123801398 0,0007752 0,00509 1.46
Theoretical 0,000792391419262467 0,00062 0,005099 1.46
Table 15 : Measured and Theoretical Boundary Layer Properties

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

As observed from Table 1 and 14 velocity of the boundary layer increased with increasing y distance.
This was an expected results according to theoretical knowledge. Moreover, velocity change of rough
surface was more rapid than smooth surface at same distance. In addition, boundary layer thickness
can be determined by looking these calculated values or experimental data. The distance where pitot
tube value started to be constant or velocity values in boundary layer started to be constant can be
described as boundary layer thickness at that location. For smooth surface at x=15 boundary layer

27
thickness was 5 mm and for rough surface at x=15 boundary layer thickness is 5.5 mm. By looking also
other tables in appendix, it can be said that, boundary layer thickness increased with increasing x value.
Also, rough surface had bigger boundary layer thickness than smooth surface at same x distance. This
arise from rough surface governing to airflow with more seperation and more adverse pressure
gradient. Because of the higher turbulent flow effect increase the bondary layer thickness and disturbs
air flow morely

As seen in Table 8, Reynolds numbers increased with increasing x distance and it was an expected
result when considered calculation of Reynolds number.

In Figure 1.1 - 1.5, real and theoretical velocity profiles can be observed. The theoretical speed profile
started from 0 and the actual speed profile had to start from 0, but the pitot tube could not be
completely placed on the surface, so there was a start distance between the pitot tube and the flat
surface. For this reason he could not start from zero. Although the theoretical velocity profile does
not tend to steadily increase, the actual velocity profile has some oscillations and can be said to have
become steady after the Ue ratio reaches a value of 1. Vibrations can be caused by negative
pressure. This real profile is the expected result. In addition, the first point to reach 1 can be defined
as the boundary layer thickness. The interpretations made in the speed table (Tables 1 to 14) also
apply to these speed profile graphics.In Table 15, measured and theoretical boundary layer
properties were shown. According to Table 15, there were considerably big differences between
experimental and theoretical calculated values. The reason of that, the assumptions behind the
derivation of theoretic equations and the experiment with errors was done on the laboratory both
affected the getting similar results of each other. On the other hand lab is also does not completely
reliable it could be also arise some error. It can be said that experimental results gave more realistic
solutions even it has also some error. However, when one look at the velocity with respect to y
distance profile, as can be seen from the plots for the smooth surface results are so close to
theoretical one. For the rough surface its not so close to each other. But power law has a good
realation to build up velocity profile with respect to y distance.

To sum up, boundary layer thicknesses can be decided by looking at pitot tube values, the velocity in
boundary layers or velocity profile graphs. It was observed that, boundary layer thickness increased
with increasing x distance and rough surface had bigger boundary layer thickness at same x distance.
As expected, Reynolds numbers used for calculation of boundary layer properties also increased with
increasing x distance. In addition to that, difference between rough surface and smooth surface is also
observed at the experiment. Due to the surface roughness increase, velocity profile is disturbed more
than smooth surface this is arise from increase of adverse pressure gradient and seperation becomes
more than smooth surface. In this experiment, the things which are investigated like displacement
thicness, momentum thinkness or skin friction coefficients are so fragile and so small numbers and any
kind of reason has an excessive effect on results. Because of that reason, compared things of
experimental and theoric results couldnt coincide each other well. However, for the power law,
velocity profile with respect to y distance has a really reliable results for smooth surface. On the other
hand, predict of rough surface velocity profile is more complicated than the formula which are used in
this experiment. For the real life there wouldnt be always smooth surface, so to draw a velocity profile
of substance in the airflow, more complicated equations will be needed especially, computational fluid
dynamics. At this lab, to determining real skin friction coefficient of substance doesnt had enough
knowledge. There will be needed lots of work and consideration to complete a aerodyanic
charecteristic of substance in airflow.

