Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
The flow visualization and its ability to see flow pattern on and around a model often gives insight into solution to an aerodynamic problem. It can be divided into two broad categories, like surface flow visualization when the visualization media is applied to the surface such as tufts and oil flow etc. the second type is off surface such as smoke and streams. The present paper will deal with the visualization of flow past different types of models like flat plates, delta wings, elliptical cones and rectangular bluff bodies using different flow visualization techniques. The visualization of the flow was done using smoke wire technique. The smoke wire placed in the upstream side of the bluff body model. This helps to see the separating bubble from the frontal edge and ground vortices at normal incidence for both sharp and round edge models. This technique provided a clear influence of rounding of building edges on the separating sheer layers that form conical vortices. The influence due to change in the angle of incidence on the separation process for sharp and round edge model was found to be of interest. This laser light plane is generated by using a laser light source in conjunction with a lens system. This technique helped to study near roof region of a building model and wake region of delta wings and elliptical cones, considered important from pressure point of view as vortices are said to exist there which is a cause of severe suction. The study of the flow near the surface of the square plate model was carried out by using chalk powder suspended in kerosene oil and sprayed on the model. The pattern of the flow observed revealed direction of surface streamlines and features like separation of flow, which results in interpretation of flow. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of different flow visualization techniques and its usefulness in depicting the impact of flow on different types of models and its application in day to day life. This study will help to understand the flow field which is causing different type of pressures on the rooftop building models, flat plates and elliptical cones.

Keywords: flow visualization, vortices, delta wings, elliptical cones, bluff body, flat plates, smoke wire

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