AF1600f User Guide 1122

AF1600f
Flat Plate Boundary Layer

User Guide
© TecQuipment Ltd 2019, Original Instructions
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BW/1122
Symbols Used in this Manual
AF1600f Flat Plate Boundary Layer
Contents
Introduction .................................................................. 1
Description ................................................................... 3
Technical Details ............................................................ 5
Sound Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Assembly and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
X/Y Traverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Notation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Gauge and Absolute Pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Air Density (r) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Compressibility and Viscosity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Velocity (u) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Reynolds Number (Re) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
The Boundary Layer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Definitions of Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The Effect of Pressure Gradient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Experiment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Aims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Results Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Further Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Typical Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Smooth Flat Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Maintenance, Spare Parts and Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Spare Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
TecQuipment Ltd User Guide

TecQuipment Ltd User Guide

AF1600f
Flat Plate Boundary layer
User Guide
Introduction
Figure 1 Smooth Flat Plate Boundary Layer Model (AF1600f)
Engineers learning about aerodynamics and fluid mechanics need to understand the way that moving
fluid creates boundary layers as it passes over different surfaces. This helps them to understand why
boundary layer conditions may affect their test results or real-life applications of fluid control. Engineers
can then use this knowledge to allow for boundary layer problems (or advantages) when air and fluids
pass through or around the parts of their own designs.
TecQuipment’s Flat Plate Boundary Layer Model fits to the AF1600f Wind Tunnel and connects to the
Differential Pressure Display (DP6) or other suitable manometer or pressure reading device.
It uses a Pitot probe to measure the pressure and from this, derive the velocity of air as it passes along
a rough or smooth surface. It shows how a smooth surface can give a smaller boundary layer than a
rough surface.
TecQuipment Ltd 1 User Guide

User Guide 2 TecQuipment Ltd

Description
Flat Plate Pitot

Mounting Plate
Smooth Probe
Adjustable
Feet Cotton Bag
Post
Flat Plate Static Hex Screws
rough Probe and Tool
Figure 2 The Flat Plate Boundary Layer Model (AF1600f)
The Flat Plate Boundary Layer Model (AF1600f) fits to the working section of the AF1600s Wind Tunnel.
It rests on four adjustable feet and is fixed to a model holder in the base of the working section via a post
and fitting hole.
The Boundary Layer Model consists of a mounting frame and two flat plates, a static probe and a Pitot
probe.
One flat plate has a smooth surface and the other a rough surface to allow comparisons on boundary
layer growth.
The static and Pitot probes fit to the Pitot-static XY Traverse (AF1600xy) supplied with the AF1600s.
These special probes allow pressures to be measured very close to the flat plate’s surface.
The AF1600xy is a traverse to measure the boundary layer at multiple positions.
The probes connect to the Dual Differential Pressure Display (DP6) which displays the pressure to allow
the boundary layer velocity to be calculated.


Technical Details
Item Details
Operating environment Indoor laboratory environment

Altitude up to 2000 m
Overvoltage category 2 (as specified in EN61010-1).
Pollution degree 2 (as specified in EN61010-1).
Temperature range 5°C to 40°C
Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31°C,
decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40°C
Flat Plate (each)

Nett Dimensions and Weight 750 mm (length), 595 mm (width) 10 mm (nominal depth)
2 kg (nominal weight)
Traverse Window
Nett Dimensions and Weight 640 mm (length), 590 mm (width) 188 mm (depth)
1.5 kg (nominal weight)
Sound Levels
The sound levels for this apparatus are below 70 dB(A).
However:
Ear defenders are required when running the AF1600 wind tunnel - see its User Guide for details.
Wear ear defenders when the AF1600 wind tunnel is in

operation.


Assembly and Installation
Assembly
The model is supplied in Four main parts.
• Probes (static probe and Pitot probe)

• Mounting plate
• Flat plates (smooth and rough)
• Post and model holder
Figure 3 AF1600f Main Parts
Take great care not to knock or scratch the flat plates as any marks on the
surface will affect the experiment results.
Always keep the flat plates in their bags when not in use.
Installation
1.
Fitting the Post to the Mounting Plate

2. Loosen all three grub screws around the collar located centrally on the base of the mounting plate.
3. Insert the end of the post without the hole, into the collar and loosely tighten the grub screws so that
they hold the post but it can still turn.

