Homogeneous, Isotropic Flow in Grid Generated Turbulence

Detailed grid generated turbulent analysis has been completed using a three-dimensional hot-wire anemometer and traversing mechanism to identify a homogeneous, isotropic flow region downstream of a square mesh. The three-dimensional fluctuating velocity measurements were recorded along the centerline of a wind tunnel test section and spatially over the entire wind tunnel cross section downstream of the square mesh. Turbulent intensities for various grid sizes and Reynolds numbers ranged from a minimum of 0.2 percent to a maximum of 2.2 percent in each of the three principal velocity directions. Spatial homogeneity and isotropy were determined for several turbulent flow conditions and downstream positions using the method of covariances. Covariances, in theory, should approach zero asymptotically; however, in practice, this was not achievable. A subjective judgment is required to determine downstream location where the variance of the three covariances reaches a value close to zero. The average standard deviation provides an estimate for defining the limit or subjective threshold needed to determine the onset of homogeneous, isotropic flow. Implementing this threshold, a quantitative method was developed for predicting the streamwise location for the onset of the homogeneous, isotropic flow region downstream of a 25.4 mm square grid as a function of Reynolds number. A comparison of skewness, determined from one-dimensional hot wire anemometer measurements, and covariances, determined from three dimensional hot wire anemometer measurements, indicates a need for caution when relying solely on one-dimensional measurements for determination of turbulence isotropy. The comprehensive three-dimensional characterization also provides an improved understanding of spatial distribution of fundamental turbulence quantities generated by the grid within a low-speed wind tunnel. [S0098-2202(00)02501-3]