The Use of Von Karman’S Similarity Hypothesis in Turbulent Fluid Flow Computation

Von Karman’s similarity hypothesis for the turbulent mixing length in boundary layer type flow is extrapolated to a plausable two dimensional expression. The corresponding incompressible turbulent flow equations are developed in terms of the transient vorticity transfer and stream function equations. Numerical solutions for the separated flow behind a step and in a rectangular cavity were obtained and the results are presented pictorally. The streamlines computed for the step flow solution compare favorably with those calculated from experimental measurements at a similar Reynolds Number.