28
APPENDIX
Matlab Code
%constant
mmH2O=9.80665; %mmH2O to Pa first Pa used than changed to mBar
rho=1.2; %rho at 20 C
dyn_vis=1.852*10.^-5;
kin_vis= dyn_vis/rho
%% Taking all data
data=importdata('lab5.dat');
y15smth=data(1:14,1);
x15smth=ones(14,1).*15;
Pstag15smth=data(1:14,2).*mmH2O; %Stagnation presssure for x=15cm
Pstat15smth=data(1:14,3).*mmH2O; %Statik pressure for x=15cm
Ppito15smth=data(1:14,4).*mmH2O; %Pitot pressure for x=15cm
y20smth=data(1:14,5); %y values for x=20cm
x20smth=ones(14,1).*20;
Pstag20smth=data(1:14,6).*mmH2O; %Stagnation presssure for x=20cm
Pstat20smth=data(1:14,7).*mmH2O; %Statik pressure for x=20cm
Ppito20s=data(1:14,8).*mmH2O; %Pitot pressure for x=20cm
y25smth=data(1:15,9); %y values for x=25cm
x25smth=ones(15,1).*25;
Pstag25smth=data(1:15,10).*mmH2O; %Stagnation presssure for x=25cm
Pstat25smth=data(1:15,11).*mmH2O; %Statik pressure for x=25cm
Ppito25smth=data(1:15,12).*mmH2O; %Pitot pressure for x=25cm
y15rgh=data(1:23,13);
x15rgh=ones(23,1).*15;
Pstag15rgh=data(1:23,14).*mmH2O;
Pstat15rgh=data(1:23,15).*mmH2O;
Ppito15rgh=data(1:23,16).*mmH2O;
y20rgh=data(1:25,17);
x20rgh=ones(25,1).*20;
Pstag20rgh=data(1:25,18).*mmH2O;
Pstat20rgh=data(1:25,19).*mmH2O;
Ppito20rgh=data(1:25,20).*mmH2O;
y25rgh=data(1:32,21);
x25rgh=ones(32,1).*25;
Pstag25rgh=data(1:32,22).*mmH2O;
Pstat25rgh=data(1:32,23).*mmH2O;
Ppito25rgh=data(1:32,24).*mmH2O;
%% Calculations
Uedge15rgh=sqrt(2.*(Pstag15rgh(1)-Pstat15rgh(1))./rho);%Edge velocity m/s
Uedge20rgh=sqrt(2.*(Pstag20rgh(1)-Pstat20rgh(1))./rho);
Uedge25rgh=sqrt(2.*(Pstag25rgh(1)-Pstat25rgh(1))./rho);
Uedge15smth=sqrt(2.*(Pstag15smth(1)-Pstat15smth(1))./rho);
Uedge20smth=sqrt(2.*(Pstag20smth(1)-Pstat20smth(1))./rho);
Uedge25smth=sqrt(2.*(Pstag25smth(1)-Pstat25smth(1))./rho);
Uedge=(Uedge15rgh+Uedge15rgh+Uedge25rgh+Uedge15smth+Uedge20smth+Uedge25smth
)/6

Re15rgh=Uedge.*0.15./kin_vis; %Reynolds number

Re20rgh=Uedge.*0.20./kin_vis;
Re25rgh=Uedge.*0.25./kin_vis;
Re15smth=Uedge.*0.15./kin_vis;
Re20smth=Uedge.*0.20./kin_vis;
Re25smth=Uedge.*0.25./kin_vis;

for i=1:14;
U15smth(i)=sqrt(2.*(Ppito15smth(i)-Pstat15smth(i))./rho);
vel_defect15smth(i)=1-(U15smth(i)./Uedge);

29
moment_deflect15smth(i)=(U15smth(i)./Uedge).*vel_defect15smth(i);
U20smth(i)=sqrt(2.*(Ppito20s(i)-Pstat20smth(i))./rho);
vel_defect20smth(i)=1-(U20smth(i)./Uedge);
moment_deflect20smth(i)=(U20smth(i)./Uedge).*vel_defect20smth(i);
end
for i=1:15
U25smth(i)=sqrt(2.*(Ppito25smth(i)-Pstat25smth(i))./rho);
vel_defect25smth(i)=1-(U25smth(i)./Uedge);
moment_deflect25s(i)=(U25smth(i)./Uedge).*vel_defect25smth(i);
end
for i=1:23;
U15rgh(i)=sqrt(2.*(Ppito15rgh(i)-Pstat15rgh(i))./rho);
vel_defect15rgh(i)=1-(U15rgh(i)./Uedge);
mpment_deflect15rgh(i)=(U15rgh(i)./Uedge).*vel_defect15rgh(i);
end

