Streak instabilities in boundary layers beneath free-stream turbulence

2014 ◽  
Vol 741 ◽  
pp. 280-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. P. Hack ◽  
T. A. Zaki
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Adverse Pressure Gradient ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Low Speed Streaks

AbstractThe secondary instability of boundary layer streaks is investigated by means of direct stability analysis. The base flow is computed in direct simulations of bypass transition. The random nature of the free-stream perturbations causes the formation of a spectrum of streaks inside the boundary layer, with breakdown to turbulence initiated by the amplification of localized instabilities of individual streaks. The capability of the instability analysis to predict the instabilities which are observed in the direct numerical simulation is established. Furthermore, the analysis is shown to identify the particular streaks that break down to turbulence farther downstream. Two particular configurations of streaks regularly induce the growth of these localized instabilities: low-speed streaks that are lifted towards the edge of the boundary layer, and the local overlap between high-speed and low-speed streaks inside the boundary layer. It is established that the underlying modes can be ascribed to the general classification of inner and outer modes which was introduced by Vaughan & Zaki (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 681, 2011, pp. 116–153). Statistical evaluations show that Blasius boundary layers favour the amplification of outer instabilities. Adverse pressure gradient promotes breakdown to turbulence via the inner mode.

Effects of Weak Free Stream Nonuniformity on Boundary Layer Transition

2005 ◽  
Vol 128 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Watmuff
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Thickness Variations

Experiments are described in which well-defined weak Free Stream Nonuniformity (FSN) is introduced by placing fine wires upstream of the leading edge of a flat plate. Large amplitude spanwise thickness variations form in the boundary layer as a result of the interaction between the steady laminar wakes from the wires and the leading edge. The centerline of a region of elevated layer thickness is aligned with the centerline of the wake in the freestream and the response is shown to be remarkably sensitive to the spanwise length-scale of the wakes. The region of elevated thickness is equivalent to a long narrow low speed streak in the layer. Elevated Free Stream Turbulence (FST) levels are known to produce randomly forming arrays of long narrow low speed streaks in laminar boundary layers. Therefore the characteristics of the streaks resulting from the FSN are studied in detail in an effort to gain some insight into bypass transition that occurs at elevated FST levels. The shape factors of the profiles in the vicinity of the streak appear to be unaltered from the Blasius value, even though the magnitude of the local thickness variations are as large as 60% of that of the undisturbed layer. Regions of elevated background unsteadiness appear on either side of the streak and it is shown that they are most likely the result of small amplitude spanwise modulation of the layer thickness. The background unsteadiness shares many of the characteristics of Klebanoff modes observed at elevated FST levels. However, the layer remains laminar to the end of the test section (Rx≈1.4×106) and there is no evidence of bursting or other phenomena associated with breakdown to turbulence. A vibrating ribbon apparatus is used to examine interactions between the streak and Tollmien-Schlichting (TS) waves. The deformation of the mean flow introduced by the streak is responsible for substantial phase and amplitude distortion of the waves and the breakdown of the distorted waves is more complex and it occurs at a lower Reynolds number than the breakdown of the K-type secondary instability that is observed when the FSN is not present.

scholarly journals Entrainment of short-wavelength free-stream vortical disturbances in compressible and incompressible boundary layers

2016 ◽  
Vol 797 ◽  
pp. 683-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuesong Wu ◽  
Ming Dong
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Leading Order ◽  
Compressible Boundary Layers ◽  
Characteristic Wavelength ◽  
Incompressible Boundary ◽  
Edge Layer

