Particle image velocimetry investigation of steady flow over a backwardfacing step

Petroleum Engineering Department, Curtin University, Sarawak Campus CDT 250, Miri Sarawak, 98009 Malaysia

^a Corresponding author: sharulsham@curtin.edu.my

Published online: 28 March 2016

Abstract

The backward-facing step (BFS) is a heuristic example, allowing for complex phenomena to arise in a simple geometry. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) investigations of mean-velocity distributions of backward-facing step flow with steady inlet condition were carried out and good agreement was obtained between current and previously published results for 50 ≤ Re ≤ 400. This confirms that the current experimental capabilities can provide detailed and accurate velocity information. The flow behaviour downstream the step depends on the strength of separated shear layer, which the circulation depends on the bulk flow, recirculation zone length and vortex formation time. Since the vortex formation process is governed by the circulation flux convected along the wall layer from the step, for Re ≤ 400, all of the circulation contained in the shear layer is drawn into the recirculation region. Thus, in a case where the shear layer characteristics are modified (e.g. in higher Reynolds number and unsteady flows), the balance of circulation is modified that would result in shedding.