for i=1:25;
U20rgh(i)=sqrt(2.*(Ppito20rgh(i)-Pstat20rgh(i))./rho); %Velocity in BL
vel_defect20rgh(i)=1-(U20rgh(i)./Uedge); %Velocity deflection
moment_deflect20rgh(i)=(U20rgh(i)./Uedge).*vel_defect20rgh(i);
end

for i=1:32;
U25rgh(i)=sqrt(2.*(Ppito25rgh(i)-Pstat25rgh(i))./rho); %Velocity in BL
vel_defect25rgh(i)=1-(U25rgh(i)./Uedge); %Velocity deflection
moment_deflect25rgh(i)=(U25rgh(i)./Uedge).*vel_defect25rgh(i);
end

disp_15smthMea=trapz(y15smth,vel_defect15smth)*10^-3; %measured
displacement thickness
disp_20smthMea=trapz(y20smth,vel_defect20smth)*10^-3;
disp_25smthMea=trapz(y25smth,vel_defect25smth)*10^-3;
disp_15rghMea=trapz(y15rgh,vel_defect15rgh)*10^-3;
disp_20rghMea=trapz(y20rgh,vel_defect20rgh)*10^-3;
disp_25rghMea=trapz(y25rgh,vel_defect25rgh)*10^-3;

moment15smthMea=trapz(y15smth,moment_deflect15smth)*10^-3; %measured
momentum thickness
moment20smthMea=trapz(y20smth,moment_deflect20smth)*10^-3;
moment25smthMea=trapz(y25smth,moment_deflect25s)*10^-3;
moment15rghMea=trapz(y15rgh,mpment_deflect15rgh)*10^-3;
moment20rghMea=trapz(y20rgh,moment_deflect20rgh)*10^-3;
moment25rghMea=trapz(y25rgh,moment_deflect25rgh)*10^-3;

H15smth=disp_15smthMea./moment15smthMea; %shape factor

H20smth=disp_20smthMea./moment20smthMea;
H25smth=disp_25smthMea./moment25smthMea;
H15rgh=disp_15rghMea./moment15rghMea;
H20rgh=disp_20rghMea./moment20rghMea;
H25rgh=disp_25rghMea./moment25rghMea;

disp_15smthTeo=0.046.*0.15./Re15smth.^0.2; %teoretical displacement

thickness
disp_20smthTeo=0.046.*0.20./Re20smth.^0.2;
disp_25smthTeo=0.046.*0.25./Re25smth.^0.2;
disp_15rghTeo=0.046.*0.15./Re15rgh.^0.2;
disp_20rghTeo=0.046.*0.20./Re20rgh.^0.2;
disp_25rghTeo=0.046.*0.25./Re25rgh.^0.2;

moment15smthTeo=0.036.*0.15./Re15smth.^0.2;

30
moment20smthTeo=0.036.*0.20./Re20smth.^0.2;
mom_th25smthTeo=0.036.*0.25./Re25smth.^0.2;
moment15rghTeo=0.036.*0.15./Re15rgh.^0.2; %measured momentum thickness
moment20rghTeo=0.036.*0.20./Re20rgh.^0.2;
moment25rghTeo=0.036.*0.25./Re25rgh.^0.2;

Cf_15smthTeo=0.074./Re15smth.^0.2;%theoretical skin friction

Cf_20smthTeo=0.074./Re20smth.^0.2;
Cf_25smthTeo=0.074./Re25smth.^0.2;
Cf_15rghTeo=0.074./Re15rgh.^0.2;
Cf_20rghTeo=0.074./Re20rgh.^0.2;
Cf_25rghTeo=0.074./Re25rgh.^0.2;

HT=1.29; %theoretical shape factor

der_moment_smth(1)=((moment15smthMea)./100)/1000; %derivation of momentum

thickness wrt x
der_moment_smth(2)=((moment20smthMea-moment15smthMea)./(50))/1000;
der_moment_smth(3)=((moment25smthMea-moment20smthMea)./(50))/1000;
der_moment_rgh(1)=((moment15rghMea)./100)/1000;
der_moment_rgh(2)=((moment20rghMea-moment15rghMea)./(50))/1000;
der_moment_rgh(3)=((moment25rghMea-moment20rghMea)./(50))/1000;

