Calculation of turbulent boundary layers on curved surfaces

Abstract

Published data from boundary layers on convex surfaces are used to assess the performance of a calculation method based on the solution of modeled transport equations for the Reynolds’ stresses and the dissipation rate of turbulence energy. For flows with large curvature, the model closely reproduces the suppression of turbulence and the diminished growth rate and skin friction. The recovery of flow distorted by curvature is also predicted with results broadly in accord with the measurements.