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Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033

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Turbulent structures and budgets behind permeable ribs

P.K. Panigrahi a,*, A. Schroeder b, J. Kompenhans b
a
Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Kanpur, UP 208016, India
b
Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Goettingen, Germany

Received 28 June 2006; received in revised form 10 November 2006; accepted 26 November 2007

Abstract

Different rib geometries are traditionally used to improve heat transfer and enhance mixing in different industrial applications, i.e. heat
exchangers, cooling passages of gas turbine blades and fuel elements of nuclear reactors, etc. Permeable ribs have been proposed in literature
for passive control of the reattaching flow past surface mounted ribs leading to superior performance. The flow past different surface mounted
permeable rib geometries, i.e. solid, slit, split-slit and inclined split-slit ribs have been investigated in this study. Both two components and ste-
reo particle image velocimetry (PIV) have been used in streamwise and cross stream planes to study the underlying flow structures. The detailed
turbulent statistics, i.e. mean and rms velocity, higher order moments, quadrant decomposition of turbulent shear stress producing motions,
skewness and components of the turbulent kinetic energy budgets have been compared for different rib geometries. Coherent structures are
identified based on the invariant of velocity gradient tensor invariant and wavelet transform. The skewness results demonstrate the intermit-
tency of quadrant motions. The reattachment length of the inclined split-slit rib is lowest among all rib geometries. The average Reynolds stres-
ses and the production of turbulent kinetic energy are highest for the inclined split-slit rib. The pressure transport calculated as residual of the
turbulent kinetic energy budget equation is highest for the inclined split-slit rib. This is attributed to the smaller reattachment length leading to
greater adverse pressure gradient for the inclined split-slit rib. The quadrant motions, turbulent fluxes, skewness and kinetic energy budgets at
post reattachment region compares well with that of flat plate turbulent boundary layer from hot wire measurements in literature. Overall, this
study demonstrates the effectiveness of PIV technique for the detailed turbulent structures characterization of complex flows.
Ó 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Keywords: PIV; Rib; Skewness; Coherent structures; Quadrant analysis; Wavelets; Kinetic energy budget

1. Introduction image velocimetry (3-C stereo PIV) is well suited to study

Roughness elements, i.e. ribs, delta wings, etc. are used
to enhance heat transfer and mixing in heat exchangers,
nuclear reactor fuel elements and cooling passages of gas
turbine blades. The reattaching flow behind a surface
mounted rib is highly three dimensional and unsteady,
which redevelops to a turbulent boundary layer state in
the downstream region. Previous investigations to this
complex flow have primarily used single point measure-
ment techniques, i.e. hot wire anemometry, laser Doppler
velocimetry. The advent of multi-dimensional particle
*
Corresponding author. Tel.: +91 512 2597686; fax: +91 512 2597408.
E-mail address: panig@iitk.ac.in (P.K. Panigrahi).
the instantaneous flow structures and dynamics of these
flows. Few experimental investigations related to the reat-
taching flow and their control behind surface mounted ribs
showing the spatio-temporal structures have been carried
out and are reviewed below.
Kukreja et al. [1] studied the turbulent heat/mass transfer
characteristics by the naphthalene sublimation technique in
a square channel with arrays of full ribs and V-shaped ribs.
They noted that secondary flows caused by oblique ribs
interact with the main flow and affect flow reattachment
and the recirculation pattern. Aliaga et al. [2] investigated
the distribution of heat transfer coefficient over plates with
square ribs using infrared thermography. The authors dem-
onstrated the variations in heat transfer rate due to the
occurrence of reattachment, recirculation and separation.

0894-1777/$ - see front matter Ó 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.expthermflusci.2007.11.019
1012 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033
Nomenclature
X, Y, Z spatial coordinates
u, v, w mean velocity components
u0 , v0 , w0 fluctuating velocity components
Hs hole size
h rib height
K isotropic ratio
Ka axisymmetric ratio
V velocity vector magnitude
Q velocity gradient tensor invariant
S symmetric part of velocity gradient tensor
Cavallero and Tanda [3] studied continuous and broken rib
configurations using liquid crystal thermography. A large
enhancement in heat transfer coefficient was seen for inter-
rupted ribs. Islam et al. [4] investigated the turbulent water
flow structure over micro-repeated ribs in a narrow
two-dimensional rectangular channel by particle image
velocimetry (2-C PIV). Iacovides et al. [5] investigated the
turbulent flow and heat transfer with 45° staggered ribs in
a duct and demonstrated the role played by rib inclination
in inducing secondary motions. Gao and Sunden [6] experi-
mentally simulated the heat transfer inside compact heat
exchangers, i.e. car radiators using different circular cross
section rib configurations, i.e. staggered parallel ribs, in-line
parallel ribs, crossed ribs and v-shaped ribs using 2-C PIV
measurements. The results showed strong effects of rib incli-
nation on the flow behaviour due to the secondary flow
development.
Different passive control techniques have been proposed
for control of the reattaching flow. Permeable rib geome-
tries have been proposed by various investigators and
shown to be more effective than the solid rib. Hwang [7]
investigated the effect of interrupted slits in a rib on heat
transfer of a rectangular channel using laser holographic
interferometry and observed superior heat transfer perfor-
mance of the slit-ribbed channel. Buchlin [8] presented an
experimental study of convective heat transfer in a channel
with perforated rib arrangements, i.e. hole type, column
type and chevron type using infrared thermography. The
flow through the perforation was observed to interact with
the recirculation bubble and remove the hot spot occurring
behind the solid rib. The perforation increases the local
heat transfer enhancement by a factor of about 3. Tariq
et al. [9] reported detailed flow field and surface heat trans-
fer characteristics behind the surface mounted slit rib
explaining the possible mechanism for higher heat transfer
of slit rib compared to the solid rib. Panigrahi et al. [10]
from their PIV study discussed the mean and rms velocity,
streamlines, oil film visualization and vorticity field behind
different permeable ribs, i.e. slit, split-slit and inclined split-
slit ribs. Dutta and Hossain [11] presented the heat transfer
characteristics and associated friction head loss in a rectan-
gular channel with perforated inclined baffles. The inclined
XR reattachment length
Uo free stream velocity
d boundary layer thickness
d* displacement thickness
h momentum thickness
x vorticity
X antisymmetric part of velocity gradient tensor
rms root mean square
hi time averaged value of quantity
perforated baffles containing circular holes facilitate jet
impingement toward the heat transfer surface. This offers
combined benefit of three heat transfer augmentation tech-
niques, i.e. ribs, channel inserts and impingement cooling.
Presentation of higher order turbulent statistics and
kinetic energy budget quantities improves the understand-
ing of underlying turbulent flow structures. Hussein [12]
calculated the dissipation in the far field of a turbulent jet
using flying hot wire anemometry measurements of the
cross stream and streamwise velocity derivatives. The devi-
ation from the local isotropy and axisymmetry assump-
