SUPERB TECHNOLOGIES

INSTRUCTION MANUAL OF LAMINAR FLOW

TABLE APPARATUS

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL OF LAMINAR FLOW

TABLE APPARATUS

1. OBJECTIVE

2. THEORY

3. UTILITIES REQUIRED

4. EXPERIMENTALLY PROCEDURE

5. SPECIFICATIONS

6. SCEMATIC DIAGRAM

7. PRECAUTION & MAINTANANCE

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OBJECTIVE
 Study of water flow for laminar flow channel apparatus.
 Visualization of the flow patterns using Laminar Flow Table
 Check & see variations of water in different types of water flows.

THEORY
Water flow refers to the amount of water coming out of a hose, faucet or other pipe fixture in a
certain amount of time. Water pressure refers to the amount of force that is put on the water to
make it move from one place to another, or to the amount of force the water exerts when coming
out of the pipe.

The directional flow of water has different name references according to the circumstances. In the
case of a River or a Drain working by gravity it is called Downstream and Upstream. 

TYPES OF FLUID FLOW

Types Of Fluid Flow:-
1) Steady & Unsteady Flows.
2) Uniform & Non-uniform Flows.
3) Laminar & Turbulent Flows.
4) Compressible & Incompressible Flows.
5) Rotational & Irrotational Flows.
6) One , Two & Three Dimensional Flows.

 Uniform & Non-uniform Flow: - Uniform Flow:- In which the velocity at given time does not
change with respect to space ( length of direction of the flow .

 Laminar & Turbulent flows:- Laminar Flow:- in which the fluid particles move along well
defined paths or stream line. Fig. Laminar Flow
 Turbulent Flow:- fluid moves in very irregular paths or zig – zag Way. velocity at a point
fluctuates.

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THEORETICAL BACKGROUND STREAMLINES

Are families of curves that are instantaneously tangent
to the velocity vector of the flow-
- show the direction a fluid element will travel in at any point in time.
- Each visible tracer particle follows a streamline which is a path that a fluid element Each visible
tracer particle follows a streamline which is a path that a fluid element would take.

Theoretical Background
Reynolds number used to characterize different flow regimes, such as laminar or turbulent flow

Laminar flow –

occurs at low Reynolds numbers where viscous forces are dominant occurs at low Reynolds
numbers, where viscous forces are dominant
- is characterized by smooth, constant fluid motion.
- Re < 2000 in pipe flow

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Turbulent flow
- occurs at high Reynolds numbers and is dominated by inertial forces occurs at high Reynolds
numbers and is dominated by inertial forces
- tend to produce random eddies, vortices and other flow instabilities
- Re > 4000 in pipe flow

For 2000 < Re < 4000 : Critical region or transition region

- Flow can either be laminar of turbulent difficult to pin down exactly

Reynolds number, Re : In fluid mechanics, Re is a dimensionless number that gives a measure of

the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces. Re quantifies the relative importance of these two
types of forces for given flow conditions.

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pVd
Re viscous =
μ

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Streamlined Body:
• A streamlined body is defined as that body whose surface is aligned with the streamlines, when
the body is placed in the flow.

• Thus, the body offers least resistance in terms of Pressure drag.

• Most of the drag experienced by the body is due to Viscous/Frictional drag, which depends on
the surface area exposed to fluid.

• In this case, the separation usually takes place at the trailing edge.

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flow of a fluid in which its velocity at any point is constant or varies in a regular manner. It can be 
represented by streamlines. Also called: viscous flow Compare turbulent flow See also laminar
flow

Bluff body:
• A bluff body is defined as that body whose surface is not aligned with the stream-lines, when
placed in the flow.
• Thus, the body offers lesser resistance in terms of Viscous/Frictional drag.
• There is very a large pressure drag, due to eddy formation after the body leading to a large wake
region.
• Thus the pressure drag depends on the cross sectional area of the body rather than the surface
area exposed.

The Laminar Flow Table has been designed to simulate ideal fluid flow and give clear visualization
of the flow patterns created using water as the working fluid. This enables a comprehensive
investigation into the principles of potential flow and enables modeling of appropriate physical
systems.

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SCHEMETIC DIAGRAM

SPECIFICATION OF STUDY FOR FLOW CHANNEL:--

Water pump : Capacity 70 lph. (Single phase)

Water bed : Made of 2 glass sheet bed size(840 mm x 700 mm)

Brass Nozzel : Material brass (9 nos)

Peizometric tube : Material plastic

Constant Head Water Tank : Capacity 25 Ltrs.

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Water Tank : Capacity 70 Ltrs.

