2
$\begingroup$

We learnt in our fluids course that boundary layer separation can occur even for laminar non-turbulent flow (for high viscosity fluid).

In this case, shown as ‘steady separation’ in the diagram below. Is the wake caused by the separated boundary layer actually non-turbulent?

enter image description here

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
$\begingroup$

Yes, laminar wakes exist. There are beautiful examples in An Album of Fluid Motion. The plates of laminar wakes behind cylinders are 40-46. Plate 42, of flow past a cylinder with Re=26, is below. You'll see it looks very similar to the diagram in your question.

enter image description here

You might also be interested in plates 11-14, where the Reynolds numbers are even lower, Re<0.1. With such low Re, even the flow around a square and a plate perpendicular to the flow is laminar.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.