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ME-301 FLUID MECHANICS – I
PART-I LAB REPORT
EXPERIMENT I: FLOW VISUALIZATION AND
FLOW TYPE DETERMINATION
OBJECTIVE OF THE EXPERIMENT
The primary goal of this experiment is to demonstrate water flow in an open
channel through the hydrogen bubble technique. By examining the resulting
streamlines, the experiment seeks to illustrate flow patterns and highlight the
flow characteristics around different objects, such as circular cylinders and an
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aerofoil model. Analyzing flow behavior provides valuable insights into
fundamental fluid mechanics concepts, such as the distinction between viscous
and inviscid flows and the influence of streamline spacing on flow velocity.
PROCEDURE
A light assembly and guide were set up to project a beam beneath the fluid
surface in the channel. The anode assembly was positioned further downstream
from the light guide, while the cathode assembly, equipped with a fine stainless
steel wire, was also installed within the channel. The system was initiated by
turning on the supply, pump, and lamp switches. Objects, including cylinders
with diameters of 13 mm and 25 mm, as well as an aerofoil model, were
introduced into the water channel one at a time to visualize the flow. The
streamlines produced were observed using bubbles around the objects, both
upstream and downstream, to examine flow symmetry and behavior.
THEORY
The hydrogen bubble technique produces tiny hydrogen bubbles along a cathode
wire placed in the water channel. As the water flows, these bubbles are
transported with it, tracing the streamlines and offering a clear visualization of
the flow pattern.
CONCLUSION
The hydrogen bubble technique effectively visualized the flow field around
different objects. Observations demonstrated the symmetry of flow patterns in
front of the objects and the significant changes in flow behavior behind the
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objects due to wake formation and turbulence. The experiment reinforced the
theoretical understanding of streamline behavior, flow symmetry, and the
distinction between viscous and inviscid flows.
QUESTIONS
1. Are the streamlines symmetric about the x-axis?
In front of the body: Yes, the streamlines exhibited symmetry along the x-axis.
The flow maintained a steady and uniform pattern as it moved toward the object.
Behind the body: The streamlines were not symmetric behind the objects.
Asymmetry in the flow was observed, primarily due to wake formation and
turbulence, particularly with cylindrical objects and the aerofoil at higher flow
velocities.
2. Why does the flow pattern change behind the body?
The flow pattern alters behind the object due to boundary layer separation,
resulting in the formation of a wake. In this region, the flow becomes
asymmetric due to turbulence and pressure variations caused by the object's
shape.
3. What is the most important difference between viscous and inviscid
flows?
Viscous Flows: Includes shear stress, boundary layers, and energy loss due to
friction.
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Inviscid Flows: Assuming no viscosity allows for a simplified mathematical
analysis, while neglecting real-world factors such as boundary layers and wake
formation.
4. What do we expect about the flow velocity in regions where the spacing
between streamlines decreases?
In areas where the distance between streamlines narrows, the flow velocity
increases. This behavior is a key principle of continuity, which asserts that in
steady, incompressible flow, the mass flow rate must remain constant, leading to
higher velocities in regions where streamlines are closer together.
