Comparison of turbulence profiles in high-Reynolds-number turbulent boundary layers and validation of a predictive model

Abstract

The modified Townsend–Perry attached-eddy model of Vassilicos et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 774, 2015, pp. 324–341) combines the outer peak/plateau behaviour of root-mean-square streamwise turbulence velocity profiles and the Townsend–Perry log decay of these profiles at higher distances from the wall. This model was validated by these authors for high-Reynolds-number turbulent pipe flow data and is shown here to describe equally well, and with approximately the same parameter values, turbulent boundary layer flow data from four different facilities and a wide range of Reynolds numbers. The model has predictive value as, when extrapolated to the extremely high Reynolds numbers of the SLTEST data obtained at the Great Salt Lake Desert atmospheric test facility, it matches these data quite well.