Problem 1: Using scaling analysis, eliminate the non-essential terms to derive the
hydrodynamic boundary layer equations, for high Reynolds number, starting from the equation
set given below for a flat plate as it experiences a uniform velocity 𝑈∞ at its leading edge.
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑝 𝜕2𝑢 𝜕2𝑢
+ = 0; 𝜌𝑢 + 𝜌𝑣 =− +𝜇 + ;
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2
𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑣 𝜕𝑝 𝜕2𝑣 𝜕2𝑣
𝜌𝑢 + 𝜌𝑣 =− +𝜇 +
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2
Sol: This is a very classical scaling analysis wherein one shows that for large Reynolds number
𝛿 Τ
flows, ~𝑅𝑒𝐿−1 2 . Thus, the y-momentum reduces to the fact that pressure is not a function of
𝐿 2 2
𝜕 𝑢 𝜕 𝑢 𝛿
y. And the term ≪ as 𝐿 ≪ 1. Hence the relevant boundary layer equations are
𝜕𝑥 2 𝜕𝑦 2
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑣
+ = 0;
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦
𝜕𝑢 𝜕𝑢 𝑑𝑝 𝜕2𝑢
𝜌𝑢 + 𝜌𝑣 =− +𝜇 2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝑑𝑥 𝜕𝑦
𝑑𝑝
Furthermore, for a flat plate, − = 0. Refer to any classical fluid mechanics book or notes
𝑑𝑥
from first few classes.
Problem 2: A new liquid is found to have a dynamic viscosity (μ) of 105 Pa-s, density (ρ) of
103 kg/m3 and thermal diffusivity (α) of 0.1m2 /s. If it flows over a flat plate whose temperature is
higher than the incoming fluid, will its thermal boundary layer be thicker than its hydrodynamic
boundary layer? Using scaling analysis of the relevant thermal energy balance equation (stated
below) show how will the ratio of its hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness and thermal boundary
layer thickness (𝛿 Τ𝛿𝑇 ) vary with its Prandtl number (Pr)?
𝜕𝑇 𝜕𝑇 𝜕2𝑇
𝑢 +𝑣 =𝛼 2
𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑦
Sol: To ascertain whether HBL or TBL will be thicker, we need to estimate the Prandtl number. Pr =
ν / α = 105 / (1000×0.1) = 1000. As Pr ≫ 1, HBL thickness ≫ TBL thickness or 𝛿 ≫ 𝛿𝑇 . Our scaling
of the governing equation in the TBL will take this idea in context.
Within the HBL, u (x-component of velocity) goes from 0 at the boundary (y = 0) to U at y = 𝛿.
𝑈
Thus, within the TBL (whose thickness is 𝛿𝑇 ) 𝑢 = 𝛿𝑇 (unitary method). From continuity equation
𝑢 𝑣 𝛿
within the TBL: ~ . Scaling the energy equation given above in the TBL, we get
𝐿 𝛿𝑇
𝑢 𝑣 α 𝛿𝑇 α 𝛿𝑇3 α 𝛿𝑇3 𝛿α α 𝛿
𝛥𝑇 ~𝛥𝑇 ~𝛥𝑇 2 ; ⇒ 𝑈 ~ 2 ; ⇒ ~ ; ⇒ 3~ 2 =
𝐿 𝛿𝑇 𝛿𝑇 𝐿𝛿 𝛿𝑇 𝐿𝛿 𝑈∞ 𝐿 𝐿 𝑈∞ 𝐿𝑈∞ 𝐿
3
𝛿𝑇 1 1 1 1 𝛿𝑇 −1Τ3 −1Τ2 𝛿𝑇 𝛿
⇒ 3~ ~ ; ⇒ ~𝑃𝑟 𝑅𝑒𝐿 ~
𝐿 𝑃𝑒𝐿 𝑅𝑒 1Τ2 𝑃𝑟 𝑅𝑒 3Τ2 𝐿 𝛿 𝐿
𝐿 𝐿
𝛿 Τ 𝛿 𝑢 𝑣
As ~𝑅𝑒𝐿−1 2 , this means 𝑇 ~𝑃𝑟 −1Τ3 (Ans). Since ~ from continuity equation, hence
𝐿 𝛿 𝐿 𝛿𝑇
𝑢 𝑣 𝑢
𝛥𝑇 ~𝛥𝑇 , thus we took any one of the terms in the scaling to move forward (i.e. 𝛥𝑇 )
𝐿 𝛿𝑇 𝐿
Problem 3: The local heat transfer coefficient on a flat plate is given by hx(x) = ax–0.1. Find
the average heat transfer coefficient ℎത 𝑥 as a function of x. What will be the slope of the plot
between log ℎത 𝑥 and log 𝑥?
