Work

An Alternative Scaling for Roughness Transitions in Turbulent Flows: The Role of the Internal Boundary Layer

Year: 2024

Type: preprint

Abstract: When turbulent boundary layer flows encounter abrupt roughness changes, an Internal Boundary Layer (IBL) forms. Equilibrium theory breaks down in the nonequilibrium IBL, which may extend O(10) km for natural atmospheric flows. Here, we find that the IBL possesses a characteristic time-scale associated with the IBL height, $δ_i$. We show that $δ_i$ and the edge velocity set the scales of the mean and defect velocity profiles within the IBL, for simulation and experimental data covering a multitude of roughness transition types. We present a nontrivial extension of equilibrium theory to the dynamically adjusting IBL, which can be useful for modeling a range of environmental and industrial flows.

Source: arXiv (Cornell University)

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2411.08705

Authors: Cooke, Justin P., Park, George I., Jerolmack, Douglas J., Arratia, Paulo E.

Institutions: University of Rhode Island, University of Pennsylvania

Language: English

Topic: Fluid Dynamics and Turbulent Flows

Subfield: Computational Mechanics

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, University of Pennsylvania, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission

Award: G2646040601

OpenAlex ID: W4404408043

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