Shared dynamical features of smooth- and rough-wall boundary-layer turbulence

Abstract

The structure of smooth- and rough-wall turbulent boundary layers is investigated using existing data and newly acquired measurements derived from a four element spanwise vorticity sensor. Scaling behaviours and structural features are interpreted using the mean momentum equation based framework described for smooth-wall flows by Klewicki (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 718, 2013, pp. 596-621), and its extension to rough-wall flows by Mehdi et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 731, 2013, pp. 682-712). This framework holds potential relative to identifying and characterizing universal attributes shared by smooth- and rough-wall flows. As prescribed by the theory, the present analyses show that a number of stat..