The relaxation of a turbulent boundary layer in an adverse pressure gradient

Abstract

The relaxation of a reattached turbulent boundary layer downstream of a wall fence has been investigated. The boundary layer has an adverse pressure gradient imposed upon it which is adjusted in an attempt to bring the boundary layer into equilibrium. This is done by adjusting the pressure gradient so as to bring the Clauser parameter (G) down to a value of about 11.4 and then maintain it constant. In the region from the reattachment point to 2 or 3 reattachment lengths downstream, the boundary layer recovers from the initial major effects of reattachment. Farther downstream (where G is constant) the pressure-gradient parameter changes very slowly and profiles of non-dimensionalized eddy viscosity appear self-similar. However, pressure gradient and eddy viscosity are both roughly twice as large as expected on the basis of previous studies of equilibrium turbulent boundary layers. It is not known whether equilibrium has been achieved in this downstream region. This is another illustration of the great sensitivity of boundary-layer structure to perturbations.