Spiral Vortex Behavior in Transition Region and Separation of Three-Dimensional Boundary Layers on Spheres Rotating in Axial Flow

Abstract

The experiment shows that the transfer from the laminar to turbulent separation occurs at a definite value of the rotational speed ratio S for a given Reynolds number Re. The critical condition of the transition is determined in a relation between the critical Reynolds number based on the momentum thickness and the rotational speed ratio. The measurement is also made for the angular velocity of spiral vortices in the transitional region relative to the rotating sphere surface.