tions were investigated from the measurements of various
mean square derivatives across the jet. Keirsbulck et al.
[13] studied the turbulent characteristics, i.e. higher order
statistics, quadrant decomposition and kinetic energy bud-
gets of smooth and rough turbulent boundary layer using
hot wire anemometry. Limited PIV measurements were
also used to support the understanding of flow structures.
Schenck and Jovanovic [14] measured all first order deriv-
atives of the turbulent fluctuations in a plane wake of a cyl-
inder and axisymmetric wake behind the sphere using pair
of X hot wire probes. The local isotropy and axisymmetry
assumptions were examined and the budgets of the turbu-
lent kinetic energy were computed. Jung et al. [15] studied
the flow characteristics of regular waves passing a rectan-
gular structure in a wave tank using 2-C PIV. The total tur-
bulent kinetic energy and its budget terms were presented
along with the mean velocity and vorticity results. Acharya
and Panigrahi [16] presented the large scale and small scale
turbulence contributions behind surface mounted rib from
pattern recognition technique. Panigrahi and Acharya [17]
reported the correlation between the non-Gaussian flow
statistics with the ejection motion from the quadrant anal-
ysis of the flow over a surface mounted square rib under
fundamental excitation.
The above literature demonstrates the effectiveness of
passive flow control techniques and importance of detailed
investigation of flow structures. The role played by produc-
tion and manipulation of secondary vortical structures has
been emphasized. However, the detailed flow field investi-
gation of complex flows behind permeable ribs is limited.
The better understanding of the secondary vortical
 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033
structures and their interactions with the mean flow is
expected to provide proper guidance in the design of rib
geometries. The present study focuses on the passive flow
control by permeable ribs, i.e. slit, split-slit and inclined
split-slit ribs. Higher order statistics, quadrant decomposi-
tion and turbulent kinetic energy budget from two compo-
nents and stereo PIV measurements have been reported.
Hot wire anemometry has been extensively used in litera-
ture for calculation of turbulent kinetic energy budgets
and statistics. The advantage of hot wire anemometry is
the high temporal resolution. However, the derivative cal-
culation of fluctuating velocity using hot wire anemometry
is limited by the separation distance between the sensor ele-
ment and the use of Taylor’s hypothesis. The benefit of PIV
is its capability in simultaneous velocity measurements in
the flow field facilitating the accurate calculation of the
derivative of the fluctuating velocity. The other benefit of
PIV is its capability in measurement of velocity in the recir-
culating zone contrary to that of the hot wire anemometry.
The limitation of PIV is its low temporal resolution. How-
ever, the use of PIV for detailed turbulent statistics mea-
surement is limited in literature. Jung et al. [15] have
reported the kinetic energy budget from 2-C PIV measure-
ments. The present study reports the detailed turbulent sta-
tistics of the complex flow field behind permeable ribs using
3-C and 2-C PIV technique. The assumptions used in our
study have been suitably verified and compared with the
available results in literature obtained from using hot wire
anemometry. Our results demonstrate the PIV technique to
be a successful tool for calculation of turbulent statistics in
complex flows.
2. Experimental details
The experiments have been carried out in the low turbu-
lence wind tunnel of DLR Goettingen (Fig. 1). The details
on the experiment have been presented earlier in Panigrahi
et al. [10]. The test section is of 0.3 m  1.5 m cross section
and 6.25 m long. The air enters through a contraction cone
(contraction ratio, 16:1), settling chamber of 5 m  1.5 m
cross section, honey comb and series of wire mesh. The
average turbulence intensity of the wind tunnel is about
0.05%. A flat plate with a 6:1 elliptical leading edge (to pre-
vent large scale boundary layer separation at the leading
edge), 300 mm wide and 1180 mm long has been mounted
between the sidewalls of the wind tunnel as a test model.
Sand paper has been mounted at the leading edge of the flat
plate leading to turbulent approaching boundary layer.
The bulk velocity has been set equal to 5.6 m/s leading to
Reynolds number based on rib height equal to 5538.
Different permeable ribs are mounted on the top surface
of the flat plate. The rib turbulator geometries studied in
this work have been presented in Fig. 1. The ribs are made
out of steel with sharp edges having a square cross section
(15 mm  15 mm) and spanning the total spanwise length
(300 mm) of the test section. For the slit rib, there is a
through slit at the symmetry line with a thickness equal
1013
to 3 mm leading to an open area ratio (ratio of the pro-
jected dimension of the slit to that of the rib) equal to
20%. A splitter of 28 mm  3 mm cross section is intro-
duced at the centre of the slit for the split-slit rib and
inclined split-slit rib. For the inclined split-slit rib, the slit
is inclined at about 62° from the upstream top rib corner
to the downstream bottom corner of the rib. The inclined
slit at the downstream rib edge is located at 2 mm from
the bottom surface.
The Nd:YAG laser system (Quantel) with an output
energy of 180 mJ per pulse at a wavelength, k = 532 nm
has been used as light source. One biconcave lens (f =
150 mm), one biconvex lens (f = 300 mm), one cylindrical
lens (f = 40 mm) and four mirrors have been used to gener-
ate a light sheet of about 1.0–1.5 mm thickness. The syn-
chronization between the laser light pulses and the
camera has been accomplished by the TTL pulses from
the synchronizer (PIVTEC). The cylindrical lens and the
mirror positions are adjusted for controlling the light sheet
position and its orientation with respect to the mean flow
(stream wise or cross-stream). Two PCO Sensicam camera
(Kelheim, Germany) of 1280  1024 pixel with Zeiss (Jena,
Germany) makro planar objectives (f-number = 2.8,
f = 100 mm) have been used for image acquisition. A
Laskin nozzle has been used to introduce the seeding at
the entrance of the wind tunnel settling chamber. As tracer
particles, diethylhexylsebakat (DEHS) supplied by Palas
has been used.
The PIV measurements have been carried out both in
streamwise (X–Y) and cross-stream planes (Y–Z). The dif-
ferent measurement planes for the present study have been
shown in Fig. 2. The measurements in the streamwise and
cross-stream planes have been obtained using 2-C PIV and
3-C stereo PIV, respectively. The near wall measurements
downstream of the rib turbulators (measurement zones
4–8) have been acquired with highest spatial resolution
(=0.54 mm) to resolve small length scale fluctuations in
the flow. The PIV resolution for planes 1–3 is 1.2 mm
and for 9–12 planes is 1.6 mm. The laser pulse separation
time (range of 60–90 ls) has been adjusted to optimize
the maximum cross-correlation value in the shear layer
region. The absolute value of dynamic range during mea-
surement is typically between 0.5 and 15.5 pixels. The fre-
quency of image pair acquisition is 3.3 Hz. For the
calculation of mean and fluctuating velocity field statistics,
1200 image pairs have been acquired for each measurement
zone.
The raw PIV images are high pass filtered (kernel
size = 5 pixels) prior to the PIV cross-correlation calcula-
tion. The backgrounds as seen by the two cameras for ste-
reo PIV measurements are different from each other and it
is not possible to completely eliminate the background light
contribution due to the angular arrangement of the cam-
eras. Therefore, an additional background subtraction of
each camera image has been carried out during the pre-pro-
cessing stage. The Whitaker sub-pixel correlation peak fit
algorithm has been used for the fractional displacement
1014 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033

