An Analytical Investigation of Turbulent Flow Over a Wavy Boundary

Author: Knight, Doyle Dana

Year: 1974

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Saffman, Philip G.

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Aeronautics; Applied Mathematics

DOI: 10.7907/T9PD-TM13

Abstract

The linearized, two-dimensional flow of an incompressible fully turbulent fluid over a sinusoidal boundary is solved using the method of matched asymptotic expansions in the limit of vanishing skin friction. A phenomenological turbulence model due to Saffman (1970, 1974) is utilized to incorporate the effects of the wavy boundary on the turbulence structure. Arbitrary lowest order wave speed is allowed in order to consider both the stationary wavy wall, and the water wave moving with arbitrary positive or negative velocity. Good agreement is found with measured tangential velocity profiles and surface normal stress coefficients. The phase shift of the surface normal stress exhibits correct qualitative behavior with both positive and negative wave speeds, although predicted values are low.

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