4. Turn the post until the hole is aligned side to side with the mounting plate (Figure 4).
5. Tighten the three grub screws to fix the post in place.
Figure 4 Align Post
Fitting the Mounting Plate

1. Open the side window of the AF1600 and remove any models already fitted see the AF1600 User
Guide for instructions.
2. If it is fitted, remove the three component balance (AF1600t) see its User Guide for instructions.
3. Ensure that a plug has been fitted into the side window if a model has been removed.
4. Remove the plug from the base window of the AF1600 and retain.
5. Fit the mounting plate into the base window of the AF1600.
6. Replace the thumbscrew (removed when fitting the mounting post), passing it through the model
holder, through the hole in the base of the front post and out through the model holder (Figure 5).
Figure 5 Fitting Model to Model Holder
7. Replace the thumbnut on the end of the screw and tighten to finger tight (Figure 5).

8. Using a levelling tool (not supplied) adjust the feet to ensure that the model is level from front to
back, left to right and up and down (Figure 6).
Figure 6 Level the Model in Three Planes
Fitting the Plate
To prevent damage, ensure that any Pitot probes are raised before fitting,
adjusting or removing the plate.
1. Raise both the Pitot probes.
2. Place the Flat Plate Boundary Layer model onto the mounting plate in the tunnel using the six hex
screws and hex tool (supplied).
3. The chamfered edge must be towards the tunnel inlet.
4. Re-check the levels and adjust if necessary.
Figure 7 Flat Plate in Working Section

X/Y Traverse
The X/Y Pitot-static Traverse instrument (AF1600xy) needs to be converted to an X/Y Pitot Traverse
instrument for the purposes of this experiment.
Removing the Pitot-static Probe

1. If it is currently fitted to the AF1600, remove the AF1600xy Pitot-static (upright only, leave the base
in position) from the top of the working section. See the AF1600xy User Guide for instructions on
how to do this.
2. Disconnect the probes from the upright and unscrew the clamps holding the Pitot-static probe onto
the upright (Figure 8).
Figure 8 Undo Clamps
3. Remove the plate from the base of the upright and thread it off the Pitot-static probe (Figure 9).

Figure 9 Remove the Base Plate
4. Remove the brass collars from beneath the plate (Figure 10).
Figure 10 Brass Collars
5. Remove the Pitot-static probe by: withdrawing it upwards from the base of the upright (Figure 11b).
Figure 11 Withdraw the Pitot-static Probe.

Fitting the Pitot Probe

1. Insert the Pitot probe through the base of the upright, ensuring that the probe is facing the correct
direction (Figure 12(a)).
2. Replace the brass collars and the plate on the base of the upright (Figure 12(b)).
Figure 12 Fit Pitot Probe
3. Tighten the clamps holding the probe to the upright (Figure 13).

Figure 13 Tighten Clamps
Fitting the XY Traverse to the AF1600

1. If the AF1600xy base is not already fitted to the top of the AF1600 working section, fit it according
to the instructions in its User Guide.
2. Following the instructions in the AF1600xy User Guide fit the X/Y Travers upright to its base on top
of the AF1600 working section.
Fitting the Static Probe

Once the AF1600xy has been fitted to the top of the AF1600 working section.
1. Slide the white washer up the static probe until it sits below the fitting at the top.
2. Fit the static probe to the X/Y Traverse by sliding it downwards into the working section through the
hole in the top of the X/Y Traverse base and screw it into place (Figure 14).

Figure 14 Fit the Static Probe
3. Connect the tubing as shown in the X/Y Traverse User Guide.
4.
Setting the Pitot Zero Point

1. Move the X/Y Traverse towards the wind tunnel inlet as far as it will go.
2. Lower the Pitot probe and adjust so that it is touching the flat plate and flush to the leading edge of
the plate.
3. Zero both DTIs on the X/Y Traverse (Figure 15).

Figure 15 Zeroing the Probes
It is necessary to add a 1 mm offset to the Pitot position in the y plane, to

calculations to account for the probe diameter.


