Simultaneous Lateral Skewing in a Three-Dimensional Turbulent Boundary-Layer Flow

Abstract

The results of an experimental program are reported on, wherein the lateral flow in a low-speed, three-dimensional, turbulent, incompressible boundary layer inside a recurving duct was made to reverse itself completely. In such a reversal process there occurs a region of flow where the boundary layer experiences lateral flow in two different lateral directions simultaneously. The physical arguments which support the existence of such flow regions with simultaneous lateral skewing are discussed and supported by the experimental results. Several of the more recent velocity profile models which are intended for use in describing skewed turbulent boundary-layer flows are reviewed as to their applicability to a flow with such simultaneous lateral skewing.