Thermalfluid Lab – MEC 554 / LSRC / SCA Rev.

01-2017

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Program : Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) Mechanical

Course : Thermalfluids Lab
Course Code : MEC 554
Lecturer/Tutor Name :Khairul Imran Bin Sainan
Group : EMD6M5C

Lab Report

Experiment’s Title

BOUNDARY LAYER WITH PRESSURE GRADIENT(WIND TUNNEL)

Bil Student Name Student ID Signature

MUHAMMAD HAIKAL BIN SARIBUDIN haikal
1. 2022822356
MUHAMMAD IZZAT ISME BIN ISMAIL
2. 2022622392 izzat
MUHAMMAD IZZUL ISLAM BIN ABD HALIM
3. 2022822194
MUHAMMAD JAZLI BIN ZULFADLI
4. 2022697608
MUHAMMAD NAZMAN BIN AHMAD BAZAR
5. 2022622202 Nazman

Lab Session : 24/4/2025 Approved by:

(Date)

Submission of Report : 1/5/2025 Received by:

(Date)
 Assessment Rubric: Technical Content. 60 marks

Scale 1 2 3 4 5
Criteria Poor Acceptable Excellent
1. Introduction • Unable to generate a • Adequately generate • Student capable to generate a
(10 marks) complete theoretical formula theoretical formula with small complete theoretical formula
i.e. only writing the final errors. from the beginning.
formula. • Make some but tolerable • All relevant engineering
• Make many errors in errors in applications of principles and concepts are
applications of engineering engineering principles and accurately and comprehensively
principles and concepts. concepts. demonstrated and applied.
2. Experimental • Unable to produce and • Adequately produce an • Student capable to produce a
Procedure appropriate procedure to run appropriate procedure to run detailed procedure to run the
(10 marks) the experiment. the experiment i.e. missing experiment.
• Having no objective(s). steps in procedure. • Objective clearly defined.
Would not allow experiment • Having objective(s). Would Would allow experiments to
to achieve any goals. allow experiment to achieve achieve goals.
most goals.
3. Data / result and • Unable to present • Adequately present • Students capable to articulate
Sample Calculation experimental result using experimental result using experimental result using
(20 marks) appropriate tables, charts, appropriate tables, charts, appropriate tables, charts,
graphs or other presentation graphs or other presentation graphs or other presentation
formats. formats. formats.
4. Discussion and • Unable to relate theoretical • Adequately relate theoretical • Students capable to relate
Conclusion analysis with experimental analysis with experimental theoretical analysis with
(20 marks) result and their practical result and their practical experimental result and their
implication. implication. practical implication.
• Unable to come out a clear • Conclusion is not clear, but • Student capable to express a
and understandable yet, understandable in such clear and concise conclusion.
conclusion. manner.

2
 Assessment Rubric: Writing Performance Level. 20 marks

Scale 1 2 3 4 5
Criteria Poor Acceptable Excellent
1. Structure • Paragraphs are poorly • Paragraphs are usually well • All paragraphs are well
(5marks) organized; use of sections is organized; use of sections is organized; use of sections is
illogical and hinders logical and generally allows logical and allows easy
document navigation. easy document navigation. navigation through the
document.

2. Graphics, figures, • Figures, tables and equations • Some figures, tables and • All figures, tables and equations
tables and equations. are not clearly or logically equations are logically are clearly and logically
(5marks) identified and fail to support identified and adequately identified and strongly support
the text. support the text. the text.

3. Mechanics • Sentences are poorly written; • Sentences are generally well • Sentences are well written; there
(5marks) numerous incorrect word written; a few incorrect word are no incorrect word choices
choices and errors in choices and errors in grammar, and the text is free of errors in
grammar, punctuation and punctuation and spelling. grammar, punctuation and
spelling. spelling.

4. Formatting and • Report is formatted poorly • Formatting of the report is • Formatting of the report is
references and lacks a quality cover genarally consistent and professional and includes a
(5marks) page and index. adequate,includes a quality professional cover page and
• Fails to correctly report any cover page and index. index.
sources or to utilize • Most sources are correctly • All sources are correctly
appropriate citation forms. reported; appropriate citation reported; appropriate citation
forms are genarally utilized. forms are utilized thoughout.

