EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF 2-D BACKWARD-FACING STEP FLOW

Results of experimental and numerical investigations of air flows over a two-dimensional backward-facing step are presented. The lengths of separation and reattachment on the upper and lower walls were measured nonintrusively using closely spaced, multi-element hot-film sensor ar rays for Re less than or equal to 3000 and expansion ratios of 1.17 an d 2.0. The hot-film sensor measurements are in good agreement with the present as well as previous numerical predictions. It is anticipated that this measurement capability will provide a practical means for th e study of unsteady flow phenomena with flow separation as well. (C) 1 998 Academic Press.