Effect of base-flow variation in noise amplifiers: the flat-plate boundary layer

2011 ◽  
Vol 687 ◽  
pp. 503-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Brandt ◽  
Denis Sipp ◽  
Jan O. Pralits ◽  
Olivier Marquet

AbstractNon-modal analysis determines the potential for energy amplification in stable flows. The latter is quantified in the frequency domain by the singular values of the resolvent operator. The present work extends previous analysis on the effect of base-flow modifications on flow stability by considering the sensitivity of the flow non-modal behaviour. Using a variational technique, we derive an analytical expression for the gradient of a singular value with respect to base-flow modifications and show how it depends on the singular vectors of the resolvent operator, also denoted the optimal forcing and optimal response of the flow. As an application, we examine zero-pressure-gradient boundary layers where the different instability mechanisms of wall-bounded shear flows are all at work. The effect of the component-type non-normality of the linearized Navier–Stokes operator, which concentrates the optimal forcing and response on different components, is first studied in the case of a parallel boundary layer. The effect of the convective-type non-normality of the linearized Navier–Stokes operator, which separates the spatial support of the structures of the optimal forcing and response, is studied in the case of a spatially evolving boundary layer. The results clearly indicate that base-flow modifications have a strong impact on the Tollmien–Schlichting (TS) instability mechanism whereas the amplification of streamwise streaks is a very robust process. This is explained by simply examining the expression for the gradient of the resolvent norm. It is shown that the sensitive region of the lift-up (LU) instability spreads out all over the flat plate and even upstream of it, whereas it is reduced to the region between branch I and branch II for the TS waves.

2012 ◽  
Vol 698 ◽  
pp. 211-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens H. M. Fransson ◽  
Alessandro Talamelli

AbstractA study on the generation and development of high-amplitude steady streamwise streaks in a flat-plate boundary layer is presented. High-amplitude streamwise streaks are naturally present in many bypass transition scenarios, where they play a fundamental role in the breakdown to turbulence process. On the other hand, recent experiments and numerical simulations have shown that stable laminar streamwise streaks of alternating low and high speed are also capable of stabilizing the growth of Tollmien–Schlichting waves as well as localized disturbances and to delay transition. The larger the streak amplitude is, for a prescribed spanwise periodicity of the streaks, the stronger is the stabilizing mechanism. Previous experiments have shown that streaks of amplitudes up to 12 % of the free stream velocity can be generated by means of cylindrical roughness elements. Here we explore the possibility of generating streaks of much larger amplitude by using a row of miniature vortex generators (MVGs) similar to those used in the past to delay or even prevent boundary layer separation. In particular, we present a boundary layer experiment where streak amplitudes exceeding 30 % have been produced without having any secondary instability acting on them. Furthermore, the associated drag with the streaky base flow is quantified, and it is demonstrated that the streaks can be reinforced by placing a second array of MVGs downstream of the first one. In this way it is possible to make the control more persistent in the downstream direction. It must be pointed out that the use of MVGs opens also the possibility to set up a control method that acts twofold in the sense that both transition and separation are delayed or even prevented.


1995 ◽  
Vol 298 ◽  
pp. 211-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Rist ◽  
H. Fasel

The three-dimensional development of controlled transition in a flat-plate boundary layer is investigated by direct numerical simulation (DNS) using the complete Navier-Stokes equations. The numerical investigations are based on the so-called spatial model, thus allowing realistic simulations of spatially developing transition phenomena as observed in laboratory experiments. For solving the Navier-Stokes equations, an efficient and accurate numerical method was developed employing fourth-order finite differences in the downstream and wall-normal directions and treating the spanwise direction pseudo-spectrally. The present paper focuses on direct simulations of the wind-tunnel experiments by Kachanov et al. (1984, 1985) of fundamental breakdown in controlled transition. The numerical results agreed very well with the experimental measurements up to the second spike stage, in spite of relatively coarse spanwise resolution. Detailed analysis of the numerical data allowed identification of the essential breakdown mechanisms. In particular, from our numerical data, we could identify the dominant shear layers and vortical structures that are associated with this breakdown process.


2014 ◽  
Vol 752 ◽  
pp. 462-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael O. John ◽  
Dominik Obrist ◽  
Leonhard Kleiser

AbstractWe introduce a new boundary layer formalism on the basis of which a class of exact solutions to the Navier–Stokes equations is derived. These solutions describe laminar boundary layer flows past a flat plate under the assumption of one homogeneous direction, such as the classical swept Hiemenz boundary layer (SHBL), the asymptotic suction boundary layer (ASBL) and the oblique impingement boundary layer. The linear stability of these new solutions is investigated, uncovering new results for the SHBL and the ASBL. Previously, each of these flows had been described with its own formalism and coordinate system, such that the solutions could not be transformed into each other. Using a new compound formalism, we are able to show that the ASBL is the physical limit of the SHBL with wall suction when the chordwise velocity component vanishes while the homogeneous sweep velocity is maintained. A corresponding non-dimensionalization is proposed, which allows conversion of the new Reynolds number definition to the classical ones. Linear stability analysis for the new class of solutions reveals a compound neutral surface which contains the classical neutral curves of the SHBL and the ASBL. It is shown that the linearly most unstable Görtler–Hämmerlin modes of the SHBL smoothly transform into Tollmien–Schlichting modes as the chordwise velocity vanishes. These results are useful for transition prediction of the attachment-line instability, especially concerning the use of suction to stabilize boundary layers of swept-wing aircraft.


