Experimental study of the separated flow structure behind a backward-facing step and a passive disturbance

The flow in a channel with a backward-facing step and a rib mounted upstream of the step and generating flow disturbances is studied experimentally by the method of particle image velocimetry. It is demonstrated that mounting of a single rib leads to deformation of the profiles of the mean streamwise velocities and turbulent fluctuations. The effect of the position and height of a single rib on the recirculation region behind the backward-facing step is analyzed. Reduction of the recirculation region size behind the step in the case of flow reattachment upstream of the step is validated.