My M.S. thesis at Cornell was entitled “Effects of Large-Scale Free Stream Turbulence on a Turbulent Boundary Layer.” In this work, we used hot-wire anemometry to measure characteristics of a flat-plate boundary layer subjected to large-scale, intense turbulence in the free stream. Physically, this situation could be representative of flow over blades in turbomachinery or the interaction of the atmosphere with wind turbine blades. We concluded that the free stream was capable of inducing effects in the boundary layer even very close to the wall.

More information
• N. S. Sharp, S. Neuscamman, and Z. Warhaft, “Effects of large-scale free-stream turbulence on a turbulent boundary layer”, Phys. Fluids 21 (2009).
• M.S. Thesis (PDF)
• M.S. Defense Presentation (PDF)
• APS DFD 2008 Conference Presentation (PDF)
• Cornell Visit Weekend 2008 Poster (PDF)
• APS DFD 2007 Conference Presentation (PDF)