Potential Flow and Dye Visualization

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Aerodynamics Lab – 09

Topic: Potential Flow and Dye


Visualisation

Name – Arghadeep Das


Roll No – 22AE10003
Group – 1A
Date of Submission – 26.03.24
1. Aim: In the laminar flow table experiment the aim is to observe the characteristics of
the laminar flow and compare it with the potential flow.

2. Objectives of the experiment:


i. To observe the flow characteristics of flow in the laminar flow table and
compare it with potential flow.
ii. To calculate the Strouhal number using the Reynolds number of the flow in
the dye visualization experiment.
iii. To calculate the vortex shedding frequency in the dye visualization
experiment.

3. Experimental Procedure:
(a) For Dye visualization experiment,
i. In the experimental setup an aerofoil is kept in the test section of a water
tunnel. The probes for injecting dye in the flow, were connected to aerofoil
in different positions to analyse the flow characteristics properly.
ii. The dye is injected in such a way that the dye injection velocity matches
with the flow velocity.
iii. At the wake of the aerofoil the dye creates different patterns which were
captured by cameras.

(b) For Laminar flow table experiment,


i. In the experimental setup two glass plates were kept very close to each
other and the fluid used in the experiment has very low viscosity.
ii. Due to very small gap between the plates the Reynolds number of the flow
is very low. For that reason, the flow has almost all characteristics of ideal
fluid which shows potential flow.
iii. A system of pipe, valves and manifolds is used in this experiment so that
we can control the source and sink strength.
iv. The steak lines are observed in the whole table around the cylinder,
aerofoil, doublet and all pictures were captured using our cameras.
4. Observation:
i. Dye visualiztion: -

ii. Laminar flow table: -


(a) Flow past aerofoil –

(b) Flow past cylinder –


(c) Rankine half body flow –

5. Calculation:

Freestream Velocity (𝑈∞ ) 0.05 m/s


Chord length of aerofoil (a) 8 cm
Length of the test section (L) 150 cm
19.7 𝑓𝐷
We know, Strouhal number (St) = = 0.198(1 − ) =
𝑅𝑒 𝑈∞
Where Re ⟹ Reynolds Number
f ⟹Vortex shedding frequency
D ⟹ Effective length of the aerofoil (chord length)
𝑈∞ ⟹ Freestream velocity
6. Conclusion: The laminar flow table experiment demonstrated the theoretical
underpinnings of fluid dynamics through the visualization of flow patterns and vortex
dynamics. It affirmed the principles of potential flow and their practical relevance in
engineering contexts. By examining how different parameters affect flow behaviour,
the experiment provided valuable insights for both research and real-world
applications. Overall, this experiment deepened our comprehension of laminar flow
phenomena and advanced fluid mechanics knowledge for engineering purposes.

In the dye visualization experiment conducted in a water tunnel with an aerofoil, we


gained significant insights into the behaviour of flow around the aerofoil's surface. By
tracing the movement of dye particles, we observed phenomena such as flow
separation, boundary layer formation, and the emergence of vortical structures. These
observations greatly contribute to our understanding of aerodynamic principles.
Moreover, they offer crucial information for the analysis and optimization of
aerodynamic performance, facilitating the design of more efficient and stable aerofoil
shapes across various applications.

7. Questionnaire:
(a) What are the fluid characteristics you observed in the experiment? How do you verify
these characteristics?
Ans: During the experiment, we witnessed diverse fluid flow traits including flow
separation, the formation of boundary layers, and the evolution of vortical structures
encircling the surface of the aerofoil. These features were confirmed via visual scrutiny of
the trajectory and conduct of dye particles introduced into the water current.

(b) What are the characteristics of the dye required in the laminar flow table?
Ans: For the dye visualization experiment the required dye characteristics are -
I. Neutral buoyancy
II. High stability against mixing
III. Good visibility
IV. Non-toxic and non-corrosive in nature

(c) What are the limitations of the laminar flow experiment?


Ans: - Laminar flow table experiments possess limitations:
I. They cannot precisely mimic real-world flow conditions, particularly high-
speed or turbulent flow.
II. The scale of the laminar flow table may limit the relevance of findings to
larger-scale systems.
III. External factors like vibrations or temperature fluctuations may impact
experimental results, necessitating meticulous control measures.

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