TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE ........................................................................................................................................................ 2
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 2
OBJECTIVE ............................................................................................................................................... 4
THEORY ............................................................................................................................................... 4
LIST OF APPARATUS ................................................................................................................................ 6
PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................................ 7
RESULTS AND DATA ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................ 9
GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................................... 10
SAMPLE CALCULATION ......................................................................................................................... 12
DISCUSSION........................................................................................................................................... 18
CONCLUSION......................................................................................................................................... 20
REFERENCE ............................................................................................................................................ 21

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1.0 TITLE

Flow Pass a Circular Cylinder

2.0 INTRODUCTION

In this experiment, we have studied the fluid dynamics in basic engineering

education. The flow past a two-dimensional cylinder is one of the most studied of aerodynamics.
It is relevant to many engineering applications. The flow pattern and the drag on a cylinder are
functions of the Reynolds number ReD = U∞D/n, based on the cylinder diameter D and the
undisturbed free-stream velocity U∞. Recall that the Reynolds number represents the ratio of
inertial to viscous forces in the flow. The drag is usually expressed as a coefficient C d =
d/(½ρU∞2D), where d is the drag force per unit span.

For instance, for a cylinder in a flow with a Reynolds number in the range, 103
< Re < 105 the boundary layer separates and the coefficient of drag is CD ~ 1.2, much larger
that the coefficient of drag due to skin friction, which we would estimate to be about 10-2.

Figure 1: Measured pressure distributions on a circular cylinder compared with theoretical

distribution calculated assuming ideal flow.

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 A Reynolds number-independent drag coefficient leads to a drag force D ~ ρU2 A/2.
More importantly, the power P required to maintain a constant speed in the presence of this
drag is P = DU = ρU3 A/2, so that it increases with the cube of the speed. Most of the resistance
at this speed is due to aerodynamic drag (there are other sources, such as mechanical friction,
rolling friction, and so on, but I don't think they dominate at this speed). Boundary layers tend
to separate from a solid body when there is an increasing fluid pressure in the direction of the
flow this is known as an adverse pressure gradient in the jargon of fluid mechanics. Increasing
the fluid pressure is akin to increasing the potential energy of the fluid, leading to a reduced
kinetic energy and a deceleration of the fluid. When this happens the boundary layer thickens,
leading to a reduced gradient of the velocity profile (∂(vx)/∂y decreases), with a concomitant
decrease in the wall shear stress. For a large enough pressure gradient, the shear stress can be
reduced to zero, and separation often occurs.

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3.0 OBJECTIVE
In this experiment, there are a few objectives we need to obtain:

1. To study the pressure profile

2. To determine the flow characteristics for flow around a circular cylinder.

4.0 THEORY

Flow past a circular cylinder is one of the field that is studied in engineering specifically
in fluid or aerodynamics which it is a very beneficial studies for various engineering
applications. From the previous studies it shows different characteristics exist with flow that
have different Reynolds’ number. In the equation below it shows the relationship between
Reynolds’ number and velocity. The equation proves that when the velocity of a fluid increase,
the Reynolds’ number will also increase.

𝜌𝑉𝐷
𝑅𝑒 = 𝜇

The ideal flow characteristic for flow passing a circular cylinder is that there should be
no boundary layer along the cylinder surface, which the fluid viscosity is neglected. Next, the
flow must be attached and viscous wake do not exist downstream of the cylinder. We can see
in the first example in Figure 1 the flow is attached and symmetry from both upstream and
downstream as no drag occurs.

2 3

4 5
Figure 2: Flow Characteristics in Flow Past a Circular Cylinder

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 Next, for Case 2, the figure shows flow characteristic when the Reynolds’ number is at
20. A pair of vortices appeared downstream of the cylinder and generated drag force while the
flow is separated but still in steady state. Case 3 shows the flow characteristic when the
Reynolds’ number increased to 100 which the velocity are also increases. As the velocity
increases, it produced vortices downstream of the cylinder randomly and unstable thus
produced large region of separated flow called wake. The wake region will generate a large
drag force towards the cylinder. The velocity increased. In Case 4 the Reynolds’ number flow
was turned into a chaotic wake. This flow however, possessed lower drag as the wake is smaller
compared to Case 3 and the flow is laminar on the windward side of the cylinder. In Case 5,
the velocity was increased even more. The separation point moved slightly downstream, which
produced wake that is smaller than in Case 4 and hence, generated lower drag.