Contraction Test Section

cone

Flat plate

Seeding
generator

CCD Camera

Nd: YAG laser Laser

Sheet
Light sheet
optics

Mirror

Camera trigger

Laser trigger
Computer

Sequencer PC

Flow

3 mm slit
Solid rib
Slitrib

28 mm long insert

Split-slit rib
Inclined split-slit rib

Fig. 1. The sketch of the experimental setup and different rib geometries.

estimation. Multi-grid correlation from an initial grid size
to a final grid size has been implemented for local window
shifting with sub-pixel image deformation (B-Spline inter-
polation) to improve the dynamic range and accuracy.
The spurious vectors calculated based on the local median
filtering and maximum displacement differences are less
than 1%.
2.1. Uncertainty
The error in the back-projection calculation, the error in
Scheimpflug adjustment and the camera noise add to the
uncertainty in the velocity field calculation. To assess the
accuracy of the PIV implementation, the 3-C stereo PIV
measurements have been compared with 2-C PIV tech-
nique for flow over smooth flat plate. The stereo PIV mea-
surements have been carried out with the light sheet aligned
both in the streamwise (X–Y) and spanwise (Y–Z) plane.
The stereo PIV measurement with light sheet in streamwise
(X–Y) and spanwise (Y–Z) planes provide the in-plane and
out-of-plane u-velocity, respectively. The good comparison
between in-plane and out-of-plane u-velocity (both mean
and rms) from the different stereo PIV implementation
confirms the accuracy of the PIV technique adopted in
our study.
The partial derivative of the instantaneous velocity is
required for calculation of turbulent kinetic energy budget
terms, vorticity and the coherent structure identifiers. The
uncertainty for calculation of partial derivative has two
components, i.e. positioning and truncation error. The
 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033
2 production, diffusion and residual magnitude are within
Y/h
1 resolutions. The trend or nature of these profiles is inde-
(9)
(11)
0
(10)
(12) -2
-1
Z/h
(Cross-stream planes)
Flow
6 (2)
(1)
4 3 1=4
Y/h
(4) (5)
2
Rib
0
-4 -2 0 2
X/h
(Streamwise planes)
Fig. 2. The sketch of different measurement zones for the PIV experiment.
positioning error is associated with the accuracy in posi-
tioning of the probes. The truncation error depends on
the scheme used for the finite difference calculation. The
positioning error is very small for PIV measurements com-
pared to the hotwire measurements due to very accurate
optical calibration procedure adopted in PIV measure-
ments. The partial derivatives have been calculated using
Richardson’s finite difference formula:
df fiþ2 þ 8f iþ1  8f i1 þ fi2
¼ þ OðDg3 Þ
dg 12g
The truncation error in the calculation of the partial differ-
ential is O(Dg3), where Dg is the spatial resolution. The
truncation error decreases with decrease in Dg. However,
the PIV resolution is limited by the requirement for mini-
mum number of particles inside the interrogation region
for achieving higher signal to noise ratio, i.e. cross-correla-
tion value. The grid independence study for the numerical
simulation is traditionally carried out from the convergence
behavior of the simulation results with respect to the grid
resolution. Similar verification has been carried out here
for the derivative calculation from PIV measurements.
The near wall PIV measurements (Zones 4–8; Fig. 2) have
been carried out at high spatial resolution (=0.54 mm) and
the upper part of the shear layer (Zones 2–3; Fig. 2) has
spatial resolution equal to 1.2 mm. There is an overlapped
region where, the measurements at two resolutions are
available. We have verified the convergence of the calcu-
lated quantities in these overlapped measurement zones.
The maximum deviation of the dissipation, convection,
1015
2%, 10%, 5%, 15% and 25% for two different measurement
pendent of measurement resolution. The u-skewness and
v-skewness values from different resolution measurements
are within 1% of each other in the overlapped region.
The shear stress contribution of quadrants 1–4 from differ-
0 ent grid resolution measurements are respectively within
1 5%, 15%, 5% and 15% of each other. The maximum devi-
2
0
ation of the X and Y turbulent flux in the overlapped zone
is equal to 25%. The similar nature of variation and mag-
2 Flow nitude of the derived quantities from different resolution
X/h
4 PIV measurements confirms the accuracy of the reported
results with insignificant error and uncertainty.
In order to measure the total turbulent dissipation rate,
(3) the spatial resolution of measurement should be of the
order of Kolmogorov length scale. The Kolmogorov scale
is determined from: g ¼ ½me  , where m is the kinematic vis-
(6) (7) (8) cosity and e is the viscous dissipation. The dissipation (e)
has been estimated from isotropic assumption, i.e.
0 2
e ¼ 15mð@u
@x
Þ . Shaffi and Antonia [18] concluded the opti-
4 6 8 10 12 mum separation distance between the sensors, i.e. hot wires
for accurate measurement of velocity gradient is equal to
3–5 times the Kolmogorov length scale. In our case, the
Kolmogorv length scale based on the maximum dissipation
in the near field region (0 < X/h < 2) is equal to 0.062 mm
and 0.092 mm inside the shear layer and the near wall
region, respectively. This leads to the ratio between the sen-
sor separation (PIV resolution) to the Kolmogorov length
scale equal to 8.7 and 5.86 for the location inside the shear
layer and close to the bottom wall. The maximum dissipa-
tion error for the locations inside the shear layer and close
to the wall can be estimated to be equal to 30% and 6%,
respectively based on the results of Zhou et al. [19]. The
Kolmogorov length scale in the far field region (9 < X/
h < 12) behind the ribs is equal to 0.084 mm inside the
shear layer and 0.1 mm in the near wall region, respec-
tively. Thus, the ratio between the sensor separation to
the Kolmogorov length scale is equal to 6.6 and 5.4 leading
to the maximum error in dissipation calculation equal to
10% and 5% inside the shear layer and the near wall region,
respectively. It may be noted that we have used Richardson
difference formula for the derivative calculation, where the
error is O(Dg)3 contrary to the forward difference estima-
tion used for hot wire measurements where, the error is
O(Dg). Therefore, the maximum error in the derivative cal-
culation in our study will be less than that observed in hot
wire measurements. We have also observed close match
(within 2%) in the dissipation value in the overlapped
region (having both low and high resolution measure-
ments). Hence, the dissipation calculation in our study
can be safely assumed to be sufficiently accurate.
3. Results and discussions
The results from this investigation are discussed in the
following sequence: (a) mean and rms velocity, (b) higher
1016 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033
Fig. 3. The time averaged u and v velocity field behind different rib geometries. The reattachment point (XR) has been marked with a vertical arrow.
order moments, (c) quadrant analysis and (d) turbulent
kinetic energy budget. The verification of assumption used
for turbulent kinetic energy budget calculation has been
discussed in Appendix.
3.1. Mean and rms velocity
Fig. 3 shows the time averaged normalized streamwise
(u) and wall normal (v) velocity field behind different rib
geometries. The region with negative mean u-velocity field
is termed as recirculating region. The streamwise-X loca-
tion at which the mean u-velocity is zero is the reattach-
ment location (XR). The reattachment location (XR) is
shown with an arrow mark in the u-velocity plot. This loca-
tion is a function of the rib geometries. The reattachment
length is maximum, i.e. XR/h = 10.5 for the solid rib and
minimum for the inclined split-slit rib, i.e. XR/h = 6.25.
The shape of the recirculating region is also a function of
the rib geometries. The maximum wall normal (Y) extent
of the recirculating zone for the solid, split-slit, and inclined
split-slit ribs is about rib height (h). In contrast, the recircu-
lating zone extends till about Y = h/2 for the slit rib and
another small recirculation bubble is located at the top
rib corner. The flow through the slit located at about
Y = h/2 is responsible for reducing the vertical extent of
the recirculating zone behind the slit rib. The center of
the maximum negative u-velocity zone is located at X/
h  2 for the slit and split-slit ribs and at X/h  1.25 for
the inclined split-slit rib compared to X/h  4.5 location
of the solid rib. Hence, the drop in the X-location of max-
imum negative u-velocity for the permeable ribs compared
to the solid rib is indirectly correlated to that of the reat-
tachment location. The maximum negative u-velocity zone
is detached from the bottom surface for the inclined split-
slit rib contrast to other rib geometries. This is possibly
due to the flow through the inclined slit in the near wall
region.
The v-velocity distribution is positive between 1.5 < Y/
h < 3.0 around the downstream rib corner (0 < X/h < 2)
indicating the upward deflection of the shear layer over
the rib surface (Fig. 3) for all rib geometries. The stream-
wise (X) extent of this strong positive v-velocity zone is
maximum for the solid rib and minimum for the slit rib.
 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033
The flow through the slit is responsible for the reduction of
the upward shear layer deflection. The positive v-velocity
zone for the split-slit rib has greater streamwise extent com-
pared to that of the inclined split-slit rib. The smaller v-
velocity zone for the inclined split-slit rib is due to the
greater flow through the inclined slit compared to that of
the parallel slit of the split-slit rib. The v-velocity field
shows a small negative v-velocity zone at the immediate
downstream rib corner for all rib geometries. The u-veloc-
ity in this region has negligible magnitude. This can be
attributed to the downward (towards the bottom surface)
flow from the rib center location (Y/h = 0.5). The recircu-
lating flow from the reattachment region gets bifurcated
after meeting the rib; one part travels downward and the
other travels upwards, i.e. towards the mean flow. This
upward flow can be clearly seen as high v-velocity zone at
the downstream top rib corner. This zone is smallest for
the slit rib due to the influence of flow through the slit.
The positive v-velocity at the top downstream rib corner
is stronger for the split-slit and inclined split-slit ribs in
comparison to the solid rib indicating greater upward flow
in the near rib region for the former rib geometries. This
fact can also be correlated to the shape of the negative u-
velocity recirculation bubble, which shows greater asym-
metry in the wall normal (Y) direction for the split-slit
and inclined split-slit ribs.
Fig. 4 compares the Reynolds stresses between different
rib geometries. The Reynolds stresses are higher inside the
shear layer compared to the free stream and the near wall
region. The high value of urms near the downstream rib cor-
ner at about Y/h  1.5 location correlates to the high veloc-
ity gradient leading to larger turbulence production due to
the deflection of the shear layer (Fig. 3). The maximum urms
velocity region is broader and its magnitude is higher for
the inclined split-slit rib among all rib geometries. The dis-
tribution of urms is distinctly different for the slit rib with
three separate zones showing high urms values; one high
urms value zone is due to the flow through the slit, the sec-
ond one is near the top downstream rib corner region due
to high velocity gradient inside the shear layer and the third
one is the shear layer zone. The region near the down-
stream bottom rib corner in the near wall region also shows
high urms values for the inclined split-slit rib due to the flow
through the inclined slit.
The zone of high vrms values is seen at a later streamwise
location compared to that of the urms distribution for the
solid rib (Fig. 4). Similarly, the high vrms velocity for the slit
rib is located further away from the bottom surface com-
pared to the urms distribution. In contrast to the solid
and slit rib, the maximum vrms velocity zone is located
around the top downstream rib corner for the split-slit
and inclined split-slit ribs similar to the urms distribution.
The vrms values and its spread inside the reattaching shear
layer are highest for the inclined split-slit rib. The down-
stream bottom rib corner of the inclined split-slit rib also
shows high vrms values due to the flow through the inclined
slit in the near wall region.
1017
The u0 v0 magnitude is significant inside the shear layer at
similar region as that of vrms distribution for solid, split-slit
and inclined split-slit ribs. However, the u0 v0 magnitude is
not significant in the jet like flow through the slit of the slit
rib. This indicates the lower level of turbulent mixing and
therefore negligible momentum exchange inside the flow
through the slit. The small size of the slit results in low
jet Reynolds number leading to laminar region at the exit
of the slit. The magnitude of u0 v0 spread is highest for the
inclined split-slit rib among all rib geometries. The u0 v0
magnitude at the bottom downstream corner of the
inclined split-slit rib is not significant indicating the lower
level of turbulent mixing in the flow through the inclined
slit. The viscous effect is significant in the flow through
the slit compared to the turbulent mixing due to its smaller
transverse dimension, i.e. smaller separation between the
lower and upper wall of the slit. However, the slit influ-
ences the mean flow gradient leading to the modification
of overall flow instability and hence mixing.
Overall, the Reynolds stresses magnitude for the
inclined split-slit rib is highest among all rib geometries.
It may be noted that maximum drop in reattachment
length compared to the solid rib is observed for the inclined
split-slit rib among all permeable ribs (Fig. 3). Thus, the
inclined slit and splitter contributes to the drop in reattach-
ment length through the route of increased turbulent stres-
ses. However, the dissimilarity in the distribution of urms,
vrms and u0 v0 for different rib geometries indicate the pres-
ence of different turbulent transport mechanism and these
aspects have been discussed in the following sections.
3.2. Higher order moments
The higher order moments provide additional informa-
tion regarding the nature of instantaneous flow structures.
In literature, turbulent flux has been used for numerical
modeling of turbulent flow. Skewness of a fluctuating
quantity indicates the nature of probability density distri-
bution of turbulent fluctuations. We have compared the
turbulent flux and skewness results for different rib geome-
tries in the following sections.
3.2.1. Turbulent flux
The numerical simulation for turbulent fluid flow study
uses an approximate expression for diffusive transport of
the Reynolds stress (huiujuki). The diffusive transport model
of vertical (hv0 u0 2i) and longitudinal (hu0 v0 2i) turbulent flux
of the shear stress is used as a function of turbulent kinetic
energy, dissipation and gradient of the turbulent stresses
for turbulence modeling. These turbulent fluxes are
reported here to compare the effect of rib geometry and
the approach to equilibrium turbulent boundary layer
value after reattachment. The turbulent flux of the shear
stress in the X and Y directions has been calculated from
Du ¼ hu0 v02 i=U 3o ; Dv ¼ hv0 u02 i=U 3o
1018 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033

Fig. 4. The Reynolds stresses behind different rib geometries.

