Near critical phenomena in laminar boundary layers

Asymptotic analysis of boundary layer separation in the limit of large Reynolds number Re→∞ has shown that in a number of cases which are of importance from a practical point of view solutions of the resulting interaction equations describing two-dimensional (2-D) steady flows exist up to a limiting value Γ_c of the relevant controlling parameter Γ only while two branches of solutions exist in a regime Γ<Γ_c. The present study aims at a better understanding of near critical flows |Γ-Γ_c|→0 and in particular the changes of the flow behaviour associated with the passage of Γ through Γ_c.     

Asymptotic analysis of an end-loaded, transversely isotropic, elastic, semi-infinite strip weak in shear

We use linear elasticity to study a transversely isotropic (or specially orthotropic), semiinfinite slab in plane strain, free of traction on its faces and at infinity and subject to edge loads or displacements that produce stresses and displacements that decay in the axial direction. The governing equations (which are identical to those for a strip in plane stress, free of traction on its long sides and at infinity, and subject to tractions or displacements on its short side) are reduced, in the standard way. to a fourth-order partial differential equation with boundary conditions for a dimensionless Airy stress function ƒ. We study the asymptotic solutions to this equation for four sets of end conditions—traction, mixed (two), displacement—as g3, the ratio of the shear modulus to the geometric mean of the axial and transverse extensional moduli, approaches zero. In all cases, the solutions for ƒ consist of a “wide” boundary layer that decays slowly in the axial direction (over a distance that is long compared to the width of the strip) plus a “narrow” boundary layer that decays rapidly in the axial direction (over a distance that is short compared to the width of the strip). Moreover, we find that the narrow boundary layer has a “sinuous” part that varies rapidly in the transverse direction, but which, to lowest order, does not enter the boundary conditions nor affect the transverse normal stress or the displacements. Because the exact biorthogonality condition for the cigenfunctions associated with ƒ can be replaced by simpler orthogonality conditions in the limit as →b 0, we are able to obtain, to lowest order, explicit formulae for the coeflicients in the eigenfunction expansions of ƒ for the four different end conditions.     

Influence of viscosity on the flow over the sharp edge of bodies consisting of a spherical segment joined to an inverted cone

The results are given of an experimental investigation of the supersonic axisymmetric flow over a body consisting of a spherical segment joined to an inverted cone in the neighborhood of the point of inflection of the profile (Fig. 1a). For the limiting case of a cylinder with a flat end and M = 3, a study was made of the influence of the Reynolds number and the state of the boundary layer on the parameters of the local separation region formed near the inflection (Fig. 1b). It was found that there is an appreciable decrease in the length of the separation region and the pressure in it when the Reynolds number increases in the range Re = 10⁵– 10⁷ in the case of a laminar boundary layer on the flat end near the inflection point. A low level of the pressure on the surface of the body was achieved — of the order of thousandths of the pressure behind a normal shock. There was found to be a sharp increase in the pressure in the separation region when the boundary layer on the end becomes turbulent with transition to a flow regime that is self-similar with respect to the Reynolds number. Under conditions of a turbulent boundary layer, systematic experimental data on the pressure on the inverted cone near the point of inflection of such bodies were obtained and generalized.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 154–157, January–February, 1981.     

Asymptotic theory of short separation regions on the leading edge of a slender airfoil

The two-dimensional flow of a viscous incompressible fluid near the leading edge of a slender airfoil is considered. An asymptotic theory of this flow is constructed on the basis of an analysis of the Navier—Stokes equations at large Reynolds numbers by means of matched asymptotic expansions. A central feature of the theory is the region of interaction of the boundary layer and the exterior inviscid flow; such a region appears on the surface of the airfoil in a definite range of angles of attack. The boundary-value problem for this region is reduced to an integrodifferential equation for the distribution of the friction. This equation has been solved numerically. As a result, closed separation regions are constructed, and the angle of attack at which separation occurs is found.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 42–51, January–February, 1981.I thank V. V. Sychev and Vik. V, Sychev for assistance.     

Prediction of periodic boundary layers

A relatively simple, yet efficient and accurate finite difference method is developed for the solution of the unsteady boundary layer equations for both laminar and turbulent flows. The numerical procedure is subjected to rigorous validation tests in the laminar case, comparing its predictions with exact analytical solutions, asymptotic solutions, and/or experimental results. Calculations of periodic laminar boundary layers are performed from low to very high oscillation frequencies, for small and large amplitudes, for zero as well as adverse time-mean pressure gradients, and even in the presence of significant flow reversal. The numerical method is then applied to predict a relatively simple experimental periodic turbulent boundary layer, using two well-known quasi-steady closure models. The predictions are shown to be in good agreement with the measurements, thereby demonstrating the suitability of the present numerical scheme for handling periodic turbulent boundary layers. The method is thus a useful tool for the further development of turbulence models for more complex unsteady flows.     

