On the effect of free-stream turbulence on boundary-layer transition

Abstract

Free-stream turbulence (FST) and its effect on boundary-layer transition is an intricate problem. Elongated unsteady streamwise streaks of low and high speed are created inside the boundary layer and their amplitude and spanwise wavelength are believed to be important for the onset of transition. The transitional Reynolds number is often simply correlated with the turbulence intensity (Tu), and the characteristic length scales of the FST are often considered to have a small to negligible influence on the transition location. Here, we present new results from a large experimental measurement campaign, where both the Tu and the integral length scale (Λx) are varied (1.8 % < Tu < 6.2 %; 16 mm < Λx < 26 mm). In the current experiments it has been noted that on the one hand, for small Tu, an increase in Λx advances transition, which is in agreement with established results. On the other hand, for large Tu, an increase in Λx postpones transition. This trend can be explained by the fact that an optimal ratio between FST length scale and boundary-layer thickness at transition onset exists. Furthermore, our results strengthen the fact that the streaks play a key role in the transition process by showing a clear dependence of the FST characteristics on their spanwise scale. Our measurements show that the aspect ratio of the streaky structures correlates with an FST Reynolds number and that the aspect ratio can change by a factor of two at the location of transition. Finally, we derive a semi-empirical transition prediction model, which is able to predict the influence of Λx for both small and high values of Tu.