CAREER: A Physical Modeling Approach to Wall Turbulence and Enhancing the Educational Experience Through the Beauty of Fluid Motion

University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis MN

Investigators

Abstract

The zero pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer, the subject of this study, is the prototype flow for a vast number of technologically important devices (aircraft/ship/vehicle drag, industrial processes, etc.). It will receive a "fresh look' in this research as the PI brings focus to a plausible and an evolving theoretical construct of the of the basic mechanics which are responsible for the important attributes of this ubiquitous flow field. The experiments to be executed will also involve a significant perturbation: a moving belt as the wall boundary, that will dramatically alter the hypothesized source effect for the coherent motions in the flow. It is expected that this research will provide quite significant data and insight for this very important flow field.