On the uncertainty of boundary-layer parameters from Ensemble PTV data

The recent advancements in high-resolution turbulence-statistics computation from ensemble particle tracking velocimetry (EPTV) data are now opening new possibilities in turbulent-flow characterisation. Measurements of full-field boundary layer profiles with a fine resolution close to the wall and up to the freestream with one single imaging setup are now feasible, thus paving the way to direct characterisation of turbulent-boundary-layer (TBL) parameters with composite-profile formulations. In this work, we build a framework for the estimation of the uncertainty of EPTV in performing this task. The effect of systematic errors due to finite spatial resolution and of random error due to convergence are investigated under different window size. Then we introduce random errors to simulate the effects on convergence issues on the velocity profile and, consequently, on the estimation of turbulent-boundary-layer parameters. The statistical dispersion of the estimated parameters provides an estimation of the uncertainty range. We validate with experimental data this flexible tool to estimate a priori the expected uncertainty level of the most relevant turbulent-boundary-layer parameters in zero-pressure-gradient TBL, being the method based on existing profiles from high-fidelity simulation or from analytical composite-profile formulations when such data are not available.

Automated summary

Recent advancements in high-resolution turbulence-statistics computation using EPTV data have made it possible to directly characterize turbulent-boundary-layer parameters. A framework for estimating the uncertainty of EPTV in this task has been developed, considering both systematic errors and random errors affecting parameter estimations. Validation using experimental data shows the statistical dispersion of estimated parameters and the flexibility of the tool in predicting uncertainty levels.