Boundary layer surveys are performed to characterise
the turbulent boundary layer grazing over a a surface
with flush-mounted circular cavities disposed in a staggered
arrangement (staggered angle of 45 deg). The momentum
thickness based Reynolds number varies from
Reθ = 1830 to 3380 and the cavity diameter and spacing
in wall units from d+ = 130 to 250 and L+ = 587 to
1075 respectively. A decrease in the local skin friction
drag with respect to a smooth baseline is evidenced as
well as a thickening of the viscous sublayer. The bursts
frequency profile for the perforated case is shifted away
from the wall while the intensity of the bursts is reduced.
The production term of the turbulent kinetic energy budget
is obtained from Particle Image Velocimetry data. An
upward shift and a decrease in magnitude of the peak associated with the streaks suggests that the cavities modify the near wall turbulent cycle