Combined Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamic Measurements Downstream of a Backward-Facing Step

Abstract

Combined heat transfer and fluid dynamic measurements in a separated and reattaching boundary layer, with emphasis on the near-wall region, are presented. A constant heat-flux surface behind a single-sided sudden expansion is used to obtain Stanton number profiles as a function of Reynolds number and boundary-layer thickness at separation. Fluctuating skin-friction and temperature profiles demonstrate the importance of the near-wall region in controlling the heat transfer rate. The fluctuating skin friction controls the heat transfer rate near reattachment, while the conventional Reynolds analogy applies in the redeveloping boundary layer beginning two or three step heights downstream of reattachment.