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Study Notes on Boundary Layer Theory - Study Notes Boundary Layer Theory EXIT
Day 7 | Boundary Layer & Dimensionless | Study Notes

Boundary layer phenomenon occurs when a uid ows over a at plate causing laminar or turbulent
ow. This topic de nes various parameters such as Energy thickness, Momentum thickness, Boundary
layer thickness etc.
Boundary Layer Theory
When a real uid ows over a solid body, the velocity of uid at the boundary will be zero. If boundary
is stationary. As we move away from boundary in perpendicular direction velocity increases to the free

stream velocity. It means velocity gradient  will exist.

Note: velocity gradient  does not exist outside the boundary layer as outside the boundary layer
velocity is constant and equal to free stream velocity.
Development of Boundary Layer: Development of boundary layer can be divided in three regions:
laminar, transition, turbulent.

Reynolds number 
For laminar boundary layer
(Re)x < 5 × 105 (For at plate) and if (Re)x > 5 × 105
where Re = Reynold number
Then, ow is turbulent.

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Here, x is distance from leading edge in horizontal direction.

Boundary Layer Thickness (δ): It is the distance from the boundary to the point where velocity of uid
is approximately equal to 99% of free stream velocity. It is represented by δ.

Displacement Thickness (δ*): It is observed that inside the boundary layer velocity of uid is less than
free stream velocity hence, discharge is less in this region. To compensate for reduction in discharge
the boundary is displaced outward in perpendicular direction by some distance. This distance is
called displacement thickness (δ*).

Momentum Thickness (θ): As due to boundary layer reduction in velocity occurs so, momentum also
decreases. Momentum thickness is de ned as the distance measured normal to boundary of solid
body by which the boundary should be displaced to compensate for the reduction in momentum of
owing uid.

Energy Thickness (δ**): It is de ned as distance measured perpendicular to the boundary of solid
body by which the boundary should be displaced to compensate for reduction in kinetic energy of
owing uid (KE decreases due to formation of boundary layer)

Boundary Conditions for the Velocity Pro le: Boundary conditions are as

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Laminar Flow: A ow in which uid ows in layer and no intermixing with each other is known as
laminar ow. For circular pipe, ow will be laminar.

Where, ρ = Density of uid, v = Velocity of uid, D = Diameter of pipe, μ = Viscosity of uid.

For at plate ow will be laminar.

Where L is length of plate.

Turbulent Flow: In this ow, adjacent layer of uid cross each other (particles of uid move randomly
instead of moving in stream line path), for ow inside pipe. If Re > 4000, the ow is considered
turbulent, for at plate, Re > 5 × 105.
Von Karman Momentum Integral Equation

where, θ = momentum thickness

Shear stress: 
Where, U = Free stream velocity; ρ = Density of uid.
Local Coe cient of Drag (C*D):

It is de ned as the ratio of the shear stress τ0 to the quantity 

It is denoted by 
Average Coe cient of Drag (CD):

It is de ned as the ratio of the total drag force to 

Where, A = Area of surface, U = Free stream velocity, ρ = Mass density of uid.

Total drag on a at plate due to laminar and turbulent boundary layer:-
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Total darg= Laminar drag upto tansition boundary+ turbulent drag for whole plate- turbulent drag upto
transition boundary
Drag force=FD = ½ ρ * v2 * CD * A
Blassius Experiment Results

For laminar ow, 

Coe cient of drag 

Average coe cient of drag 

For turbulent ow,    where x = Distance from leading edge Rex = Reynold number for
length x.
Rex = Reyonold number at end of plane

Coe cient of drag 

Average coe cient of drag 

For laminar ow 

f = Boundary layer thickness, 

τ0 = Shear stress at solid surface
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x = Distance from where solid surface starts.
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Velocity pro le for turbulent boundary layer is

Conditions for Boundary Layer Separation: Let us take curve surface ABCSD where uid ow

separation print S is determined from the condition .

If  the ow is separated 

If  the ow is on the average of separation 

If  the ow will not separate or ow will remain attained 

Methods of Preventing Separation of Boundary Layer: Suction of slow moving uid by a suction slot.

Supplying additional energy from a blower.

Providing a bypass in the slotted
Rotating boundary in the direction of ow.
Providing small divergence in a diffuser.
Providing guide blades in a bend.
Providing a trip wire ring in the laminar region for the ow over a sphere.

Thanks

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