Numerical study of two-dimensional separation on the basis of the Navier-Stokes equations

The phenomenon of the separation of a flow from the surface of a body, and the transfer of fluid which is slowed down in the boundary layer to the exterior flow, is of primary importance both in practice and in theory. From the practical point of view, flows with separation are important primarily because the separation of the boundary layer usually sets the upper limit of the efficiency, and therefore of the application, of many aerodynamic devices. From the theoretical point of view, the greatest importance lies in the problem of selecting the unique solution and the problem of elaborating effective numerical methods of studying flows with separation. The complexity of experimental research and the variety of problems connected with flow past bodies where separation occurs make the theoretical study of their general laws important. The aim of this work is to study separation zones and certain processes of controlling them on the basis of the full Navier—Stokes equations in the case of two-dimensional steady flows of a viscous incompressible fluid for moderately low Reynolds numbers.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 26–32, January–February, 1985.     

Asymptotic analysis of the equations of a three-dimensional boundary layer

The asymptotic solutions of the self-similar equations of two- and three-dimensional boundary layers have been investigated by many authors (see, for example, [1–3]). In [4, 5], asymptotic solutions were found for non-self-similar equations for two-dimensional flow, and the propagation of perturbations near the external edge of the boundary layer was analyzed. In the present paper, asymptotic solutions are obtained for the non-self-similar equations of a three-dimensional laminar boundary layer of an incompressible fluid. It is shown that the conclusion drawn in [5] — that the boundary conditions can be transferred from infinity to a finite distance from the wall — is also true for three-dimensional flow. The obtained solutions explain the experimentally well-known phenomenon of the conservativeness of the secondary currents. The essence of this phenomenon is that a change in the sign of the transverse (along the normal to a streamline of the external flow) pressure gradient is accompanied by a very rapid change in the direction of the secondary flow near the wall, whereas in the upper layers of the boundary layer the direction remains unchanged for a substantial time.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 155–157, September–October, 1979.     

Boundary-layer separation on a cooled body and interaction with a hypersonic flow

In previous papers, e.g., [1, 2], boundary-layer separation was investigated by analyzing solutions of the boundary-layer equations with a given external pressure distribution. In general, this kind of solution cannot be continued after the separation point. Study of the asymptotic behavior of solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations [3–5] shows that, in boundarylayer separation in supersonic flow over a smooth surface, the main effect on the flow in the immediate vicinity of the separation point is a large local pressure gradient induced by interaction with the external flow. The solution can be continued beyond the separation point and linked to the solutions in the other regions, located downstream [5]. Similar results for incompressible flow were recently obtained in [6]. We can assume that in general there is always a small region near the separation point in which separation is self-induced, and where the limiting solution of the Navier-Stokes equations does not contain unattainable singular points. However, this limiting slope picture can be more complex and can contain more regions where the behavior of the functions differed from that found in [3–6]. The present paper investigates separation on a body moving at hypersonic speed, where the ratio of the stagnation temperature to the body temperature is large. It is shown that both. for hypersonic and supersonic speeds the flow near the separation point is appreciably affected by the distribution of parameters over the entire unperturbed boundary layer, and not only in a narrow layer near the body, as was true in the flows studied earlier [3–6]. Regions may appear with appreciable transverse pressure drops within the zone occupied by layers of the unperturbed boundary layer. Similarity parameters are given, the boundary problems are formulated, and the results of computer calculation are presented. The concept of subcritical and supercritical boundary layers is refined, and the dependence of pressure coefficients responsible for separation on the temperature factor is established.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 6, pp. 99–109, November–December 1973.     

Flow behind the boundary layer separation point in a supersonic stream

The flow structure behind the separation point of a laminar boundary layer in a supersonic stream has been investigated. Analytic and numerical solutions are obtained for simple semiinfinite separation zones starting from the leading edge or a point on the smooth surface. The question of the pressure plateau in a separation zone of finite length is discussed and its value is calculated on the basis of asymptotic theory. The asymptotic theory of flow [1, 2] in the neighborhood of the separation point of the laminar boundary layer in a supersonic gas stream (region of free interaction) is employed. The local solution obtained is subsequently used to construct the flow pattern in the separation zone [3]. An analysis is made of the behavior of the solution for the free-interaction region on transition to the region of reverse flows. The results make it possible actually to compute (in the first approximation) the pressure in the plateau region after establishing the mathematical significance of this concept, previously introduced on the basis of the experimental results. At the same time relatively simple solutions are obtained for semiinfinite separation zones.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 3, pp. 19–25, May–June, 1971.     