3
 FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
40450 SHAH ALAM
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN
Tel: 03-55435190 Fax: 03-55435160

____________________________________________________________________________________
REPORT ASSESSMENT FORM

Experiment’s Title:

BOUNDARY LAYER WITH PRESSURE GRADIENT(WIND TUNNEL)

Prepared by:

Bil Name Matrix No Signature

1 MUHAMMAD HAIKAL BIN SARIBUDIN 2022822356
2 MUHAMMAD IZZAT ISME BIN ISMAIL 2022622392
3 MUHAMMAD IZZUL ISLAM BIN ABD HALIM 2022822194
4 MUHAMMAD JAZLI BIN ZULFADLI 2022697608
5 MUHAMMAD NAZMAN BIN AHMAD BAZAR 2022622202 Nazman

Course Outcome Assessment

No Technical Report
Full Mark Given Mark
1 Introduction CO2 10
Experimental
2 C02 10
Procedures
Data/result/sample of
3 CO2 20
calculation
Discussion and
4 CO2 20
Conclusion
TOTAL 60 /60
Course Outcome Assessment
No Writing Performance
Full Mark Given Mark
1 Structure CO3 5
2 Graphics/Figures/Tables C03 5
3 Mechanics CO3 5
Formatting and
4 CO3 5
references
TOTAL 20 /20
TOTAL MARKS 80 /80

4
Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 6

2.0 THEORY ................................................................................................................................................... 6

3.0 OBJECTIVE ............................................................................................................................................... 8

4.0 PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................................ 9

5.0 APPARATUS ........................................................................................................................................... 10

6.0 DATA & RESULTS ................................................................................................................................... 12

7.0 SAMPLE CALCULATION ......................................................................................................................... 15

8.0 DISCUSSION........................................................................................................................................... 17

8.1 MUHAMMAD HAIKAL BIN SARIBUDIN 2022822356 ................................................................. 17

8.2 MUHAMMAD IZZAT ISME BIN ISMAIL 2022622392 .................................................................. 18
8.3 MUHAMMAD IZZUL ISLAM BIN ABD HALIM 2022822194 ........................................................ 19
8.4 MUHAMMAD JAZLI BIN ZULFADLI 2022697608 ........................................................................ 20
8.5 MUHAMMAD NAZMAN BIN AHMAD BAZAR 2022622202 ....................................................... 21
9.0 CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................... 23

9.1 MUHAMMAD HAIKAL BIN SARIBUDIN 2022822356 ................................................................. 23

9.2 MUHAMMAD IZZAT ISME BIN ISMAIL 2022622392 .................................................................. 24
9.3 MUHAMMAD IZZUL ISLAM BIN ABD HALIM 2022822194 ........................................................ 24
9.4 MUHAMMAD JAZLI BIN ZULFADLI 2022697608 ........................................................................ 24
9.5 MUHAMMAD NAZMAN BIN AHMAD BAZAR 2022622202 ....................................................... 24
10.0 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................ 26

11.0 APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................ 27

5
1.0 INTRODUCTION

The objective of this experiment is to investigate the pressure profile of pressure

fluctuations around the cylinder. Beginning at the stagnation point, when the pressure is at its
highest, it lowers to the separation point, where it reaches its lowest pressure, and then rises
to the opposite stagnation point. The flow characteristics around a circular cylinder are also
recorded, such as the creation of a boundary layer. The experiment used a suction-type wind
tunnel, in which ambient air is pulled in and discharged via the motor diffuser. The experiment
is conducted at two distinct velocities, 10 m/s and 20 m/s. The first manometer measurement
is obtained, then after the experiment begins, a fresh manometer reading is taken and recorded.
Each velocity's height difference, pressure difference, coefficient of pressure, drag coefficient,
and pressure drag are computed.

2.0 THEORY

The study of flow around a circular cylinder involves measuring the pressure distribution
in the cylinder surface, determining the drag force, and calculating the pressure and drag
coefficient. These factors show the design and optimization of structure in a fluid flow. The
pressure distribution graph shows how pressure varies all through the cylinder, as shown in
the picture below. At the stagnation point, the pressure reaches its peak and then drops as it
travels around the cylinder. The pressure distribution is different from that of inviscid flow
because of viscosity.

