Laminar Boundary Layer Separation Affected by a Local Temperature Perturbation

Abstract

Backward-facing step flow with laminar boundary layer separation forced by a local stationary temperature disturbance was experimentally investigated. The results of the study were obtained in quiet wind-tunnel conditions at low subsonic flow velocity. To generate the temperature perturbation, the test model was equipped with a Peltier element placed flush with the wall before the line of separation. At first, the hot-wire technique was adapted to examine the flow with temperature gradients; then, the velocity characteristics were determined making clear the effects of heat transfer on boundary layer separation