scholarly journals A flow on the verge of turbulent breakdown

2018 ◽  
Vol 854 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
J.-M. Chomaz
Keyword(s):  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Coherent Structure ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Geophysical Flows ◽  
Linear Stability Theory ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Supercritical Bifurcation ◽  
The World ◽  
Critical Layers ◽  
Open Question

Stably stratified sheared flows are ubiquitous in geophysical flows from the ocean to the stars, and the route to turbulence in these flows remains an open question. The article by Lefauve et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 848, 2018, pp. 508–544) is an invitation to this journey. With impressive experimental precision mastered by few teams in the world, the nature of the coherent structure that dominates the flow on the verge of turbulent breakdown is revealed and analysed through one- or two-dimensional modern stability analysis of an experimentally obtained base flow. The effect of confinement is surprisingly strong, advocating for leaving the textbook flows, inhomogeneous in only one direction, for the more complex shores of real flows, now accessible to analysis of multidimensional stability problems. The route explored by Lefauve et al. (2018) renews with the long tradition of the supercritical bifurcation scenario, it revisits the linear stability theory with possibility of resonances, critical layers and more to be imagined, since complex base flows are now available to explore both experimentally and analytically.

scholarly journals Linear stability of confined flow around a 180-degree sharp bend

2017 ◽  
Vol 822 ◽  
pp. 813-847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azan M. Sapardi ◽  
Wisam K. Hussam ◽  
Alban Pothérat ◽  
Gregory J. Sheard
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Linear Stability ◽  
Linear Stability Analysis ◽  
Critical Reynolds Number ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Two Dimensional Flow ◽  
The Stability

This study seeks to characterise the breakdown of the steady two-dimensional solution in the flow around a 180-degree sharp bend to infinitesimal three-dimensional disturbances using a linear stability analysis. The stability analysis predicts that three-dimensional transition is via a synchronous instability of the steady flows. A highly accurate global linear stability analysis of the flow was conducted with Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}<1150$ and bend opening ratio (ratio of bend width to inlet height) $0.2\leqslant \unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}\leqslant 5$. This range of $\mathit{Re}$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$ captures both steady-state two-dimensional flow solutions and the inception of unsteady two-dimensional flow. For $0.2\leqslant \unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}\leqslant 1$, the two-dimensional base flow transitions from steady to unsteady at higher Reynolds number as $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$ increases. The stability analysis shows that at the onset of instability, the base flow becomes three-dimensionally unstable in two different modes, namely a spanwise oscillating mode for $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}=0.2$ and a spanwise synchronous mode for $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}\geqslant 0.3$. The critical Reynolds number and the spanwise wavelength of perturbations increase as $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$ increases. For $1<\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}\leqslant 2$ both the critical Reynolds number for onset of unsteadiness and the spanwise wavelength decrease as $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$ increases. Finally, for $2<\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}\leqslant 5$, the critical Reynolds number and spanwise wavelength remain almost constant. The linear stability analysis also shows that the base flow becomes unstable to different three-dimensional modes depending on the opening ratio. The modes are found to be localised near the reattachment point of the first recirculation bubble.

Transition and turbulence in horizontal convection: linear stability analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 821 ◽  
pp. 31-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pierre-Yves Passaggia ◽  
Alberto Scotti ◽  
Brian White
Keyword(s):  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Critical Rayleigh Number ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Slip Boundary Conditions ◽  
Slip Boundary ◽  
Horizontal Convection

The linear instability mechanisms of horizontal convection in a rectangular cavity forced by a horizontal buoyancy gradient along its surface are investigated using local and global stability analyses for a Prandtl number equal to unity. The results show that the stability of the base flow, a steady circulation characterized by a narrow descending plume and a broad upwelling region, depends on the Rayleigh number, $Ra$. For free-slip boundary conditions at a critical value of $Ra\approx 2\times 10^{7}$, the steady base flow becomes unstable to three-dimensional perturbations, characterized by counter-rotating vortices originating within the plume region. A Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) method applied along closed streamlines demonstrates that this instability is of a Rayleigh–Taylor type and can be used to accurately reconstruct the global instability mode. In the case of no-slip boundary conditions, the base flow also becomes unstable to a self-sustained two-dimensional instability whose critical Rayleigh number is $Ra\approx 1.7\times 10^{8}$. Beyond this critical $Ra$, two-dimensional equilibrium stationary states of the Navier–Stokes equations are computed using the selective frequency damping method. The two-dimensional onset of instability is shown to be characterized by a family of modes also originating within the plume. A local spatio-temporal stability analysis shows that the flow becomes absolutely unstable at the origin of the plume. Taken together, these results illustrate the mechanisms behind the onset of turbulence that has been observed in horizontal convection.

