The Effect of Curvature on the Evolution of a Boundary Layer Subjected to a Strong Adverse Pressure Gradient
Abstract
Negligible wall shear stress provides the criterion that minimizes the distance over which boundary layer can decelerate without separating from the surface. Over the past few years, we have been carefully investigating the boundary layer that is continuously maintained on the verge of separation, without actually being allowed to separate 1. The experimental facility that was used consists of a contraction, a constant area throat, and a two-dimensional variable geometry expansion inserted into the 2' by 3' test section of a low speed wind tunnel (figure 1). The expansion is corrected of Lexan supported by electric actuators mounted on gimbals and capable of distorting the surface under computer control. The surface geometry can vary over a wide range of pressure gradients and streamline curvature. The transition between the throat and the test surface is accomplished by means of a circular cylinder to which the lexan surface is attached, thereby establishing the initial slope of the test surface. The side-wall boundary layers were removed by using suction and the measurements were made on the boundary layer developing on the curved surface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 17, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA394280
Entities
People
- Israel J. Wygnanski
Organizations
- University of Arizona