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On turbulent separation

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Abstract

The present theoretical article, dedicated to the memory of James Lighthill and his research contributions, is directed towards the central features of turbulent separation. The focus is on the time-mean equations, where the ensemble-averaged motion for an incompressible fluid is modelled as planar and steady. Specific major recent developments are discussed which are closely concerned in one way or another with turbulent separation at increased Reynolds numbers. These developments include in particular the behaviour of relatively thick boundary layers, on the one hand, and the intricate behaviour of breakaway separation on the other. The article brings the two behaviours together in a discussion of large-scale separation structure and accompanying interactions. The work presented here applies to quite general turbulence models and for specific cases enables direct comparisons to be made with experiments. The work also leads to new suggestions involving a combination of low- and high-intensity turbulence for the fluid motion around a bluff body and in its wake.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematics, UCL, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK

    Frank T. Smith

  2. Institute of Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer, Vienna University of Technology, Resselgasse 3/E322, 1040, Vienna, Austria

    Bernhard Scheichl & Alfred Kluwick

  3. AC2T Research GmbH, Austrian Center of Competence for Tribology, Viktor Kaplan-Straße 2, 2700, Wiener, Neustadt, Austria

    Bernhard Scheichl

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  1. Frank T. Smith
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  2. Bernhard Scheichl
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  3. Alfred Kluwick
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Correspondence to Frank T. Smith.

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Smith, F.T., Scheichl, B. & Kluwick, A. On turbulent separation. J Eng Math 68, 373–400 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10665-010-9413-9

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