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5.0 LIST OF APPARATUS

FLOW
STRAIGHTENER TEST
SECTION FAN
DIFFUSER
SILENCER

INCLINED
GAUGE

MULTI-TUBE
MANOMETER
SPEED
CONTROLLER

Figure 3: Wind Tunnel

Figure 4: Circular Cylinder

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6.0 PROCEDURE

1. The wind tunnel was opened in the middle section by pulling to locate the specimen.

Figure 5: Pulling a wind tunnel

2. The 158mm circular cylinder was mounted in the wind tunnel.

3. The cylinder was rotated until the center of the tapping hole located at the center by
viewing from the inlet of the wind tunnel.

4. A piece of cardboard is put below the test section to prevent the air from flowing out of
it.

Figure 6: Place a piece of cardboard

5. Wind tunnel was then closed in the middle section by pushing it perform the experiment.

6. The switch was on. Then, the fan speed was increased to a speed of 10 m/s by rotating
the turns using the hand held.

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 Figure 7: rotating the turns

7. Data that were obtained from the pressure tube manometer.

Figure 8 pressure tube manometer

8. After the data obtained was recorded, the fan speed was increased to a velocity of 20m/s.

9. Hence, the coefficient of pressure against location is then calculated and plotted.

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7.0 RESULTS AND DATA ANALYSIS

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7.1 GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

Graph of Coefficient of Pressure against Location on the Circumference of the Cylinder.

Test 1

2.5
Coefficient of Pressure against Location on the Cylinder

2
Cofficient of Pressure

1.5

0.5

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

-0.5
Location (𝜃)

Graph 1: Coefficient of Pressure against Location on the Circumference of the Cylinder

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Test 2

Coefficient of Pressure against Location on the

Cylinder
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10

8
Coefficient of Pressure

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

-2
Location (𝜃)

Graph 2: Coefficient of Pressure against Location on the Circumference of the Cylinder

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8.0 SAMPLE CALCULATION

Based on the obtained value of difference in manometer height, the pressure difference can be
identified. From the formula,

TEST 1

V = 10m/s

Manometer height (tube 20), h0 = 202mm

Ɵ = 0o

h = 200mm

Manometer Height Different, h – h0 (mm)

ℎ − ℎ0 = 200 − 202

= −2

Value of P (Pa)

𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = 784
𝑚3
𝑚
𝑔 = 9.81
𝑠2

𝑃 = 𝜌𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑔ℎ

= (784)(9.81)(0.200)

= 1538.21 𝑃𝑎

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Value of P0 (Pa)

𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = 784
𝑚3
𝑚
𝑔 = 9.81
𝑠2

𝑃0 = 𝜌𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑔ℎ0

= (784)(9.81)(0.202)

= 1553.59 Pa

Pressure Different, P – P0 (Pa)

𝑃 − 𝑃0 = 1538.21 − 1553.59

= −15.382𝑃𝑎

Pressure Coefficient, CP

To find coefficient of pressure, Cp:

P = Pressure

𝜌 = density of air (1.225kg/m3)

V = Velocity of air (10m/s)

𝑃 − 𝑃ₒ
𝐶𝑝 =
1⁄ 𝜌𝑉 2
2
−15.382
𝐶𝑝 = = −0.2511
1⁄ × 1.225 × (10)2
2

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At 𝜽 = 𝟎𝒐 , 𝑪𝑷 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽

𝐶𝑃 cos 𝜃 = (−0.2511) cos 00

= −0.2511

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TEST 2

V = 20m/s

Manometer height (tube 20), h0 = 158mm

Ɵ = 0o

h = 157mm

Manometer Height Different, h – h0 (mm)

ℎ − ℎ0 = 157 − 158

= −1

Value of P (Pa)

𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = 784
𝑚3
𝑚
𝑔 = 9.81
𝑠2

𝑃 = 𝜌𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑔ℎ

= (784)(9.81)(0.157)

= 1207.49 𝑃𝑎

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Value of P0 (Pa)

𝑘𝑔
𝜌𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = 784
𝑚3
𝑚
𝑔 = 9.81
𝑠2

𝑃0 = 𝜌𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑔ℎ0

= (784)(9.81)(0.158)

= 1215.18 Pa

Pressure Different, P – P0 (Pa)