Water Circulation : FHP Pump

Dye tank : Capacity 08 Ltrs

Apparatus body material : S .S

Accessories : Rubber sheet cut sections provided

Includes dye injection system and adjustable water flow , accurate adjustment of table flow

> Ideal flow around immersed bodies

• Cylinder (1 nos round shape black rubber sheet)

• Aerofoil (1 nos aerofoil shape black rubber sheet)

• Bluff body (1 nos square shape black rubber sheet)

> Ideal flow in channels and at boundaries

• Convergent channel (Required 2 nos half round L shape black rubber sheet )

• Divergent channel (Required 2 nos square L shape black rubber sheet )

• 90-degree bend (Required 1 nos square L shape black rubber sheet )

• Sudden contraction (Required 2 nos square L shape black rubber sheet )

• Sudden enlargement (Required 2 nos square L shape black rubber sheet )

• Replacement of a streamline by a solid boundary. (Using round shape and others.)

> Use of streamlines to analyze two-dimensional flow

> Research – modeling two-dimensional systems

UTILITIES REQUIRED
1. Electricity supply: single phase, 220 V AC, 50Hz, 5-15amp socket with earth connection.
2. Water supply (initial fill).
3. Drain required.
4. Die injection dye solution (KMnO4) solution.
5. Floor area required: 2 m x 1 m.

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APPARATUS DISCRIPTION
The Laminar Flow Table is designed to demonstrate fluid flow in a
two-dimensional plane. A low fluid velocity and small gap between the top and bottom plates
results in a low value for Reynolds Number. Since Reynolds Number is the ratio of Inertial to
Viscous forces, the former may be considered negligible and the flow achieved is totally dependent
on Potential. This condition gives a near simulation of an ideal fluid and the flow patterns obtained
can be considered to be Ideal Fluid Flow.

Since the flow is dependent on Potential, the flow table may be used
to simulate any system which obeys the Laplace Equation. For example, two-dimensional steady
heat flow may be demonstrated where Temperature Difference in the system represents the
Potential. An analysis of the ‘Properties’ of Ideal Fluid Flow is included below to extend the benefit
and understanding of experiments involving flow pattern generation.

To visualize the flow of water between the glass plates, dye is injected through the equally spaced
nozzles. The position of each streamline is clearly indicated by the dye, which is supplied from a
reservoir fitted with a flow control valve. A black graticule on a white background is printed on the
underside of the lower glass plate to aid visualization of the streamlines. The patterns created by
the potential flow may be recorded by tracing on the top glass sheet or by photography if required.
A diffuser in the inlet tank and an adjustable weir plate in the discharge tank help to promote a
uniform flow of water. Valves are incorporated in the base of these tanks to aid draining. The flow
of water is controlled by an inlet flow control valve. A pressure regulator reduces the mains water
pressure and helps to minimize variations in flow.

Similarly, the sinks and sources may be used in combination with the flow of water between the
plates to simulate a variety of flow situations. For example, the patterns of flow in the vicinity of
wells, which draw water from underground supplies (aquifers) may be represented using one or
more of the tapings as sinks. The effect of recharging the underground supply may be represented
by utilizing one or more of the tappings as sources.

EXPERIMENTAL/STUDY PROCEDURE
1. IDEAL FLOW AROUND IMMERSED BODIES 21
1a. IDEAL FLOW AROUND A CYLINDER
1b. IDEAL FLOW OVER AN AEROFOIL
1c. IDEAL FLOW AROUND A BLUFF BODY

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2. IDEAL FLOW IN CHANNELS AND AT BOUNDARIES

2a. IDEAL FLOW IN A CONVERGENT CHANNEL
2b. IDEAL FLOW IN A DIVERGENT CHANNEL
2c. IDEAL FLOW THROUGH A 90° BEND
2d. IDEAL FLOW THROUGH A SUDDEN CONTRACTION
2e. IDEAL FLOW THROUGH A SUDDEN ENLARGEMENT
2f. REPLACEMENT OF A STREAMLINE BY A SOLID BOUNDARY

3. IDEAL FLOW ASSOCIATED WITH SINKS AND SOURCES

3a. FORMATION OF A RANKINE HALF BODY
3b. FORMATION OF A RANKINE OVAL
3c. CIRCULAR STREAMLINES FROM A DOUBLET
3d. SUPERPOSITION OF SINKS AND SOURCES

1. IDEAL FLOW AROUND IMMERSED BODIES

For this series of experiments all sink and source valves should be closed. The weir plate and inlet
control valve should be adjusted to give the minimum steady flow rate available, without
admitting air between the glass plates. The corresponding low water velocity through the test
section will provide near-ideal flow conditions. When inserting Perspex models in the test section,
they should be positioned centrally in the test section using the grid on the lower glass plate to
align significant features with the dye injector rakes. Care should be exercised when lowering the
top glass plate . Having set up a particular experiment, the dye regulating valve should be opened
and adjusted to give fine, clearly defined dye streams, which will indicate relevant streamlines.
The position of the dye streams relative to the model may be finely adjusted by carefully sliding
the injector rake sideways to the desired position.