Sol: The average heat transfer follows the expression
log ℎത 𝑥 = log 1.11𝑎𝑥 −0.1 = log 1.11𝑎 − 0.1log x
Thus, the slope of the plot is -0.1.
Problem 4: Engine oil at 100°C and a velocity of 0.1 m/s flows over both surfaces of a 1-m-
long flat plate maintained at 20°C. Determine: (a) The velocity and thermal boundary layer
thicknesses at the trailing edge. (b) The local heat transfer coefficient and heat flux. (c) surface
𝛿 −1/2 𝛿
shear stress at the trailing edge. Given: = 5𝑅𝑒𝐿 for laminar flow; = Pr 𝑛 (n=1/3 for Pr
𝐿 𝛿𝑇
1/2 −1/2
≫1 & 1/2 for Pr ≪1), 𝑁𝑢𝐿 = 0.332Re𝐿 Pr 𝑛 and 𝑐𝑓,𝐿 = 0.664Re𝐿 .
Sol: The Reynolds number (Re) = 1161 and Prandtl number (Pr) = 1081. Hence, n = 1/3.
Trailing edge means x = L. Thus,
−1/2 −1/2
a) 𝛿 = 5𝐿Re𝐿 = 5 × 1 × 1161 = 0.147 m
𝛿𝑇 = 𝛿 Pr −1/3 = 0.147 × 1081 −1/3
= 0.0143 m
𝑘 1/2 0.140
b) ℎ𝐿 = 0.332Re𝐿 Pr1/3 = 0.332 1161 1/2 1081 1/3 = 16.25 W/m2k
𝐿 1
′′
𝑞𝑥 = ℎ𝐿 𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ = 16.25 20 − 100 = −1300 W/m2k
Heat flux is negative as heat is getting transferred from oil to the plate
𝜌𝑈∞2 864
−1/2
c) 𝜏𝑠,𝐿 = 0.664Re𝐿 = 0.1 2 0.664 1161 −1/2
= 0.0842 N/m2.
2 2
Problem 5: Consider a flat plate subject to parallel flow (top and bottom) characterized by 𝑢∞ = 5
m/s, 𝑇∞ = 20°C. (a) Determine the average convective heat transfer coefficient, convective heat
transfer rate, and drag force associated with a square flat plate of sides 2 m for air flow and surface
temperatures of Ts = 50°C. Given: For air: At T = 35oC, Pr = 0.706, k=2.69 mW/mK, ν = 1.669×10–5
−1/2 1/2
m2/s, ρ = 1.135 kg/m3. Use Cത𝑓,𝐿 = 1.332𝑅𝑒𝐿 ; Nu𝐿 = 0.664𝑅𝑒𝐿 Pr1/2 for laminar and Cത𝑓,𝐿 =
−1/5 4/5
0.074Re𝐿 − 1742Re−1𝐿 ; Nu𝐿 = 0.037Re 𝐿 − 871 Pr
1/3 for turbulent flow.
Sol: We begin by calculating the Reynolds number (Re) = 5×2 / (1.669×10–5) = 5.99×105, so flow is
turbulent. We should use the properties at the average temperature of the wall and fluid = (20+50)/2 =
−1/5
35oC. Average drag coefficient is Cത𝑓,𝐿 = 0.074Re𝐿 − 1742Re−1
𝐿 =
Drag force = ½ρ𝑢∞ 2Cത𝑓,𝐿 =
4/5
Similarly, we can calculate the average Nusselt number: Nu𝐿 = 0.037Re𝐿 − 871 Pr1/3 = 604
Nu 𝑘 10 −3
Average heat transfer coefficient ℎത = 𝐿 = 604 × 26.9 × = 8.13 W/m2K
𝐿 2
ത 𝑇𝑠 − 𝑇∞ = 8.13 × 8 × 50 − 20 = 1950 W
Convective heat transfer rate: 𝑞 = ℎ𝐴
