Direct numerical simulation of the Gaussian (Boeing) bump: pressure gradient and curvature effects

Direct numerical simulation of a turbulent boundary layer over the Gaussian (Boeing) bump is performed at Re_L = 2 million. The flow exhibits a strong pressure gradient and curvature of streamlines leading to mild flow separation just past the bump peak. We plan to present fully converged statistics of the velocity, Reynolds stresses, and turbulent kinetic energy budget in the pre-separation region of the flow. In this region, we analyze the flow in a streamline-aligned coordinate system to discern the influence of momentum balance on the flow behavior. Scaling analysis showing the collapse of velocity and stress profiles in different regions of the flow will also be presented. These insights will allow for a better understanding of the physics of a turbulent boundary layer under the influence of pressure gradients and could pave the path for improved turbulence models.