An experimental investigation of high Reynolds number steady streaming generated by oscillating cylinders

Abstract

The steady streaming generated in the boundary layer on a cylinder performing simple harmonic motion in a viscous incompressible fluid which is otherwise at rest is investigated in the case where the Reynolds number R s associated with this streaming is large. Comparison is made between experimental results obtained here and the theories of Riley (1965) and Stuart (1966). This comparison shows good agreement between the theories and the experiment close to the cylinder, but away from the cylinder significant discrepancies are observed. Possible reasons for these discrepancies are discussed.