TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jan 15, 2003

Testing Block Probes for Wall Shear Stress Measurement in Water Flows

Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 129, Issue 2

Abstract

The authors developed and tested two types of sublayer pressure probe or blocks, to indirectly measure the average modulus and direction of the wall parallel component of the shear stress tensor, usually referred to as wall shear stress, or boundary shear, in water flows. The local shear stress has been investigated by means of a Preston tube for different Reynolds numbers, in a smooth rectangular section duct. The observed data have been used to calibrate the blocks. The blocks’ design is a direct outcome of the Dexter yaw meter, developed to function in an air flow. The observed pressure field associated with a given shear stress is compared to its theoretical counterpart, based on the assumption that the velocity profile satisfies a two-dimensional law of the wall, for smooth boundary.

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Published In

Go to Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 129Issue 2February 2003
Pages: 102 - 109

History

Received: Nov 17, 2000
Accepted: Aug 8, 2002
Published online: Jan 15, 2003
Published in print: Feb 2003

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Authors

Affiliations

D. Bocchiola
PhD, Hydraulic, Environmental and Surveying Engineering Dept. (DIIAR), Politecnico di Milano, 32, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 20133 Milano, Italy.
G. Menduni
Associate Professor, Hydraulic, Environmental and Surveying Engineering Dept. (DIIAR), Politecnico di Milano, 32, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 20133 Milano, Italy.
David Ward
PhD, Co. Whirlpool Italia Cassinetta di Biandronno (VA) 21024 Italy.

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