1a. IDEAL FLOW AROUND A CYLINDER

A cylinder is positioned centrally in the test section with its axis in
line with one dye stream. The resulting pattern of streamlines, shown
in Figure , is symmetrical with no eddy formation or breakaway. The
narrowing of the streamlines at the ‘sides’ of the cylinder indicates a

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region of reduced pressure. The symmetry of the pattern, in both planes, shows that no resultant
thrust is present.
1b. IDEAL FLOW OVER AN AEROFOIL
The aerofoil section is positioned centrally in the test section at a small angle of incidence to the
flow. The stagnation point on the leading edge should be positioned adjacent to a dye stream. The
resulting streamline pattern is shown in Figure . At the thickest section of the aerofoil, the
narrowing of the streamline spacing on the top surface and corresponding widening on the
bottom surface, demonstrates the pressure forces on the aerofoil which generate lift. The
downstream pressure change and downwash produced by the aerofoil can also be observed. The
experiment may be repeated for
different angles of incidence to
demonstrate the change in
stagnation point.

FLOW AROUND AN AEROFOIL

1c. IDEAL FLOW AROUND A BLUFF BODY

A rectangle is positioned centrally in the test section with its long axis adjacent to the direction of
flow. The central dye stream should coincide with its axis. This experiment is intended as a check
on the flow conditions present on the table. For ideal flow conditions the streamlines should be
symmetrical in both planes as in the case of 1a. Any
tendency to fluid breakaway on the downstream face of
the rectangle will indicate that the fluid velocity is
excessive and that ideal flow is not represented.
2a. IDEAL FLOW IN A CONVERGENT CHANNEL
A pair of canal banks should be positioned in the centre of
the test section in line with the direction of flow. The separation of the contoured faces should be

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adjusted to accommodate a convenient number of dye streams. The pattern of streamlines
obtained in the convergent section is shown in Figure 8. The narrowing of the streamline spacing
towards the throat indicates an increase in fluid velocity and subsequent reduction in pressure.
The experiment may be repeated for different spacing of
the canal banks. In addition, the angle of the
convergence may be changed by reversing the sections
relative to the direction of flow.
2b. IDEAL FLOW IN A DIVERGENT CHANNEL
With the canal banks installed, a divergent channel is
represented at the downstream end of the sections. Figure shows a typical streamline pattern. The
spacing and divergent angle may be adjusted per specified.

2c. IDEAL FLOW THROUGH A 90° BEND

The two rectangles and canal banks (plain sides) may be
positioned so as to generate a
pair of square 90° bends. The streamline pattern for one typical
90° bend is shown in Figure .

2d. IDEAL FLOW THROUGH A SUDDEN CONTRACTION

The two rectangles and canal banks (plain sides) may be
positioned so as to generate a step reduction in channel
width. A typical streamline pattern is shown in Figure . In this ideal flow case the pattern is very
similar to that produced by the convergent section 2a.

2e. IDEAL FLOW THROUGH A SUDDEN ENLARGEMENT.

The reverse situation of simulated with a step increase in
channel width. The resulting streamline pattern similar to
that produced by the gradual divergence 2b.
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2f. REPLACEMENT OF A STREAMLINE BY A SOLID BOUNDARY

As no fluid flow can cross a streamline, it is possible to replace any streamline by a solid oundary
without changing the remainder of the streamline pattern. This may be demonstrated by setting
up any of the previous experiments and noting the pattern produced. Without changing any of the
parameters, a solid boundary should be introduced to replace on of the streamlines. The esulting
pattern should be compared with the original to demonstrate that no change has curred.

3a. FORMATION OF A RANKINE HALF BODY

Ideal flow is generated on the table and the dye control valve
adjusted to give clear, parallel dye streams. Flow from a
central source orifice is introduced by opening the respective
control valve. The pattern produced, shown in Figure , is
referred to as a Rankine Half Body.
Separation of the central dye steams is semi-infinite provided
the source flow rate is constant.
The source flow rate may be adjusted to demonstrate the
change in size of the body produced.

Procedure:-
1 Close the Source/Sink valves

2. Connect water supply to Laminar Flow Table using hose.

3 Adjust the flow table to make it level

4. Remove air in hypodermic needles with opening the dye-injection valve slightly.

5. Open the inlet flow control valve. Let water flow between the glass plates. (The flowrate should
be 0.25 liters/sec.)

6. Make 1 liter of dye solution using 3 g of blue dye powder.

7. Inject dye solution to the glass plates with opening the nozzle valve.

8. Observe the dye-flow with many more patterns.

9. Using several Models of flow change direction observe the various flow patterns.

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PRECAUTIONS & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS :--
1. Never run the apparatus if power supply is less than 180 volts and above 230 volts.
2. To prevent clogging of moving parts, run pump at least once in a fortnight.
3. Always use clean water.
4. Always keep apparatus free from dust.
5. Drain the apparatus completely after experimentation.
6. Certain liquids essential to the operation of equipment, for example mercury, are
Poisonous or can give off poisonous vapours. Wear appropriate protective d clothing when
handling such substances. Clean up any spillage immediately and ventilate areas thoroughly using
extraction equipment. Beware of slippery floors.

TROUBLESHOOTING:
 If pump gets jam, open the back cover of the pump and rotate the shaft manually.If pump gets heat
up, switch OFF the pump for 15 minutes.After switch on the heater check the electric connection.

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