INFLUENCE OF TURBULENCE ON DRAG

The use of the Reynolds number as the only correlating factor for drag force measurements may be inadequate in circumstances involving highly turbulent flows. The results of previous investigations relating to the effects of turbulence scale and intensity are examined. Of special interest is the possibility of a drag minimum, even at low Reynolds number, for a free-stream turbulence intensity of about 5%. This appears to be the result of interaction between the free stream and the boundary layer. As intensity increases beyond 5%, the minimum may be succeeded by an increase in drag to values exceeding the laminar flow values. Further elucidation of the subject is required, particularly because of its importance in various problems related to geophysical flows. © 1979.