Cf_15smthMea=2.*der_moment_smth(1);%skin friction coefficient

Cf_20smthMea=2.*der_moment_smth(2);
Cf_25smthMea=2.*der_moment_smth(3);
Cf_10rghMea=2.*der_moment_rgh(1);
Cf15rghMea=2.*der_moment_rgh(2);
Cf25rghMea=2.*der_moment_rgh(3);

PL15smth=(y15smth./5).^(1./7); %theretical velocity profile

PL20smth=(y20smth./4.5).^(1./7);
PL25smth=(y25smth./6).^(1./7);
PL15rgh=(y15rgh./5.5).^(1./7);
PL20rgh=(y20rgh./7.5).^(1./7);
PL25rgh=(y25rgh./9.5).^(1./7);

Pdif_smt_15=(Ppito15smth-Pstat15smth)./100
Pdif_rgh_15=(Ppito15rgh-Pstat15rgh)./100
Pdif_smt_20=(Ppito20s-Pstat20smth)./100
Pdif_rgh_20=(Ppito20rgh-Pstat20rgh)./100
Pdif_smt_25=(Ppito25smth-Pstat25smth)./100
Pdif_rgh_25=(Ppito25rgh-Pstat25rgh)./100

%% Plotting graphs
y15rgh=y15rgh./2
y15smth=y15smth./2
y20rgh=y20rgh./2
y20smth=y20smth./2
y25rgh=y25rgh./2
y25smth=y25smth./2
figure;
plot(U15rgh./Uedge,y15rgh,'-.','LineWidth',2);
hold on;
plot(PL15rgh,y15rgh,'LineWidth',2);
xlabel('U(y)/Ue');
ylabel('y(mm)');
title('Rough Surface x=15cm');
legend('Real Velocity Profile','Theoretical Velociy Profile'...
,'Location','Best');

31
grid on;
grid minor;
figure;
plot(U20rgh./Uedge,y20rgh,'-.','LineWidth',2);
hold on;
plot(PL20rgh,y20rgh,'LineWidth',2);
xlabel('U(y)/Ue');
ylabel('y(mm)');
title('Rough Surface x=20cm');
legend('Real Velocity Profile','Theoretical Velociy Profile'...
,'Location','Best');
grid on;
grid minor;
figure;
plot(U25rgh./Uedge,y25rgh,'-.','LineWidth',2);
hold on;
plot(PL25rgh,y25rgh,'LineWidth',2);
xlabel('U(y)/Ue');
ylabel('y(mm)');
title('Rough Surface x=25cm');
legend('Real Velocity Profile','Theoretical Velociy Profile'...
,'Location','Best');
grid on;
grid minor;
figure;
plot(U15smth./Uedge,y15smth,'-.','LineWidth',2);
hold on;
plot(PL15smth,y15smth,'LineWidth',2);
xlabel('U(y)/Ue');
ylabel('y(mm)');
title('Smooth Surface x=15cm');
legend('Real Velocity Profile','Theoretical Velociy Profile'...
,'Location','Best');
grid on;
grid minor;
figure;
plot(U20smth./Uedge,y20smth,'-.','LineWidth',2);
hold on;
plot(PL20smth,y20smth,'LineWidth',2);
xlabel('U(y)/Ue');
ylabel('y(mm)');
title('Smooth Surface x=20cm');
legend('Real Velocity Profile','Theoretical Velociy Profile'...
,'Location','Best');
grid on;
grid minor;
figure;
plot(U25smth./Uedge,y25smth,'-.','LineWidth',2);
hold on;
plot(PL25smth,y25smth,'LineWidth',2);
xlabel('U(y)/Ue');
ylabel('y(mm)');
title('Smooth Surface x=25cm');
legend('Real Velocity Profile','Theoretical Velociy Profile'...
,'Location','Best');
grid on;
grid minor;

32
REFERENCES
Anderson, J. (2001). Fundamentals of aerodynamics (3rd ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.

John, J., & Haberman, W. (1971). Introduction to fluid mechanics. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:
Prentice-Hall.

33