The X and Y turbulent flux profile for different rib geome-
tries have been compared in Fig. 5. Four streamwise (X)
locations have been selected; X/h = 1 corresponds to the
immediate downstream region of the rib, X/h = 4 is inside
the recirculating region, X/XR = 1 is the reattachment loca-
tion and X/h = 11 is the post reattachment region.
In the near field (X/h = 1) location, the turbulent flux is
a strong function of rib geometries. The turbulent flux is
negligible till Y/h  1 for the solid rib, i.e. inside the recir-
culating region (see Fig. 3). The X and Y turbulent flux
inside the shear layer are of opposite sign and have similar
order of magnitude. There is a cross over point at which
the X and Y turbulent flux reverse their sign. In the lower
part of the shear layer (below the cross over point), the
X-turbulent flux is positive and at the upper part of the
shear layer the X-turbulent flux is negative. The slit rib
shows two crossover points contrary to one for other rib
geometries (solid, split-slit and inclined split-slit ribs). This
is probably due to the flow through the slit and the pres-
ence of two recirculating zone at both sides of the slit
(see Fig. 3). The maximum magnitude of the X and Y tur-
bulent flux is highest for the inclined split-slit rib. The
higher magnitude of the Reynolds stresses for the inclined
split-slit rib in Fig. 4 supports the above trend. The turbu-
lent flux magnitude in the near wall region of the inclined
split-slit rib is higher compared to that of the split-slit rib
 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033 1019

X/h=1 X-Turbulent Flux X/h = 4

4 Y-Turbulent Flux 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h
Y/h

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006
Solid rib Slit rib Solid rib Slit rib

4 4 4 4

3 Y/h 3 3 3

Y/h

Y/h
Y/h

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006
Split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib Split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib

X/X R = 1 X/h = 11
4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h
Y/h

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006
Solid rib Slit rib Solid rib Slit rib

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h
2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006 -0.006 -0.004 -0.002 0 0.002 0.004 0.006
Split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib Split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib

Fig. 5. The non-dimensional turbulent flux profile in X and Y direction ðhu0 v02 i=U 3o and hv0 u02 i=U 3o Þ for different rib geometries.

indicating higher effectiveness of the inclined slit in modify- flux distribution at X/XR = 1 spreads to a higher wall nor-
ing the turbulent transport. This is more evident at X/h = 4 mal (Y) location compared to the earlier X/h = 4 location.
location compared to that at X/h = 1. However, the Y-location of the X and Y turbulent flux
At later streamwise location, i.e. at X/h = 4, the turbu- cross over point does not change significantly in the
lent flux is significant in the near wall region for all rib streamwise (X) direction. In contrast to other rib geome-
geometries in contrast to that at X/h = 1 location. The tries, the turbulent flux distribution above the crossover
spread in Y direction of both turbulent fluxes is higher at point shows significant change in the Y direction for the
X/h = 4 compared to that at the X/h = 1 location due to solid rib. The turbulent flux distribution in the post reat-
the growth of the shear layer. Only one cross over point tachment region compares well with that of rough wall
is seen for the slit rib at X/h = 4 location compared to boundary layer (consisting of square cross section bars)
two cross over points seen at earlier X/h = 1 location. This [13]. It should be noted that contrary to the use of hot wire
indicates that the effect of flow through the slit is not anemometry by Keirsbulck et al. [13], the present study
directly felt at later streamwise (X/h = 4) location. The uses PIV and the comparable results from both the studies
maximum turbulent flux magnitude is seen for the inclined supports the successful use of PIV for measurement of
split-slit rib and minimum for the slit rib (Fig. 5). The Y- higher order moments of velocity fluctuation.
location of the cross over point moves marginally in the
upward direction at X/h = 4 location compared to the
X/h = 1 location. 3.2.2. Skewness of velocity fluctuation
The nature of turbulent flux at reattachment location The skewness of the u and v velocity fluctuation has
(X/XR = 1) is similar for all rib geometries. The turbulent respectively been calculated as
1020 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033

X/h=1 Skewness (u-velocity) X/h=4

Skewness (v-velocity) 4 4 4
4

3 3 3
3

Y/h
Y/h

Y/h
Y/h

2 2 2
2

1 1 1
1

0 0 0
0 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
-2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Slit rib Solid rib Slit rib
Solid rib

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h
2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib Split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib

X/X R = 1 X/h = 11
4 4 4
4

3 3 3
3
Y/h

Y/h
Y/h

Y/h

2 2 2
2

1 1 1
1

0 0 0
-2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 0 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
-2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Solid rib Slit rib Solid rib Slit rib

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib Split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib

Fig. 6. The skewness profile of u and v velocity fluctuation ðhu03 i=u3rms and hv03 i=v3rms Þ behind different rib geometries.

S u ¼ hu03 i=u3rms ; S v ¼ hv03 i=v3rms points in the turbulent flux profile observed for the slit rib
at X/h = 1 location (Fig. 5) is not seen in the skewness dis-
The skewness (Su and Sv) are the turbulent fluxes due to tribution of Fig. 6. The skewness approaches zero value
normal stresses in x and y direction, respectively. The (Gaussian value) in the free stream. The Y-extent of the
skewness of the u and v velocity fluctuation has been com- skewness profile in Fig. 6 is broader than that of the turbu-
pared in Fig. 6. The non-zero skewness value is an indica- lent flux profile in Fig. 5. Higher u and v skewness value in
tion of non-Gaussian probability density distribution of the near wall region (Y/h ffi 0) is seen for the inclined split-
the velocity fluctuation. The zero skewness value corre- slit rib at X/h = 1 location compared to that of the solid,
sponds to the Gaussian velocity fluctuation distribution slit and split-slit ribs. Hence, the high value of urms and vrms
and has been shown as dashed line. A cross over from for the inclined split-slit rib (Fig. 4) is due to the non-
the negative skewness to positive skewness value is found Gaussian velocity fluctuation in the near wall region by
for both u and v fluctuation similar to that seen for the tur- the flow through the inclined slit. The negative v-skewness
bulent flux distribution in Fig. 5. However, the degree of and positive u-skewness value in the near wall region indi-
symmetry seen for the turbulent flux (Du, Dv) profile in cates the importance of sweep type of motions; while the
Fig. 5 is not seen in the skewness (Su, Sv) distribution of positive v-skewness and negative u-skewness in the outer
Fig. 6. This indicates the importance of different mecha- shear layer region indicates the importance of ejection mo-
nism for transport of the turbulent shear and normal stres- tions. High skewness value is primarily observed in the out-
ses. The cross over of the u and v skewness value takes er shear layer region and the Y-location of high u and v
place at same Y-location. However, the multiple cross over skewness does not coincide with that of X and Y turbulent
 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033
flux in Fig. 5. The high skewness value in the near wall re-
gion can be attributed to the flow structures due to the
impingement of the reattaching shear layer. It is interesting
to note that the skewness values do not reverses their sign
after reattachment in the near wall region indicating that
the nature of the turbulent flow structures are similar at
both upstream and downstream of the reattachment point.
The high skewness at the outer edge of the shear layer is
due to the intermittent entrainment from the mean flow.
At post reattachment region (X/h = 11) the skewness pro-
file behind the ribs can be compared with that of a rough
boundary layer [13]. In the upper region of the shear layer,
the absolute magnitude of u-skewness (Su) is higher than
that of v-skewness (Sv) for both rough boundary layer
[13] and that behind the surface mounted ribs (present
study). The relative sign of Su and Sv is also same in both
the studies. The magnitude of both Su and Sv is also higher
in the near wall region (Y/h ffi 0) with gradual drop towards
the cross over point.
3.2.3. Skewness of coherent structures identifier
The turbulent flow contains both the organized part
(coherent vortices) and random part (incoherent back-
ground flow). The vortices in a flow field are multiscale
structures, i.e. from the integral to dissipative scales. Use
of localized concentrations of vorticity as indicator of
coherent vortices has been found insufficient in literature.
One possible way to extract the coherent vortices is appli-
cation of vorticity threshold. In this approach, the vorticity
magnitude greater than a threshold value is considered as
coherent part. The drawback of this approach is the effect
of spurious discontinuities due to random noise. The
invariant of the velocity gradient tensor is a better indicator
of the rotation of velocity field and acts as a superior vortex
identifier tool [20]. Therefore, the 2D approximation of the
velocity gradient tensor invariant (Q2D) has been calculated
to identify the rotational component due to the presence of
a vortex. The 2D velocity gradient tensor invariant in X
and Z direction is calculated from
     
