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Quadrant analysis of a transitional boundary layer subject to free-stream turbulence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 June 2010

K. P. NOLAN ,
E. J. WALSH  and
D. M. McELIGOT
K. P. NOLAN*
Affiliation:
Stokes Institute, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland
E. J. WALSH
Affiliation:
Stokes Institute, Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland
D. M. McELIGOT
Affiliation:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID 83415-3885, USA University of Arizona, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, AZ 85721, USA
*
†Email address for correspondence: kevin.nolan@ul.ie
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Abstract

This paper presents analyses of particle image velocimetry measurements from a boundary layer on a flat plate subject to grid-generated free-stream turbulence. The pre-transition region and early stages of breakdown to turbulent spots are explored by means of quadrant analysis and quadrant hole analysis. By isolating the contributors to the Reynolds shear stresses, it is possible to identify coherent structures within the flow that are responsible for the production of TKE. It is found that so called ‘ejection’ events are the most significant form of disturbance, exhibiting the largest amplitude behaviour with increased negative spanwise vorticity. Sweep events become increasingly large close to the wall with increased Reynolds number and intermittency.

JFM classification

Instability: Instability
Type
Papers
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 658 , 10 September 2010 , pp. 310 - 335
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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References

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