An Investigation of the Forces on Three Dimensional Bluff Bodies in Rough Wall Turbulent Boundary Layers

Abstract

A study has been made of the influence of grouping parameters on the mean pressure distributions experienced by three dimensional bluff bodies immersed in a turbulent boundary layer. The range of variable parameters has included group density, group pattern and incident flow type and direction for a simple cuboid element form. The three flow regimes associated with increasing group density are reflected in both the mean drag forces acting on the body and their associated pressure distributions. A comparison of both pressure distributions and velocity profile parameters with established work on two dimensional bodies shows close agreement in identifying these flow regime changes. It is considered that the application of these results may enhance our understanding of some common flow phenomena, including turbulent flow over rough surfaces, building ventilation studies and environmental wind around buildings.