Zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer

Of the many aspects of the long-studied field of turbulence, the zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer is probably the most investigated, and perhaps also the most reviewed. Turbulence is a fluid-dynamical phenomenon for which the dynamical equations are generally believed to be the Navier-Stokes equations, at least for a single-phase, Newtonian fluid. Despite this fact, these governing equations have been used in only the most cursory manner in the development of theories for the boundary layer, or in the validation of experimental data-bases. This article uses the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations as the primary tool for evaluating theories and experiments for the zero-pressure-gradient turbulent boundary layer. Both classical and new theoretical ideas are reviewed, and most are found wanting. The experimental data as well is shown to have been contaminated by too much effort to confirm the classical theory and too little regard for the governing equations. Theoretical concepts and experiments are identified, however, which are consistent-both with each other and with the governing equations. This article has 77 references.