Outer-layer universality of the mean velocity profile in turbulent wall-bounded flows
Sergio Pirozzoli, Alexander J. Smits
Abstract
This paper deals with discerning outer-layer universality in the mean velocity profiles of turbulent boundary layers. For that purpose we derive an objective criterion which generalizes the classical wall scaling, as well as the Rotta-Clauser and Zagarola-Smits scaling. Outer-layer universality in the present scaling clearly emerges at displacement thickness Reynolds number exceeding about 3000. We propose universal velocity distributions based on simple patched logarithmic/parabolic fitting functions, which are accurate to within less than 1%
Topics & Concepts
Universality (dynamical systems)ScalingTurbulenceReynolds numberBounded functionBoundary layerMathematicsLogarithmClassical mechanicsGeometryPhysicsMechanicsStatistical physicsMathematical analysisCondensed matter physicsFluid Dynamics and Turbulent FlowsWind and Air Flow StudiesHeat Transfer Mechanisms