1 @w @v 1 @v @u
Q2Dx ¼  ; Q2Dz ¼  : structures in turbulent boundary layer. These structures
2 @y @z 2 @x @y
Farge et al. [21] extracted the coherent part of the velocity
fluctuation based on its probability density distribution
compared to that of Gaussian distribution using orthogonal
wavelet basis. Their approach is based on the assumption
that coherent vortices are responsible for the non-Gaussia-
nity of vorticity. The coherent vortices are all modes
remaining after discarding the Gaussian part of the vorticity
field. We have used similar approach as that of Farge et al.
[21] to obtain the contribution due to coherent structures.
In our approach, we have used single level wavelet decom-
position due to limited resolution of the velocity measure-
ments. The Daubechies-20 wavelet basis has been used
based on its superior performance compared to other ortho-
normal wavelets. The low frequency component remaining
after the wavelet filtering is assumed to be the coherent com-
1021
ponent and the filtered out components are considered as
the incoherent component. MATLAB functions have been
used for wavelet calculations.
The skewness of large scale and small scale component
of vorticity (x) and velocity gradient tensor invariant
(Q2D) has been presented in Fig. 7. The xz> and Q2D-Z>
are the coherent or large scale component and xz< and
Q2D-Z< are the corresponding small scale components of
vorticity and velocity gradient tensor invariant, respec-
tively. The skewness of small scale components (xz< and
Q2D-Z<) is equal to zero confirming the Gaussian nature
(Fig. 7). The skewness of large scale components (xz>
and Q2D-Z>) deviates from the Gaussian zero value. This
observation validates that the coherent structure identifica-
tion procedure has been properly implemented similar to
that in Farge et al. [21].
The shape of the large scale (xz> and Q2D-Z>) skewness
profile are different from each other (Fig. 7). The average
skewness of Q2D-Z> is larger than that of xz>. The larger
Q2D-Z> magnitude compared to that of xz> can be attrib-
uted to the non-Gaussianity due to the presence of orga-
nized vortices and the success of Q2D-Z> in identification
of these coherent structures. The skewness of large scale
components (xz> and Q2D-Z>) drops to the Gaussian zero
value inside the free stream. The skewness of Q2D-Z> is high
both inside the near wall recirculating region (0 < Y/h < 1)
and at the outer edge of the reattaching shear layer (Y/
h ffi 2). The skewness of vorticity (xz>) in the near wall
region is not significant contrary to that of Q2D-Z> indicat-
ing the influence of velocity shear on the vorticity calcula-
tion. The higher skewness of Q2D-Z> in both near wall
region and edge of the shear layer indicate the presence
of intermittent large scale vortical structures at these
locations.
3.3. Quadrant analysis
Turbulent flows have been shown to contain consider-
able structures. Flow visualizations and full Navier–Stokes
solutions show the presence of streaks, bursts and other
play an important role in the overall flow behavior and
are responsible for high levels of mixing. Quadrant analysis
has been found to be successful in identification of turbu-
lent flow structures. In quadrant decomposition, the u
and v velocity fluctuation is partitioned into four quadrants
based on the instantaneous sign of u and v velocity fluctu-
ation (quadrant 1 (u0 > 0, v0 > 0), quadrant 2 (u0 < 0, v0 > 0),
quadrant 3 (u0 < 0, v0 < 0), quadrant 4 (u0 > 0, v0 < 0)). In a
turbulent boundary layer, quadrants 1–4 are termed as out-
ward interaction, ejection, wallward interaction and sweep,
respectively [22]. The contribution to u0 v0 for each quadrant
is calculated from P
ðu0 v0 Þi ¼ N1i ð u0 v0 Þi , where i = 1, 2, 3 and 4 are the
quadrant number and Ni is the total number of points in
quadrant i. The quadrant contribution has further been
partitioned based on strength of the respective motion,
1022 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033

Q 2D
2 Q 2D 2

Q 2D-Z>
Q 2D-Z>
1.5 1.5
Q 2D-Z<
Q 2D-Z<
Y/h

Y/h
1 1

0.5 0.5

-3 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 -2 0 2 4 6 8

Skewness Solid rib Skewness

2 2

1.5 1.5
Y/ h

Y/ h
1 1

0.5 0.5

-3 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 -2 0 2 4 6 8

Skewness Slit rib Skewness

2 2

1.5 1.5
Y/ h

Y/ h

1 1

0.5 0.5

-3 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 -2 0 2 4 6 8

Skewness Split-slit rib Skewness

2 2

1.5 1.5
Y/ h

Y/ h

1 1

0.5 0.5

-3 -2.5 -2 -1.5 -1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 -2 0 2 4 6 8

Skewness Skewness
Inclined split-slit rib
Fig. 7. The streamwise averaged skewness values (between 0 < X/h < 2.3) of xZ, Q2D-Z and their large scale (xZ>, Q2D-Z>) and small scale (xZ<, Q2D-Z<)
components for different rib geometries.

where, the contribution to a quadrant motion is included if
|u0 v0 | > Hsu0 v0 |ref, where Hs is the hole size parameter and
u0 v0 |ref is a constant reference shear stress value. In our
study, the maximum Reynolds stress among all locations
and all rib geometries, i.e. u0 v0 |ref = 0.16 m2/s2 has been
taken as reference shear stress value for consistent compar-
ison of turbulent fluctuation length scale. This is contrast
to the mean local Reynolds stress used as reference value
by Willmarth and Lu [22]. A constant global u0 v0 |ref value
helps in consistent comparison of the eddy size for all cases
[17]. When the hole size (Hs) is large, only large eddies are
included in the quadrant calculation. When Hs = 0, all con-
tributions to u0 v0 are included and the sum of four quadrant
contributions is the total turbulent shear stress.
The Reynolds stress contribution profiles from each
quadrant motion have been compared in Fig. 8 for different
rib geometries. The quadrant 2 and quadrant 4 contribution
has the highest magnitude compared to that of quadrant 1
and quadrant 3. The Y-extent at which the quadrant 2 and
quadrant 4 motions are significant in Fig. 8 is similar to that
 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033 1023

H S=0 X/h=1 X/h=4 X/X R=1 X/h=11

4 4 Quadrant-1 4 4
Quadrant-2
Quadrant-3
3 3 Quadrant-4
3 3

Y/ h

Y/ h

Y/ h
Y/h

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01

Solid rib
4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h
2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01

Slit rib
4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h
2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01

Split-slit rib
4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01

Inclined Split-slit rib

Fig. 8. The normalized Reynolds stress ðhu0 v0 i=U 2o Þ profile for four quadrant decompositions behind different rib geometries (hole size (Hs) = 0).

of the turbulent flux in Fig. 5. The maximum magnitude of
quadrant 2 and quadrant 4 motions is observed at two dif-
ferent Y-locations. The X and Y turbulent fluxes in Fig. 5
peak at similar Y-locations as that of quadrants 2 and 4
in Fig. 8. The cross over location between the quadrant 2
and quadrant 4 profile is at similar location as that of X
and Y turbulent flux. The quadrant 2 and quadrant 4
motions have two peaks and quadrant 1 and quadrant 3
have one peak for the slit rib at X/h = 1 location. Thus,
there are two cross over locations between quadrant 2 and
quadrant 4 profile and one cross over location between
quadrant 1 and quadrant 3 profile. These three crossover
locations correspond to that of the turbulent flux for the slit
rib in Fig. 5. The quadrant contribution profile at X/h = 4,
X/XR = 1 and X/h = 11 locations are broader compared to
that at earlier X/h = 1 location for all rib geometries due to
growth of the shear layer with some drop in magnitude in
the streamwise direction. Overall, the quadrant 4 (sweep)
contributions are high in the near wall region and quadrant
2 (ejection) contribution is high in the upper part of the
shear layer. Similar to our results, Volino and Simon [23]
have reported higher ejection motion contribution at the
outer part of the turbulent boundary layer and the sweep
motion has a higher contribution at the near wall region.
It may be noted that Keirsbulck et al. [13] observed similar
distribution of ejection and sweep motion of the rough wall
boundary layer. The behavior of the quadrant motions at
post reattachment region behind different rib geometries is
1024 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033

