University of Nebraska - Lincoln

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications Civil Engineering

September 2005

Modified log–wake law for zero-pressure-gradient turbulent

boundary layers
Junke Guo
University of Nebraska - Lincoln, jguo2@unl.edu

Pierre Y. Julien
Colorado State University, pierre@engr.colostate.edu

Meroney N. Meroney
Colorado State University, meroney@engr.colostate.edu

Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/civilengfacpub

Part of the Civil Engineering Commons

Guo, Junke; Julien, Pierre Y.; and Meroney, Meroney N., "Modified log–wake law for zero-pressure-gradient
turbulent boundary layers" (2005). Civil Engineering Faculty Publications. 6.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/civilengfacpub/6

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Civil Engineering at DigitalCommons@University of
Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Civil Engineering Faculty Publications by an authorized
administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
 Journal of Hydraulic Research Vol. 43, No. 4 (2005), pp. 421–430
© 2005 International Association of Hydraulic Engineering and Research

Modified log–wake law for zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layers

Loi log-trainée modifiée pour couche limite turbulente sans gradient de pression
JUNKE GUO, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Omaha, NE 68182, USA.
E-mail: junkeguo@mail.unomaha.edu; Affiliate Faculty, State Key Lab for Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering, Wuhan
University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, PRC.
PIERRE Y. JULIEN, Professor, Engineering Research Center, Department of Civil Engineering, Colorado State University,
Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. E-mail: pierre@engr.colostate.edu

ROBERT N. MERONEY, Professor, Engineering Research Center, Department of Civil Engineering, Colorado State University,
Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. E-mail: meroney@engr.colostate.edu

ABSTRACT
This paper shows that the turbulent velocity profile for zero-pressure-gradient boundary layers is affected by the wall shear stress and convective
inertia. The effect of the wall shear stress is dominant in the so-called overlap region and can be described by a logarithmic law in which the von
Karman constant is about 0.4 while the additive constant depends on a Reynolds number. The effect of the convective inertia can be described by the
Coles wake law with a constant wake strength about 0.76. A cubic correction term is introduced to satisfy the zero velocity gradient requirement at the
boundary layer edge. Combining the logarithmic law, the wake law and the cubic correction produces a modified log–wake law, which is in excellent
agreement with experimental profiles. The proposed velocity profile law is independent of Reynolds number in terms of its defect form, while it is
Reynolds number dependent in terms of the inner variables. The modified log–wake law can also provide an accurate equation for skin friction in
terms of the momentum thickness. Finally, by replacing the logarithmic law with van Driest’s mixing-length model in which the damping factor varies
with Reynolds number, the modified log–wake law can be extended to the entire boundary layer flow.

RÉSUMÉ
Le profil de vitesse pour une couche limite turbulente sans gradient de pression dépend de la contrainte de cisaillement à la paroi et de l’inertie
convective. L’effet de cisaillement est dominant dans la zone de transition décrite par la loi logarithmique avec constante de von Karman d’environ
0.4. L’effet d’inertie convective est décrit par la loi de trainée de Coles avec un coeffcient de 0.76. Un terme de correction cubique est introduit pour
satisfaire la condition limite supérieure sans gradient de vitesse. La loi logarithmique-trainée modifiée qui en résulte se compare très bien avec les
profils de vitesse expérimentaux. Sous forme de déviation de vitesse, le profil de vitesse proposé devient indépendent du nombre de Reynolds. La loi
proposée produit des équations exactes du coefficient de frottement et d’épaisseur du film de quantité de mouvement. Finalement, en remplacant la loi
logarithmique par la longueur de mélange de van Driest avec coefficient d’amortissement fonction du nombre de Reynolds, la loi log-trainée modifiée
devient applicable à la couche limite toute entière.

Keywords: Zero-pressure-gradient boundary layers, turbulence, logarithmic law, wake law, velocity profile, velocity distribution, skin
friction.

1 Introduction shear stress is balanced by nonlinear convective inertia; and

open-channel flows are the most complex because both constant
Turbulent flows in pipes, zero-pressure-gradient (ZPG) flat plate pressure gradient (gravity term) and nonlinear convective iner-
boundary layers and open-channels are not only three fundamen- tia (secondary currents) exist. A new turbulent velocity profile
tal boundary shear flows but also important in mechanical, aero- model is usually first applied to pipes, then ZPG boundary layers
nautic and hydraulic engineering. These three types of flows have and finally open-channels. For example, the classic logarithmic
similarities. The flow near the wall can be described by the law law proposed by Prandtl and von Karman was first developed
of the wall. The flow near the pipe axis, the boundary layer edge for pipes and ZPG boundary layers in the early 1930s (Schlicht-
and the free surface can be described by the velocity defect law. ing 1979, p. 578–665). It was then applied to open-channels by
In terms of the momentum equation in the primary flow direc- Keulegan (1938). Laufer (1954) first pointed out that experimen-
tion, steady pipe flows are the simplest for which differential tal data deviate from the logarithmic law away from the pipe wall.
shear stress is balanced by a constant pressure gradient; ZPG Subsequently Coles (1956) confirmed this behavior for boundary
boundary layer flows are more complicated since differential layers and suggested the law of the wake. During the 1980s, the

Revision received September 27, 2004 / Open for discussion until May 31, 2006.

