Turbulent separation in lower curved wall channels

Abstract

Turbulent boundary layer separation in channels with a lower curved wall is studied using direct numerical simulations (DNS). Turbulence dynamics are studied through classical statistical tools such as the turbulent kinetic energy budget for varying lower curved wall dimensions. The geometry features are expected to have a significant effect on the fluid flow structures and the characteristic scales of separation. The separation bubble behind the bump is studied in terms of its size, turbulent kinetic energy production mechanisms and transfer and scale-by-scale energy budget. New innovative data-analysis techniques will be used based on the generalisation of the Kolmogorov equation to anisotropic and spatially non-homogeneous flow configurations.