Numerical simulation and analysis of the transition to turbulence in boundary layer flows

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to strengthen and validate the theory proposed by Vladimir V. Kulish, where the fluctuations of velocity during a laminar-turbulent transition can be viewed as a fractal time series [4]. The FRATSAN program which was written by Karthik Seetharaman was used as a means to analyze the multifractal time series by generating the Fractal Dimensions, Jeffreys Divergence Measure and Hurst Exponent values through the interpretation of the fluctuating velocity data [3]. Velocity data from the Open Channel Flow experiment and the Boundary Layer Flow experiment were re-analyzed again and the results were compared and reviewed. The eventual outcome had shown encouraging signs and reflected positive results. This implies that multifractal time series analysis carries a very high potential in predicating the transition from laminar to turbulent flow.