On Turbulent Boundary Layer Development along a Smooth Flat Plate at Zero Incidence and Zero Pressure Gradient
A. E. Eyo
Abstract
Incorporating the one-seventh power law in the integral form of momentum equation in conjunction with the
expression for the turbulent viscous shear stress, we establish relations for the turbulent boundary layer thickness
as well as for viscous shear stress. The analysis is based on a steady, turbulent, constant property, two
dimensional boundary layer flow over a flat plate at zero angle of approach and zero pressure gradient. We
proceed to obtain a shape factor typical of the turbulent flow. Comparison of the exact and approximate values
of the boundary layer thickness and shape factor leads to the determination of the percentage error for each of
these characteristics. It is observed that as the boundary layer flow becomes more turbulent (i.e Re >> 5 105),
where Re is the Reynolds number, these parameters decrease in value with consequent increase in the percentage
error.
Full Text: PDF