Fluid Mechanics - Engineering

Q1:

Which law is followed by the velocity distribution in the turbulent boundary layer?

A Parabolic law

B Linear law

C Logarithmic law

D None of these

ANS:C - Logarithmic law

The velocity distribution in the turbulent boundary layer typically follows the logarithmic law.

Explanation:

  1. Turbulent Boundary Layer:
    • In a turbulent boundary layer, which forms on a surface when a fluid flows over it, the velocity profile across the boundary layer is characterized by fluctuations and eddies (turbulence).
  2. Logarithmic Law:
    • According to the logarithmic law (also known as the logarithmic velocity profile), the velocity U(y)U(y)U(y) at a distance yyy from the wall in the turbulent boundary layer can be expressed as: U(y)=uτκln⁡(yy0)+BU(y) = \frac{u_\tau}{\kappa} \ln\left(\frac{y}{y_0}\right) + BU(y)=κuτ​​ln(y0​y​)+B where:
      • uτu_\tauuτ​ is the shear velocity,
      • κ\kappaκ is the von Kármán constant (approximately 0.41),
      • yyy is the distance from the wall,
      • y0y_0y0​ is the roughness length or displacement thickness,
      • BBB is a constant.
  3. Other Laws:
    • Parabolic Law: This describes the velocity profile in laminar flow, where the velocity distribution is parabolic across the boundary layer. It is not applicable to turbulent flow.
    • Linear Law: This describes the velocity profile in very thin viscous sub-layers near the wall in turbulent flow, where velocity varies linearly with distance from the wall. It does not describe the overall velocity distribution across the turbulent boundary layer.
    • None of These: While the parabolic and linear laws apply to specific flow conditions, they do not describe the velocity distribution in a turbulent boundary layer.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct law that describes the velocity distribution in the turbulent boundary layer is the logarithmic law.