Streamwise-periodic flow around baffles

Characteristics of a complex turbulent flow field in approximately two-dimensional water flow around a series of repeating segmental baffles were measured by laser Doppler anemometry, using 12 baffles spaced 21.53 mm apart, with a baffle spacing/depth ratio of 0.43, window cut-depth ratio of 0.3, and Reynolds number of 7120. After about two baffles, the profiles of vertical mean velocity and rms fluctuations along the horizontal centerplane become periodic. A shear layer separates from the forward edge of the baffle tip and is then bent downstream by the presence of the next baffle. Thus, a boundary layer is formed on the forward face of the baffle, with a large recirculation region appearing behind it. High turbulence levels prevail throughout most of the entire flow field.