421
422 Guo et al.

law of the wake was compared with open-channel profiles by 2 Hypothesis of the modified log–wake law
Coleman (1981, 1986), Graf (1984) and Nezu and Rodi (1986).
This paper is a continuation of Guo and Julien (2003), where This section examines the shear stress distribution in ZPG
a modified log–wake law was proposed for smooth pipe turbu- boundary layers and formulates a hypothesis of the modified
lence, by considering the value of the same concepts for ZPG log–wake law.
boundary layers. The application of the modified log–wake law
to open-channel turbulence will be considered separately because
of the complexity of secondary currents and free surface. 2.1 Shear stress distribution
The following background is closely related to the develop- Consider a steady two-dimensional incompressible viscous flow
ment of this study. Combining the logarithmic law and the wake over a ZPG flat plate where the x direction is along the wall and y
law produces the log–wake law (Coles 1956), normal to the wall. Neglecting gravity, Prandtl’s boundary layer


u 1 yu∗ equations are (Schlichting, 1979, p. 563)
= ln + B + W(ξ) (1)
u∗ κ ν ∂u ∂v
+ =0 (4)
in which the terms in the parentheses are the logarithmic law ∂x ∂y
while the last term is called the law of the wake, which defines ∂u ∂u 1 ∂τ
u +v = (5)
the deviation from the logarithmic law away from the wall, in ∂x ∂y ρ ∂y
which u = time-averaged velocity along the wall, u∗ = shear where u = time-averaged velocity in the x direction, v = time-
velocity, κ = von Karman constant, y = distance from the wall, averaged velocity in the y direction, ρ = fluid density, and
ν = fluid kinematic viscosity, B = additive constant, ξ = y/δ τ = local shear stress that includes viscous and turbulent shear
the relative distance from the wall, and δ = the boundary layer stresses. Equation (4) is the continuity equation, and (5) is the
thickness, which is defined by u(y = δ) = 0.999U in this paper. momentum equation along the wall.
Coles (1956) described the wake function W(ξ) in an empirical To obtain an expression for the shear stress distribution one
table. Hinze (1975, p. 698) fit the Coles data analytically, may combine the continuity equation and momentum equation
2 2 πξ and integrate across the boundary layer to develop
W(ξ) = sin (2)  y

κ 2 ∂v ∂u
τ = τw + ρ −u + v dy (6)
in which  = Coles’ wake strength, which accounts for the 0 ∂y ∂y
effects of Reynolds number in ZPG boundary layers. Including where τ = τw at the wall y = 0. One can realize that the shear
Hinze’s equation (2) the log–wake law (1) is often written as stress in ZPG boundary layers includes the contributions of the


u 1 yu∗ 2 2 πξ wall shear stress and convective inertia.
= ln +B + sin (3)
u∗ κ ν κ 2
Unfortunately comparison of Eq. (3) with experimental data 2.2 Dimensional analysis of velocity distribution
(Coles, 1969; Hinze, 1975, p. 699) showed that (3) is invalid
near the boundary layer edge where the zero velocity gradient In the outer region including the overlap layer, the viscous shear
requirement is not satisfied. stress can be neglected. Applying the eddy viscosity model,
Except for the above classic results, universal relations for du
τt = ρνt (7)
near-wall flows have been extensively debated since the early dy
1990s (Afzal, 1997, 2001a,b; Barenblatt, 1993; Barenblatt in which τt = turbulent shear stress and νt = eddy viscosity, to
et al., 2000a,b; Buschmann, 2001; Buschmann and Gad-el-Hak, (6) gives
2003a,b; George and Castillo, 1997; Osterlund et al., 2000;  y

∂u ∂v ∂u
Wosnik et al., 2000; Zagarola, 1996; Zagarola and Smits, 1998; ρνt = τw + ρ −u + v dy (8)
∂y 0 ∂y ∂y
Zagarola et al., 1997; and others). Most of them concluded
that the velocity profile for near-wall flows is Reynolds number Considering that the eddy viscosity can be expressed by (Hinze,
dependent. In particular, the velocity in the overlap layer follows 1975, p. 645)
y
a power law where the parameters vary with Reynolds number. νt = δu∗ f (9)
This paper tries to incorporate the above state-of-the-art δ
knowledge into the modified log–wake law for ZPG turbulent in which f is an unknown function, and applying the definitions
boundary layers. It will: (a) examine the boundary layer equa- ξ = y/δ and τw = ρu2∗ to (8), one obtains
tions and formulate a hypothesis of the modified log–wake law;
  ξ


