Effects of streamline curvature on a transitioning boundary layer

Several practical flows undergo laminar to turbulent transition under the simultaneous presence of streamline curvature and pressure gradients. This influence of curved streamlines still raises some unanswered questions. This study aims to analyze the effects of curvature on a developing turbulent boundary layer using a high fidelity wall-resolved large-eddy simulation. An array of roughness elements trips laminar flow to induce transition to turbulence, whereafter the fluid elements experience curvature effects in the spanwise and wall-normal directions. A variety of turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds stress properties are observed and analyzed in a coordinate system that matches the curvature of the streamlines. These results will be discussed.