X/h=1 X/h=4 X/X R=1 X/h=11

Quadrant-1
4 4 4 4
HS = 2 Quadrant-2
Quadrant-3
3 3 Quadrant-4 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h
2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01

Solid rib
4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h
2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01

Slit rib
4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h
2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01

Split-slit rib
4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3
Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

Y/h

2 2 2 2

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0
-0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01 -0.02 -0.01 0 0.01

Inclined Split-slit rib

Fig. 9. The normalized Reynolds stress ðhu v 0 0
i=U 2o Þ profile for four quadrant decompositions behind different rib geometries (hole size (Hs) = 2).

similar to that of the flat plate boundary layer. It may be
noted that the present study uses PIV technique contrary
to the use of hot wire anemometry by Volino and Simon
[23] and Keirsbulck et al. [13].
The contributions from the large scale quadrant motions
(hole size = 2) for different rib geometries have been pre-
sented in Fig. 9. The relative significance of the large scale
structures at different streamwise locations can be obtained
by comparing Fig. 8 with Fig. 9. The maximum quadrant 2
(ejection motion) magnitude drops 50%, 70%, 70% and
80%, respectively for solid, slit, split-slit and inclined
split-slit ribs at hole size, Hs = 2 (Fig. 9) compared to that
solid, slit, split-slit and inclined split-slit ribs respectively
drops about 50%, 25%, 40% and 50% at Hs = 2 compared
to that at Hs = 0 for the reattachment location (XR/h = 1).
At post reattachment location (X/h = 11), the maximum
ejection motion magnitude for hole size Hs = 2 drops
about 50%, 25%, 40% and 20%, respectively for the solid,
slit, split-slit and inclined split-slit ribs compared to that
at Hs = 0. This indicates the significance of the large scale
structures in the near field region compared to the far field
region. The ratio of maximum ejection motion magnitude
ðu0 v0 Þ
to that of the sweep motion magnitude ða ¼ ðu0 v0 ÞQ2 Þ at
Q4

at Hs = 0 (Fig. 8) in the near field region (X/h = 1). Simi- Hs = 2 is different compared to that at Hs = 0 for all rib
larly, the maximum ejection motion magnitude for the geometries at the far field locations. In the near field region,
 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033 1025

X/h=1
2 2

1.5 1.5

Y/ h
Y/h

1 1
Dissipation Dissipation
Convection Convection
Production Production
0.5 0.5
Diffusion Diffusion
PressureTr. PressureTr.

-0.2 -0.15 -0.1 -0.05 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 -0.2 -0.15 -0.1 -0.05 0 0.05 0.1 0.15
Solid rib Slit rib

2 2

1.5 1.5
Y/ h

Y/h
1 1
Dissipation
Dissipation
Convection
Convection
0.5 0.5 Production
Production
Diffusion
Diffusion
Pressure Tr.
Pressure Tr.
-0.2 -0.15 -0.1 -0.05 0 0.05 0.1 0.15 -0.2 -0.15 -0.1 -0.05 0 0.05 0.1 0.15
Split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib

Fig. 10. The turbulent kinetic energy budget (normalized by U 3o =h) profile at X/h = 1 location behind different rib geometries.

the ejection and sweep motion magnitude ratio (a) is com- and the mean rate of strain (Sij) and fluctuating rate of
parable for Hs = 0 and 2. The large scale sweep motion strain (sij), respectively are
magnitude drops more than that of the ejection motion    
at the far field region. This may be attributed to greater dis- 1 @U i @U j 1 @u0i @u0j
S ij ¼ þ ; sij ¼ þ
sipative effect on the sweep motion due to the presence of 2 @xj @xi 2 @xj @xi
the wall. Similar distribution of a for a rough boundary
layer has been reported by Keirsbulck et al. [13] and Panig- The first term in the right hand side of the mean turbulent
rahi et al. [17]. kinetic energy equation is convection and under the
assumption of negligible W-velocity (W = 0) it reduces to
3.4. Turbulent kinetic energy budget @K t @K t
convection ¼ U þV
@x @y
The turbulent kinetic energy budget helps to examine
how the turbulent energy is spatially distributed after its
The second term is the production of turbulent kinetic en-
generation and the different mechanism involved. It also
ergy and under the symmetry assumption at the mid-plane
explains whether the turbulent energy feed back to large
of the test channel (d/dz) = 0) becomes
scale or is lost to the molecular process.
The mean turbulent kinetic energy equation describing @U @V @U @V
the transport of turbulent kinetic energy is production ¼ hu0 u0 i þ hv0 v0 i þ hu0 v0 i þ hu0 v0 i
@x @y @y @x
@K t @K t @ 0 0 0 @
¼ U j  hu0i u0j iS ij  hu u u i  mhS ij S ij i
@t @xj @xj i i j @xj The third term is known as turbulence diffusion and under
@ 1 0 0 the assumption (hw0 2v0 i = hv0 3i and hw0 2u0 i = hv0 2u0 i) re-
 h2mu0i S ij i  hu p i duces to
@xj q j
@ 1 02 0 @ @ 1 03 @
where the turbulent kinetic energy (Kt) is diffusion ¼ hu v i þ hv03 i þ hu i þ hu0 v02 i
@y 2 @y @x 2 @x
1
K t ¼ hu0 u0 þ v0 v0 þ w0 w0 i
2 The fourth term known as dissipation is [24]:
1026 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033

X/h = 4
3 3

2.5 2.5

2 2
Y/ h

Y/h
1.5 1.5

Dissipation Dissipation
1 Convection 1 Convection
Production Production
0.5 Diffusion 0.5 Diffusion
Pressure Tr. Pressure Tr.
0 0
-0.04 -0.02 0 0.02 0.04 -0.04 -0.02 0 0.02 0.04
Solid rib Slit rib

3 3

2. 5 2. 5

2 2
Y/ h

1. 5 Y/ h 1. 5

Dissipation Dissipation
1 1 Convection
Convection
Production Production
0. 5 Diffusion 0. 5 Diffusion
Pressure Tr. Pressure Tr.
0 0
-0.04 -0.02 0 0.02 0.04 -0.04 -0.02 0 0.02 0.04
Split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib

Fig. 11. The turbulent kinetic energy budget (normalized by U 3o =h) profile at X/h = 4 location behind different rib geometries.

" *  + *   + *  + *   +
2 2 2 2 sure transport. The assumptions involved in simplification
@u0 @u0 @u0 @v0
m þ þ þ of above budget terms (advection, diffusion and dissipa-
@x @y @z @x
*   + *  + *   + *  + tion) have been discussed in Appendix.
2 2 2 2
@v0 @v0 @w0 @w0 Fig. 10 compares the turbulent kinetic energy budget
þ þ þ þ quantities at X/h = 1 location behind different rib geome-
@y @z @x @y
*  +# tries. The turbulent energy production magnitude peaks
2
@w0 inside the shear layer and drops to negligible value inside
þ
@z the recirculating region and free stream. The production
profile shape inside the shear layer, i.e. outside the recircu-
Under the assumption of local isotropy the dissipation re- lation zone is similar to that from the DNS simulation of a
duces to fully developed turbulent boundary layer [25]. The maxi-
 0 2 mum production magnitude is observed for the inclined
@u
isotropic dissipation ¼ 15v split-slit rib among all rib geometries. This supports the
@x
maximum Reynolds stress observed for the inclined split-
The dissipation can also be calculated based on the slit rib in Fig. 4. The shape of the turbulent production
assumption of locally axi-symmetric turbulence and is profile is different for the slit rib compared to other rib
equal to [14]: geometries. The production of slit rib peaks at two Y-loca-
2 2 tions: one peak is near the slit location due to the flow
axisymmetric dissipation ¼ t½hð@u0 =@xÞ i þ h2ð@u0 =@yÞ i
through the slit and the second peak is due to the shear
2 2
þ h2ð@v0 =@xÞ i þ 8hð@v0 =@yÞ i of the reattaching shear layer. The dissipation magnitude
is significant inside the shear layer compared to that in
The remaining 5th and 6th terms in the turbulent kinetic the free stream and the recirculation region. The dissipa-
energy equation are termed as viscous diffusion and pres- tion magnitude increases from the recirculation region
sure diffusion, respectively. The sum of these two terms and peaks inside the shear layer with subsequent drop
has been obtained as the residual of the turbulent kinetic toward the free stream. The shape of the dissipation profile
energy equation. It should be noted that the viscous diffu- is similar to that of production for solid, split-slit and
sion can be assumed insignificant at high Reynolds number inclined split-slit ribs indicating a direct correlation
and therefore the residual term is primarily due to the pres- between the two. In contrast, the dissipation does not peak
 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033 1027

a b
2 2
Solid rib Solid rib
Slit rib Slit rib
Split-slit rib Split-slit rib
1.5 1.5
Inclined split-slit rib Inclined split-slit rib
Y/ h