Theory
Notation
Symbol Term Units

aT Acoustic Velocity at throat m.s-1
A Area m2
A and AT Area and area at throat m2
B Breadth m
L Plate Surface length m
p, pa , po , pc and Pressure, ambient pressure and pressure in the air box Pa or N.m-2
pe
R Gas Constant 287 J/kg.K for air
T and Ta Temperature and ambient temperature K or C where shown
u and uT Air velocity and at throat m.s-1
 Specific heat capacity ratio 1.4 for air
p Pitot-static differential pressure Pa or N.m-2
 Dynamic viscosity of air (at 20°C) 1.82 x 10-5 Pas
 Kinematic viscosity of air m2.s-1
 Density kg.m-3
Table 1 Notation
Gauge and Absolute Pressures

Many scientific experiments use pressures measured with respect to absolute zero (a perfect vacuum).
These are termed absolute pressures. The pressures used in the experiments with this equipment are
all based on the pressures measured by the manometer and relative to atmospheric. These are termed
gauge pressures and are acceptable for use in the associated theory provided they are consistent.
However, ambient (atmospheric) pressure is always absolute.
Air Density ()

As with most fluids, the density of air changes with pressure and temperature. To accurately compare
results of fluid experiments, it is always useful to know the density of the fluid being used.
pa
 = --------
-
RT a

For these air flow experiments, the ambient temperature and pressure can be used to find the ambient
air density around the experiment.
Compressibility and Viscosity

Most gases are fluids that can be easily compressed - their volume and density changes. They are said
to be compressible fluids. Many liquids such as water are fluids that cannot be easily compressed. They
are said to be incompressible fluids. However, when gases move at very low Mach numbers
(subsonic), they can generally be treated as incompressible flow fluids, as they will not have undergone
much compression.
Viscosity is a measure of how easily a fluid flows over or around other objects. A fluid (like honey for
example) that flows slowly over other objects may be highly viscous. A fluid (like water or air) that flows
easily over other objects has a very low viscosity and may be termed inviscid.
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. Low viscosity fluids (like water) flow easily. High
viscosity fluids (like honey or treacle) flow less easily.
There are two related measures of viscosity:
Dynamic or Absolute Viscosity ()
This value is often called simple viscosity. It is the basic measure of viscosity in Pa.s-1 (Pascals per
second).
Kinematic Viscosity ()
This is the ratio of dynamic viscosity to density, or ‘resistive flow under the influence of gravity’. It is
measured in m2.s-1 (metres squared per second) or sometimes in Centistokes (cSt).
 = 
---

Velocity (u)
As the flow velocity changes along the passage, the Pitot pressure allows the local velocity to be found
at any point through the passage from a rearrangement of the standard Bernoulli equation.
2  pt – ps  2p
u = ----------------------- = ---------- (1)
 
Reynolds Number (Re)

During the 19th Century, an Irish physicist, Osborne Reynolds experimented with fluid flow. His
experiments led him to create an equation that helps to simplify the variables in many equations of fluid
dynamics:
Re = uL
----------

or as shown in some textbooks:
Re = uL
------ (as = )


In terms of fluid flow along a surface length L, a Reynolds number greater than 4000 indicates turbulent
flow. A Reynolds number less than 2300 indicates laminar flow.
The Boundary Layer
Figure 16 Boundary Layer Flow over a Plate
Engineers and scientists have found that when a fluid flows over a solid surface, there is no slip at the
surface. The fluid in immediate contact with a surface moves with it, and the relative velocity increases
from zero at the surface to the velocity in the free stream. It does this through a layer of fluid called the
boundary layer.
Consider steady flow over a flat smooth plate as shown in Figure 16, with a streaming velocity U constant
over the length of the plate. The thickness of the boundary layer grows along the length of the plate as
indicated in the diagram. The motion in the boundary layer is laminar at the beginning, but if the plate is
long enough, part of the flow can become turbulent. This change to turbulent flow is produced by small
disturbances which, beyond a certain distance, grow rapidly and merge to produce the apparently
random fluctuations of velocity characteristic of turbulent motion. The Reynolds number Rex quantifies
the position of the transition based on distance x from the leading edge, where:
Ux
Re x = ------- (2)

The nature of the process of transition renders it prone to factors such as turbulence in the free stream
and surface roughness of the boundary, so it is impossible to give a single value of Rex at which
transition will occur, but it is usually found in the range 100000 to 500000.
Definitions of Thickness
The boundary layer thickness, shown in Figure 16 as the thickness where the velocity reaches the free
stream value, is not completely true. The velocity in the boundary layer increases towards U in an
asymptotic manner, so in reality, accurate measurement determines the distance y at which velocity
reaches U.

