Internal Layer Hierarchy in Rough-Wall Turbulent Boundary

The existence of an internal layer hierarchy is centric to the characteristic properties of wall-bounded turbulent flows. Its presence, which is revealed through an analysis of the mean momentum balance (MMB), accounts for the dynamics undergoing a continuous self-similar variation over a length scale range spanning the viscous length scale to the outer scale, $\nu/u_\tau \le \ell \le \delta$. Surface roughness introduces multiple new length scales which are often reduced (for simplification and comparison) to a single ``working'' scale given by the equivalent sandgrain roughness $k_s^+$. We report on our continuing efforts to study how this imposition modifies the continuous hierarchy of scaling layers admitted by the MMB. The establishment of log-like behavior closer to the wall in rough-wall flows is one such effect. It is speculated to be the direct consequence of the roughness causing the vorticity field to three-dimensionalize more rapidly compared to a smooth-wall. Data sets comprising of experiments being performed at UNH and high quality data sets available in the literature are being used for this combined roughness--Reynolds number study. The current experiments are conducted in a 8m long boundary layer wind-tunnel. Roughness is introduced in the form of sandpaper attached to the entire lower wall and profiles are taken using hot-wires and two-dimensional laser velocimetry.