Y/ h
1 1

0.5 0.5

0 0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
K1 K1

2 2

1.5 1.5

Y/ h
Y/ h

1 1

0.5 0.5

0 0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
K2 K2

2 2

1.5 1.5
Y/ h
Y/ h

1 1

0.5 0.5

0 0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
K3 K3

Fig. 12. The streamwise averaged isotropic ratios (K1, K2 and K3) in the (a) near field (0 < X/h < 2) and (b) far field (9 < X/h < 11.8) behind different rib
geometries.

at two Y-locations as that of the production for the slit rib.
However, the maximum and average dissipation magnitude
of the slit rib is higher than other rib geometries (Fig. 10).
The flow through the slit influences the gradient of the
velocity fluctuations and therefore the increase in dissipa-
tion of the turbulent kinetic energy. The dissipation profile
inside the shear layer behind the rib is different from that of
a turbulent channel flow [25]. The dissipation magnitude in
the near wall region is maximum for a turbulent boundary
layer which gradually drops towards the free stream. The
dissipation behind surface mounted ribs is correlated to
the production of turbulent kinetic energy. In contrast, dif-
ferent turbulent structures/mechanism, i.e. sweep, ejection,
wallward and outward interactions are responsible for dis-
sipation inside the turbulent boundary layer. Keirsbulck
et al. [13] observed near balance of turbulent production
and dissipation in a rough wall boundary layer. The
inequality between the magnitude of production and dissi-
pation in the near field behind all rib geometries is due to
the non-equilibrium of turbulence.
The turbulent diffusion reverses its sign in the lower and
upper region of the shear layer compared to that inside the
core of the shear layer. The distribution of diffusion inside
the reattaching shear layer is similar to that of the plane
1028 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033

2 Liu and Thomas [24] observed similar reversal in the con-

Solid rib vection magnitude near the edge of the planar wake.
Slit rib
The residual of turbulent kinetic energy budget is signif-
1.5
Split-slit rib
icant for all rib geometries. This indicates the importance of
pressure transport leading to turbulent kinetic energy trans-
Inclined split-slit rib
fer between different velocity components. Zhou et al. [26]
Y/h

1 have reported the pressure transport/diffusion to be signifi-

cant in a plane wall jet. The pressure transport in their study
has been obtained from hot wire measurements using simi-
0.5 lar data analysis procedure as ours. The significance of pres-
sure transport in our study may also be influenced by the
presence of pressure gradient at the downstream region of
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
the rib. This observation is in conformity with the results
Ka1 on effect of pressure gradient in planar wake by Liu and
Thomas [24]. The pressure transport magnitude is minimum
2 for the solid rib and maximum for the inclined split-slit rib.
It should be noted that the reattachment length is lowest for
the inclined split-slit rib and highest for the solid rib. The
1.5
lowest reattachment length leads to higher adverse gradient
of the inclined split-slit rib. The higher pressure transport
for the inclined split-slit rib can be attributed to higher
Y/h

1
adverse pressure gradient.
Fig. 11 shows the turbulent kinetic energy budget at a
downstream location (X/h = 4). The magnitude of all bud-
0.5
get quantities at X/h = 4 location have dropped signifi-
cantly compared to that at X/h = 1 location. The
production and dissipation are nearly balanced for the slit
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 rib. Keirsbulck et al. [13] showed similar balance between
Ka2 the production and dissipation of a smooth and rough tur-
bulent boundary layer. The production and dissipation in
2
the inner region are larger than that in the outer region
for the turbulent boundary layer. However, these terms
are significant in the outer region behind the slit rib. This
1.5
indicates the early approach of the flow behind slit rib to
fully developed equilibrium turbulent boundary layer.
The pressure transport at X/h = 4 for the slit rib has
Y/h

1
dropped considerably from that X/h = 1 location and other
transport terms, i.e. convection and diffusion are smaller in
magnitude. The effect of flow through the slit showing mul-
0.5
tiple peaks of the turbulent budget terms at X/h = 1 loca-
tion is not evident at X/h = 4 location. The overall
behaviors of turbulent budget terms are similar for differ-
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 ent rib geometries with minor difference in their magnitude.
Ka3

Fig. 13. The spanwise averaged (2 < Z/h > 2) axisymmetric ratios (Ka1,
Ka2 and Ka3) at the cross stream plane, X/h = 2.5 behind different rib
geometries.
turbulent channel boundary layer [25] for all ribs except the
slit rib. The diffusion profile of the slit rib shows a second
reversal in sign near the slit location. The flow through the
slit is responsible for the multiple reversal of diffusion mag-
nitude. Both the magnitude and shape of the turbulent con-
vection profile is a function of the rib geometries. The
magnitude of convection is lowest for the inclined split-slit
rib. The convection reverses its sign near the edge of the
shear layer from that inside the core of the shear layer.
4. Conclusions
The study of detailed turbulent structures present
behind different surface mounted rib geometries, i.e. solid,
slit, split-slit and inclined split-slit ribs has been carried out
using two component and stereo PIV techniques. The Rey-
nolds number based on rib height has been set equal to
5538. The open area ratio of permeable ribs is equal to
20%. The mean and rms velocity, higher order moments,
i.e. skewness and turbulent flux, quadrant motions and tur-
bulent kinetic energy budgets have been reported.
The nature of turbulent flux profile past the reattach-
ment region behind different rib geometries compares well
 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033
with that of rough wall boundary layer [13]. The quadrant
motions and their large scale components at the far field
region behind different rib geometries compare well with
that of transitional/turbulent boundary layer [23] and flow
past solid rib [17]. Similarly the assumptions used for
kinetic energy budget quantities calculations have been ver-
ified from PIV measurements and are in conformity with
earlier findings [14,15,24]. The good match between the
previous literatures carried out by hot wire anemometry
with the present PIV measurements establishes the capabil-
ity of PIV technique as a useful research tool for study of
complex turbulent flows. Summary of some important
findings from this study are discussed below.
The mean flow field modification of permeable ribs is
clearly evident from the mean and rms velocity results.
The permeable ribs have lower reattachment length with
maximum 41% drop in reattachment length of the inclined
split-slit rib compared to the solid rib. The permeable ribs
show greater three dimensionality compared to the solid
rib. The higher magnitude of Reynolds stress for the
inclined split-slit rib compared to other rib geometries indi-
cates some degree of correlation between the turbulent fluc-
tuation and drop in reattachment length by increased
turbulent mixing. The Reynolds stress magnitude correlates
to the turbulent kinetic energy production values for all rib
geometries. The quadrant analysis demonstrates large
sweep motion in the near wall region and predominant ejec-
tion motion in the outer shear layer region. The turbulent
flux and skewness profile shows different mechanism for
transport of turbulent shear stress compared to that of nor-
mal stress. The high skewness value of the turbulent fluctu-
ations inside the shear layer is due to the combined effect of
spanwise vortices, entrainment from the mean flow and the
ejection motion from the wall boundary layer. The pressure
transport term of the turbulent kinetic energy budget is sig-
nificant behind the surface mounted ribs leading to the
transfer of turbulent kinetic energy between different veloc-
ity components. The higher adverse gradient due to smaller
reattachment length leads to maximum pressure transport
of the inclined split-slit rib.
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the Alexander von
Humboldt Foundation (http://www.humboldt-founda-
tion.de) for the financial support. PKP is grateful to mem-
bers of the DLR PIV group for their support.
Appendix A
A.1. Assumptions
Various assumptions have been made for simplifying the
expression of kinetic energy budget terms, i.e. dissipation,
convection and diffusion. The verifications of these
assumptions are discussed below.
1029
A.2. Dissipation
The dissipation term of the kinetic energy budget equa-
tion has been calculated based on the assumption of both
local isotropy and axi-symmetry. The assumption of local
isotropy requires the eight isotropic ratios [14] to be equal
to unity. The following three isotropic ratios have been cal-
culated from the available measurements to verify the isot-
ropy assumption.
2
h2ð@u0 =@xÞ i
Isotropic ratios : K 1 ¼ 2
;
hð@v0 =@xÞ i
2 2
h2ð@u0 =@xÞ i hð@u0 =@xÞ i
K2 ¼ ; K3 ¼
hð@u0 =@yÞ2 i hð@v0 =@yÞ2 i
The streamwise averaged isotropic ratios at both near field
(0 < X/h < 2) and far field (9 < X/h < 11.8) have been pre-
sented in Fig. 12 for different rib geometries. The isotropic
ratios in the far field region are nearly constant (within the
range of 0.8–1.8) and are independent of the rib geometries.
The similarity of the isotropic ratios in the far field region
indicates the universal nature of the isotropic ratios irre-
spective of different reattachment length as a function of
rib geometries. The isotropic ratios are different in the near
wall region compared to that away from it. The streamwise
averaged isotropic ratios in the near field region is different
from that in the far field region. The magnitude of stream-
wise averaged isotropic ratios in the near field region is
same for solid, spit-slit and inclined split-slit ribs. However,
the isotropic ratios of slit rib shows larger deviation from
unity at about Y/h = 0.5 location due to the flow through
the slit. Schenck and Jovanovic [13] reported the eight iso-
tropic ratios to be in the range of 0.4–1.7 from the hot wire
measurements of plane circular cylinder wake and axisym-
metric wake of a sphere. The isotropic ratio magnitude
from the PIV measurements of this study and the hotwire
measurements of Schenck and Jovanovic [14] are compara-
ble to each other. Overall, the available isotropic ratios do
not confirm the validity of local isotropy assumption in the
present study.
The dissipation has also been calculated based on the
local axisymmetry assumption. The axisymmetric dissipa-
tion has been derived based on the assumption that the five
axisymmetric ratios [14] are equal to unity. The following
three axisymmetric ratios have been calculated from the
available stereo-PIV data.
2
hð@u0 =@yÞ i
Axisymmetric ratios : Ka1 ¼ 2
;
hð@v0 =@zÞ i
2
hð@v0 =@zÞ i hð@v0 =@yÞ i
2
Ka2 ¼ 2
; Ka3 ¼ 2
hð@w0 =@yÞ i hð@w0 =@zÞ i
The spanwise averaged (2 < Z/h < 2) axisymmetric dissi-
pation ratios have been presented in Fig. 13. The axisym-
metric ratios are function of rib geometries and the shape
of each axisymmetric ratio is different from each other.
The magnitude of axisymmetric ratio Ka1, Ka2 and Ka3
1030 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033

