Turbulent statistics of Backward-Facing step flow with periodic perturbations

The experimental study has been conducted on the influence of the periodic perturbation on the separated flow over a backward-facing step. In order to investigate the large-scale eddy motion, which is evolved from the step edge due to the periodic suction and injection, the Particle Image Velocimeter has been introduced. The effect of the perturbation is obvious in reduction of the reattachment length, providing at most the reduction by over 30% against that of the steady flow condition. The investigation on the turbulent transport term in the mean momentum equation reveals the increase in the individual components of Reynolds stress is responsible for the activated momentum transfer across the shear layer, which in turn results in the earlier flow reattachment. The general tendency is in good accordance with other studies in past, though the relative level of the turbulent shear stress is somewhat low. Further investigation on this point is necessary.