The evolution of a localized disturbance in a laminar boundary layer. Part 2. Strong disturbances

1990 ◽  
Vol 220 ◽  
pp. 595-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth S. Breuer ◽  
Marten T. Landahl
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Nonlinear Effects ◽  
Initial Distribution ◽  
Initial Disturbance ◽  
Vertical Shear ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Weakly Nonlinear ◽  
Tollmien Schlichting

Navier–Stokes calculations were performed to simulate the evolution of a moderate-amplitude localized disturbance in a laminar flat-plate boundary layer. It was found that, in accordance with previous results for linear and weakly nonlinear disturbances, the evolving disturbance consists of two parts: an advective, or transient portion which travels at approximately the local mean velocity, and a dispersive wave portion which grows or decays according to Tollmien–Schlichting instability theory. The advective portion grows much more rapidly than the wave portion, initially linearly in time and, in contrast to the weak-disturbance case, gives rise to two distinct nonlinear effects. The first is a streamwise growth of the disturbed region producing a low-speed streak, bounded in the vertical and spanwise directions by intense shear layers. The second nonlinear effect is the onset of a secondary instability on the vertical shear layer formed as a result of spanwise stretching of the mean vorticity and giving rise to oscillations in the v- and w-components with a substantially smaller spatial scale than that of the initial disturbance. The effect of initial spanwise scale is assessed by calculating the disturbance for three different cases in which the spanwise scale and the initial disturbance amplitude were varied. It was found that the resulting perturbation depends primarily on the initial distribution of v in each plane z = const., but is approximately independent of the spanwise scale.

scholarly journals A class of exact Navier–Stokes solutions for homogeneous flat-plate boundary layers and their linear stability

2014 ◽  
Vol 752 ◽  
pp. 462-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael O. John ◽  
Dominik Obrist ◽  
Leonhard Kleiser
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Flat Plate ◽  
Linear Stability ◽  
Boundary Layers ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Transition Prediction ◽  
Neutral Curves ◽  
Tollmien Schlichting

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.

Transition of streamwise streaks in zero-pressure-gradient boundary layers

2002 ◽  
Vol 472 ◽  
pp. 229-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
LUCA BRANDT ◽  
DAN S. HENNINGSON
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Pressure Gradient ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Transition Process ◽  
Free Stream Turbulence ◽  
Tollmien Schlichting ◽  
Streamwise Streaks ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Optimal Disturbances

A transition scenario initiated by streamwise low- and high-speed streaks in a flat-plate boundary layer is studied. In many shear flows, the perturbations that show the highest potential for transient energy amplification consist of streamwise-aligned vortices. Due to the lift-up mechanism these optimal disturbances lead to elongated streamwise streaks downstream, with significant spanwise modulation. In a previous investigation (Andersson et al. 2001), the stability of these streaks in a zero-pressure-gradient boundary layer was studied by means of Floquet theory and numerical simulations. The sinuous instability mode was found to be the most dangerous disturbance. We present here the first simulation of the breakdown to turbulence originating from the sinuous instability of streamwise streaks. The main structures observed during the transition process consist of elongated quasi-streamwise vortices located on the flanks of the low-speed streak. Vortices of alternating sign are overlapping in the streamwise direction in a staggered pattern. The present scenario is compared with transition initiated by Tollmien–Schlichting waves and their secondary instability and by-pass transition initiated by a pair of oblique waves. The relevance of this scenario to transition induced by free-stream turbulence is also discussed.

Direct simulation of evolution and control of three-dimensional instabilities in attachment-line boundary layers

1995 ◽  
Vol 291 ◽  
pp. 369-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald D. Joslin
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Computationally Efficient ◽  
Simulation Results ◽  
Dimensional Simulation ◽  
Attachment Line

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.

