Chapter 9, Problem 39P

A developing boundary layer of standard air on a flat plate is shown in Fig. P9.13. The freestream flow outside the boundary layer is undisturbed with U = 50 m/s. The plate is 3 m wide perpendicular to the diagram. Assume flow in the boundary layer is turbulent, with a $\frac{1}{7}$-power velocity profile, and that δ = 19 mm at surface bc. Calculate the mass flow rate across surface ad and the mass flux across surface ab. Evaluate the x momentum flux across surface ab. Determine the drag force exerted on the flat plate between d and c. Estimate the distance from the leading edge at which transition from laminar to turbulent flow may be expected.

P9.13