An analysis of two-dimensional turbulent base flow, including the effect of the approaching boundary layer

Abstract

The present position of the theory of supersonic turbulent base flow is reviewed and arguments are put forward which suggest that the theory of Korst and others is incorrect in certain respects. The analysis of two-dimensional turbulent base flow is formulated on the basis of a modified recompression criterion which is more consistent with experimental observation than the one previously used. At supersonic speeds examples are submitted to illustrate the use of the theory to predict the effect of an approaching boundary layer on base pressures and satisfactory agreement with measurements is obtained so long as the thickness of the boundary layer is small. The theory is also shown to account for certain features of the steady base flow at subsonic and transonic speeds, e.g. the abrupt fall in base pressure which occurs near sonic velocity.