Flow Characteristics of Transitional Boundary Layers on an Airfoil in Wakes

2000 ◽  
Vol 122 (3) ◽  
pp. 522-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Lee ◽  
S.-H. Kang
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Skin Friction ◽  
Velocity Fluctuation ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Flow Characteristics ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Transitional Region ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Measured Velocity

Transition characteristics of a boundary layer on a NACA0012 airfoil are investigated by measuring unsteady velocity using hot wire anemometry. The airfoil is installed in the incoming wake generated by an airfoil aligned in tandem with zero angle of attack. Reynolds number based on the airfoil chord varies from 2.0×105 to 6.0×105; distance between two airfoils varies from 0.25 to 1.0 of the chord length. To measure skin friction coefficient identifying the transition onset and completion, an extended wall law is devised to accommodate transitional flows with pressure gradient and nonuniform inflows. Variations of the skin friction are quite similar to that of the flat plate boundary layer in the uniform turbulent inflow of high intensity. Measured velocity profiles are coincident with families generated by the modified wall law in the range up to y+=40. Turbulence intensity of the incoming wake shifts the onset location of transition upstream. The transitional region becomes longer as the airfoils approach one another and the Reynolds number increases. The mean velocity profile gradually varies from a laminar to logarithmic one during the transition. The maximum values of rms velocity fluctuations are located near y+=15-20. A strong positive skewness of velocity fluctuation is observed at the onset of transition and the overall rms level of velocity fluctuation reaches 3.0–3.5 in wall units. The database obtained will be useful in developing and evaluating turbulence models and computational schemes for transitional boundary layer. [S0098-2202(00)01603-5]

The effects of expansion on the turbulence structure of compressible boundary layers

1998 ◽  
Vol 367 ◽  
pp. 67-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
STEPHEN A. ARNETTE ◽  
MO SAMIMY ◽  
GREGORY S. ELLIOTT
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Shear Stress ◽  
Reynolds Shear Stress ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Velocity Profiles ◽  
Turbulence Structure ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Measured Velocity ◽  
Vorticity Transport

A fully developed Mach 3 turbulent boundary layer subjected to four expansion regions (centred and gradual expansions of 7° and 14°) was investigated with laser Doppler velocimetry. Measurements were acquired in the incoming flat-plate boundary layer and to s/δ≃20 downstream of the expansions. While mean velocity profiles exhibit significant progress towards recovery by the most downstream measurements, the turbulence structure remains far from equilibrium. Comparisons of computed (method of characteristics) and measured velocity profiles indicate that the post-expansion flow evolution is largely inviscid for approximately 10δ. Turbulence levels decrease across the expansion, and the reductions increase in severity as the wall is approached. Downstream of the 14° expansions, the reductions are more severe and reverse transition is indicated by sharp reductions in turbulent kinetic energy levels and a change in sign of the Reynolds shear stress. Dimensionless parameters such as anisotropy and shear stress correlation coefficient highlight the complex evolution of the post-expansion boundary layer. An examination of the compressible vorticity transport equation and estimates of the perturbation impulses attributable to streamline curvature, acceleration, and dilatation both confirm dilatation to be the primary stabilizer. However, the dilatation impulse increases only slightly for the 14° expansions, so the dramatic differences downstream of the 7° and 14° expansions indicate nonlinear boundary layer response. Differences attributable to the varied radii of surface curvature are fleeting for the 7° expansions, but persist through the spatial extent of the measurements for the 14° expansions.

On the weakly nonlinear development of Tollmien-Schlichting wavetrains in boundary layers

1996 ◽  
Vol 323 ◽  
pp. 133-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuesong Wu ◽  
Philip A. Stewart ◽  
Stephen J. Cowley
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Solutions ◽  
Asymptotic Methods ◽  
Nonlinear Effects ◽  
Mean Flow ◽  
Flow Distortion ◽  
Weakly Nonlinear ◽  
Nonlinear Development ◽  
Finite Distance ◽  
Tollmien Schlichting ◽  
High Reynolds

The nonlinear development of a weakly modulated Tollmien-Schlichting wavetrain in a boundary layer is studied theoretically using high-Reynolds-number asymptotic methods. The ‘carrier’ wave is taken to be two-dimensional, and the envelope is assumed to be a slowly varying function of time and of the streamwise and spanwise variables. Attention is focused on the scalings appropriate to the so-called ‘upper branch’ and ‘high-frequency lower branch’. The dominant nonlinear effects are found to arise in the critical layer and the surrounding ‘diffusion layer’: nonlinear interactions in these regions can influence the development of the wavetrain by producing a spanwise-dependent mean-flow distortion. The amplitude evolution is governed by an integro-partial-differential equation, whose nonlinear term is history-dependent and involves the highest derivative with respect to the spanwise variable. Numerical solutions show that a localized singularity can develop at a finite distance downstream. This singularity seems consistent with the experimentally observed focusing of vorticity at certain spanwise locations, although quantitative comparisons have not been attempted.