∂ u u ∂ v v ∂ u
(b) validate the modified log–wake law by comparing with recent f(ξ) =1+ − + dξ
∂ξ u∗ 0 u∗ ∂ξ u∗ u∗ ∂ξ u∗
experimental velocity profiles in ZPG boundary layers; (c) derive
(10)
a skin friction formula in terms of the momentum thickness
Reynolds number; and (d) extend the modified log–wake law to Except for the complicated integrodifferential form in the above,
the entire boundary layer by applying van Driest’s mixing-length the eddy viscosity function f(ξ) is not really specified. Thus,
model where the damping factor varies with Reynolds number. it is impossible to get an analytical solution for u. However,
 Modified log–wake law 423

the preceding equation suggests the following dimensionless Since the power exponent c/ln Reδ in (16) is usually very small
solution form: say 0.1–0.15 (Barenblatt et al., 2000a,b), one can rewrite (16) as


u
= F ξ,
v
(11)   yu 
u c ∗
u∗ u∗ = (a ln Reδ + b) exp ln
u∗ ln Reδ ν
in which   yu 
c ∗
v = (a ln Reδ + b) 1 + ln + ···
= η(ξ) (12) ln Reδ ν
u∗
 
bc yu∗ 
and F and η are velocity distribution functions in the x and y = (a ln Reδ + b) + ac + ln + ··· (18)
ln Reδ ν
directions. Substituting (12) into (11) gives
u In the overlap layer, one has y  δ or ln(yu∗ /ν)  ln Reδ , the
= F(ξ, η) (13)
u∗ above equation can then be approximated by
Since the transverse velocity v or η is very small compared
 
with the primary velocity u or F in the outer region, one can u bc yu∗ 
= (a ln Reδ + b) + ac + ln (19)
approximate the primary velocity u/u∗ by expanding (13) at u∗ ln Reδ ν
η = 0,
Comparing it with the classical logarithmic law, one has
u ∂F(ξ, 0) η2 ∂2 F(ξ, 0)
= F(ξ, 0) + η + + ··· (14)
u∗ ∂η 2! ∂η2 1 bc
= ac + → ac (20)
Taking the first two-term approximation, one has κ ln Reδ
u ∂F(ξ, 0)
= F(ξ, 0) + η (15) for large Reynolds number, and
u∗ ∂η
Note that the above analysis is equivalent to a small perturbation B = a ln Reδ + b (21)
introduced by the transverse velocity function η(ξ). In fact, the
classical Blasius solution (Schlichting, 1979, p. 136; Kundu, where B = additive constant. Note that Eqs (20) and (21) show
1990, p. 310) can also be expressed in the above dimensionless that: (a) the von Karman constant κ increases with Reynolds num-
form when one expresses the velocity distribution u in terms of the ber; (b) a universal von Karman constant κ may exist only for
transverse velocity v. In the next subsection, the primary function large Reynolds number; and (c) the additive constant B increases
F(ξ, 0), the transverse velocity distribution function η(ξ) and the with Reynolds number even for large Reynolds number. The
derivative function ∂F(ξ, 0)/∂η will be specified. dependence of Reynolds number accounts for the effect of the
“viscous superlayer” (Hinze, 1975, pp. 567, 571, 628), which is
near the boundary layer edge where Kolmogoroff length scale
2.3 Approximation of the velocity distribution
energy dissipation exists. In fact, Hinze (1975, p. 628) has
2.3.1 The primary function F(ξ, 0) noticed that the von Karman constant κ varies slightly about
The functions F(ξ, 0), η(ξ) and ∂F(ξ, 0)/∂η are approximated 0.4 whereas the additive constant B corresponds with much
asymptotically and empirically. First, consider the overlap layer greater variations, say, from 4 to 12 (George and Castillo,
where the effect of the transverse velocity v or η can be neglected 1997), which may be explained by (20) and (21). For sim-
and ∂F(ξ, 0)/∂η is finite. One can conclude that the primary func- plicity, this paper concentrates on large Reynolds number and
tion F(ξ, 0) is the law of the wall, which is often described by assumes
the classical logarithmic law or a power law. Recently based
on experimental velocity profiles and asymptotic analysis, many 1
κ= = 0.4 (22)
researchers (Afzal, 1997; Barenblatt et al., 2000a,b; Buschmann ac
and Gad-el-Hak, 2003a,b; George and Castillo, 1997;
Furthermore, the primary function F(ξ, 0) can be approximated
Osterlund et al., 2000; Wosnik et al., 2000; Zagarola, 1996;
by (19), i.e.,
Zagarola and Smits, 1998; Zagarola et al., 1997) showed that a
Reynolds number dependent power law can even better represent 1 yu∗
the velocity profile in the overlap layer. Thus, this paper assumes F(ξ, 0) = ln +B (23)
κ ν
the following law of the wall:
u  yu c/ln Reδ in which κ = 0.4 and B is estimated by (21) where the constants
∗
= (a ln Reδ + b) (16) a and b will be specified in Section 4.
u∗ ν
in which a, b and c are positive constants and the Reynolds
number Reδ is defined as 2.3.2 The transverse velocity distribution function η(ξ)
δu∗ It is assumed that the shape of the function η(ξ) is similar to its
Reδ = (17) counterpart in laminar flows. Inspired by the Blasius classical
ν
424 Guo et al.

