Velocity gradients at the wall for flow around a cylinder for Reynolds numbers between 60 and 360

Abstract

This paper shows how electrochemical techniques can be used in studies of flow around solid objects to measure the velocity gradient at the solid boundary. The method holds the advantages that it is not necessary to calibrate and that the test element is easy to fabricate. A study of the distribution of the wall velocity gradient around a cylinder of 1 in. diameter indicates that boundary-layer theory correctly predicts the measurements between the front stagnation point and the separation for Reynolds number, R, greater than 150. The wall velocity gradients in the wake are much smaller than in the front part of the cylinder and they reveal a minimum which is quite close to the separation point.