Spatial hot-wire visualization of the Λ-structure transformation into the turbulent spot on the smooth flat plate surface and riblet effect on this process

Abstract  

Evolution of the Λ-vortex and its transformation into the turbulent spot in a flat plate boundary layer are investigated experimentally. Extensive measurements visualizing the Λ-structure transformation into the turbulent spot on the smooth and ribbed surfaces of the flat plate are presented. The flow behavior in the course of spatial evolution of the Λ-structure and turbulent spot is discussed. Specific features of the downstream evolution of Λ-structure and turbulent spot on the smooth and ribbed surfaces are demonstrated, such as suppression by riblets of the Λ-vortex transformation into the turbulent spot, appearance of the coherent structures of Λ-vortex within ensemble-averaged turbulent spot, and oblique waves generation both by the Λ-vortex and turbulent spot.