Figure 17 Velocity Distribution and thickness of Boundary Layer
Figure 17 shows the approaching streamline and a much more useful concept of thickness by which the
layer displaces fluid outside the layer. The curve 0A shows the distribution of velocity u within the layer
as a function of distance y from the boundary. If there were no boundary layer, the free stream velocity
U would persist right down to the boundary as shown by the line CA. The reduction in volume flow rate
(per unit width normal to the diagram) is due to the reduction of velocity in the layer is therefore:
Q =   U – u  dy (3)
0
This corresponds to the shaded area 0AC in the diagram, the dimension h being chosen so that u = U
for any value of y greater than h. If the volume flow rate is now considered to be restored by displacement
of the streamline at A'A away from the surface to a position B'B through a distance *, the volume flow
rate between A'A and B'B is also Q, and this is seen to be
Q = U (4)
Combining the results of equations 3 and 4 gives:
h
1

 = ----  U – u  dy
U
0
or
h
u
 =   1 – ---U- dy
0
Now h is any arbitrary value that satisfies the condition u = U or 1- u/U = 0 for all values of y greater than
h. The value of h may therefore be increased indefinitely without affecting the value of the integral, so
we allow h to increase towards infinity h   . This gives the result:


u
 =   1 – ---U- dy
0
We shall see that in the practical measurement of * from a measured velocity distribution, the infinite
upper limit presents no difficulty.
Figure 18 Mass and Momentum flux in Boundary Layer
A further definition is required when momentum effects within the boundary layer are considered. See
Figure 18. Consider a control volume of length x, height h (greater than the boundary layer thickness )
and unit thickness normal to the plane of the diagrams. The rate of mass inflow is m· at the left-hand
end, and the rate of mass outflow at the right-hand end is:
dm·
m· + ------- x
dx
Consideration of continuity then shows the outflow through the upper surface to be:
– dm·
---------- x
dx
The momentum equation may now be derived as follows.
The net rate of efflux of x-component of momentum

· from the control volume is the sum of:
M
·
· + dM
M -------- x at the right-hand end
dx
· at the left-hand end

–M
dm·
and – U ------- x at the upper surface
dx

Note: Over the upper surface, the x-component of velocity is U, and the mass outflow rate is:
– d m·
---------- x
dx
If the surface shear stress is w acting in the direction shown in Figure 18, the momentum equation is
then:
· ·
· + dM
–  w x = M · – U dm
-------- x – M ------- x
dx dx
which simplifies to
dm· dM ·
 w = U ------- – --------
dx dx
or
d ·
 w = ------  Um· – M (5)
dx
Now
m· =  u dy (6)
0
and
h
· =  u 2 dy
M  (7)
0
so substituting these into Equation 5 gives:
h
d 2
 w =  ------
dx   Uu – u  dy
0
or
h
d u u
 ---U-  1 – ---U- dy
2
 w = U ------
dx
0
Since u = U for all values of y greater than h, the arbitrary limit may be replaced by infinity, giving


2 d u u
 w = U ------
dx  ---U-  1 – ---U- dy (8)
0
It is convenient to express w in the dimensionless form of a local skin friction coefficient:
w
c f = ------------- (9)
1 2
--- U
2
and if this is done, Equation 8 becomes:

d u u
c f = 2 ------
dx  ---U-  1 – ---U- dy (10)
0
To simplify this, most of the equation can be substituted with a variable known as the momentum
thickness of the boundary layer where:

u u
 =  ---U-  1 – ---U- dy
0
So this simplifies Equation 10 to
d
c f = 2 ------- (11)
dx
The total skin friction force per unit width on a plate of length L is:
Df =  w dx
Writing w in terms of cf from Equation 9 becomes:
L
1 2
D f = --- U c f dx
2 
0
and from Equation 11:
L
1 2 d
D f = --- U  2 ------- dx
2 dx 
0
When x = 0,  = 0, and writing L for the momentum thickness at distance L from the leading edge,

1 2
D f = --- U  2  L (12)
2
The skin friction force Df is now written in terms of a dimensionless overall skin friction coefficient
CF where
Df
C F = ----------------
- (13)
1 2
--- U L
2
and substituting Df from Equation 13 gives:
2
C F = ---------L- (14)
L
This equation gives the overall skin friction coefficient on a flat plate very simply in terms of the
momentum thickness at the trailing edge and the length of the plate.
It is frequently useful to refer to the ratio of displacement thickness * to momentum thickness , and
this is called the shape factor H:

