Turbulence modification by particles in a backward-facing step flow

Abstract

The current study investigates turbulence modification by particles in a backward-facing step flow with a fully developed channel flow inlet. This flow provides a range of flow regimes in which to compare turbulence modification under the same experimental conditions. Gas-phase velocities in the presence of 3–40% mass loadings of three different particle classes (90 and 150 μm diameter glass and 70 μm diameter copper spheres) were measured. Attenuation of the streamwise fluid turbulence of up to 35% was observed in the channel-flow extension region of the flow for a 40% mass loading of the largest particles. The level of attenuation decreased with decreasing particle Stokes number, particle Reynolds number and mass loading. No modification of the turbulence was found in the separated shear layer or in the redevelopment region behind the step, although there were significant particle loadings in these regions.