solution (Schlichting, 1979, p. 137; Kundu, 1990, p. 311) and correction is a good approximation for pipe axis. Similarly, this
the conventional sine-square wake function, one may assume paper modifies (3) by adding the same correction function,
πξ ξ3
v = V sin2 (24) − (33)
2 3κ
in which V is the transverse velocity at the boundary layer edge.
Comparing (24) with (12), one must have 2.3.5 The modified log–wake law and its defect form
V = χu∗ (25) Combining (3) and (33) leads to the following velocity profile
model:
in which χ is a proportional constant. With (25) Eq. (24) can be

rewritten as u 1 yu∗ 2 2 πξ ξ3
= ln +B + sin − (34)
v πξ u∗ κ ν κ 2 3κ
= η(ξ) = χ sin2 (26)
u∗ 2 Similar to pipe flows (Guo and Julien, 2003), this paper calls
The constant χ will be considered together with the derivative the above equation the modified log–wake law (MLWL), which
function ∂F(ξ, 0)/∂η. should be valid from the overlap region till the boundary layer
edge. Equation (34) is different from the conventional log–wake
law in two aspects: it meets the zero velocity gradient at the
2.3.3 The derivative function ∂F(ξ, 0)/∂η
boundary layer edge; and the additive constant B accounts for
With (26) one can write the second term in (15) as
the effect of the Reynolds number.
∂F(ξ, 0) 2 πξ To eliminate the effect of Reynolds number in (34), one can
χ sin (27)
∂η 2 introduce the freestream velocity U at ξ = 1 to the modified
which is the same as Hinze’s version of the law of the wake log–wake law. From (34), one obtains
assuming
U 1 δu∗ 2 1
∂F(ξ, 0) 2 = ln +B+ − (35)
χ = (28) u∗ κ ν κ 3κ
∂η κ
Subtracting (34) from (35) gives the velocity defect form of the
and ∂F(ξ, 0)/∂η is independent of ξ. In other words, the second
modified log–wake law
term in (15) can be approximated by the conventional law of the


wake, U −u 1 2 πξ 1 − ξ3
=− ln ξ − 2 cos + (36)
∂F(ξ, 0) 2 2 πξ u∗ κ 2 3
η = sin (29)
∂η κ 2 As aforementioned, both κ and  should be universal constants
According to Coles (Fernholz and Finley, 1996), the wake under the assumption of large Reynolds number.
strength  increases with Reynolds number and tends to a con-
stant for large Reynolds number. To be consistent with (22) where
an assumption of large Reynolds number is employed, one can 3 Test of the modified log–wake law
assume
This section first examines the universality of the modified
 = constant (30)
log–wake law by plotting all data points according to the defect
in this paper. Substituting (23) and (29) into (15) produces the form (36). It then tests the applicability of (36) to describe indi-
conventional log–wake law (3) except that the additive constant B vidual velocity profiles in terms of the inner variable yu∗ /ν. The
varies with Reynolds number. 70 experimental velocity profiles by Osterlund (1999) in ZPG
boundary layers with Reynolds numbers 900 ≤ Reδ ≤ 10,000
2.3.4 Boundary correction will be used in this test. The complete descriptions of the exper-
Strictly speaking, boundary layers do not have edges; the mean imental apparatus and measured velocity profiles can be found
velocity is only asymptotic to the free stream velocity at the so- on the web site http://www2.mech.kth.se/∼jens/zpg/. Note that
called boundary layer edges, i.e., u → U at ξ = y/δ = 1. Osterlund (1999) measured the wall shear stress by using an oil
However, in practice the assumptions of film interferometry, which is independent of the logarithmic law.
In the data of Osterlund (1999), the freestream velocity U,
u(ξ = 1) = U (31) the shear velocity u∗ and the measured velocity profile u(ξ) are
and given. The boundary layer thickness δ in this paper is interpo-
lated by u(y = δ) = 0.999U. According to the defect form, all
du
=0 (32) 70 measured velocity profiles are plotted in Fig. 1 where except
dξ ξ=1 for the viscous sublayer and the buffer layer, all data points fall
are good approximations. To meet the zero velocity gradient almost on a single curve down into the overlap layer. This reveals
requirement (32), one must modify (3) by adding a boundary cor- that the velocity defect in the outer region including the over-
rection function. Guo and Julien (2003) have shown that a cubic lap region is independent of Reynolds number. Furthermore, it
 Modified log–wake law 425

30 25
Modified log-wake law (36) Modified log-wake law (36)
25 Data of Osterlund (1999) Data of Osterlund (1999)
20

20
15

(U-u)/u *
(U-u)/u *

15

10
10

5 5

0
-3 -2 -1 0 1
0
10 10 10 10 10 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
ξ=y/δ ξ=y/δ
Figure 1 Verification of the universality of the velocity defect law.

