Flow in a Sharp Corner

The flow in a V-shaped open channel is studied in the Reynolds number regime where laminar and turbulent flow can coexist. The narrow corner produces a relatively thick laminar sublayer which permits the insertion of measuring apparatus for its study. This laminar sublayer and the associated transition region appear to show many of the same phenomena as the laminar sublayer on a flat surface. The flow can be divided into three rather distinct regions—laminar, transition, and turbulent—approximately along lines of equal velocity. The transition region is characterized by intermittent turbulence, especially near the turbulent limit. Some of the turbulent properties which characterize the transition and turbulent region are shown and the mechanism of instability is hypothesized.