Boundary layer separation in internal flow

Abstract

An investigation of incompressible turbulent boundary layer separation in internal flow is presented with experimental results for a variable geometry, two-dimensional diffuser and two conical diffusers. A simple analytical model is adopted, which consists of wall boundary layers and a one-dimensional, inviscid core. Several approximate boundary layer methods and the possibility of extending them into the separated region are examined. With a limited amount of separated flow, the calculated pressure agrees reasonably well with the experimental results and gives a fair indication of maximum diffuser performance. The limitations of the model to the more general problem, as well as the problem of singularities and downstream stability, are discussed.