The Suppression of Shear Layer Turbulence in Rotating Systems

Abstract

Stabilization of turbulent boundary layer type flows by the action of Coriolis forces engendered by system rotation is studied. Experiments on fully developed, two-dimensional flow in a long, straight channel that was rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane of mean shear are reviewed to demonstrate the principal effects of stabilization. In particular, the delay of transition to turbulence on the stabilized side of the channel to high Reynolds number (ūm h/ν) as the rotation number (|Ω|h/ūm ) is increased is demonstrated. A simple method which utilizes the eddy Reynolds number criterion of Bradshaw, is employed to show that rotation-induced suppression of transition may be predicted for the channel flow case. The applicability of the predictive method to boundary layer type flows is indicated.