Review of Wall Turbulence as Described by Composite Expansions

Abstract

This article reviews the literature on the theory of wall turbulence and the correlation of data from the viewpoint of composite expansions. As an interpretive tool, composite expansions have been used explicitly since the time of the introduction of the wake law. Nevertheless, the articles of the pioneer turbulence researchers, Prandtl and von Kármán for example, can be interpreted in this more contemporary light. Although the review begins with the work of the founding fathers, it is comprehensive and includes the modern high-quality experiments, “direct numerical simulations,” and analyses that have been published in this century. Additionally, this review organizes and consolidates the theory as it offers a unifying way to think about wall turbulence. There are 119 reference cited.