1.2 boundary layer edge, say 30 ≤ yu∗ /ν and y/δ ≤ 1; (c) the modi-
1 fied log–wake law tends to a straight line in a semilog plot in the
overlap region and then coincides with the logarithmic law; and
0.8 Π= 0.7577 ±0.07577
Π (d) the zero velocity gradient at the boundary layer edge can be
0.6 clearly seen from all profiles in Fig. 3(a–g) which imply that the
0.4 boundary correction is necessary.
0.2

0 3 4
4 Skin friction and the additive constant in the
10 10
Reδ =δu /ν logarithmic law
*

Figure 2 Verification of the universal constant . One can compute the velocity profile by using the velocity defect
law (36), which does not require the additive constant B. Nev-
implies that the model parameters κ and  in the modified log– ertheless, if the modified log–wake law (34) is preferred, the
wake law (36) are universal constants. A preliminary analysis additive constant B can be defined by studying the skin friction
suggests that factor cf , which is defined as
κ = 0.4 and  = 0.7577 (37) cf 2 U
τw = ρU 2 or = (40)
allows Eq. (36) to fit the experimental profiles shown in Fig. 1 2 cf u∗
very well. Figure 2 further confirms Eq. (37) by plotting the wake Substituting (21) into (35) gives
strength  versus Reynolds number Reδ , in which the values of


 for individual profiles are estimated by the measured value of U 1 2 1
= + a ln Reδ + b + − (41)
u/u∗ at yu∗ /ν = 100 at assuming κ = 0.4. u∗ κ κ 3κ
In terms of the inner variable yu∗ /ν, one can rewrite (36) as which can be rearranged as


u U 1 2 πξ 1 − ξ3
= + ln ξ − 2 cos + (38) 2
=
U 1
= ln Reδ + B1 (42)
u∗ u∗ κ 2 3 cf u∗ κ1
in which
where
yu∗ /ν
ξ= (39) 1 1 2 1
Reδ = +a and B1 = b + − (43)
κ1 κ κ 3κ
Obviously, the Reynolds number Reδ = δu∗ /ν is a profile param-
are determined experimentally. Figure 4 displays the experi-
eter, which suggests that the modified log–wake law is Reynolds
mental skin friction factor cf of Osterlund (1999) versus the
number dependent in terms of the inner variables. Figure 3(a–g)
Reynolds number Reδ according to (42). A least-squares curve
compare (38), in which the constants in (37) are used, with all 70
fitting reveals that (42) with the constants
experimental profiles individually and display excellent agree-
ment for almost all profiles. Note that the dotted lines (MLWL) κ1 = 0.3820 and B1 = 6.6040 (44)
are covered with the solid when yu∗ /ν ≥ 30. These figures lead
can represent the experimental data with a correlation coeffcient
to the following conclusions: (a) the basic structure of the modi-
0.999. Substituting (37) and (44) into (43) produces
fied log–wake law is correct; (b) the modified log–wake law can
replicate the experimental data from the overlap region till the a = 0.1176 and b = 3.6544 (45)
426 Guo et al.

80 80
Data of Osterlund (1999) SW981008A Data of Osterlund (1999) SW981008B
Modified log-wake law (38) Modified log-wake law (38)
Logarithmic law (23) Logarithmic law (23)
Extension of MLWL (49) SW981006C SW981008C
Extension of MLWL (49)
70 or potential flow 70 or potential flow
SW981006B SW981008D

SW981006A SW981012A
60 60
SW981005F SW981012B

50 SW981005E 50 SW981012C
u/u *

u/u *
SW981005A SW981013A

40 SW981005B 40 SW981013B

SW981005C SW981013D

30 30
SW981005D SW981013C

20 20
shift by 5

potential flow

shift by 5
potential flow

10 (a) 10 (b)

0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
yu / ν yu / ν
* *

80 80
Data of Osterlund (1999) SW981113F Data of Osterlund (1999) SW981127G
Modified log-wake law (38) Modified log-wake law (38)
Logarithmic law (23) Logarithmic law (23)
Extension of MLWL (49) SW981113E SW981127F
Extension of MLWL (49)
70 or potential flow 70 or potential flow
SW981113D SW981127E

SW981113C SW981127D
60 60
SW981113B SW981127C

50 SW981113A SW981127B
50
u/u *

u/u *

SW981112D SW981127A

40 SW981112C 40 SW981126E

SW981112B SW981126D
30 30
SW981112A SW981126C

20 20
shift by 5

potential flow
shift by 5

potential flow

10 (c) 10 (d)

0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
yu / ν yu / ν
* *

Figure 3 Comparison of modified log–wake law with individual experimental velocity profiles.
 Modified log–wake law 427

80 80
Data of Osterlund (1999) Data of Osterlund (1999)
SW981127Q SW981128J
Modified log-wake law (38) Modified log-wake law (38)
Logarithmic law (23) Logarithmic law (23)
Extension of MLWL (49) SW981127P Extension of MLWL (49)
70 70 SW981128I
or potential flow or ptential flow
SW981127O SW981128H

