A coherent structure model of the turbulent boundary layer and its ability to predict Reynolds number dependence

Abstract

The coherent motions identified in passively marked turbulent boundary-layer experiments are reviewed. Data obtained in our laboratory using simultaneous hot-wire anemometry and flow visualization are analysed to provide measures of the percent contribution of the coherent motions to the total Reynolds stress. A coherent structure model is then developed. In the outer region the model incorporates the large-scale motions, the typical eddies and their interactions. In the wall region the model is characterized by the long streaks, their associated hairpin vortices, and the pockets with their associated pocket and hairpin vortices. The motions in both regions have unique phase relations which play an important role in their evolution and the resulting intensity of their interactions. In addition, the inner-outer region interactions are seen to be strong because typical eddies, microscale motions which can directly initiate the bursting process near a wall, are convected towards the wall by the response of the high speed outer region fluid to the presence of the large-scale motions. This interaction establishes a phasing between the inner and outer regions. The length and velocity scales of the typical eddy are used to remove the Reynolds number dependence of the stream wise fluctuations and the Reynolds stress in the fully turbulent portion of turbulent boundary layers over a wide range of Reynolds numbers