Interaction between the boundary layer and a supersonic flow when part of the wall is rapidly heated

There have been many theoretical studies of aspects of the unsteady interaction of an exterior inviscid flow with a boundary layer [1–9]. The mathematical flow models obtained in these studies by the method of matched asymptotic expansions describe a wide range of phenomena observed experimentally. These include boundary layer separation near the hinge of a flap, the flow in the neighborhood of the trailing edge of an oscillating airfoil [1–2], and the development and propagation of perturbations in a boundary layer excited by an oscillating wall or some other way [3–5]. The present paper studies the interaction of an unsteady boundary layer with a supersonic flow when a small part of the surface of a body in the flow is rapidly heated.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 66–70, January–February, 1984.     

Computation of the two-dimensional viscous incompressible fluid flow with separation at the nlet edge around a cascade

A complex flow consisting of an outer inviscid stream, a dead-water separation domain, and a boundary layer, which interact strongly, is formed in viscous fluid flows with separation at the streamlined profile with high Re numbers. Different jet and vortex models of separation flow are known for an inviscid fluid; numerical, asymptotic, and integral methods [1–3] are used for a viscous fluid. The plane, stationary, turbulent flow through a turbine cascade by a constant-density fluid without and with separation from the inlet edge of the profile and subsequent attachment of the stream to the profile (a short, slender separation domain) is considered in this paper.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 3, pp. 34–44, May–June, 1978.     

The structure of the supersonic turbulent boundary layer in its interaction with a shock wave

An experimental study is made of the turbulent boundary layer in its interaction with a shock wave, the purpose being to clarify questions connected with the increase in the fullness of the velocity profiles. New systematic data are obtained on the development of the boundary layer, and its structure and asymptotic behavior beyond the interaction region. These results are for axisymmetric flow in the range of Mach numbers M=2–4 and angles of rotation of the flow 10–25°. Conditions of developed separation are included. Extensive information about the general properties of flows with separation has been obtained in a number of studies. A survey of these may be found, for example, in [1, 2]. Certain questions about the separation and reattachment of the boundary layer are clarified. The dimensions of the separation region are determined and its structure studied in detail for various shapes of the surface around which the flow takes place. Nevertheless it has not yet proved possible to reach a complete understanding of this complex phenomenon. Usually plane models have been used for the investigations, but in this case it is evidently impossible to exclude completely the influence of end effects on the flow in the interaction zone. Therefore it is preferable to study such flows in axisymmetric models; this considerably eases the task of analyzing and interpreting the results.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 75–82, September–October, 1985.     

Supersonic flow past a step downstream of longitudinal grooves

Supersonic flow past a step preceded by longitudinal grooves cut in the plane surface upstream of it is studied experimentally in the presence of a turbulent boundary layer. It is shown that the grooves affect both the shape and the size of the flow separation zone and generate longitudinal vortex cores in the latter.Moscow. Translated from Izvestiya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 201–206, September–October, 1996.     

Free-surface fluctuations in hydraulic jumps: Experimental observations

A hydraulic jump is the rapid and sudden transition from a high-velocity supercritical open channel flow to a subcritical flow. It is characterised by the dynamic interactions of the large-scale eddies with the free-surface. New series of experimental measurements were conducted in hydraulic jumps with Froude numbers between 3.1 and 8.5 to investigate these interactions. The dynamic free surface measurements were performed with a non-intrusive technique while the two-phase flow properties were recorded with a phase-detection probe. The shape of the mean free surface profile was well defined and the turbulent fluctuation profiles highlighted a distinct peak of turbulent intensity in the first part of the jump roller, with free-surface fluctuation levels increasing with increasing Froude number. The dominant free-surface fluctuation frequencies were typically between 1 and 4 Hz. A comparison between the acoustic sensor signals and conductivity probe data suggested that the air–water “free-surface” detected by the acoustic sensor corresponded to about the boundary between the turbulent shear layer and the upper free-surface layer. Simultaneous measurements of free surface and bubbly flow fluctuations for Fr = 5.1 indicated that the frequency ranges of both sensors were similar (F < 5 Hz) whatever the position downstream of the toe. The present results highlighted that the dynamic free-surface measurements can be conducted successfully using acoustic displacement meters, and the time-averaged depth measurements was a physical measure of the free-surface location in hydraulic jumps.     

