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Reynolds-number scaling of the flat-plate turbulent boundary layer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 November 2000

DAVID B. DE GRAAFF
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
JOHN K. EATON
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA

Abstract

Despite extensive study, there remain significant questions about the Reynolds-number scaling of the zero-pressure-gradient flat-plate turbulent boundary layer. While the mean flow is generally accepted to follow the law of the wall, there is little consensus about the scaling of the Reynolds normal stresses, except that there are Reynolds-number effects even very close to the wall. Using a low-speed, high-Reynolds-number facility and a high-resolution laser-Doppler anemometer, we have measured Reynolds stresses for a flat-plate turbulent boundary layer from Reθ = 1430 to 31 000. Profiles of u′2, v′2, and u′v′ show reasonably good collapse with Reynolds number: u′2 in a new scaling, and v′2 and u′v′ in classic inner scaling. The log law provides a reasonably accurate universal profile for the mean velocity in the inner region.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 2000 Cambridge University Press

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