Calculation of turbulent boundary layer wall pressure spectra

Abstract

The suitability of various wave-vector–frequency spectral models for predicting the point wall pressure spectrum due to developed turbulent boundary layer flow over planar, rigid surfaces is investigated. The early Corcos model [G. Corcos, J. Fluid Mech. 18, 353–378 (1964)] along with the incompressible and compressible models developed by Chase [D. Chase, J. Sound Vib. 112, 124–147 (1987)] are given particular attention. The effect of finite-sized measurement transducers is included in the integration of the theoretical wave-vector–frequency spectrum over the in-plane wave numbers in order to arrive at an attenuated point pressure frequency spectrum that can be compared directly to existing experimental data obtained in air, water, and glycerine. The selected experiments cover a wide range of fluid properties and Reynolds numbers. It is found that the Corcos model does not predict the measured data as well as the Chase model. An optimum set of empirical constants needed to exercise the Chase models are presented, but found to depend on the experiment considered. The need to consider viscous effects in future modeling is borne out when dealing with viscous fluids like glycerine.