Fully-resolved temperature/velocity measurements in a turbulent thermal boundary layer

Experimental measurements of scalar transport in turbulent flows are often limited by spatial and temporal resolutions of available probes, especially at high Reynolds numbers. Most investigations of temperature transport have relied on the use of cold-wires to measure the temperature fluctuations. However, the minimal length requirements typically necessary to avoid end-conduction effects conflict with the fine spatial resolution required to fully resolve the smallest scales of turbulence. The goal of this study is to provide fully resolved measurements of the scalar transport in a turbulent channel flow using temperature as a passive scalar. The use of NSTAP and T-NSTAP (temperature nanoscale thermal anemometry probe) for velocity and temperature measurements respectively, presents a unique experimental approach as their small sizes allow for increased temporal and spatial resolution. The main component of the experimental setup is a fully developed channel flow using air as a working fluid with an accompanying developing thermal boundary layer formed from a change in the wall temperature. The setup represents a case where a well-studied velocity field (turbulent channel flow) governs the lesser studied scalar field (thermal boundary layer).