Lab Manual: Flow Visualization – Ideal
Flow
AIM
To visualize ideal flow patterns around different submerged bodies and understand flow
behavior in a fluid using dye injection method.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Understand the concept of streamlines and flow patterns.
Differentiate between ideal and real fluid behavior.
Visualize flow around immersed bodies like cylinders or aerofoils.
Relate theoretical fluid flow to practical visualization techniques.
SIGNIFICANCE
This experiment helps in understanding the streamline flow and flow separation around
bodies, which is crucial in designing hydraulic structures, bridges, and streamlined bodies
in engineering applications.
THEORY
Ideal flow is an inviscid, incompressible, and irrotational flow. In real-life conditions, flow
visualization helps observe how fluid particles move around obstacles. By injecting dye into
a flow of water, streamlines can be made visible. Key theoretical concepts include:
- Streamlines represent the path followed by fluid particles in steady flow.
- Ideal flow assumes no viscosity and no energy loss.
- Flow separation and wake formation are phenomena seen in real flows but visualized here
to understand deviations from ideal behavior.
APPARATUS
Flow visualization tank (Glass channel with water flow arrangement)
Dye injection system (Needle/syringe with dye)
Models of different shapes (cylinder, aerofoil, flat plate)
Water supply system with flow control
Illumination source (optional for clear visibility)
PROCEDURE
Fill the flow visualization tank with water to the desired level.
Place the model body (e.g., cylinder or aerofoil) in the test section of the tank.
Adjust the water flow to a steady, low velocity using the control valve.
Inject dye into the flow using a needle/syringe upstream of the model.
Observe the path of the dye streamlines as they pass around the model.
Repeat the procedure for different shaped models.
Record the behavior of the streamlines: symmetry, deflection, separation zones, and
wakes.
Take photographs or make sketches of observed flow patterns.
OBSERVATIONS
Observation Table:
| Model Used | Flow Pattern Observed | Separation Point | Wake Formation | Remarks |
|------------|------------------------|------------------|----------------|---------|
| Cylinder | Symmetrical/Separated | Yes/No | Visible/Not | |
| Aerofoil | Streamlined | Minimal | Reduced Wake | |
| Flat Plate | Vortex formation | Yes | High Wake | |
RESULT
The flow patterns around different bodies were successfully visualized using dye.
Streamline behavior and flow separation were observed, consistent with ideal and near-real
flow expectations.
INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
- Symmetrical and smooth streamlines indicate potential flow or ideal flow behavior.
- Flow separation and vortex shedding indicate the influence of viscosity (real fluid effects).
- Shape of the object significantly affects flow behavior—streamlined bodies have minimal
wake.
SAMPLE CALCULATION
No numerical calculations are typically involved in this qualitative experiment.
PRECAUTIONS
Ensure the water flow is steady before dye injection.
Use fresh dye for every trial for better visibility.
Clean the models before placing them in the tank.
Avoid turbulent disturbances during observation.
VIVA QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
Q1. What is ideal flow?
A: Ideal flow is a theoretical flow that is inviscid (zero viscosity), incompressible, and
has no energy loss.
Q2. Why is dye used in flow visualization?
A: Dye makes the path of the fluid visible, allowing us to observe streamlines and flow
patterns.
Q3. What are streamlines?
A: Streamlines are lines that represent the path followed by fluid particles in steady
flow.
Q4. What causes flow separation?
A: Flow separation occurs when the boundary layer detaches from the surface of the
body due to adverse pressure gradient.
Q5. What is the significance of observing wake?
A: Wake indicates regions of energy loss and turbulence, important in analyzing drag
and performance of submerged bodies.