H = ----- (15)

The calculation of the velocity profiles and thickness of boundary layers is beyond the scope of this
manual, but for reference and for comparison with results of experiments a few results are presented
here. For a laminar boundary layer along a flat plate with uniform free stream velocity, the velocity profile
has been calculated as shown in Table 2.
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0

Re
y ------------x
x
u/U 0 0.1659 0.3298 0.4868 0.6298 0.8461 0.9555 0.9916 0.9990
Table 2 Velocity Distribution for Laminar Boundary along a Flat Plate

Re
y ------------x
Note the dimensionless parameter x used in the table, which generalises the results to any value
of distance x along the plate. For this laminar layer, the displacement thickness * and the momentum
thickness  are given by:
1.721x
 = ---------------- (16)
Re x
0.664x
and  = ---------------- (17)
Re x

from which it may be noted that the thickness along the plate grows in proportion to x . The shape
factor is
H = 2.59
For a turbulent boundary layer along a smooth flat plate, there are no corresponding calculated
results. Frequently the velocity distribution is expressed in the form
1
---
u y n
---- =  -- (18)
U  
Where n is an index which varies from about 5 to 8 as the value of Rex increases in the range of 105 to
109, although there are many alternative expressions. The displacement and momentum thickness are
frequently quoted as:
0.046x
 = ---------------
0.2
- (19)
Re x
 = 0.036x
---------------
0.2
- (20)
Re x
With the shape factor
H = 1.29
The Effect of Pressure Gradient

The earlier theory has related to boundary layer development along a smooth plate with uniform flow in
the free stream - in conditions of zero pressure gradient along the plate. These conditions occur in simple
parallel wall passages or ‘throats’.
For an accelerating free stream (such as in a nozzle), the pressure falls in the direction of flow, the
pressure gradient being given by differentiating Bernoulli's equation in the free stream as
------ = –------------------
dp UdU
- (21)
dx dx
The pressure gradient (accelerating free stream) reduces the boundary layer growth and transition to
turbulent flow.
For a decelerating free stream (such as in a diffuser), the reverse happens - the boundary layer grows
more rapidly and the shape factor increases in the downstream direction. The pressure rises in the flow
direction, and the pressure rise retards the slower moving fluid in the boundary layer more severely than
that in the main stream. Energy diffuses from the free stream through the outer part of the boundary layer
down towards the surface to keep the forward movement against the rising pressure. However, if the
pressure gradient is steep enough, this diffusion will not keep the forward movement. So, the flow along
the surface reverses, forcing the main stream to separate. It is this ‘separation’ (often called stall), that

leads to the main component of drag on bluff bodies and to the collapse of the lift force on an aerofoil at
a high incidence angle.
For the AF1600f, very minor accelerating flow is expected.

Experiment
Safety
Switch off the fan when it is not in use.

If the equipment is not used as described in these instructions, its
protective parts may not work correctly.
Wear ear defenders when the AF1600f wind tunnel is in

operation.
When fitting, removing or adjusting the flat plates always lift the Pitot and static
probes away from the surface before moving the plate, to prevent damage.
Aims
To discover how surface finish and flow acceleration or deceleration affect boundary layer conditions.
Procedure
1. Ensure that the Pitot-static probe in the X/Y Traverse (AF1600xy) has been swapped for a Pitot
probe, see X/Y Traverse on page 10.
2. Ensure that the static probe has been fitted, see Fitting the Static Probe on page 13.
3. Ensure that the X/Y Traverse instrument has been installed on top of the AF1600 working section,
see its User Guide for instructions.
4. Connect the Pitot and Static probes to the Differential Pressure Display Unit (DP6), see the DP6
User Guide.
5. Create a blank results table similar to Table 3.
6. Decide whether the smooth or rough flat plate is to be tested.
7. Note the temperature.
It will be necessary to add a 1 mm offset to the Pitot probe position in the y

plane, to account for the diameter of the probe.
8. Zero the Probes see Setting the Pitot Zero Point on page 14.