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The Reynolds number affects the flow dynamics around the cylinder. At low Reynolds
numbers, the flow is steady and symmetrical, resulting in two stationary vortices behind the
cylinder. However, when the Reynolds number grows, the flow becomes unstable, resulting
in the phenomena of vortex shedding. This vortex shedding appears as a pattern behind the
cylinder, with low-pressure zones.

The pressure coefficient (Cp) describes the distribution of pressure around the cylinder surface
and is defined as the difference between static and free-stream pressure. It is defined as:

Where:

P = Static pressure on the

cylinder surface P∞ = Freestream

pressure

ρ = Fluid density

ν = Freestream velocity

The drag coefficient quantifies the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid. It is defined as:

Where:

Fd = Drag force

A = Reference area

7
Formula above also the 𝐶𝑑 formula for certain cases like this experiment such as axisymmetric
flows (e.g., flow over a sphere or cylinder), where the drag is computed based on the pressure
distribution around the object.

Pressure drag is the pressure differential between the front and rear surfaces of the cylinder.
Due to the flow separation at the cylinder, there is high pressure drag which causes the low-
pressure wake. It is defined as:

Where:

D = diameter of cylinder

3.0 OBJECTIVE

1) To study the pressure profile.

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

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 4.0 PROCEDURE

1. Mount the cylinder in the wind tunnel, ensuring all hatches are closed and the tunnel is
clear.
2. The manometer initial height had been recorded which is 364mm same for both 10 m/s
and 20 m/s.
3. Start the wind tunnel and set it to 21.3A for 10 m/s airflow.
4. Check that water levels in the multi-tube manometers are equal.
5. Record manometer readings from 0° to 180° at 15° intervals, marking exact heights with
a ruler.
6. Calculate the pressure difference, convert to pressure head, and determine the pressure
coefficient 𝐶𝑝
7. Repeat steps 3–5 at a fan speed of 20 m/s with 41.4A.
8. Turn off the wind tunnel after completing all measurements.

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5.0 APPARATUS

Apparatus Function/Usage
1. Multitube manometer

• To measure the pressure on the

mounted cylinder start with 0 to
180 degree in subsonic wind
tunnel.

Figure 1: Multitube manometer

2. Fan

• To power the propeller that

generates the airflow needed for
the testing of aerodynamic
models.

Figure 2: Fan

3. Mounted Cylinder

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 • The mounted cylinder was
placed in an airstream. The
cylinder has degree from 0 to
180 degree to record the
pressure distribution forces
acting at the surfaces.
Figure 3: Mounted Cylinder

4. Wind tunnel with honeycomb

• Honeycomb connected to wind

tunnel to reduce the turbulence
flow and remains it as a laminar
flow. Wind tunnel used for
simulates the air flow around
the mounted cylinder.
Figure 4: Wind tunnel with honeycomb

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 6.0 DATA & RESULTS
Test 1, v = 10 m/s

Manometer height (tube 20), h 0 = 364 (mm)

Location Angle, 𝜃 (° ) h (mm) h - h 0 (mm) P –P0 (mm) 𝑃−𝑃0 CP cos 𝜃

CP = 1
𝜌𝑉 2
2

1 0 363 1 9.81 0.1635 0.1635

2 15 363 1 9.81 0.1635 -0.1242

3 30 364 0 0 0 0

4 45 371 -7 -68.67 -1.1445 -0.6012

5 60 372 -8 -78.48 -1.3080 -0.6540

6 75 372 -9 -78.48 -1.3080 -0.3385

7 90 373 -9 -88.29 -1.4715 0

8 105 373 -9 -88.29 -1.4715 0.3809

9 120 373 -10 -88.29 -1.4715 0.7358

10 135 374 -10 -98.1 -1.6350 1.1561

11 150 374 -10 -98.1 -1.6350 1.4160

12 165 374 -10 -98.1 -1.6350 1.5793

13 180 375 -11 -107.91 -1.7985 1.7985

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Test 2, v = 20 m/s

Manometer height (tube 20), h 0 = 364 (mm)

