Streamwise Aspect Ratio Effects on Turbulent Flow Separations Induced by Forward–Backward-Facing Steps

Abstract

Separated and reattached turbulent flows induced by two-dimensional forward–backward-facing steps (FBFS) with different streamwise lengths submerged in a thick turbulent boundary layer (TBL) are investigated using time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV). The aspect ratios (AR) of the step range from 1 to 8, and the Reynolds number based on the freestream velocity and step height is 13 200. The thickness of the incoming turbulent boundary layer is 6.5 times the step height. The effects of varying aspect ratio of the steps on the mean flow, principal stretching, Reynolds stresses, triple velocity correlation, two-point autocorrelation, and unsteadiness of turbulent separation bubbles are studied. The results indicate that the mean flow reattaches over the step for FBFS with aspect ratios of 2 and higher. Two local peaks of Reynolds stresses occur irrespective of AR, and for a sufficiently large AR, a third local peak of Reynolds stresses appear in the shear layer emanating from the trailing edge of the bluff bodies. The streamwise decay of Reynolds stresses is slower for smaller AR cases. Incoming coherent structure is strongly disturbed near an inclined edge where principal stretching switches orientation abruptly. The temporal variation of the first proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) mode and reverse flow area over the bluff bodies shows remarkable correlation, which signifies the flapping motion of separation bubble.