Turbulent flow connected with separation and reattachment

The incompressible two-dimensional flow past a rearward-facing step is considered as an example of a flow involving separation. The parameters determining the flow characteristics are examined, taking into account two Reynolds numbers related to the geometrical dimensions of the step. Aspects concerning incremental drag and the reattachment problem are investigated. The problem of the relaxing boundary layer (or wake) downstream of reattachment is discussed, giving attention to experimental studies and theoretical investigations.