Chapter 11, Problem 135P

Consider the boundary layer growing on a flat plate aligned at the freestream flow, Plot local skin frietion coefficient $C_{f,x}$ as a function of Reynolds number Re for a laminar flat plate boundary layer for Reynolds number in the range ${10}^2<{\mathrm{Re}}_x<{10}^5$ . For consistency, use a log scale for the horizontal (Re1) axis, and use a linear scale for the horizonatal $\left({\mathrm{Re}}_x\right)$axis. Then consider the two flat plates shown here, in which one dimension is twice as long as the other. Which orientation, (a) or (b), produces the greater drag? Explain.