Low Reynolds number axisymmetric turbulent boundary layer on a cylinder

• Published in: Mechanics research communications 1998, Vol.25 (1), p.33-48
• Main Authors: Youssef, Fouad A., Kassab, Sadek Z., Al-Fahed, Sami F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Boundary layer and shear turbulence; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Physics; Turbulent flows, convection, and heat transfer
• ISSN: 0093-6413; 1873-3972
• DOI: 10.1016/S0093-6413(98)00005-6

In the present study, an axisymmetric turbulent boundary layer growing on a cylinder is investigated experimentally using hot wire anemometry. The combined effects of transverse curvature as well as low Reynolds number on the mean and turbulent flow quantities are studied. The measurements include the mean velocity, turbulence intensity, skewness and flatness factors in addition to wall shear stress. The results are presented separately for the near wall region and the outer region using dimensionless parameters suitable for each case. They are also compared with the results available in the open literature. The present investigation revealed that the mean velocity in near wall region is similar to other simple turbulent flows (flat plate boundary layer, pipe and channel flows); but it differs in the logarithmic and outer regions. Further, for dimensionless moments of higher orders, such as skewness and flatness factors, the main effects of the low Reynolds number and the transverse curvature are present in the near wall region as well as the outer region.