The effect of contraction on a homogeneous turbulent shear flow

In the present study, a homogeneous flow was generated and allowed to reach its asymptotic state. A two-dimensional contraction was inserted a short distance downstream. Both mean velocity and turbulence-stress profiles (normal and shear) were measured at several points along the flow direction. The pressure-strain terms were evaluated from the energy balance made along the wind-tunnel axis. On the basis of the obtained results, it is concluded that a uniformly sheared turbulent flow with approximate transverse homogeneity remains in its condition at all stages of its development through a two-dimensional contraction. Small deviations from homogeneity observed upstream of contraction become much less visible towards the end of contraction. The mean-flow development can be predicted adequately by the Bernoulli equation.