Intensity distribution in the oscillating turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate.

The effect of oscillating flow on the turbulent intensity distribution in the turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate was investigated experimentally. A wind tunnel incorporating a set of rotating shutter blades downstream of the test section was used to create oscillating flow with amplitude variations from 6 to 110 per cent of mean velocity and frequencies ranging from 5 to 80 cycles per second at a local Reynolds number of 1.5 x 10 to the 6th. A vertical traverse of the turbulent boundary layer was conducted with a hot wire anemometer, and the mean velocity profile and the turbulent intensity distribution were recorded. Results indicate that there is no radical effect on the turbulent intensity distribution in the boundary layer due to frequency or amplitude changes in the oscillating freestream flow.