Introduction to Boundary Layers

Introduction to Boundary Layers

This course introduces the concept of a boundary layer and the physical concepts of boundary layer thickness (δ), displacement thickness (δ*), momentum thickness ( θ ) and friction drag. It derives Prandtl’s Boundary Layer Equations for laminar boundary layers from the basic Navier-Stokes equations and discusses their exact solutions. It discusses how a laminar boundary layer transitions to turbulence and separates. It also discusses thermal boundary layers.