A study of compressible turbulent reattaching free shear layers
An experimental investigation was conducted to study the two-dimensional, compressible, turbulent reattaching free shear layer formed by the geometrical separation of a Mach 2.46 flow with a turbulent boundary layer and a Reynolds number of 5.01 X 107/m from a 25.4 mm high backward-facing step. The wind tunnel test section was specifically designed to obtain a constant pressure separation at the step. A detailed survey of the flowfield was made utilizing a Schlieren system, static pressure taps, and a two-component coincident laser Doppler velocimeter. In contrast to incompressibl e reattaching free shear layers, significant increases in the turbulence level, shear stress, and turbulent triple products were observed within the reattachment region. Large turbulence structure and enhanced mixing were observed in the redeveloping region.