Boundary Layer Theory

Boundary Layer Theory describes the thin region of fluid (like air or water) that sticks to a surface (such as an airplane wing or car body) as the fluid flows past it. In this layer, the fluid slows down due to friction with the surface, creating a velocity gradient from zero at the surface to the free stream speed farther away. This layer influences drag, heat transfer, and overall performance of objects moving through fluids. Understanding this boundary layer helps engineers design more efficient vehicles and machinery by managing these friction and heat effects.