Homogenization of streaks in a laminar boundary layer

Abstract

Abstract The present work, based on experimental, numerical and theoretical investigations, introduces a method to homogenize streaks in the laminar boundary layer. The streaks are created by a spanwise array of roughness elements on the surface of a flat plate. A homogenization body in the form of a horizontal bar is added at a downstream location away from the roughness array to homogenize the velocity differences of the streaks in the laminar boundary layer. Measurements are done with hot-film anemometry and supported by numerical simulations and linear stability theory. The streak amplitude can be significantly reduced with the proposed homogenization body. Furthermore, the reduction in spanwise gradients of the mean velocity leads to a significant reduction in the sinuous instability of the streaky flow. The effects of the homogenization body on the displacement thickness and the observation of flow unsteadiness downstream of the homogenization body are discussed. The present work thus proposes and explores a passive technique to control undesired streaks in the laminar boundary layer. Graphic abstract