Reynolds number dependence, scaling, and dynamics of turbulent boundary layers

Abstract

The past two decades (approximately 1990 to 2010) have witnessed an ever-quickening pace of new findings pertaining to the Reynolds number dependencies, scaling, and dynamics of turbulent boundary layer flows (and wall-bounded turbulent flows in general). Given this, an important objective of the present effort is to provide a review that enables researchers new to the field (e.g., graduate students) to gain an appreciation for, and an understanding of, the prevalent research themes currently under investigation. Thus, the emphasis is more on laying a contextual foundation rather than, for example, comprehensively reporting all of the research findings of the past 20 years. The review begins..