a b
2 Solid rib 2
Slit rib
Split-slit rib
Inclined split-slitrib

1.5 1.5
Y/h

Y/h
1 1

0.5 0.5

0 0
0 0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03 0 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.006 0.007
Dissipation (Isotropic) Dissipation (Isotropic)

2 2

1.5 1.5
Y/ h

Y/ h

1 1

0.5 0.5

0 0
0 0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03 0 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.006 0.007
Dissipation (Axisymmetric) Dissipation (Axisymmetric)

Fig. 14. The comparison between streamwise averaged non-dimensional dissipation (normalized by U 3o =h) based on local isotropy and axisymmetry
assumption at the (a) near field region (0 < X/h < 2) and (b) far field region (9 < X/h < 11.8).

profiles are approximately equal to 1.5, 1 and 0.5, respec-
tively. The average magnitude of all axisymmetric ratios
(Ka1, Ka2 and Ka3) is equal to 1.0. Therefore, it indicates
better validity of axisymmetry assumption for dissipation
calculation. The axisymmetric ratios reported by Schenck
and Jovanovic [14] were in the range of 0.6–1.6 for plane
and axi-symmetric wakes. Schenck and Jovanovic [14] ob-
served that the dissipation calculated based on local axi-
symmetry compares well with measured dissipation rate
compared to that based on local isotropy assumption.
Fig. 14 compares the streamwise averaged dissipation
based on local isotropy and axisymmetry assumption in
the near field and far field region behind different rib geom-
etries. The shape/nature of dissipation profile from isot-
ropy assumption is similar to that based on axisymmetry
assumption for solid, split and inclined split-slit ribs. How-
ever, the dissipation profile of slit rib from local isotropy
and axisymmetry assumption are not similar at around
Y/h = 0.5 location (Fig. 12, left). The isotropic ratio results
in Fig. 12 show maximum deviation from 1 for slit rib com-
pared to other rib geometries. The irregular nature of dis-
sipation profile for the slit rib calculated from the
isotropic assumption (Fig. 14, left) is seen at similar cross
stream Y-location (Y/h = 0.5) in Fig. 12 where the isotropic
ratio deviates significantly from 1.0. This justifies the differ-
ence in dissipation calculated from isotropy and axisymme-
try assumption for the slit rib at around the slit location (Y/
h = 0.5). Maximum 16% difference in magnitude between
the dissipation calculated based on isotropy and axisymme-
try is seen in the near field region (Fig. 14, left). Similarly,
maximum 12% difference between the dissipation calcu-
lated based on isotropy and axisymmetry assumption is
observed in the far field region (Fig. 14, right). Schenck
and Jovanovic [14] reported maximum 16% difference
between the dissipation of plane wake calculated based
on isotropy and axisymmetry assumption. The above
results demonstrate the axisymmetry assumption to be rel-
atively a better approximation for dissipation calculation.
Therefore, the local axisymmetry assumption has been
adopted for kinetic energy budget calculations in this
study.
A.3. Convection
The total turbulent kinetic energy is the combination of
u, v and w fluctuation. The turbulent kinetic energy has
been reported from the 2-C PIV measurements using the
assumption for the third component of velocity fluctuation.
 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033 1031

1.5

Y/ h
1

Solid rib
0.5 Slit rib
Split-slit rib
Inclined Split-slit rib

0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07

Kinetic Energy (Assumption)

1.5
Y/h

0.5

0
0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07

Kinetic Energy (Actual)

Fig. 15. The comparison between the spanwise averaged (2 < Z/h < 2) nondimensional turbulent kinetic energy from the three components velocity
fluctuation (actual) using stereo PIV measurements with that from two components velocity fluctuation measurement using 2-C PIV with scale factor
equal to 1.6 (assumption) at X/h = 2.5 location for different rib geometries.

This is due to higher spatial resolution of 2-C PIV in com-
parison to 3-C PIV measurements for accurate calculation
of derivative of the velocity fluctuations. It has been
assumed that the total turbulent kinetic energy is 1.6 times
that of the 2-C turbulent kinetic energy, i.e.:
K 2t ¼ 12 hu0 u0 þ v0 v0 þ w0 w0 i ¼ 1:6
2
hu0 u0 þ v0 v0 i. The turbulent
fluctuation from stereo PIV measurements has been used
to validate the above assumption. Jung et al. [15] have
assumed the total turbulent kinetic energy to be equal to
1.33 times that of 2-C turbulent kinetic energy for flow
around a rectangular structure. The spanwise averaged
actual turbulent kinetic energy from stereo PIV measure-
ments (Fig. 15, bottom) at X/h = 2.5 locations have been
compared with that from the assumption (Fig. 15, top)
for different rib geometries. The comparison between the
assumption and the actual turbulent kinetic energy is very
satisfactory in Fig. 15 with maximum 10% deviation.
Therefore, the assumption for the calculation of turbulent
energy is verified.
A.4. Diffusion
The diffusion of turbulent kinetic energy has been calcu-
lated using the following assumptions: hw0 2v0 i = hv0 3i and
hw0 2ui> = hv0 2ui. The stereo PIV measurements at X/h =
2.5 plane has been used to verify the above assumptions.
The spanwise averaged actual turbulent diffusion in X
and Y direction from stereo PIV measurements has been
compared with that from above assumption in Fig. 16.
The Y-diffusion term comparison between the actual and
assumption is quite satisfactory in Fig. 16 (right). There
is minor discrepancy of X-diffusion magnitude between
the assumption and actual values in Fig. 16 (left). However,
as the magnitude of Y-diffusion is an order of magnitude
higher than that of X-diffusion, the small discrepancy in
X-diffusion calculation is expected to have negligible effect
on the total turbulent diffusion calculation. Liu and Tho-
mas [24] also observed the streamwise turbulent diffusion
values to be negligible compared to the lateral diffusion
for a planar wake. The streamwise turbulent diffusion is
small leading to local redistribution of the turbulent kinetic
energy in the cross stream direction by the lateral Y-diffu-
sion component. Therefore, the cross stream integration
of the Y-diffusion should be equal to zero. The numerical
integration of Y-diffusion values in Fig. 16 is close to zero
within the experimental uncertainty indicating the accuracy
in measurement and calculation of turbulent diffusion in
this study. Liu and Thomas [24] also reported the integra-
1032 P.K. Panigrahi et al. / Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science 32 (2008) 1011–1033

2 2

Y/h 1.5 1.5

Y/ h
1 1

0.5 Solid rib 0.5

Slit rib
Split-slit rib
Inclined split-slit rib
0 0
-0.0006 -0.0004 -0.0002 0 0.0002 0.0004 0.0006 -0.002 -0.001 0 0.001 0.002

X-Diffusion (Assumption) Y-Diffusion (Assumption)

2 2

1.5 1.5
Y/ h

1
Y/ h 1

0.5 0.5

0 0
-0.0006 -0.0004 -0.0002 0 0.0002 0.0004 0.0006 -0.002 -0.001 0 0.001 0.002

X-Diffusion (Actual) Y-Diffusion (Actual)

Fig. 16. The comparison between the spanwise averaged (2 < Z/h < 2) actual turbulent diffusion value (normalized by U 3o =h) in X and Y direction at X/
h = 2.5 location obtained from the three components velocity fluctuation measurements (actual) and that obtained from the two components velocity
fluctuation measurement assuming ðv0 w02 ¼ v03 and u0 w02 ¼ u0 v02 Þ (assumption) for different rib geometries.

tion of lateral diffusion to be equal to zero in their study of
planar wake. Therefore, Fig. 16 reasonably validates the
assumption used for diffusion calculation in our study.
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