Turbulence structure under the free-surface wave around an advancing surface-piercing cylindrical body

Free-surface wave effects on the turbulent boundary layer and wake of a surface-piercing slender body are investigated by measuring the flow and free-surface elevation around the model in three different Froude number (Fr) conditions—0.126, 0.282, and 0.400. The flow is measured by a towed underwater stereoscopic particle image velocimetry system. At the lowest Fr of 0.126, there appears no significant wave pattern, but the flow retards under the free-surface. The free-surface hinders the flow underneath, as the solid surface does. The steady and smooth free-surface wave generated at the intermediate Fr of 0.282 affects the pressure gradient on the turbulent boundary layer. The momentum thickness increases due to the adverse pressure gradient from the wave trough to the wave crest. At the highest Fr of 0.400, a strong adverse pressure gradient results in flow separation and violent wave breaking. The wave-induced separation at the high Froude number condition stimulates momentum transfer and turbulence dissipation, resulting in isotropic turbulence.