Location Angle, (𝜃 ) h (mm) h - h 0 (mm) P –P0 (mm) 𝑃−𝑃0 CP cos 𝜃

CP = 1
𝜌𝑉 2
2

1 0 363 1 9.81 0.0409 0.0409

2 15 363 -1 -9.81 -0.0409 -0.0395

3 30 364 -11 -107.91 -0.4496 -0.3894

4 45 371 -26 -255.06 -1.0628 -0.7515

5 60 372 -37 -362.97 -1.5124 -0.7562

6 75 372 -32 -313.92 -1.3080 -0.3385

7 90 373 -34 -333.54 -1.3898 0

8 105 373 -32 -343.35 -1.3080 0.3385

9 120 373 -35 -343.35 -1.4306 0.7153

10 135 374 -34 -333.54 -1.3898 0.9827

11 150 374 -36 -353.16 -1.4715 1.2743

12 165 374 -33 -323.73 -1.3489 1.3028

13 180 375 -34 -333.54 -1.3898 1.3898

13
Figure 5: Graph of the result from Test 1, v = 10ms

Figure 6: Graph of the result from Test 2, v = 20ms

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 7.0 SAMPLE CALCULATION

V = 10 m/s

ℎ𝑜 = 364 𝑚𝑚

Angle(ϴ) h(mm) h - h 0 (mm)

0 363 1

Pressure,𝑃 − 𝑃𝑜

𝑃 − 𝑃𝑜 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ

=(1000)(9.81)(0.001)

=9.81 Pa

Pressure Coefficient, 𝐶𝑝

𝑃 − 𝑃𝑜
𝐶𝑝 =
0.5𝜌𝑣 2

9.81
=
0.5(1.204)(102 )

=0.163 Kj/Kg

Drag Coefficient,𝐶𝑝 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

𝐶𝑝 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = (0.163)cos (0)

=0.163

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V = 20 m/s

ℎ𝑜 = 364 𝑚𝑚

Angle(ϴ) h(mm) h - h 0 (mm)

0 363 1

Pressure,𝑃 − 𝑃𝑜

𝑃 − 𝑃𝑜 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ

=(1000)(9.81)(0.001)

=9.81 Pa

Pressure Coefficient, 𝐶𝑝

𝑃 − 𝑃𝑜
𝐶𝑝 =
0.5𝜌𝑣 2

9.81
=
0.5(1.204)(202 )

=0.0407 Kj/Kg

Drag Coefficient,𝐶𝑝 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

𝐶𝑝 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = (0.0407)cos (0)

=0.0407 Kj/Kg

16
8.0 DISCUSSION
8.1 MUHAMMAD HAIKAL BIN SARIBUDIN 2022822356

17
8.2 MUHAMMAD IZZAT ISME BIN ISMAIL 2022622392

The objective of this experiment was to examine the pressure distribution and flow
characteristics around a circular cylinder placed in a uniform airflow and to compare the
experimental results with theoretical predictions. In Test 1, the maximum pressure coefficient (Cp)
was found to be 0.1635 while in Test 2 it was 0.0409. These maximum values occurred at the front
of the cylinder (0°) known as the stagnation point where the airflow directly impacts the surface.
Theoretically, the Cp at this point should be 1 but the experimental values were slightly different
which might be due to some error.

As the angle around the cylinder increases, Cp decreases and becomes negative. The minimum Cp
observed in Test 1 was -1.7985 at 180° and in Test 2 it was -1.5124 at 60°. These low Cp values
indicate regions where the flow separates, resulting in a significant pressure drop. According to
theory, the minimum Cp should occur around 90° where flow velocity is highest at the sides
perpendicular to the stagnation point, leading to the lowest pressure based on Bernoulli’s principle.
However, the experimental results deviate from this because actual airflow around a cylinder is
influenced by viscosity causing flow separation and energy loss near the surface.

By calculating the drag force, it shows the horizontal pressure components that act on the cylinder.
The experimental result with the result of drag force the imbalance due to flow separation which
confirming the presence of viscous effects and turbulent flow around the cylinder which had
ignored the ideal theoretical model.

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8.3 MUHAMMAD IZZUL ISLAM BIN ABD HALIM 2022822194

19
8.3 MUHAMMAD JAZLI BIN ZULFADLI 2022697608

20
8.4 MUHAMMAD NAZMAN BIN AHMAD BAZAR 2022622202

This study aims to investigate the pressure profile and flow characteristics around a circular
cylinder under two different airflow conditions in a wind tunnel. Two tests were conducted using
distinct velocities: Test 1 at 10 m/s with a wind tunnel current of 21.3 A, and Test 2 at 20 m/s
with a current of 41.4 A. Pressure measurements were obtained using a manometer with a fluid
column height of 364 mm, positioned to record the pressure distribution from 0° (front
stagnation point) to 180° (rear of the cylinder). The pressure at each point was calculated using
the hydrostatic pressure formula 𝑃 − 𝑃𝑜 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ , where 𝑔 = 9.81 𝑚/𝑠 2 and from this, the
𝑃−𝑃
pressure coefficient 𝐶𝑝 was determined using the relation 𝐶𝑝 = 0.5𝜌𝑣𝑜2 , with 𝑃𝑜 as the reference

static pressure and V as the free stream velocity.

