On the generation of the mean velocity profile for turbulent boundary layers with pressure gradient under equilibrium conditions.

The generation of a fully turbulent boundary layer profile is investigated using analytical and numerical methods over the Reynolds number range 300 ≤ Reθ ≤ 31000. The predictions are validated against reference wind tunnel measurements under zero streamwise pressure gradient. The analytical method is then tested for a low and moderate adverse pressure gradient. Comparison against experimental and DNS data show a good predictive ability under a zero pressure gradient and a moderate adverse pressure gardient, with the numerical method providing a complete velocity profile through the laminar sub-layer down to the wall. The application of the method is useful to computational fluid dynamic practitioners for generating an equilibrium thick turbulent boundary layer at the computational domain inflow.