Investigation of the mechanism of surface turbulent friction reduction by means of large-eddy breakup devices

Abstract

The results of an experimental investigation of the mechanism of reducing surface friction by mounting thin plates — large-eddy break-up devices (LEBUs) — in a turbulent boundary layer parallel to the surface are given. The conditions under which the surface friction reduction is minimal are determined. It is shown that the presence of LEBUs in the turbulent boundary layer leads to a decrease in the frequency of decelerated-fluid ejection from the wall region into the outer region of the boundary layer.