9. Move the Pitot probe to 50 mm away from the leading edge in the x direction and 30 mm upwards
in the y direction.
10. Turn on the tunnel and set to the desired velocity.
11. Note the velocity at this point, this is the free stream position.
12. Return the Pitot probe back to the surface of the plate with its tip at the leading edge.
13. Move the probe away from the surface in small steps of around 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm until 1 mm is
For best results multiple readings should be taken and averaged.
reached, then increase to intervals of around 0.5 mm, return to 0.2 mm steps when the velocity is
within 0.5 m.s-1 of the free stream velocity. At each interval, note the velocity.
14. Turn off the tunnel
15. Move the probe to 100 mm on the x axis and repeat steps 10 to 14 with x positions at: 200, 300,
400, 500, and 600 mm away from the inlet and 0.5 mm in the y axis.
Results Analysis
1. Calculate the velocity ratio u/U.
2. Also calculate the columns 1- u/U and u/U(1- u/U).
3. Create three charts with a vertical axis of distance from surface (y) in mm and a horizontal axis of
velocity ratio u/U.
4. Use the ambient temperature and pressure to find kinetic and free stream velocity.
5. Calculate the Reynolds number Rex using the probe, viscosity and length L of the flat plate (allowing
for the position of the Pitot probe tip).
6. On the three charts, plot the curves of u/U, 1- u/U and u/U(1- u/U).
7. Using drawing skills, a spreadsheet program or other method, find the area under the 1- u/U curve
to give a number for the displacement thickness d* and the area under the u/U(1- u/U) curve to give
a number for the momentum thickness .
8. Use for example, Equations 16, 17 and 19, 20 to calculate *, Q and H for laminar and turbulent
flows. Also use Equation 15 to calculate H for each flow type.
9. Compare how the surfaces affect the boundary layer thickness and shape factor.
Further Experiments
How does the stream velocity affect boundary layer growth.

Surface Finish (rough or smooth):
DTI u
u u
----  1 – ---
reading y u/U 1 – ---
- -
(mm) (mm) U U U
Ambient Air Temperature:

Ambient Air Pressure:
X Position Free Stream Velocity:
Plate Length L:
Table 3 Blank Results Table


Typical Results
These results are typical only. Actual results may differ slightly - governed by
local conditions such as air temperature and humidity.
Many results have been calculated using a spreadsheet program. Numbers
have been formatted to 2 or less decimal places, so expect some slight
rounding up or down differences.
Smooth Flat Plate

The following charts were taken using x = 50 mm with free stream velocity of 28.88 m.s-1.
Figure 19 Velocity Profile in the Boundary Layer

Figure 20 1-u/U Profile, Displacement Thickness
Figure 21 u/U(1-u/U), Momentum thickness

Smooth Plate
X (mm)  U d*  H
0 0 28.66 0 0.00 -
50 5.63 28.88 0.35 0.31 1.12
100 7.05 28.88 0.384 0.35 1.11
200 8.66 29.00 0.491 0.44 1.11
300 10.27 29.11 0.61 0.54 1.12
400 12.06 29.18 0.694 0.62 1.12
500 12.53 29.23 0.785 0.70 1.13
600 13.83 29.23 0.873 0.77 1.13
Table 4 Smooth Plate
Rough Plate
X (mm)  U d*  H
0 0 28.96 0.00 0.00 -
50 5.34 29.00 0.37 0.33 1.13
100 6.85 29.11 0.49 0.43 1.13
200 9.07 29.23 0.68 0.58 1.18
300 13.05 29.51 1.01 0.88 1.16
400 14.67 29.51 1.15 0.99 1.16
500 16.44 29.62 1.30 1.10 1.18
600 17.45 29.62 1.37 1.18 1.16
Table 5 Rough Plate

Figure 22 Comparison of Boundary Layer for Smooth and Rough Flat Plates
From the boundary layer profiles, it can be seen that the rough plate has a very similar boundary layer
for the first 200 mm as the smooth plate but then grows faster. Between 200 and 300 mm there is a
change in gradient of the boundary layer growth, this could well be a laminar to turbulent transition
phase.
Figure 23 Comparison of Displacement Thickness

The smooth plate follows closely with the laminar prediction of displacement thickness, slightly lower
across the board. The rough plate closely matches the turbulent prediction up to 400 mm but then drops
away.
Figure 24 Momentum Thickness
the rough plate has good correlation to the turbulent predictions. The smooth plate has a similar gradient
for the laminar predictions but with a significant offset.
the smooth plate has a consistent form factor between 1.11 and 1.13 across the plate length. The rough
plate has a step change to 1.16 - 1.18 from 200 mm. In both cases, these are much lower than the
frequently quoted 1.29 for a turbulent boundary layer.


