Thwaites Correlation Method — Lesson 2

This lesson covers the concept of Thwaites Approximation in fluid dynamics, focusing on the calculation of momentum thickness, displacement thickness, boundary layer thickness, wall shear stress, and friction coefficient. The lesson explains how Thwaites used experimental data to propose correlations for these parameters, which are crucial from a design perspective. The lesson also discusses the Momentum Integral Equation and the concept of the shape factor. The lesson further delves into the shear correlation and shape factor correlation proposed by Holstein and Bohlen. The lesson concludes with the application of Thwaites Approximation to Howard's decelerating flow, demonstrating how to calculate the point of flow separation.

Video Highlights

00:52 - Introduction to the correlations proposed by Thwaites.
03:19 - Explanation of how to calculate the displacement thickness, boundary layer thickness, momentum thickness, and wall shear stress.
11:33 - Application of the Thwaites approximation to the Howard's decelerating flow.
17:17 - Explanation of how to predict the separation point.
19:57 - Comparison of the prediction by the Thwaites method of the separation point with the exact solution using finite difference method.

Key Takeaways

- Thwaites Approximation is a method used to calculate parameters like momentum thickness, displacement thickness, boundary layer thickness, wall shear stress, and friction coefficient.
- The Momentum Integral Equation and the concept of the shape factor are fundamental to understanding fluid dynamics.
- The shear correlation and shape factor correlation proposed by Holstein and Bohlen are significant in the field of fluid dynamics.
- Thwaites Approximation can be applied to Howard's decelerating flow to calculate the point of flow separation.
- The results obtained from Thwaites Approximation are usually within 2 to 5% of the exact results.