The present study formulates an improved approach for analyzing separated-flow transition that differentiates between the transition process in boundary layers which are laminar at separation and those which are already transitional at separation. The paper introduces new parameters that are necessary in classifying separated-flow transition modes and in accounting for the concomitant evolution of transition in separated shear layer and the average effect of periodic separation bubble build-up and vortex shedding. At least three separated-flow transition modes are positively distinguished: (a) transitional separation, with the transition starting upstream of the separation point and developing mostly as natural transition, (b) laminar separation - short bubble mode, with the onset of transition induced downstream of the separation point by inflexional instability and with a quick transition completion, and (c) laminar separation - long bubble mode, with the onset of transition also induced downstream of the separation point by inflexional instability, and with the transition completion delayed. Passing from one mode to another takes place continuously through a succession of intermediate stages. The location of maximum bubble elevation has been proved to be the controlling parameter for the separated flow behavior. It was found that, downstream of the separation point, the experimental data expressed in terms of distance Reynolds number Rex can be correlated better than momentum or displacement thickness Reynolds number data. For each mode of separated-flow transition, the onset of transition, the transition length, and separated flow general characteristic are determined. This prediction model is developed mainly on low free-stream turbulence flat plate data and limited airfoil data. Extension to airfoils and high turbulence environment requires additional study.

The present study formulates an improved approach for analyzing separated-flow transition that differentiates between the transition process in boundary layers that are laminar at separation and those that are already transitional at separation. The paper introduces new parameters that are necessary in classifying separated-flow transition modes and in accounting for the concomitant evolution of transition in separated shear layer and the average effect of periodic separation bubble build-up and vortex shedding. At least three separated-flow transition modes are positively distinguished: (a) transitional separation, with the transition starting upstream of the separation point and developing mostly as natural transition, (b) laminar separation/short bubble mode, with the onset of transition induced downstream of the separation point by inflexional instability and with a quick transition completion, and (c) laminar separation/long bubble mode, with the onset of transition also induced downstream of the separation point by inflexional instability, and with the transition completion delayed. Passing from one mode to another takes place continuously through a succession of intermediate stages. The location of maximum bubble elevation has been proved to be the controlling parameter for the separated flow behavior. It was found that, downstream of the separation point, the experimental data expressed in terms of distance Reynolds number Rex can be correlated better than momentum or displacement thickness Reynolds number. For each mode of separated-flow transition, the onset of transition, the transition length, and separated flow general characteristic are determined. This prediction model is developed mainly on low free-stream turbulence flat plate data and limited airfoil data. Extension to airfoils and high turbulence environment requires additional study.

This first part of the paper presents techniques implemented for the experimental investigation of the transition mechanism in 2-D pressure driven separated boundary layer flows over a flat plate at inlet free-stream turbulence intensities ranging from 0.3 to 0.6% and imposed adverse pressure gradients ranging from K = − 0.68 × 10−6 to − 6.25 × 10−6. The structure and behavior of the separation bubble were investigated for various flow conditions. The separated-flow transition modes were identified and classified. The distribution end strength of the adverse pressure gradient were obtained by varying the test section outer wall divergence angle. Specific methods identifying the main parameters that characterize separated-flow transition are introduced and issues regarding measurements of reverse flow are discussed. The methods implemented in determining the separation point, maximum displacement location, the unsteady reattachment region, the start and end of transition, etc. are described.

This paper clearly identifies the possible modes of transition in the separated boundary layers and their specific characteristics. This study distinguishes between the short and long bubbles primarily based on the separated flow structure. A hypothetical description of the vortex structure and evolution for each separated-flow transition mode is provided. The present approach in analyzing separated-flow transition is based on the assumption that the transition to turbulence in separated boundary layers is a result of the superposition of the effects of two different types of instability. The first type of instability is the Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability. It occurs and develops in the shear layer at a specific location downstream of the separation point. The concentration of spanwise vorticity grows in time and remains in place through the vortex sheet roll-up mechanism. The roll-up vortex interacts with the wall and induces periodic ejection of near-wall fluid into the separated shear layer. The ejection process takes place at a location identifiable by the maximum displacement of shear layer, xMD. The second type of instability is the (convective) Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) instability. It originates in the boundary layer prior to the separation point and continues to evolve in the separated shear layer. The mechanism for the TS instability also leads to roll-ups, but it involves viscous tuning of the instability waves. Thus, the separated-flow transition is the result of spatially developing, often competing instabilities. The ejection induces the onset of transition for laminar short and long bubble modes of transition and controls the mid-transition point of transitional separation mode. The ejection may be accompanied by vortex shedding. Shedding occurs in the laminar separation - short bubble mode and occasionally in the transitional separation mode; however, it is not present in the laminar separation - long bubble mode of transition.

The present paper focuses on presenting the results of the experimental investigation of the transition process in separated boundary layers on a flat plate at zero incidence, with imposed adverse pressure gradients. The combined effects of Reynolds number and adverse pressure gradient strength on the transition mechanism, bubble geometry, and bubble bursting process are studied. The flow structures and the unsteady aspects associated with separated-flow transition are analyzed for three representative experimental cases. Surface pressure results and detailed boundary layer measurements using hot-wire anemometry are presented as mean and rms velocity profiles, and Reynolds shear stress distribution. Turbulent intermittency and spectral analysis results are briefly introduced.