EAS 105

INTRODUCTION TO AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

LAB REPORT 01 – FLOW VISUALIZATION
July 2021

Name: Jonathan Ang Chin Kiat – Q2170472

T-Group 02
Date Submitted 21 August 2021
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Table of Contents
Cover page 1
Tables of content 2
Abstract 3
Introduction 4
Laminar / Turbulent Flow 5
Transition point / Stagnation Point 6
Separation Point 7
Experimental Detail 8
Experimental Apparatus / Experimental Procedure 9
Experimental Result – Block 10
Experimental Result – Cylinder 11
Experimental Result – Aerofoil 12
Experimental Result – Aerofoil 13
Observations 14

References 15
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Abstract

In our atmosphere, it is composed primarily of about 78% nitrogen, 21

% oxygen, 1% argon and other gases that include water vapor and
carbon dioxide.

All this are invisible to our naked eyes, but we know they exist, through
flow visualization. Therefore, this experiment will allow us to observe
and investigate the flow pattern and streamline behavior of different
types of object. By using a computed fluid dynamics (CFD) , we will be
able to determine how it is flowing.

The result suggested that different object does have different flow
pattern and for aerofoil, when it is fixed at different degree, the flow on
the object will be different. Using this concept, we will more likely be
able to determine the suitable object or degree of the aerofoil when
making our planes.
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Introduction

Do you feel a constant gust of wind coming towards your whole body
whenever you head for a run? And the faster we run; we are able to
feel that the air is stronger. This is because our surrounding in the
atmosphere is filled with fluids. And fluids in the surrounding are
mostly naked to our eyes.

It is difficult to visualize how the air’s flowing pattern as they are

invisible. Therefore, in order to ‘see’ such fluid flowing movement, we
will need the help of a computed fluid dynamics also known as CFD.
Flow visualization is an art of creating flow pattern visible and from its
pattern we will then be able to determine how the flow will affect the
object.

In Aerospace, flow visualization is very important as it provides a global

view of the airflow and sometimes the only way the data of the how
different structures are affected in-flight.
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There are different types of flow that we are able to observe in the flow
visualization experiment:

1)Laminar flow –
Laminar flow occurs when fluid flows in parallel layers with no disruption between
layers. In Laminar flow, the velocity & pressure remain constant. Laminar flow is
common only in cases in which the flow channel is relatively small and the fluid is
moving slowly. Example of laminar flow can be oil flow through a thin tube or
blood flow through capillaries.

2)Turbulent flow –
Turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic, property changes. The speed of the
fluid at this point is continuously undergoing changes in both magnitude and
direction. The flow of wind and rivers is generally turbulent in this sense as it
swirls and eddies while its overall bulk moves along a specific direction.

Most fluids flow is turbulent, except for laminar flow at the leading edge of solids
moving relative to fluids or extremely close to solid surfaces.

Examples of turbulent flow are blood flow in arteries, oil transport in pipelines,
lave flow and ocean currents.

Figure 1. Comparison of both laminar & turbulent

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3)Transition Point –
The point in space at which fluid flow around an object changes from laminar to
turbulent. Where and how this transition occurs depends on the Reynolds
number, pressure gradient, pressure fluctuations, skin friction and surface heat
flows. The effects of a boundary layer turned turbulent are an increase in drag
due to skin friction. As speed increases, the upper surface transition point tends
to move forward. As the angle of attack increases, the upper surface transition
point also tends to move forward.

Figure 2. Transition point

4)Stagnation Point –
A stagnation point is a point in a flow field where the local velocity of the fluid is
zero. At this point, by using the Bernoulli equation, we will be able to see that
static pressure is the highest when the velocity is zero hence; static pressure is at
its maximum value at stagnation point.
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Figure 3. Stagnation Point

5)Separation Point –
 Flow separation is the detachment of a boundary layer from a surface. Usually
the separation occurs in flow that is slowing down, with pressure increasing, after
passing the thickest part of a streamline body. In aerodynamics context, once the
flow leaves the surface, it will result in reduced lift and increase pressure drag,
causing pressure differential between the front and rear surface of an object.

