Similarity solution of mean streamwise flow along an external corner bisector

Abstract

Turbulent boundary layer development, with zero pressure gradient, over an orthogonal external corner was investigated both experimentally and numerically. The results suggest that within the experimental and numerical limitations of the study that a similarity solution for the mean streamwise velocity profile exists along an external corner bisector. However, to confirm the self-similar solution, further independent measurement of the wall shear stress would be required. For the numerical simulation the Reynolds stress model was used. The experimental and numerical results were all consistent with a logarithmic self-similar solution. However the constants appearing in the self-similar solution were found to differ between the experimental and numerical results and reasons for these discrepancies are discussed. The results also provide scope for benchmarking of commercial software packages against a generic three-dimensional turbulent boundary layer that occurs in many engineering applications.