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Experimental study of a laminar air boundary layer over a water surface

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Abstract

The formation of a laminar boundary layer over a water surface has been experimentally studied for the case of a low wind speed of 3.77 m/s without pressure gradient. Velocity profiles were measured using a small total head tube with an external diameter D=0.7 mm in order to detect the velocity as close to the air/water interface as possible. Precision data were obtained by close attention being paid to near boundary correction procedures arising from the effects of viscous, velocity gradient and wall proximity on the pressure tube. Measurements for the first time support Lock's theory.

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Acknowledgement

The authors wish to express their thanks to Mr. Keith Harvey, Mr. Bill Fairman, and Mr. Paul Mennel for their technical support in construction and operation of the experimental equipments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. J. M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, Delft University of Technology, Leeghwaterstraat 21, 2628 CA, Delft, The Netherlands

    Y. S. Tsai

  2. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK

    A. J. Grass & R. R. Simons

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  1. Y. S. Tsai
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  2. A. J. Grass
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  3. R. R. Simons
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Correspondence to Y. S. Tsai.

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Tsai, Y.S., Grass, A.J. & Simons, R.R. Experimental study of a laminar air boundary layer over a water surface. Exp Fluids 35, 472–476 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-003-0701-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-003-0701-2

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