Maintenance, Spare Parts and Customer Care
Maintenance
General
• Regularly check all parts of the equipment for damage, renew if necessary.
• When not in use, store the equipment in a dry, dust-free area, preferably in the cotton bags
provided.
• If the equipment becomes dirty, wipe the surfaces with a damp, clean cloth. Do not use
abrasive cleaners.
• Regularly check all fixings and fastenings for tightness; adjust where necessary.
Renew faulty or damaged parts with an equivalent item of the same type or
rating.
Spare Parts
Check the Packing Contents List to see what spare parts we send with the apparatus.
If technical help or spares are needed, please contact the local TecQuipment Agent, or contact
TecQuipment direct.
When asking for spares, please tell us:
• Contact Name
• The full name and address of the college, company or institution
• Contact email address
• The TecQuipment product name and product reference
• The TecQuipment part number (if known)
• The serial number
• The year it was bought (if known)
Please give us as much detail as possible about the parts needed and check the details carefully before
contacting us.
If the product is out of warranty, TecQuipment will advuse the price of the spare parts for confirmation.

Customer Care
We hope our products and manuals are liked. If there are any questions, please contact our Customer
Care department:
Telephone: +44 115 9722611
Fax: +44 115 973 1520
email: customer.care@tecquipment.com
For information about all TecQuipment Products and Services, visit:
www.tecquipment.com

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AF1600f

Flat Plate Boundary Layer

© TecQuipment Ltd 2019, Original Instructions

Do not reproduce or transmit this document in any form or by any

TecQuipment has taken care to make the contents of this

TecQuipment supplies a Packing Contents List (PCL) with the

Technical Details ............................................................ 5

Assembly and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Smooth Flat Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Maintenance, Spare Parts and Customer Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

TecQuipment Ltd User Guide

TecQuipment Ltd User Guide

Figure 1 Smooth Flat Plate Boundary Layer Model (AF1600f)

TecQuipment Ltd 1 User Guide

User Guide 2 TecQuipment Ltd

Flat Plate Pitot

Figure 2 The Flat Plate Boundary Layer Model (AF1600f)

The AF1600xy is a traverse to measure the boundary layer at multiple positions.

TecQuipment Ltd 3 User Guide

User Guide 4 TecQuipment Ltd

Operating environment Indoor laboratory environment

Flat Plate (each)

Wear ear defenders when the AF1600 wind tunnel is in

TecQuipment Ltd 5 User Guide

User Guide 6 TecQuipment Ltd

Assembly and Installation

• Probes (static probe and Pitot probe)

Figure 3 AF1600f Main Parts

Fitting the Post to the Mounting Plate

TecQuipment Ltd 7 User Guide

5. Tighten the three grub screws to fix the post in place.

Figure 4 Align Post

Fitting the Mounting Plate

Figure 5 Fitting Model to Model Holder

User Guide 8 TecQuipment Ltd

Figure 6 Level the Model in Three Planes

Fitting the Plate

1. Raise both the Pitot probes.

3. The chamfered edge must be towards the tunnel inlet.

4. Re-check the levels and adjust if necessary.

Figure 7 Flat Plate in Working Section

TecQuipment Ltd 9 User Guide

Removing the Pitot-static Probe

Figure 8 Undo Clamps

User Guide 10 TecQuipment Ltd

Figure 9 Remove the Base Plate

Figure 10 Brass Collars

Figure 11 Withdraw the Pitot-static Probe.

TecQuipment Ltd 11 User Guide

Fitting the Pitot Probe

Figure 12 Fit Pitot Probe

User Guide 12 TecQuipment Ltd

Figure 13 Tighten Clamps

Fitting the XY Traverse to the AF1600

Fitting the Static Probe

TecQuipment Ltd 13 User Guide

Figure 14 Fit the Static Probe

3. Connect the tubing as shown in the X/Y Traverse User Guide.

Setting the Pitot Zero Point

3. Zero both DTIs on the X/Y Traverse (Figure 15).

User Guide 14 TecQuipment Ltd

Figure 15 Zeroing the Probes

It is necessary to add a 1 mm offset to the Pitot position in the y plane, to

TecQuipment Ltd 15 User Guide