Introduction to Boundary Layers

This course introduces the concept of a boundary layer and the physical concepts of boundary layer thickness ( δ ), displacement thickness ( δ * ), momentum thickness ( θ ) and friction drag. It derives Prandtl’s Boundary Layer Equations for laminar boundary layers from the basic Navier-Stokes equations and discusses their exact solutions. It discusses how a laminar boundary layer transitions to turbulence and separates. It also discusses thermal boundary layers. 

Week 1 Introduction: Boundary Layer (BL).
Week 2 BL Parameters (BL thickness, BL Displacement, Momentum Thickness)
Week 3 BL wall friction and friction drag
Week 4 Derivation of Prandtl’s Laminar BL equations
Week 5 Application of the Prandtl’s BL equations to a flat plate
Week 6 Similarity solutions to the BL equations (other than flat plate)
Week 7 Similarity solutions to thermal BL
Week 8 BL Separation with pressure-gradient
Week 9 Energy Equation in thermal BL
Week 10 Prandtl Number and dissipation in thermal BL