The Role of Inlet Perturbations on Superstructures of Turbulent Boundary Layers - Toward Global Flow Control

Abstract

The turbulent boundary layer grows or evolves continually from its inception point, close to the leading edge of an aero/hydrodynamic vehicle, all the way to the trailing edge or back of the vehicle. The skin friction drag, heat transfer and aero/hydro acoustic signature are all directly determined by this boundary layer evolution. Based on recent successful laboratory research, the proposed project aims to modify the evolution of the boundary layer through specifically targeted perturbations right at the inception point. The initial aim here is to impact the evolution of the large-scale turbulent motions within the boundary layer, with the overall goal of reducing the drag penalty due to turbulent boundary layers. This research plan is based on recent research that has demonstrated that far-reaching and long-lasting effects of inflow/tripping conditions on boundary layer evolution. The fact that such small and localised perturbations can have so profound an influence on boundary layer evolution, suggests exciting new avenues for more achievable flow control strategies towards reducing the overall skin friction drag penalty.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Feb 07, 2017
Source ID
N629091512044

Entities

People

  • Nicholas Hutchins

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy
  • University of Melbourne

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Economics
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.
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