60 SW981127N 60 SW981128G

SW981127M SW981128F

50 SW981127L 50 SW981128E
u/u*

u/u*
SW981127K SW981128D
40 40
SW981127J SW981128C

SW981127I SW981128B
30 30
SW981127H SW981128A

20 20
shift by 5

shift by 5
potential flow potential flow

10 (e) 10 (f)

0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
yu / ν yu / ν
* *

80
Data of Osterlund (1999)
Modified log-wake law (38) SW981129J
Logarithmic law (23)
Extension of MLWL (49)
70 or potential flow SW981129I

SW981129H

60
SW981129G

SW981129F
50
SW981129E
u/u *

SW981129D
40
SW981129C

SW981129B
30

SW981129A

20
shift by 5

potential flow

10 (g)

0
0 1 2 3 4 5
10 10 10 10 10 10
yu / ν
*

Figure 3 (Continued)
428 Guo et al.

32 only for velocity profiles but also for the momentum thickness and
Data of Osterlund (1999) the skin friction factor. Note that Osterlund et al. (2000) obtained
Equation (42) from MLWL
30 a small von Karman constant from the same data set since
they overlooked the effect of Reynolds number on the additive
√2 /Cf = U/u*

28
constant B.
Finally, combining (42) and (47) provides a method to estimate
the wall shear stress τw and the boundary layer thickness δ from
26
a measured velocity profile. That is, (a) calculate the momen-
tum thickness θ by applying a measured velocity profile to the
24 3 4 definition of the momentum thickness; (b) estimate the friction
10 10
Reδ =δu /ν factor cf from (47); (c) compute the wall shear stress τw or the
*
shear velocity u∗ from (40); and (d) obtain the boundary layer
Figure 4 Skin friction factor cf versus Reynolds number Reδ . thickness δ from (42). With this method, the wall shear stress
and boundary layer thickness can be defined in an experimental
which specify the additive constant B through (21). Like the program.
modified log–wake law, the logarithmic law (23), to which (21)
and (45) are applied, also fits the experimental data in the overlap
region very well for most profiles, as shown by the dashed lines 5 Extension of the modified log–wake law
in Fig. 3(a–g), which validate the hypothesis of the dependence
of Reynolds number in (21). From the above analysis, one can see that the modified log–wake
The skin friction factor cf is often correlated with the momen- law indeed agrees with the experimental data in the outer region.
tum thickness Reynolds number Reθ , It is noteworthy that the modified log–wake law can be extended
to the inner region by applying van Driest’s mixing-length model
θU
cf = f(Reθ ); Reθ = (46) (Schlichting, 1979, p. 604) for the law of the wall or the pri-
ν mary function F(ξ, 0). In other words, replacing the logarithmic
in which θ = the momentum thickness. Applying (38) to the law in (34) with van Driest’s mixing-length model, one can get
definition of the momentum thickness θ, one can derive a relation a complete velocity profile model for the entire boundary layer,
between Reδ and Reθ (see the Appendix at the end of this paper).  y+
u 2dy+
Applying (A7) in the Appendix to (42) leads to =
u∗ 1 + {1 + 4κ2 y+2 [1 − exp(−y+ /A)]}1/2

 0
2 1 1 cf 2 2 πξ ξ3
= ln Reθ − ln α + β + B1 (47) + sin − (49)
cf κ1 κ1 2 κ 2 3κ
in which the constants in (44) are used for the values of κ1 and in which κ = 0.4,  = 0.7577, y+ = yu∗ /ν and A is a damping
B1 , and factor,

α = −26.538 and β = 3.7693 (48) A ≈ 5B = 5(a ln Reδ + b) (50)

are obtained from (A5) and (A6) in the Appendix. Equation (47) in which (21) has been used. Note that van Driest suggested
agrees with the experimental data, as shown in Fig. 5, where A = 26 to reproduce the additive constant B ≈ 5.0. In
the empirical law of Osterlund et al. (2000) is also plotted. The this paper, the additive constant B is a function of Reynolds
excellent agreement validates the modified log–wake law (36) not number, the damping factor A is then modified as Eq. (50).
Figure 3(a–g) reveal that the extension equation (49) can indeed
clone the entire boundary layer velocity profile, including the
-3 inner and outer regions. In brief, the extension of the modified
x 10
4 log–wake law (49) agrees with experimental profiles well, satis-
Data of Osterlund (1999) fies all boundary conditions at the wall and at the boundary layer
Equation (47) from MLWL
3.5 Empirical law of Osterlund et al. (2000)
edge, and connects to the constant potential velocity smoothly,
as indicated by the solid lines in Fig. 3(a–g).
cf 3