The fundamental difference between continuous modes of the Orr–Sommerfeld/Squire equations and the entrainment of free-stream vortical disturbances (FSVD) into the boundary layer has been investigated in a recent paper (Dong & Wu, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 732, 2013, pp. 616–659). It was shown there that the non-parallel-flow effect plays a leading-order role in the entrainment, and neglecting it at the outset, as is done in the continuous-mode formulation, leads to non-physical features of ‘Fourier entanglement’ and abnormal anisotropy. The analysis, which was for incompressible boundary layers and for FSVD with a characteristic wavelength of the order of the local boundary-layer thickness, is extended in this paper to compressible boundary layers and FSVD with even shorter wavelengths, which are comparable with the width of the so-called edge layer. Non-parallelism remains a leading-order effect in the present scaling, which turns out to be more general in that the equations and solutions in the previous paper are recovered in the appropriate limit. Appropriate asymptotic solutions in the main and edge layers are obtained to characterize the entrainment. It is found that when the Prandtl number $\mathit{Pr}<1$, free-stream vortical disturbances of relatively low frequency generate very strong temperature fluctuations within the edge layer, leading to formation of thermal streaks. A composite solution, uniformly valid across the entire boundary layer, is constructed, and it can be used in receptivity studies and as inlet conditions for direct numerical simulations of bypass transition. For compressible boundary layers, continuous spectra of the disturbance equations linearized about a parallel base flow exhibit entanglement between vortical and entropy modes, namely, a vortical mode necessarily induces an entropy disturbance in the free stream and vice versa, and this amounts to a further non-physical behaviour. High Reynolds number asymptotic analysis yields the relations between the amplitudes of entangled modes.

Sinuous Streak Instability and Breakdown in a Blasius Boundary Layer

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan H. Watmuff
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Test Section ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Low Background ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Breakdown Process ◽  
Blasius Boundary Layer ◽  
Streamwise Distance

A narrow low-speed streamwise streak is deliberately introduced into an otherwise extremely spanwise uniform Blasius boundary layer. The streak shares many of the characteristics of Klebanoff modes known to be responsible for bypass transition at moderate Free Stream Turbulence (FST) levels. However, for the low background disturbance level of the free stream (u/U1 &lt; 0.05%), the layer remains laminar to the end of the test section (Rx = 1.4 × 106) and there is no evidence of bursting or other phenomena associated with breakdown to turbulence. A harmonic disturbance is used to excite a sinuous form of instability, which grows over a considerable streamwise distance before breakdown of the streak occurs, which leads to the formation of a turbulent wedge. Detailed measurements show that new streaks are formed on either side during the breakdown process. The characteristics of the wedge are examined over a considerable streamwise distance. A similar mechanism appears to be responsible for the spanwise growth of the wedge since a span-wise succession of new streaks is observed in the early stages of its development.

scholarly journals An Extended Version of an Algebraic Intermittency Model for Prediction of Separation-Induced Transition at Elevated Free-Stream Turbulence Level

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Slawomir Kubacki ◽  
Daniele Simoni ◽  
Davide Lengani ◽  
Erik Dick
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Adverse Pressure Gradient ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Turbulence Level ◽  
Boundary Layer Flows ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Eddy Simulation ◽  
Layer Flow

An algebraic intermittency model for boundary layer flow transition from laminar to turbulent state, is extended using an experimental data base on boundary layer flows with various transition types and results by large eddy simulation of transition in a separated boundary layer. The originating algebraic transition model functions well for bypass transition in an attached boundary layer under a moderately high or elevated free-stream turbulence level, and for transition by Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in a separated boundary layer under a low free-stream turbulence level. It also functions well for transition in a separated layer, caused by a very strong adverse pressure gradient under a moderately high or elevated free-stream turbulence level. It is not accurate for transition in a separated layer under a moderately strong adverse pressure gradient, in the presence of a moderately high or elevated free-stream turbulence level. The extension repairs this deficiency. Therefore, a sensor function for detection of the front part of a separated boundary layer activates two terms that express the effect of free-stream turbulence on the breakdown of a separated layer, without changing the functioning of the model in other flow regions. The sensor and the breakdown terms use only local variables.

