Journal of Fluid Mechanics
- Journal of Fluid Mechanics / Volume 674 / May 2011, pp 1-4
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011. This is a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States.
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/jfm.2011.49 (About DOI), Published online: 28 April 2011
Focus on Fluids
Oblique route to turbulence
MUJEEB R. MALIKa1
a1 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA 23681, USA
Abstract
Direct numerical simulations have been performed by Mayer, Von Terzi & Fasel (J. Fluid Mech., this issue, vol. 674, 2011, pp. 5–42) to demonstrate that oblique-mode breakdown leads to fully turbulent flow for a Mach 3 flat-plate boundary layer. Since very low level of initial disturbances is required for this transition scenario, oblique-mode breakdown is the most potent mechanism for transition in two-dimensional supersonic boundary layers in low-disturbance environments relevant to flight.
(Online publication April 28 2011)
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Key words:
- boundary layer;
- linear stability;
- oblique waves;
- supersonic;
- transition
