On the turbulent boundary layer over a flat plate at moderate Reynolds numbers

Two separate experimental campaigns of a spatially developing turbulent boundary layer under approximately zero-pressure-gradient at moderate Reynolds numbers ( 1700 < Re-0 < 3400) are conducted with stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and one component Hot Wire Anemometry. This range of Reynolds numbers is found to be of particular interest for turbulent boundary layer control investigations. The motivations behind this work rely on the lack of recent studies that provide a rigorous experimental database on a flat plate turbulent boundary layer, openly available online. This is critical as, in most of the cases, the modification of the statistics resulting from turbulent boundary layer control strategies are compared with a smooth baseline reference. The statistics of the velocity fields, obtained with the two techniques, show a good match with the direct numerical simulation in literature results. We focused on the skin friction evaluation by means of Clauser's chart technique. The near wall turbulence activity and the associated coherent structures are investigated by means of the Variable Interval Time Averaging technique using the hot wire signal. The influence of the acquisition and algorithm parameters as well as the effect of the Reynolds number are reported. The logarithmic and outer structures are investigated by applying the Uniform Momentum Zones technique to the PIV dataset. The hierarchical distribution of the uniform momentum zones as a function of the wall distance as well as their variation with the Reynolds number confirm the validity of the attached eddy model even at the moderate Reynolds numbers of the current investigation.

Automated summary

This study experimentally investigates the spatial development of a turbulent boundary layer at moderate Reynolds numbers and provides statistical results that validate existing models. The importance of this study lies in its contribution to an openly accessible experimental database.