On the effects of free-stream turbulence on axisymmetric disc wakes

Wind tunnel experiments have been used to study the effects of free-stream turbulence on the axisymmetric wake behind a disc. The disc and its wake were introduced to various turbulent streams having various levels of turbulence intensity and length scale. It was found that the presence of free-stream turbulence enhances the body's drag and hence wake momentum deficit, if it is of sufficient strength, changes the far wake's decay rate and prevents the appearance of self-similarity. The external turbulence causes a significant transformation in the wake's turbulence structure. This gradually evolves towards the character of the free-stream turbulence itself and thus is characterised by much weaker turbulence (cross-stream) transport processes and a consequent dominance of shear stress production, which acts to maintain the shear stress and mean velocity profiles.