Experimental measurements of the mean wall shear stress and boundary layer momentum thickness on long, thin cylindrical bodies are presented. To date, the spatial growth of the boundary layer and the related boundary layer parameters have not been measured for cases where δ/ (=cylinder radius) is much greater than one. Moderate Reynolds numbers encountered in hydrodynamic applications are considered. Tow tests of cylinders with diameters of 0.61, 0.89, and 2.5 mm and lengths ranging from approximately 30 meters to 150 meters were performed. The total drag (axial force) was measured at tow speeds up to 17.4 m/sec. These data were used to determine the tangential drag coefficients on each test specimen, which were found to be two to three times greater than the values for the corresponding hypothetical flat-plate cases. Using the drag measurements, the turbulent boundary layer momentum thickness at the downstream end of the cylindrical bodies is determined, using a control volume analysis. The results show that for the smallest diameter cylinders, there is no indication of relaminarization, and a fully developed turbulent boundary layer exists. A scaling law for the momentum thickness versus length Reynolds number is determined from the data. The results indicate that the spatial growth of the boundary layers over the entire length is less than for a comparable flat-plate case.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Technical Papers
Momentum Thickness Measurements for Thick Axisymmetric Turbulent Boundary Layers
Kimberly M. Cipolla, Mechanical Engineer,
Kimberly M. Cipolla, Mechanical Engineer
Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Code 2141, 1176 Howell Street, Newport, RI 02841-1708
Search for other works by this author on:
William L. Keith, Mechanical Engineer
William L. Keith, Mechanical Engineer
Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Code 2141, 1176 Howell Street, Newport, RI 02841-1708
Search for other works by this author on:
Kimberly M. Cipolla, Mechanical Engineer
Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Code 2141, 1176 Howell Street, Newport, RI 02841-1708
William L. Keith, Mechanical Engineer
Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Code 2141, 1176 Howell Street, Newport, RI 02841-1708
Contributed by the Fluids Engineering Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF FLUIDS ENGINEERING. Manuscript received by the Fluids Engineering Division Apr. 18, 2002, revised manuscript received Dec. 3, 2002. Associate Editor: T. Gatski.
J. Fluids Eng. May 2003, 125(3): 569-575 (7 pages)
Published Online: June 9, 2003
Article history
Received:
April 18, 2002
Revised:
December 3, 2002
Online:
June 9, 2003
Citation
Cipolla, K. M., and Keith, W. L. (June 9, 2003). "Momentum Thickness Measurements for Thick Axisymmetric Turbulent Boundary Layers ." ASME. J. Fluids Eng. May 2003; 125(3): 569–575. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.1568359
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Switching Events of Wakes Shed From Two Short Flapping Side-by-Side Cylinders
J. Fluids Eng (May 2025)
Related Articles
Extended Velocity–Enthalpy Relations for Wall-Bounded and Free Shear Layers
J. Fluids Eng (November,2005)
A Study on Turbulent Boundary Layers on a Smooth Flat Plate in an Open Channel
J. Fluids Eng (June,2001)
An Analysis of Axisymmetric Turbulent Flow Past a Long Cylinder
J. Basic Eng (March,1972)
Fluid Flow Around and Heat Transfer From an Infinite Circular
Cylinder
J. Heat Transfer (July,2005)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Cavitating Structures at Inception in Turbulent Shear Flow
Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium on Cavitation (CAV2018)
Vortex-Induced Vibration
Flow Induced Vibration of Power and Process Plant Components: A Practical Workbook
The Design and Implement of Remote Inclinometer for Power Towers Based on MXA2500G/GSM
International Conference on Mechanical and Electrical Technology, 3rd, (ICMET-China 2011), Volumes 1–3