Heat Transfer on a Flat Surface Under a Region of Turbulent Separation

Abstract

Fluid dynamics and heat transfer measurements were performed for a separation bubble formed on a smooth, flat, constant-heat-flux plate. The separation was induced by an adverse pressure gradient created by deflection of the opposite wall of the wind tunnel. The heat transfer rate was found to decline monotonically approaching the separation point and reach a broad minimum approximately 60 percent below zero-pressure-gradient levels. The heat transfer rate increased rapidly approaching reattachment with a peak occurring slightly downstream of the mean reattachment point. The opposite wall shape was varied to reduce the applied adverse pressure gradient. The heat transfer results were similar as long as the pressure gradient was sufficient to cause full separation of the boundary layer.