Figure 4. Separation Point

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Experimental details
Having known the basic concept of how fluid flow on will have effect on the
objects. We will be able to identify the different shape that we can make in order
to meet the objective that we want in aerodynamics.

There are a few methods that we are able to use to capture flow visualization.
Some commonly used methods are:

1) Smoke dye in wind tunnel

2) Liquid dye in water tunnel
3) Oil flow visualization
4) Shadowgraph technique
5) China Clay

However, we will be just using Computed Fluid dynamics (CFD) as the main
method. As the term CFD, it means that we will be using a computer to do the
computations of the fictitious flow that is suppose to flow over a fictitious object.

Some benefits of using CFD are that:

1) Inexpensive
2) Quick assessment f design variations
3) Easily made changes to simulate different conditions

Some physical experiments and test are expensive to conduct in order to get the
same results.

CFD simulations can be executed and in a short period of time or by just clicking
the different shape or changing the velocity and angles of the object.

Also, many flow and heat transfer processes cannot be easily tested but CFD
provides the ability to theoretically simulate any physical conditions.
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Experimental apparatus
- 3D AR/VR CFD Flow Visualization system from Aviation Virtual
- 3 Different Geometrical Shapes

- A Block

-A Cylinder

-An Aerofoil

Figure 5. Geometrical shapes

Experimental procedure
1. Turn on CFD Flow Visualization System (CFVS)
2. Set-up the CFVS to show the front view of the wind tunnel test section
3. Activate the Block for the first visualization
4. Change flow speed to understand how it will affect the flow. Record the
image for lab report.
5. Vary Block’s orientation(to adjust flow angle of attack (AOA) to see
effect of AOA on flow. Record the image for inclusion in Lab Report
6. Change the test article to Cylinder/Aerofoil and repeat Steps(s) 1 to 5
7. Shut down CFVS system after (6)
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Experiment’s Result - Block

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Experiment’s Result - Cylinder

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Experiment’s Result - Aerofoil

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Experiment’s Result - Aerofoil

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Observation

In my observation, different object cause the flow to flow differently.

In order to better improve on our planes design, we will need to understand the
effect of AOA in order to calculate the lift and drag ratio.

If the angle of attack is increased from zero, the stagnation point will shift up
following the tip of the aerofoil and the separation point about the object will
occur earlier. This will cause lower pressure presence above the object and a
higher pressure at the bottom causing the lift to drag ratio to increase.

And for the cylinder and block object, as there is no change in AOA but only
changes to the velocity of the laminar flow, it will create more turbulent flow
after it surpasses the object.

All in all, by using CFD, we are able to save time and get the same result.
Allowing us to analyze and compare the streamlines produced around the object
and how it will change depending on the velocity and AOA. Using the data
collected, we will be able to decide on the optimal shape on the plane and to be
able to design the objects within the area of aerodynamics.
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References:
Flow visualization; a course in the physics and art of fluid flow(2021)[ Online website ]
https://www.flowvis.org/

Laminar and turbulent flow (2021) [Online website]

https://www.vapourtec.com/flow-chemistry/laminar-turbulent/

Laminar flow – The editors of encyclopaedia Britannica(2021)[Online website]

https://www.britannica.com/science/laminar-flow

Turbulent flow – The editors of encyclopaedia Britannica(2021)[Online website]

https://www.britannica.com/science/turbulent-flow

Flow separation – Wikipedia (2 May 2021) [Online Website]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_separation#:~:text=Separation%20occurs%20in%20flow%20that,a
%20widening%20passage%2C%20for%20example.&text=The%20fluid%20exerts%20a
%20constant,increasing%20pressure%20if%20still%20attached.

Flow visualization techniques for flight research – David F. Fisher and Rober R. Meyer, Jr.(October 1988)
(Research)
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/pdf/88145main_H-1524.pdf

Advantages of computational fluid dynamics – Pretechnologies [Online website]

http://www.pretechnologies.com/services/computational-fluid-dynamics/advantage