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Boundary Layer
In fluid mechanics, the term boundary layer refers to a thin layer of flowing liquid or gas in
contact with a surface like a boundary layer in pipe flow or the surface of an aeroplane wing.
The fluid present in the boundary is subjected to shearing forces, and there exists a range of
velocities across the boundary from maximum to zero. This occurs only when the fluid comes in
contact with the surface of an object.
Boundary layer concepts in an aircraft wing are thicker toward the trailing edge while thinner at
the leading edge. The boundary layer flow is generally turbulent in the downstream or trailing
portion and laminar at the top or upstream
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What is Boundary Layer Theory?
Boundary-Layer theory states that when a real fluid flows over a solid body, the boundary's
velocity remains zero only if the boundary is stationary. However, if the object moves away from
the boundary in a perpendicular direction, the rate increases to the free stream velocity; this
means a velocity gradient- (du/day). Velocity gradient (du/day) does not exist outside the
boundary as the outside boundary layer velocity is equal and constant to the free stream
velocity. The development of the boundary layer is of three regions- laminar, turbulent, and
transition.
Boundary Layer Theory in Fluid Mechanics
The boundary layer theory in fluid mechanics states that when a fluid has a relative motion to
the surface, the liquid particles next to it adheres. This adhering mechanism is known as the
‘no-slip condition. Through viscosity, this layer then creates a barrier or resists the next layer,
thus slowing it down, which, in turn, affects the layer above it, and this mechanism goes on.
Therefore, when an object moves away from the surface, it experiences fluid layers of
increasing velocity till the object reaches the layer where the fluid holds no velocity reduction or
moves toward free stream velocity. Theoretically, this occurs at infinity. For brevity’s sake,
boundary layer definition is the thickness starting from the surface to the point that comprisesVedaniti,
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Therefore, the real fluid phenomena are restricted within the boundary layer, and this is why an
object experiences friction drag or vice-versa. The layer will also keep growing along the
surface's length.
For instance, the ripples around the boat or a canoe in calm water are limited to only a certain
distance from the canoe or boat's body. This is a simple visualisation of the boundary layer
around the boat or canoe.
Boundary Layer in Aerodynamics
The boundary layer in aerodynamics is significant because the shape of the aerofoil changes
effectively in its presence. The boundary layer flow can be attached to the aerofoil's surface at
lower angles of attack, resulting in Laminar flow, or it can be separated from the aerofoil surface
at high angles of attack, resulting in a separated flow.
The nature of the boundary's characterisation regards Reynold's number, which determines the
ratio between inertial and viscous forces. If the viscous forces dominate the inertia forces, the
boundary remains attached to the aerofoil resulting in a laminar flow. If the inertia forces
dominate the viscous forces, then the boundary is no longer attached to the aerofoil resulting in
a separated flow. The viscous flow acts parallel to the surface of the aerofoil resulting in shear
forces
In aerodynamics, the boundary layer definition will be in terms of viscosity. Thus, the boundary
layer is a region in the vicinity of the viscous forces' aerofoil surface.
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