6 Conclusions
2.5

Based on the boundary layer equations, dimensional analysis,

2 perturbation technique, a recent understanding of the overlap
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
4 layer and an analogy to the transverse velocity profile in lam-
Reθ = θU/ν x 10
inar boundary layers, this paper proposes a modified log–wake
Figure 5 Skin friction factor cf versus Reynolds number Reθ . law for the mean velocity profile of ZPG turbulent boundary
 Modified log–wake law 429

layers. The proposed law consists of three terms: a logarithmic Similarly, applying (A1) and (A2) to the definition of the
term in which the von Karman constant is about 0.4 while the momentum thickness θ gives
 1 
additive constant increases with Reynolds number; a sine-square θ u u
term with a constant wake strength about 0.76; and a cubic cor- = 1− dξ
δ 0 U U
rection term. The logarithmic law reflects the effect of the wall 
u∗ 1 u  u  2  1
u 2
shear stress and is dominant in the overlap region; the sine-square ∗
= dξ − dξ
function approximates the transverse velocity and then reflects U 0 u∗ U 0 u∗
the effect of convective inertia; and the cubic correction makes  u 2 u 
∗ ∗
=α +β (A4)
the conventional log–wake law satisfy the zero velocity gradient U U
requirement at the boundary layer edge. in which
The proposed velocity profile law provides excellent agree-

81 3 Si(π) 1 4 2 32
ment with 70 recent experimental profiles not only for the mean α= − − + − + −
56κ2 4 π π2 π 4 κ2 2κ2
velocity profiles but also for the skin friction factor. Specifically
the comparison shows that: (a) the modified log–wake law is 1.4464 + 2.5585 + 1.52
= − = −26.538 (A5)
independent of Reynolds number in terms of its defect form; that κ2


is, the von Karman constant and the wake strength are indeed 1 3 0.75 + 
β= + = = 3.7693 (A6)
universal constants for large Reynolds number; (b) the modified κ 4 κ
log–wake law is Reynolds number dependent when the inner vari- where the constants in (37) are applied. Furthermore, one can
ables are used; (c) the proposed logarithmic law, with a variable show
additive constant, has been validated by the data in the over-
−1
δu∗ θU δ u∗ cf
lap region; and (d) the friction factor derived from the modified Reδ = = = Reθ α +β (A7)
ν ν θU 2
log–wake law is accurate in terms of the momentum thickness.
Finally, applying van Driest’s mixing-length model, in which
the damping factor varies with Reynolds number, for the law of Notation
the wall, the modified log–wake law can be extended to the entire
boundary layer from the wall till the boundary layer edge. A = Van Driest’s damping factor
a, b, c = Constants in the power law (16)
B = Additive constant in the logarithmic law
Appendix: The displacement thickness δ1 and the B1 = Additive constant in the friction equation (42)
momentum thickness θ cf = Skin friction factor
F, f = Functional symbols
The displacement thickness δ1 and the momentum thickness θ Reδ = Reynolds number based on the boundary layer
are two important parameters in boundary layer analysis. They thickness, δu∗ /ν
can be estimated from the proposed modified log–wake law (38) Reθ = Reynolds number based on the momentum
which gives thickness, θU/ν

 U = Freestream velocity
 1
u 1 3 U u = Time-averaged velocity along the wall
dξ = − + + (A1)
0 u∗ κ 4 u∗ u∗ = Shear velocity
V = Transverse velocity at the boundary layer edge
and v = Time-averaged velocity normal to the wall
 1
2 W = Wake function
u
u∗
dξ x = Coordinate along the wall
0

 y = Coordinate normal to the wall
1 81 3 2 8 2Si(π) 32 y+ = Inner variable, yu∗ /ν
= 2 + − 2 + 4 + +
κ 56 2 π π π 2 α, β = Constants in the friction equation (47)


2
2 3 U U δ = Boundary layer thickness
− + + (A2) δ1 = Displacement thickness
κ 4 u∗ u∗
θ = Momentum thickness
Applying (A1) to the definition of the displacement thickness δ1 , η = Transverse velocity distribution function
one derives κ = The von Karman constant in the logarithmic law
 1 κ1 = The von Karman constant in the friction law (42)
δ1 u
= 1− dξ ν = Kinematic viscosity of fluid
δ 0 U

 νt = Eddy viscosity
u∗ 1 u 1 3 u∗ ξ = Relative distance from the wall, y/δ
=1− dξ = + (A3)
U 0 u∗ κ 4 U  = The Coles wake strength
430 Guo et al.