𝑃 − 𝑃0 = 1207.49 − 1215.18

= −7.691 𝑃𝑎

Pressure Coefficient, CP

To find coefficient of pressure, Cp:

P = Pressure

𝜌 = density of air (1.225kg/m3)

V = Velocity of air (10m/s)

𝑃 − 𝑃ₒ
𝐶𝑝 =
1⁄ 𝜌𝑉 2
2
−7.691
𝐶𝑝 = = −0.1256
1⁄ × 1.225 × (10)2
2

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At 𝜽 = 𝟎𝒐 , 𝑪𝑷 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝜽

𝐶𝑃 cos 𝜃 = (−0.1256) cos 00

= −0.1256

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9.0 DISCUSSION

An experiment was successfully done and 19 readings of h (mm) were taken. From the
experiment that we were conducted, we obtained the length of manometer height (tube 20), ℎ0
is 202mm and 158mm at velocity 10 𝑚𝑠 −1 and 20 𝑚𝑠 −1 respectively. Two tests were
performed to study and to understand the pressure profile and the flow characteristics for flow
around a circular cylinder. Measurements of static pressure coefficient on the cylinder surface
were used to determine the curve in the graph. Results are been shown in a table and a graph
in result section. Now the graph will be discussed here.

Based on the table in the results, the angle can be determined by the locations tabulated
starting from 0⸰ to 180⸰. In the graph, the variables used for y-axis is the pressure coefficient,
Cp where for the x-axis is represented by the location on the circumference of cylinder. The
graph trend for Coefficient of Pressure against Location on the Circumference of the Cylinder
on Test 1 curve at a velocity of 10m/s was then increased rapidly all the way from 0o to 70o. It
then fluctuated between 70⸰ and 120⸰. It remained steady at 120⸰. While on Test 2, it was also
increased and has fluctuated between 70⸰ and 180⸰. The fluctuation manners in this state may
happen due to the unstable red fluid in the manometer which enable us to get the accurate data
from the manometer. Hence, the maximum and minimum coefficient of pressure at a velocity
of 10m/s were 2.1347 and -0.2511 respectively. While the maximum and minimum coefficient
of pressure at a velocity of 20m/s were 10.0454 and -0.1256 respectively.

Experimental readings taken might be slightly different than theoretical value. There is
error obtained in this experiment. It could be in the form of two sources. One in apparatus error
and second is human error. Instrument or apparatus error includes unstable red fluid in the
manometer or apparatus not balance on horizontal surface. A personal error includes
observation and calculation with wrong method or lack of experience in experimentation. The
experiment was placed on the table. The table was shaking causing observer’s eye were not
perpendicular to the reading.

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 Error in apparatus which is also known as instrument error can easily be find out by
repeating a certain experiment over and over again if all experiment show inaccurate value
means apparatus has some errors. It can be removed by calibrating it with a good standard
apparatus. Personal error can find out by repeating the experiment with some experience person
and can be removed by practices.

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10.0 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the drag force increases when the air velocity increases. The value of
coefficient of drag obtained from direct weighing and pressure distribution profiles show the
close agreement in the range of angle of incidence between 0 to 180 degree. As the velocity
went higher the coefficient of pressure rose up then went down a bit and then show a constant
value. The values of coefficient of drag obtained by direct weighing method start deviating
from the corresponding values of pressure distribution method. As compare to both methods
as being the most reliable, the pressure plotting yields a result within the probable limits of
accuracy.

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11.0 REFERENCE

i. M. Sato and T. Kobayashi, "A fundamental study of the flow past a circular”,
2012. [Online]. Available:
http://imechanica.org/files/Sato_MDAC_final_2232012.pdf.

ii. Essays, UK, “Pressure Distribution around Circular Cylinder Lab Report”,
November 2013. [Online]. Available:
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/biology/pressure-distributionaround-
circular-cylinder-lab-report-biology-essay.php

iii. ‘Fluid Mechanics Third Edition In SI Units Fundamentals And Application’ –

Yunus A. Cengel, M. Cimbala

iv. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potential_flow_around_a_circular_cylinder.
v. W. J. Devenport and A. Borgoltz, "Flow Past A Circular Cylinder”, 31
January 2016. [Online]. Available:
http://www.dept.aoe.vt.edu/~aborgolt/aoe3054/manual/expt3/index.html.

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