Numerical and Asymptotical Study of Three-Dimensional Wave Packets in a Compressible Boundary Layer

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Forgoston ◽  
Michael Viergutz ◽  
Anatoli Tumin
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Wave Packets ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Compressible Boundary Layer ◽  
Dimensional Wave

The development of three-dimensional wave packets in a boundary layer

1968 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gaster
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Linear Problem ◽  
Asymptotic Form ◽  
Wave Packets ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Critical Value ◽  
Lateral Spread ◽  
Disturbed Region ◽  
Dimensional Wave

The formation and growth of three-dimensional wave packets in a laminar boundary layer is treated as a linear problem. The asymptotic form of the disturbed region developing from a point source is obtained in terms of parameters describing two-dimensional instabilities of the flow. It is shown that a wave caustic forms and limits the lateral spread of growing disturbances whenever the Reynolds number is √2 times the critical value. The analysis is applied to the boundary layer on a flat plate and shapes of the wave-envelope are calculated for various Reynolds numbers. These show that all growing disturbances are contained within a wedge-shaped region of approximately 10° semi-angle.

Global three-dimensional optimal disturbances in the Blasius boundary-layer flow using time-steppers

2010 ◽  
Vol 650 ◽  
pp. 181-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANTONIOS MONOKROUSOS ◽  
ESPEN ÅKERVIK ◽  
LUCA BRANDT ◽  
DAN S. HENNINGSON
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Boundary Layer Flow ◽  
Wave Packets ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Computational Domain ◽  
Initial Condition ◽  
Oblique Wave ◽  
Layer Flow ◽  
Optimal Disturbances ◽  
Matrix Free

The global linear stability of the flat-plate boundary-layer flow to three-dimensional disturbances is studied by means of an optimization technique. We consider both the optimal initial condition leading to the largest growth at finite times and the optimal time-periodic forcing leading to the largest asymptotic response. Both optimization problems are solved using a Lagrange multiplier technique, where the objective function is the kinetic energy of the flow perturbations and the constraints involve the linearized Navier–Stokes equations. The approach proposed here is particularly suited to examine convectively unstable flows, where single global eigenmodes of the system do not capture the downstream growth of the disturbances. In addition, the use of matrix-free methods enables us to extend the present framework to any geometrical configuration. The optimal initial condition for spanwise wavelengths of the order of the boundary-layer thickness are finite-length streamwise vortices exploiting the lift-up mechanism to create streaks. For long spanwise wavelengths, it is the Orr mechanism combined with the amplification of oblique wave packets that is responsible for the disturbance growth. This mechanism is dominant for the long computational domain and thus for the relatively high Reynolds number considered here. Three-dimensional localized optimal initial conditions are also computed and the corresponding wave packets examined. For short optimization times, the optimal disturbances consist of streaky structures propagating and elongating in the downstream direction without significant spreading in the lateral direction. For long optimization times, we find the optimal disturbances with the largest energy amplification. These are wave packets of Tollmien–Schlichting waves with low streamwise propagation speed and faster spreading in the spanwise direction. The pseudo-spectrum of the system for real frequencies is also computed with matrix-free methods. The spatial structure of the optimal forcing is similar to that of the optimal initial condition, and the largest response to forcing is also associated with the Orr/oblique wave mechanism, however less so than in the case of the optimal initial condition. The lift-up mechanism is most efficient at zero frequency and degrades slowly for increasing frequencies. The response to localized upstream forcing is also discussed.

The three-dimensional nature of boundary-layer instability

1962 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. S. Klebanoff ◽  
K. D. Tidstrom ◽  
L. M. Sargent
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Wave Motion ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Non Linear Effect ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Boundary Layer Instability ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Dimensional Wave

An experimental investigation is described in which principal emphasis is given to revealing the nature of the motions in the non-linear range of boundary-layer instability and the onset of turbulence. It has as its central purpose the evaluation of existing theoretical considerations and the provision of a sound physical model which can be taken as a basis for a theoretical approach. The experimental method consisted of introducing, in a two-dimensional boundary layer on a flat plate at ‘incompressible’ speeds, three-dimensional disturbances under controlled conditions using the vibrating-ribbon technique, and studying their growth and evolution using hot-wire methods. It has been definitely established that longitudinal vortices are associated with the non-linear three-dimensional wave motions. Sufficient data were obtained for an evaluation of existing theoretical approaches. Those which have been considered are the generation of higher harmonics, the interaction of the mean flow and the Reynold stress, the concave streamline curvature associated with the wave motion, the vortex loop and the non-linear effect of a three-dimensional perturbation. It appears that except for the latter they do not adequately describe the observed phenomena. It is not that they are incorrect or may not play a role in some aspect of the local behaviour, but from the over-all point of view the results suggest that it is the non-linear effect of a three-dimensional perturbation which dominates the behaviour. A principal conclusion to be drawn is that a new perspective, one that takes three-dimensionality into account, is required in connexion with boundary-layer instability. It is demonstrated that the actual breakdown of the wave motion into turbulence is a consequence of a new instability which arises in the aforementioned three-dimensional wave motion. This instability involves the generation of ‘hairpin’ eddies and is remarkably similar in behaviour to ‘inflexional’ instability. It is also shown that the results obtained from the study of controlled disturbances are equally applicable to ‘natural’ transition.

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