The stability of the variable-density Kelvin–Helmholtz billow

2008 ◽  
Vol 612 ◽  
pp. 237-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
JÉRÔME FONTANE ◽  
LAURENT JOLY
Keyword(s):  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Mixing Layer ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Variable Density ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Shear Instability ◽  
Numerical Continuation ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Two Fluids

We perform a three-dimensional stability analysis of the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) billow, developing in a shear layer between two fluids with different density. We begin with two-dimensional simulations of the temporally evolving mixing layer, yielding the unsteady base flow fields. The Reynolds number is 1500 while the Schmidt and Froude numbers are infinite. Then exponentially unstable modes are extracted from a linear stability analysis performed at the saturation of the primary mode kinetic energy. The spectrum of the least stable modes exhibits two main classes. The first class comprises three-dimensional core-centred and braid-centred modes already present in the homogeneous case. The baroclinic vorticity concentration in the braid lying on the light side of the KH billow turns the flow into a sharp vorticity ridge holding high shear levels. The hyperbolic modes benefit from the enhanced level of shear in the braid whereas elliptic modes remain quite insensitive to the modifications of the base flow. In the second class, we found typical two-dimensional modes resulting from a shear instability of the curved vorticity-enhanced braid. For a density contrast of 0.5, the wavelength of the two-dimensional instability is about ten times shorter than that of the primary wave. Its amplification rate competes well against those of the hyperbolic three-dimensional modes. The vorticity-enhanced braid thus becomes the preferred location for the development of secondary instabilities. This stands as the key feature of the transition of the variable-density mixing layer. We carry out a fully resolved numerical continuation of the nonlinear development of the two-dimensional braid-mode. Secondary roll-ups due to a small-scale Kelvin–Helmholtz mechanism are promoted by the underlying strain field and develop rapidly in the compression part of the braid. Originally analysed by Reinoud et al. (Phys. Fluids, vol. 12, 2000, p. 2489) from two-dimensional non-viscous numerical simulations, this instability is shown to substantially increase the mixing.

Linear stability analysis of two-way coupled particle-laden density current

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pouriya Amini ◽  
Ehsan Khavasi ◽  
Navid Asadizanjani
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Linear Stability ◽  
Linear Stability Analysis ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Interfacial Instability ◽  
Linear Stability Theory ◽  
Flow Density ◽  
Density Current ◽  
Density Currents

Stability of two-way coupled particle-laden density current is studied with the aim of linear stability analysis. Interfacial instability can be found in density currents, which effects entrainment and the rate of effective mixing. In this paper, we investigate the density current interfacial instability using linear stability theory, considering the particles attendance. The ultimate goal is to extract the governing equation for current with particles and study the effect of different parameters on stability of such currents. Base flow has velocity and density profiles of tangent hyperbolic type. Main current and particles are studied in two separate phases. It is found that current will be more stable as M0 (M0 = S∗N∗/ρ∗ where ρ∗ is the non-dimensional flow density, S∗ is the Stokes’ drag coefficient, and N∗ is the particles’ number density) grows, this is a result of number of particles and their radius, and also viscosity effects. The current is more stable as the growth rate increases. As the Richardson number in M0 rises, the growth rate value decreases. As the slope of the river bed increases, the current is less stable.

scholarly journals Influence of confinement on a two-dimensional wake

2011 ◽  
Vol 688 ◽  
pp. 297-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Biancofiore ◽  
François Gallaire ◽  
Richard Pasquetti
Keyword(s):  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Velocity Ratio ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Wake Flow ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Dimensional Parameters ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Spatial Locations ◽  
Theoretical Results

