On harmonic perturbations in turbulent wakes

A theoretical model of harmonic perturbations in turbulent wakes is considered. The proposed model is based on the triple decomposition method. It is assumed that the instantaneous velocities and pressures consist of three distinctive components: the mean (time average), the coherent (phase average) and the random (turbulent) motion. The interaction between incoherent turbulent fluctuations and large- scale coherent disturbances is incorporated by means of a Newtonian eddy viscosity model. A slight divergence of the flow is also taken into account. For high-amplitude perturbations, the nonlinear feedback to the mean flow is taken into account by means of the coherent Reynolds stresses. The equations for the mean flow are coupled with the linearized equations for the disturbances taking account of the mean flow non-parallel effects. The model resolves uncertainties noticed in previous theories and provides a correct comparison with available experimental data. The results demonstrate the effect of harmonic perturbations on the turbulent wake growth parameter G=LqUJ6 u₀, where L₀ is the half-width of the wake; uq is the centreline velocity deficit; Q is the momentum thickness and U_x is the free stream velocity. At the initial stage of disturbance amplification, the amplitude parameter G increases. At high levels of the amplitude, downstream of the neutral point of the induced disturbance, G has a plateau or even decreases, and further downstream a growth of the parameter is recovered.