Non-parallel stability of a flat-plate boundary layer using the complete Navier-Stokes equations

1990 ◽  
Vol 221 ◽  
pp. 311-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Fasel ◽  
U. Konzelmann
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Incompressible Flows ◽  
Stokes Equations ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Detailed Comparison ◽  
Problem Formulation ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Navier Stokes Equations ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Direct Numerical Integration

Non-parallel effects which are due to the growing boundary layer are investigated by direct numerical integration of the complete Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flows. The problem formulation is spatial, i.e. disturbances may grow or decay in the downstream direction as in the physical experiments. In the past various non-parallel theories were published that differ considerably from each other in both approach and interpretation of the results. In this paper a detailed comparison of the Navier-Stokes calculation with the various non-parallel theories is provided. It is shown, that the good agreement of some of the theories with experiments is fortuitous and that the difference between experiments and theories concerning the branch I neutral location cannot be explained by non-parallel effects.

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
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Flat Plate ◽  
Resolvent Operator ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Singular Values ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Stokes Operator ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
The Resolvent Operator

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.

Stokes Layers in Horizontal-Wave Outer Flows

1996 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Choi ◽  
M. K. Sreedhar ◽  
F. Stern
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Perturbation Expansion ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Additional Parameter ◽  
Small Disturbance ◽  
Wave Speeds ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Horizontal Wave

Results are reported of a computational study investigating the responses of flat plate boundary layers and wakes to horizontal wave outer flows. Solutions are obtained for temporal, spatial, and traveling waves using Navier Stokes, boundary layer, and perturbation expansion equations. A wide range of parameters are considered for all the three waves. The results are presented in terms of Stokes-layer overshoots, phase leads (lags), and streaming. The response to the temporal wave showed all the previously reported features. The magnitude and nature of the response are small and simple such that it is essentially a small disturbance on the steady solution. Results are explainable in terms of one parameter ξ (the frequency of oscillation). For the spatial wave, the magnitude and the nature of the response are significantly increased and complex such that it cannot be considered simply a small disturbance on the without-wave solution. The results are explainable in terms of the two parameters λ−1 and x/λ (where λ is the wavelength). A clear asymmetry is observed in the wake response for the spatial wave. An examination of components of the perturbation expansion equations indicates that the asymmetry is a first-order effect due to nonlinear interaction between the steady and first-harmonic velocity components. For the traveling wave, the responses are more complex and an additional parameter, c (the wave speed), is required to explain the results. In general, for small wave speeds the results are similar to a spatial wave, whereas for higher wave speeds the response approaches the temporal wave response. The boundary layer and perturbation expansion solutions compares well with the Navier Stokes solution in their range of validity.

Evolution of flat-plate wakes in sink flow

2009 ◽  
Vol 626 ◽  
pp. 241-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
MEHRAN PARSHEH ◽  
ANDERS A. DAHLKILD
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Flat Plate ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Similarity Solutions ◽  
Shear Stresses ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Plate Edge ◽  
Flow Acceleration ◽  
Self Similar

Evolution of flat-plate wakes in sink flow has been studied both analytically and experimentally. For such wakes, a similarity solution is derived which considers simultaneous presence of both laminar and turbulent stresses inside the wake. This solution utilizes an additional Reynolds-stress term which represents the fluctuations similar to those in wall-bounded flows, accounting for the fluctuations originating from the plate boundary layer. In this solution, it is shown that the total stress, the sum of laminar and Reynolds shear stresses, becomes self-similar. To investigate the accuracy of the analytical results, the wake of a flat plate located at the centreline of a planar contraction is studied using hot-wire anemometry. Wakes of both tapered and blunt edges are considered. The length of the plates and the flow acceleration number K = 6.25 × 10−6 are chosen such that the boundary-layer profiles at the plate edge approach the self-similar laminar solution of Pohlhausen (Z. Angew. Math. Mech., vol. 1, 1921, p. 252). A short plate in which the boundary layer at the edge does not fully relaminarize is also considered. The development of the turbulent diffusivity used in the analysis is determined empirically for each experimental case. We have shown that the obtained similarity solutions, accounting also for the initial conditions in each case, generally agree well with the experimental results even in the near field. The results also show that the mean velocity of the transitional wake behind a tapered edge becomes self-similar almost immediately downstream of the edge.

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