AbstractThe spatio-temporal development of an incompressible two-dimensional viscous wake flow confined by two flat slipping plates is investigated by means of direct numerical simulation (DNS), using a spectral Chebyshev multi-domain method. The limit between unstable and stable configurations is determined with respect to several non-dimensional parameters: the confinement, the velocity ratio and two different Reynolds numbers, $100$ and $500$. The comparison of such limit curves with theoretical results obtained by Juniper (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 565, 2006, pp. 171–195) confirms the existence of a region at moderate confinement where the instability is maximal. Moreover, instabilities are also observed under sustained co-flow, in the form of a vacillating front. Using a direct computation of the two-dimensional base flow, we perform a local linear stability analysis for several velocity profiles prevailing at different spatial locations, so as to determine the local spatio-temporal nature of the flow: convectively unstable or absolutely unstable. Comparisons of the DNS and local stability analysis results are provided and discussed.

scholarly journals A Discrete Linear Stability Analysis Framework for Two-Dimensional Laminar Flows

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 34-42
Author(s):  
Nitin Kumar ◽  
Sunil Chamoli ◽  
Sachin Tejyan ◽  
Pawan Kumar Pant
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Rayleigh Number ◽  
Linear Stability ◽  
Linear Stability Analysis ◽  
Laminar Flows ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Analysis Framework ◽  
Square Cylinder

A discrete linear stability analysis framework for two-dimensional laminar flows is presented. Using two case studies involving analysis of thermal and laminar flows, the stability of flows in the discrete numerical sense is addressed. The two-dimensional base flow for various values of the controlling parameter (Reynolds number for flow past a square cylinder and Rayleigh number for double-glazing problem) is computed numerically by using the lattice Boltzmann method. The governing equations, discretized using the finitedifference method in two-dimensions and are subsequently written in the form of perturbed equations with twodimensional disturbances. These equations are linearized around the base flow and form a set of partial differential equations that govern the evolution of the perturbations. The eigenvalues, stability of the base flow and the points of bifurcations are determined using normal mode analysis. The eigenvalue spectrum predicts that the critical Reynolds number is 52 and the critical Rayleigh number is 6 1.88×10 for the square cylinder and double-glazing problem, respectively, The results are consistent with the previous numerical and experimental observations.

scholarly journals A Discrete Linear Stability Analysis of Two-dimensional Laminar Flow Past a Square Cylinder

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 109-119
Author(s):  
Nitin Kumar ◽  
Sachin Tejyan ◽  
Sunil Chamoli ◽  
Pawan Kumar Pant
Keyword(s):  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Linear Stability ◽  
Linear Stability Analysis ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Mode Analysis ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Square Cylinder ◽  
Flow Past

The present study focuses on the development of a numerical framework for predicting the onset of vortex sheading due to flow past a square cylinder. For this a discrete linear stability analysis framework for two-dimensional laminar flows have used. Initially the frame work is validating by using the analysis of thermal stability of flows in the discrete numerical sense. The two-dimensional base flow for various values of the controlling parameter (Reynolds number for flow past a square cylinder and Rayleigh number for double-glazing problem) is computed numerically by using the lattice Boltzmann method. The governing equations, discretized using the finite-difference method in two-dimensions and are subsequently written in the form of perturbed equations with two-dimensional disturbances. These equations are linearized around the base flow and form a set of partial differential equations that govern the evolution of the perturbations. The eigenvalues, stability of the base flow and the points of bifurcations are determined using normal mode analysis. The eigenvalue spectrum predicts that the critical Reynolds number is 52 for the flow past a square cylinder. The results are consistent with the previous numerical and experimental observations.

