Measurements of both mean and turbulent dynamic fields over a ribbed w
all show the existence of a minute zone in which the boundary layer ch
aracteristics are strongly altered. The turbulent kinetic energy (k+),
deduced from the three velocity standard deviations, is strongly incr
eased above the ridge, and reduced over the valley. A similar effect i
s also visible on the Reynolds stress (-[uv]+) profiles, but the relat
ive variations of k+ and -[uv]+, with respect to the flat plate case,
are not of the same magnitude. Close to the ridge plane, contributions
to the Reynolds shear stress from ejection and sweep types of motions
are seen to be larger and more frequent above the ridge than over the
smooth wall, whereas they are reduced above the valley. Comparison of
the respective productions of turbulence above a riblet and above smo
oth walls, inferred at the distance y+ = 9 above the ridge plane, indi
cates a reduction of about 5% in the manipulated flow.