2016 ◽  
Vol 792 ◽  
pp. 499-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Xu ◽  
Spencer J. Sherwin ◽  
Philip Hall ◽  
Xuesong Wu

This paper is concerned with the behaviour of Tollmien–Schlichting (TS) waves experiencing small localised distortions within an incompressible boundary layer developing over a flat plate. In particular, the distortion is produced by an isolated roughness element located at $\mathit{Re}_{x_{c}}=440\,000$. We considered the amplification of an incoming TS wave governed by the two-dimensional linearised Navier–Stokes equations, where the base flow is obtained from the two-dimensional nonlinear Navier–Stokes equations. We compare these solutions with asymptotic analyses which assume a linearised triple-deck theory for the base flow and determine the validity of this theory in terms of the height of the small-scale humps/indentations taken into account. The height of the humps/indentations is denoted by $h$, which is considered to be less than or equal to $x_{c}\mathit{Re}_{x_{c}}^{-5/8}$ (corresponding to $h/{\it\delta}_{99}<6\,\%$ for our choice of $\mathit{Re}_{x_{c}}$). The rescaled width $\hat{d}~(\equiv d/(x_{c}\mathit{Re}_{x_{c}}^{-3/8}))$ of the distortion is of order $\mathit{O}(1)$ and the width $d$ is shorter than the TS wavelength (${\it\lambda}_{TS}=11.3{\it\delta}_{99}$). We observe that, for distortions which are smaller than 0.1 of the inner deck height ($h/{\it\delta}_{99}<0.4\,\%$), the numerical simulations confirm the asymptotic theory in the vicinity of the distortion. For larger distortions which are still within the inner deck ($0.4\,\%<h/{\it\delta}_{99}<5.5\,\%$) and where the flow is still attached, the numerical solutions show that both humps and indentations are destabilising and deviate from the linear theory even in the vicinity of the distortion. We numerically determine the transmission coefficient which provides the relative amplification of the TS wave over the distortion as compared to the flat plate. We observe that for small distortions, $h/{\it\delta}_{99}<5.5\,\%$, where the width of the distortion is of the order of the boundary layer, a maximum amplification of only 2 % is achieved. This amplification can however be increased as the width of the distortion is increased or if multiple distortions are present. Increasing the height of the distortion so that the flow separates ($7.2\,\%<h/{\it\delta}_{99}<12.8\,\%$) leads to a substantial increase in the transmission coefficient of the hump up to 350 %.


2002 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 868-875 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Yan ◽  
D. Knight ◽  
A. A. Zheltovodov

A supersonic flat-plate boundary layer at a Reynolds number of 2×104 based on the inflow boundary layer thickness is investigated at different Mach numbers (M=2.88 and 4) using the monotonically integrated large-eddy simulation (MILES) technique. The inherent numerical dissipation is taken as an implicit subgrid scales (SGS) model to close the Favre-filtered compressible Navier-Stokes (NS) equations. A finite volume method with second-order accuracy in time and space is implemented for the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations on an unstructured grid of tetrahedra. The heat transfer coefficient is predicted by simulating both adiabatic and isothermal cases. The mean flowfield and turbulent stresses are in good agreement with experiment. The relationship between the predicted skin friction coefficient and heat transfer coefficient is in close agreement with the Reynolds analogy factor. The variation of turbulent Prandtl number cross the boundary layer falls within the experimental envelope. These are the first LES predictions of adiabatic and isothermal supersonic flat plate boundary layers using the MILES technique.


1995 ◽  
Vol 291 ◽  
pp. 369-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald D. Joslin

The spatial evolution of three-dimensional disturbances in an attachment-line boundary layer is computed by direct numerical simulation of the unsteady, incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Disturbances are introduced into the boundary layer by harmonic sources that involve unsteady suction and blowing through the wall. Various harmonic-source generators are implemented on or near the attachment line, and the disturbance evolutions are compared. Previous two-dimensional simulation results and nonparallel theory are compared with the present results. The three-dimensional simulation results for disturbances with quasi-two-dimensional features indicate growth rates of only a few percent larger than pure two-dimensional results; however, the results are close enough to enable the use of the more computationally efficient, two-dimensional approach. However, true three-dimensional disturbances are more likely in practice and are more stable than two-dimensional disturbances. Disturbances generated off (but near) the attachment line spread both away from and toward the attachment line as they evolve. The evolution pattern is comparable to wave packets in flat-plate boundary-layer flows. Suction stabilizes the quasi-two-dimensional attachment-line instabilities, and blowing destabilizes these instabilities; these results qualitatively agree with the theory. Furthermore, suction stabilizes the disturbances that develop off the attachment line. Clearly, disturbances that are generated near the attachment line can supply energy to attachment-line instabilities, but suction can be used to stabilize these instabilities.


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