How is shear stress related to shear rate in aerodynamic applications?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between shear stress and shear rate in Newtonian fluids, specifically in aerodynamic contexts. It highlights the need for a deeper understanding of why shear stress is proportional to the velocity gradient, as many resources only provide experimental observations without thorough explanations. Additionally, it addresses the complexities of calculating the velocity gradient at the surface of an aircraft, noting that the flow is not linear like Couette flow. A recommendation is made to consult "Transport Phenomena" by Bird, Stewart, and Lightfoot for a molecular perspective on shear stress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of breaking down these complex questions into manageable discussions for clarity.
MaxKang
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Hello everyone,

I came across this in J. Anderson's book "Fundamentals of Aerodynamics".

"For the type of gases and liquids of interest in aerodynamic applications, the value of the shear stress at a point on a streamline is proportional to the spatial rate of change of velocity normal to the streamline at that point"

1. I am aware that air is a type of Newtonian fluid where its dynamic viscosity remains constant. Could someone why the magnitude of shear stress happen to be proportional to that of the shear rate(or Velocity Gradient)? A lot of books and Youtube videos merely say this is experimental and do not quite explain why this is the case.

2. I also read "Conventional boundary layer analysis assumes that the flow conditions at the outer edge of the boundary layer are the same as the surface flow conditions from an inviscid flow analysis" so in order to find the flow velocity at the outer edge of the boundary layer, I would assume the flow is inviscid and use the velocity right on the surface for the outer edge velocity. My question is, then how do I go about computing the velocity gradient(dv/dy) right on the surface? The velocity gradient on the surface of an aircraft is not linear unlike the Couette flow so I don't think I can use the the speed at the outer edge of the boundary layer(right adjacent to free stream) to find the theoretical value of the shear stress.
I would like to know how it's done for temperature as well.

Thank you!
 
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Can you please break this down into several threads. There are too many questions here to answer all in one place.

I will answer your first question, however. If you are asking for a quantitative molecular explanation of why the shear stress is proportional to the shear rate, see chapter 1 of Bird, Stewart, and Lightfoot, Transport Phenomena.
 
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Chestermiller said:
Can you please break this down into several threads. There are too many questions here to answer all in one place.

I will answer your first question, however. If you are asking for a quantitative molecular explanation of why the shear stress is proportional to the shear rate, see chapter 1 of Bird, Stewart, and Lightfoot, Transport Phenomena.
Thank you so much! I will read up on it :)
 
Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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