Turbulence correlations in a compressible wake

Abstract

Space-time correlations have been measured in the turbulent supersonic wake behind a slender axisymmetric body. The data were obtained with two independently-positioned hot-wire anemometers, and interpreted with the aid of an extension of compressible anemometry theory. Comparison with earlier single-point Eulerian spectra showed a breakdown of Taylor's hypothesis near the wake edge, and thus also the expected differences in the scale lengths. The eddy convection speed appears equal to that of the mean flow, and the eddy shape is inclined to the wake axis, although it becomes nearly parallel to it at the wake edge. As a consequence, radial and longitudinal space correlation functions appear nearly equal. An upstream-downstream asymmetry was noted in the latter.