Particle image velocimetry measurements of a transitional boundary layer under free stream turbulence

2012 ◽  
Vol 702 ◽  
pp. 215-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. P. Nolan ◽  
E. J. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Particle Image Velocimetry ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Particle Image ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Turbulent Structures ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Image Velocimetry ◽  
Hot Film

AbstractHigh-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements of bypass transition reveal the breakdown of the ubiquitous streaks into turbulent spots. Individual streak velocity profiles are examined and contrasted with the root mean square profiles typically reported. An estimation of streak amplitude based on the modulation of the instantaneous boundary layer thickness is proposed. Examination of the PIV velocity fields shows how turbulent spot precursors, identified with concurrent hot-film recordings, consist of streamwise arrangements of positive and negative streaks. As secondary instability progresses, the interface between these streaks is observed to result in turbulent structures. In an attempt to further elucidate the role of the free stream turbulence, correlation maps are generated to determine the extent of the wall-normal fluctuations. Significant damping of the free stream is found within the boundary layer for all Reynolds numbers prior to the onset of spot precursors.

Effects of Reynolds Number and Free-Stream Turbulence on Boundary Layer Transition in a Compressor Cascade

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heinz-Adolf Schreiber ◽  
Wolfgang Steinert ◽  
Bernhard Küsters
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Boundary Layer Transition ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Layer Transition ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
High Reynolds Numbers ◽  
High Turbulence ◽  
High Reynolds

An experimental and analytical study has been performed on the effect of Reynolds number and free-stream turbulence on boundary layer transition location on the suction surface of a controlled diffusion airfoil (CDA). The experiments were conducted in a rectilinear cascade facility at Reynolds numbers between 0.7 and 3.0×106 and turbulence intensities from about 0.7 to 4%. An oil streak technique and liquid crystal coatings were used to visualize the boundary layer state. For small turbulence levels and all Reynolds numbers tested the accelerated front portion of the blade is laminar and transition occurs within a laminar separation bubble shortly after the maximum velocity near 35–40% of chord. For high turbulence levels (Tu > 3%) and high Reynolds numbers transition propagates upstream into the accelerated front portion of the CDA blade. For those conditions, the sensitivity to surface roughness increases considerably and at Tu = 4% bypass transition is observed near 7–10% of chord. Experimental results are compared to theoretical predictions using the transition model which is implemented in the MISES code of Youngren and Drela. Overall the results indicate that early bypass transition at high turbulence levels must alter the profile velocity distribution for compressor blades that are designed and optimized for high Reynolds numbers.

Heat Transfer Committee and Turbomachinery Committee Best Paper of 1996 Award: The Path to Predicting Bypass Transition

1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Mayle ◽  
A. Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Energy Equation ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Turbulence Level ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Energy Profiles ◽  
Computer Codes ◽  
Good Agreement

A theory is presented for calculating the fluctuations in a laminar boundary layer when the free stream is turbulent. The kinetic energy equation for these fluctuations is derived and a new mechanism is revealed for their production. A methodology is presented for solving the equation using standard boundary layer computer codes. Solutions of the equation show that the fluctuations grow at first almost linearly with distance and then more slowly as viscous dissipation becomes important. Comparisons of calculated growth rates and kinetic energy profiles with data show good agreement. In addition, a hypothesis is advanced for the effective forcing frequency and free-stream turbulence level that produce these fluctuations. Finally, a method to calculate the onset of transition is examined and the results compared to data.

Coherent structures in oscillatory boundary layers

2003 ◽  
Vol 474 ◽  
pp. 1-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
PAOLA COSTAMAGNA ◽  
GIOVANNA VITTORI ◽  
PAOLO BLONDEAUX
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
Vortex Structures ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Computational Domain ◽  
Steady Flows ◽  
Low Speed ◽  
Sequence Of Events ◽  
Low Speed Streaks ◽  
Oscillatory Boundary Layers

