LDA-Measurements of Transitional Flows Induced by a Square Rib

New fundamental measurements are presented for the transition process in flat plate boundary layers downstream of two-dimensional square ribs. By use of laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) and a large Matched-Index-of-Refraction (MIR) flow system, data for wall-normal fluctuations and Reynolds stresses were obtained in the near wall region to y+<0.1 in addition to the usual mean streamwise velocity component and its fluctuation. By varying velocity and rib height, the experiment investigated the following range of conditions: k+=5.5 to 21, 0.3<k/δ1<1,180<Rek<740,6×104<Rex,k<1.5×105,ReΘ660,−125<x−xk/k<580. Consequently, results covered boundary layers which retained their laminar characteristics through those where a turbulent boundary layer was established shortly after reattachment beyond the forcing rib. For “large” elements, evolution of turbulent statistics of the viscous layer for a turbulent boundary layer y+<∼30 was rapid even in flows where the mean velocity profile still showed laminar behavior.