Influence of second-order boundary layer effects in hypersonic flow over slender blunt cones

The aim of this study is to determine the influence of second-order effects in the aggregate on supersonic axisymmetric flow over slender blunt cones and also to determine the region of applicability of approximate methods of taking into account the strongest of these second-order effects — entropy layer absorption. A system of complete viscous shock layer equations containing all the terms of the gas dynamic Euler equations and all the second-order terms of asymptotic boundary layer theory is chosen as the gas-dynamic model. Within the calculation domain the problem is solved in a unified manner.Translated from Izvestiya Rossiiskoi Akademii Nauk, Meknanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No.4, pp. 129–134, July–August, 1992.     

Boundary layer on a blunt body in a flow of dusty gas

The problem of interaction of gas-dust flows with solid surfaces arose in connection with the study of the motion of aircraft in a dusty atmosphere [1–2], the motion of a gas suspension in power generators, and in a number of other applications [3]. The presence of a disperse admixture may lead to a significant increase in the heat fluxes [4] and to erosion of the surface [5]. These phenomena are due to the joint influence of several factors — the change in the structure of the carrier-phase boundary layer due to the presence of the particles, collisions of the particles with the surface, roughness of the ablating surface, and so forth. This paper continues an investigation begun earlier [6–7] into the influence of particles on the structure of the dynamical and thermal two-phase boundary layer formed around a blunt body in a flow. The model of the dusty gas [8] has an incompressible carrier phase. The method of matched asymptotic expansions [9] is used to obtain the equations of the two-phase boundary layer. In the frame-work of the refined classification made by Stulov [6], it is shown that the form of the boundary layer equations is different in the presence and absence of inertial precipitation of the particles. The equations are solved numerically in the neighborhood of the stagnation point of the blunt body. The temperature and phase velocity distributions in the boundary layer, and also the friction coefficients and the heat transfer of the carrier phase are found for a wide range of the determining parameters. In the case of an admixture of low-inertia particles that are not precipitated on the body, it is shown that even when the mass concentration of the particles in the undisturbed flow is small their accumulation in the boundary layer can lead to a sharp increase in the thermal fluxes at the stagnation point.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 5, pp. 99–107, September–October, 1985.I thank V. P. Strulov for a discussion.     

An approximate method of determining the vorticity in the separation region as the viscosity tends to zero

In accordance with the Prandtl—Batchelor theorem, the vorticity in a separation region is constant in a laminar flow with vanishingly small viscosity. Batchelor proposed that the vorticity should be determined by matching the inviscid flow and the boundary layer at the edge of the separation region. An approximate method is constructed and, under a number of simplifying assumptions, used to consider a flow with a separation region in a rectangular trough.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 1, pp. 10–15, January–February, 1982.I thank N. A. Slezkin and the participants of his seminar for several discussions of the work and helpful comments.     

DNS of a spatially developing turbulent boundary layer with passive scalar transport

A direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a spatially developing turbulent boundary layer over a flat plate under zero pressure gradient (ZPG) has been carried out. The evolution of several passive scalars with both isoscalar and isoflux wall boundary condition are computed during the simulation. The Navier–Stokes equations as well as the scalar transport equation are solved using a fully spectral method. The highest Reynolds number based on the free-stream velocity U_∞ and momentum thickness θ is Re_θ=830, and the molecular Prandtl numbers are 0.2, 0.71 and 2. To the authors’ knowledge, this Reynolds number is to date the highest with such a variety of scalars. A large number of turbulence statistics for both flow and scalar fields are obtained and compared when possible to existing experimental and numerical simulations at comparable Reynolds number. The main focus of the present paper is on the statistical behaviour of the scalars in the outer region of the boundary layer, distinctly different from the channel-flow simulations. Agreements as well as discrepancies are discussed while the influence of the molecular Prandtl number and wall boundary conditions is also highlighted. A Pr scaling for various quantities is proposed in outer scalings. In addition, spanwise two-point correlation and instantaneous fields are employed to investigate the near-wall streak spacing and the coherence between the velocity and the scalar fields. Probability density functions (PDF) and joint probability density functions (JPDF) are shown to identify the intermittency both near the wall and in the outer region of the boundary layer. The present simulation data will be available online for the research community.     

Theory of self-induced separation of a turbulent boundary layer

Plane steady flow is considered in the case of an incompressible fluid in the neighborhood of the separation point of a turbulent boundary layer. It is shown that separation takes place in a region which lies at some small distance downstream from the region of interaction.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Mekhanika Zhidkosti i Gaza, No. 3, pp. 51–60, May–June, 1987.