The pressure coefficient at the stagnation point with 0° in Test 1 was determined to be 0.1635
at a velocity of 10 m/s. The pressure coefficient continuously dropped as the angle grew toward
180°, displaying a steady and even profile. For flow around a circular cylinder at moderate
Reynolds numbers, this pattern is consistent with theory, where the flow stays drastically linked
before progressively separating. Before the partial pressure recovery in the following location,
the lowest pressures are seen close to the cylinder's sides as a result of the flow acceleration
along the curved surface.

On the other hand, Test 2, which was carried out at a greater speed of 20 m/s, showed distinct
flow characteristics. It was discovered that the pressure coefficient at 0° was 0.0409. Instead of
showing a steady decline as the angle rose, the pressure coefficient changed or experienced
irregular "ups and downs." The greater Reynolds number at this velocity is probably the cause of
these changes, which show the existence of enhanced turbulence and early flow separation. The
pressure distribution's irregularity points to the impact of vortex shedding and stronger wake
effects behind the cylinder.

There is a noticeable difference in the pressure coefficient vs. angle plots for the two
experiments. The pressure coefficient declines smoothly and predictably around 10 m/s, which is
indicative of a symmetrical and reasonably steady flow. However, the graph for 20 m/s shows a
non-uniform distribution of pressure, which indicates turbulent and unsteady flow conditions.
This comparison shows how the flow around the cylinder changes as the velocity (and hence the

21
Reynolds number) increases, intensifying pressure variations and instability. All things
considered, this experiment demonstrates how flow speed significantly affects the aerodynamic
behavior of bluff bodies such as circular cylinders.

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9.0 CONCLUSION
9.1 MUHAMMAD HAIKAL BIN SARIBUDIN 2022822356

23
9.2 MUHAMMAD IZZAT ISME BIN ISMAIL 2022622392

In conclusion, this experiment was successfully conducted and the objective was achieved. The
experimental results showed that the maximum pressure coefficient occurs at the stagnation
point, which is at 0°. However, the recorded data was lower than the theoretical value due to
factors such as instrument or human error. As the angle increases, the pressure coefficient (Cp)
decreases and becomes negative which confirms that pressure drops as airflow speeds up around
the cylinder. Comparing data from two different wind speeds demonstrated that airflow speed
significantly affects the pressure coefficient. When wind speed increased from 10 m/s to 20 m/s,
the pressure around the cylinder dropped further. The presence of a drag force is identified
through the calculation of Cp cos θ. It has confirmed the influence of viscous effects and
turbulence under real airflow conditions.

9.3 MUHAMMAD IZZUL ISLAM BIN ABD HALIM 2022822194

9.4 MUHAMMAD JAZLI BIN ZULFADLI 2022697608
9.5 MUHAMMAD NAZMAN BIN AHMAD BAZAR 2022622202

To sum up, the experiment effectively illustrated how flow velocity affects the flow
characteristics and pressure distribution surrounding a circular cylinder. The pressure coefficient
demonstrated a smooth and progressive drop from the front stagnation point (0°) to the rear
(180°) at a lower velocity of 10 m/s, suggesting comparatively stable and symmetric flow
behavior. The pressure coefficient did, however, show discernible variations over the cylinder's
surface at the higher velocity of 20 m/s, indicating the beginning of turbulence, an earlier flow
separation, and the existence of unstable wake dynamics. These findings demonstrate that raising
the flow velocity has a major impact on the aerodynamic behavior surrounding the cylinder,
especially since it alters the Reynolds number, which impacts wake generation and boundary
layer development. The study highlights the importance of understanding pressure profiles in
predicting flow behavior, which is critical in various engineering applications involving bluff
bodies.

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25
10.0 REFERENCES

26
11.0 APPENDICES

27