Homework #4 Due Date: 02/28/2020

Problem 1:
Consider laminar flow over a wedge shown in the following figure. The potential flow
solution yields a flow with a variable free stream velocity of .
a) Using the similarity parameters, show that the energy equation can be expressed in
the following form.
where

b) Using this O.D.E., derive a general expression for non-dimensional temperature

profile ( ).
c) Determine for a fluid with very low Prandtl number (i.e. Pr<<1) over a wedge with
an angle of .
d) Using determined in section c, determine an equation for Nu number along the
wall.
(40 points)
Flow y x
Direction

Problem 2:
For two-dimensional stagnation flow, the potential flow solution yields a velocity
distribution that follows u∞=Cx. The similarity solution for 2-D stagnation flow gives,
Nu x = 0.57 Re x1/2 Pr 2/5

a) Given that the potential flow solution for cross flow over a cylinder is , in
the stagnation region, use this result and the solution for 2-D stagnation flow to
estimate the Nusselt number ( NuR (Re R , Pr) ) variation in the stagnation region.

b) How does the heat transfer coefficient vary with the radius of curvature for cross
flow over a cylinder?
c) Given that the potent flow solution for flow over a sphere is , in the
stagnation region, use this result and the solution for 2-D stagnation flow to estimate
the Nusselt number ( NuR (Re R , Pr) ) variation in the stagnation region.

d) How does the heat transfer coefficient vary with radius of curvature for flow over a
sphere?

e) Considering the results from (b) and (d), should the nose of a space re-entry vehicle
have a larger or smaller radius of curvature? Explain your answer.
(40 points)
Homework #4 Due Date: 02/28/2020
Problem 3:
Consider free-stream velocity flow along a constant-temperature semi-infinite plate.
When the Prandtl number is very high, the velocity boundary layer will be very much
thicker than the thermal boundary layer. Assume that the thermal boundary layer is
entirely within the part of the velocity boundary layer in which the velocity profile is
approximately linear. Using the O.D.E. form of the energy equation ( ),
show that the following expression for the local Nusselt number can be determined. You

may use and to calculate an integral you arrive at

during the derivation process

(40 points)