Fully developed asymmetric flow in a plane channel

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a detailed experimental examination of fully developed asymmetric flow between parallel planes. The asymmetry was introduced by roughening one of the planes while the other was left smooth; the ratio of the shear stresses at the two surfaces was typically about 4:1.The main emphasis of the research has been on establishing the turbulence structure, particularly in the central region of the channel where the two dissimilar wall flows (generated by the smooth and rough surfaces) interact. Measurements have included profiles of all non-zero double and triple velocity correlations; spectra of the same correlations at several positions in the channel; skewness and flatness factors; and lateral two-point space correlations of the streamwise velocity fluctuation.The region of greatest interaction is characterized by strong diffusional transport of turbulent shear stress and kinetic energy from the rough towards the smooth wall region, giving rise,inter alia, to an appreciable separation between the planes of zero shear stress and maximum mean velocity. The profiles of length scales of the larger-scale motion are, in contrast to the turbulent velocity field, nearly symmetric. Moreover, it appears that at high Reynolds numbers the small-scale motion may in many respects be treated as isotropic.