An experimental investigation of an asymmetrical turbulent wake

Experiments on the two-dimensional turbulent wake generated by pairs of cylinders of unequal diameter have revealed some interesting flow characteristics. The wake width grew asymmetrically in the downstream direction, spread rate and entrainment coefficients proving larger on the small diameter cylinder side. Mean velocity profiles were also skewed to this side while maximum values of Reynolds stresses were larger on the other. Close to the cylinder, a region or turbulent ‘energy reversal’ was measured. The level of turbulence and the diffusion mechanism were high at this point and some comments are made concerning the structure of the flow under these conditions.