ρ = Fluid density 13. Coles, D.E. (1969). “The Young Person’s Guide to the
τ = Local shear stress Data”. Proceedings of the Computation of Turbulent
τt = Turbulent shear stress Boundary Layers—1968 AFOSR-IFP-Stanford Confer-
τw = Wall shear stress ence, 2 pp. 1–19.
χ = Proportional constant in the transverse velocity 14. Fernholz, H.H. and Finley, P.J. (1996). “The Incompress-
function ible Zero-Pressure-Gradient Turbulent Boundary Layer: An
Assessment of the Data”. Prog. Aerospace Sci., Pergamon
32, 245–311.
References 15. George, W.K. and Castillo, L. (1997). “The Zero
Pressure-Gradient Turbulent Boundary Layer”. Appl Mech
1. Afzal, N. (1997). “Power Law in Wall and Wake Layers Rev, ASME 50(12), Part 1, 689–729.
of a Turbulent Boundary Layer”. Proceedings of the sev- 16. Graf, W.H. (1984). “Velocity Distribution in Smooth Rect-
enth Asian Congress of Fluid Mechanics, Chennai, India, angular Open Channels, Discussion”. J. Hydraul. Eng.,
pp. 805–808. ASCE 110(2), 206–208.
2. Afzal, N. (2001a). “Power Law and Log Law Velocity Pro- 17. Guo, J. and Julien, P.Y. (2003). “Modified Log–Wake Law
files in Fully Developed Turbulent Pipe Flow: Equivalent for Turbulent Flow in Smooth Pipes”. J. Hydraul. Res.,
Relations at Large Reynolds Numbers”. Acta Mechanica, IAHR 41(5), 493–501.
Springer-Verlag, 151, 171–183. 18. Hinze, J.O. (1975). Turbulence, 2nd edn. McGraw-Hill,
3. Afzal, N. (2001b). “Power Law and Log Law Veloc- New York.
ity Profiles in Turbulent Boundary-Layer Flow: Equivalent 19. Keulegan, G.H. (1938). “Laws of Turbulent Flow in
Relations at Large Reynolds Numbers”. Acta Mechanica, Open Channels”. J. Res., Nat. Bureau of Standards 21(6),
Springer-Verlag, 151, 195–216. 707–741.
4. Barenblatt, G.I. (1993). “Scaling Laws for Fully Devel- 20. Kundu, P.K. (1990). Fluid Mechanics. Academic Press,
oped Turbulent Shear Flows. Part I: Basic Hypothesis and New York.
Analysis”. J. Fluid Mech. 248, 513–520. 21. Laufer, J. (1954). The Structure of Turbulence in Fully
5. Barenblatt, G.I., Chorin, A.J. and Prostokishin, V.M. Developed Pipe Flow. Report 1174, National Advisory
(2000a). “A Note on the Intermediate Region in Turbulent Committee of Aeronautics, Washington, DC.
Boundary Layers”. Phys. Fluids 12(9), 2159–2161. 22. Nezu, I. and Rodi, W.A. (1986). “Open-Channel Flow Mea-
6. Barenblatt, G.I., Chorin, A.J. and Prostokishin, V.M. surements with a Laser Doppler Anemometer”. J. Hydraul.
(2000b). “Self-similar Intermediate Structures in Turbulent Eng., ASCE 112(5), 335–355.
Boundary Layers at Large Reynolds Numbers”. J. Fluid 23. Osterlund, J.M. (1999). “Experimental Studies of Zero
Mech. 410, 263–283. Pressure-Gradient Turbulent Boundary Layer Flow”. PhD
7. Buschmann, M. (2001). “Power Law or Log law for Turbu- Thesis, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
lent Boundary Layers?—Part II”. Seminar on Topical Prob- 24. Osterlund, J.M., Johansson, A.V., Nagib, H.M. and
lems in Fluid Dynamics 2001, Institute of Thermomechanics Hites, M.H. (2000). “A Note on the Overlap Region in
of the Academy of Sciences, Prague, pp. 21–24. Turbulent Boundary Layers”. Phys. Fluids 12(1), 1–4.
8. Buschmann, M. and Gad-El-Hak, M. (2003a). “General- 25. Schlichting, H. (1979). Boundary-Layer Theory, 7th edn.
ized Logarithmic Law and its Consequences”. AIAA J. 41(1), McGraw-Hill, New York.
40–48. 26. Wosnik, M., Castillo, L. and George, W.K. (2000). “A
9. Buschmann, M. and Gad-El-Hak, M. (2003b). “Debate Theory for Turbulent Pipe and Channel Flows”. J. Fluid
Concerning the Mean-Velocity Profile of a Turbulent Mech. 421, 115–145.
Boundary Layer”. AIAA J. 41(4), 565–572. 27. Zagarola, M.V. (1996). “Mean Flow Scaling of Turbulent
10. Coleman, N.L. (1981). “Velocity Profiles with Suspended Pipe Flow”. PhD Dissertation, Department of Mechanical
Sediment”. J. Hydraul. Res., IAHR 19(3), 211–229. and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton Univ., Princeton, NJ.
11. Coleman, N.L. (1986). “Effects of Suspended Sediment 28. Zagarola, M.V., Perry A.E. and Smits, A.J. (1997). “Log
on the Open-Channel Velocity Distribution”. Water Resour. Laws or Power Laws: The Scaling in the Overlap region”.
Res., AGU 22(10), 1377–1384. Phys. Fluids 9(7), 2094–2100.
12. Coles, D.E. (1956). “ The Law of the Wake in the Turbulent 29. Zagarola, M.V. and Smits, A.J. (1998). “Mean-Flow
Boundary Layer”. J. Fluid Mech. 1,191–226. Scaling of Turbulent Pipe Flow”. J. Fluid Mech. 373, 33–79.