Statistical structure and mean dynamics of developing turbulent shear-wake flows

Abstract

Shear-wake flows formed from the interaction of two turbulent boundary layers are investigated. Primary focus is on the near-field downstream of the splitter plate. Two velocity ratios and two trailing edge geometries are explored via well-resolved hotwire traverses. Comparison with boundary layer data reveals that the loss of the no-slip condition is at first most apparent in the wall-normal velocity fluctuations. Estimates of the terms in the mean momentum equation are examined. Post-separation, the inertial terms in the mean momentum equation rapidly become dominant throughout the flow. Farther downstream the mean effect of turbulent inertia continues to change sign between the wake cente..