Transition to turbulence in reciprocating channel flow

Abstract eng:
The mean dynamics in reciprocating channel flow is studied to better understand transition to turbulence in periodic flows. The balance of the leading order terms in the phase-averaged mean momentum equation confirms that fully-developed turbulence first emerges at the early phases in the decelerating portion of the cycle. The underlying mechanism of this transition is the emergence of an internal shear layer that first develops during the late phases of the accelerating portion of the cycle. In the absence of this internal shear layer, the flow remains transitional over the entire cycle.

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