scholarly journals The structure and origin of confined Holmboe waves

2018 ◽  
Vol 848 ◽  
pp. 508-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrien Lefauve ◽  
J. L. Partridge ◽  
Qi Zhou ◽  
S. B. Dalziel ◽  
C. P. Caulfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shear Flow ◽  
Coherent Structure ◽  
Shear Flows ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Finite Amplitude ◽  
Geophysical Flows ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Lateral Confinement ◽  
Stratified Shear Flow ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Finite-amplitude manifestations of stratified shear flow instabilities and their spatio-temporal coherent structures are believed to play an important role in turbulent geophysical flows. Such shear flows commonly have layers separated by sharp density interfaces, and are therefore susceptible to the so-called Holmboe instability, and its finite-amplitude manifestation, the Holmboe wave. In this paper, we describe and elucidate the origin of an apparently previously unreported long-lived coherent structure in a sustained stratified shear flow generated in the laboratory by exchange flow through an inclined square duct connecting two reservoirs filled with fluids of different densities. Using a novel measurement technique allowing for time-resolved, near-instantaneous measurements of the three-component velocity and density fields simultaneously over a three-dimensional volume, we describe the three-dimensional geometry and spatio-temporal dynamics of this structure. We identify it as a finite-amplitude, nonlinear, asymmetric confined Holmboe wave (CHW), and highlight the importance of its spanwise (lateral) confinement by the duct boundaries. We pay particular attention to the spanwise vorticity, which exhibits a travelling, near-periodic structure of sheared, distorted, prolate spheroids with a wide ‘body’ and a narrower ‘head’. Using temporal linear stability analysis on the two-dimensional streamwise-averaged experimental flow, we solve for three-dimensional perturbations having two-dimensional, cross-sectionally confined eigenfunctions and a streamwise normal mode. We show that the dispersion relation and the three-dimensional spatial structure of the fastest-growing confined Holmboe instability are in good agreement with those of the observed confined Holmboe wave. We also compare those results with a classical linear analysis of two-dimensional perturbations (i.e. with no spanwise dependence) on a one-dimensional base flow. We conclude that the lateral confinement is an important ingredient of the confined Holmboe instability, which gives rise to the CHW, with implications for many inherently confined geophysical flows such as in valleys, estuaries, straits or deep ocean trenches. Our results suggest that the CHW is an example of an experimentally observed, inherently nonlinear, robust, long-lived coherent structure which has developed from a linear instability. We conjecture that the CHW is a promising candidate for a class of exact coherent states underpinning the dynamics of more disordered, yet continually forced stratified shear flows.

Stability of the wakes of cylinders with triangular cross-sections

2018 ◽  
Vol 844 ◽  
pp. 721-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi Y. Ng ◽  
Tony Vo ◽  
Gregory J. Sheard
Keyword(s):  
Stability Analysis ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Half Period ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Instability Modes ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Time Periodic ◽  
Mode A

The stability of the wakes of cylinders with triangular cross-sections at incidence is investigated using Floquet stability analysis to elucidate the effects of cylinder inclination on the dominant flow instability. The upper limit of the Reynolds numbers (scaled by the height projected by the cylinder in this study) at which the wake of the two-dimensional base flow is time periodic is$Re\approx 140$for most cylinder inclinations, exceeding which the flow becomes aperiodic, restricting the range of Reynolds numbers permitted for the stability analysis. Two different instability modes are predicted to manifest as the first-occurring mode at various cylinder inclinations – a regular mode possessing perturbation structures consistent with mode A dominates the wakes of cylinders at inclinations$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\lesssim 34.6^{\circ }$and$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\gtrsim 55.4^{\circ }$, with a subharmonic mode consistent with mode C emerging as the primary mode in the wakes of the cylinder at the intermediate range of inclinations. For all inclinations, the mode B branch is not detected within the range of Reynolds numbers examined. The peak instability growth rates corresponding to mode A for all cylinder inclinations describe a linear variation with$(Re-Re_{A})/Re_{A}$, where$Re_{A}$is the mode A transition Reynolds number, while those corresponding to mode C vary only approximately linearly. The generalized trend most pertinently shows mode C to develop more rapidly than mode A at inclinations which permit it. Examination of the near wake of the two-dimensional time-periodic base flow demonstrates the dependence of the development and intensity of mode C on imbalances in the flow solution over each shedding period, directly implying that the two-dimensional base flow solutions deviate from the half-period-flip map as the cylinder inclination is increased. The degree of asymmetry of the two-dimensional base flow relative to the ideal half-period-flip map is quantified using several measures. The results show distinctly different trends in these asymmetry measures between inclinations where modes A or C are dominant, agreeing with results from the stability analysis. The nature of the predicted instability modes at transition are also investigated by applying the Stuart–Landau equation, showing the transitions to be supercritical for all cylinder inclinations, with mode C being consistently more strongly supercritical than mode A.

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