A new surface-streamline flow-visualization technique

Abstract

This paper describes a new surface-streamline flow-visualization technique that is suitable for use in low-speed wind tunnels or other low-speed gas flows. The technique provides a permanent record of ink traces that show surface-streamline direction and shape. The visualization of the endwall surface flow of the horseshoe-vortex system formed around the base of a cylinder by a separating turbulent boundary layer is used as an example. The results of the new technique are compared with those obtained from a conventional flow-visualization technique. Good agreement was found between the two, with the new technique appearing to give more-accurate surface streamlines.