The dynamics of the vortex structures appearing in an oscillatory boundary layer (Stokes boundary layer), when the flow departs from the laminar regime, is investigated by means of flow visualizations and a quantitative analysis of the velocity and vorticity fields. The data are obtained by means of direct numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes and continuity equations. The wall is flat but characterized by small imperfections. The analysis is aimed at identifying points in common and differences between wall turbulence in unsteady flows and the well-investigated turbulence structure in the steady case. As in Jimenez & Moin (1991), the goal is to isolate the basic flow unit and to study its morphology and dynamics. Therefore, the computational domain is kept as small as possible.The elementary process which maintains turbulence in oscillatory boundary layers is found to be similar to that of steady flows. Indeed, when turbulence is generated, a sequence of events similar to those observed in steady boundary layers is observed. However, these events do not occur randomly in time but with a repetition time scale which is about half the period of fluid oscillations. At the end of the accelerating phases of the cycle, low-speed streaks appear close to the wall. During the early part of the decelerating phases the strength of the low-speed streaks grows. Then the streaks twist, oscillate and eventually break, originating small-scale vortices. Far from the wall, the analysis of the vorticity field has revealed the existence of a sequence of streamwise vortices of alternating circulation pumping low-speed fluid far from the wall as suggested by Sendstad & Moin (1992) for steady flows. The vortex structures observed far from the wall disappear when too small a computational domain is used, even though turbulence is self-sustaining. The present results suggest that the streak instability mechanism is the dominant mechanism generating and maintaining turbulence; no evidence of the well-known parent vortex structures spawning offspring vortices is found. Although wall imperfections are necessary to trigger transition to turbulence, the characteristics of the coherent vortex structures, for example the spacing of the low-speed streaks, are found to be independent of wall imperfections.

The Path to Predicting Bypass Transition

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Mayle ◽  
A. Schulz
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Energy Equation ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Bypass Transition ◽  
Turbulence Level ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Energy Profiles ◽  
Computer Codes ◽  
Good Agreement

A theory is presented for calculating the fluctuations in a laminar boundary layer when the free stream is turbulent. The kinetic energy equation for these fluctuations is derived and a new mechanism is revealed for their production. A methodology is presented for solving the equation using standard boundary layer computer codes. Solutions of the equation show that the fluctuations grow at first almost linearly with distance and then more slowly as viscous dissipation becomes important. Comparisons of calculated growth rates and kinetic energy profiles with data show good agreement. In addition, a hypothesis is advanced for the effective forcing frequency and free-stream turbulence level which produce these fluctuations. Finally, a method to calculate the onset of transition is examined and the results compared to data.

The reduction and elimination of a closed separation region by free-stream turbulence

2001 ◽  
Vol 446 ◽  
pp. 271-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. KALTER ◽  
H. H. FERNHOLZ
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
Free Stream ◽  
Reverse Flow ◽  
Flow Region ◽  
Adverse Pressure Gradient ◽  
Turbulence Structure ◽  
Hot Wire ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
The Mean

This paper is an extension of an experimental investigation by Alving & Fernholz (1996). In the present experiments the effects of free-stream turbulence were investigated on a boundary layer with an adverse pressure gradient and a closed reverse-flow region. By adding free-stream turbulence the mean reverse-flow region was shortened or completely eliminated and this was used to control the size of the separation bubble. The turbulence intensity was varied between 0.2% and 6% using upstream grids while the turbulence length scale was on the order of the boundary layer thickness. Mean and fluctuating velocities as well as spectra were measured by means of hot-wire and laser-Doppler anemometry and wall shear stress by wall pulsed-wire and wall hot-wire probes.Free-stream turbulence had a small effect on the boundary layer in the mild adverse-pressure-gradient region but in the vicinity of separation and along the reverse-flow region mean velocity profiles, skin friction and turbulence structure were strongly affected. Downstream of the mean or instantaneous reverse-flow regions highly disturbed boundary layers developed in a nominally zero pressure gradient and converged to a similar turbulence structure in all three cases at the end of the test section. This state was, however, still very different from that in a canonical boundary layer.

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