The Influence of Sound upon Laminar Boundary Layer Instability
Abstract
This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the effects of pure-tone acoustic excitation on Tollmien-Schlichting waves in a subsonic Blasius boundary layer. Longitudinal growth rates were measured for naturally-existing waves in a low-noise, low-turbulence wind tunnel, and for waves excited by an externally imposed sound field. The results were compared to numerical results from the standard Orr-Sommerfeld equation. The excited Tollmien-Schlichting waves matched the theory well in most respects, and it was concluded that the acoustic excitation merely generated a larger initial wave amplitude, ahead of Branch I of the neutral stability curve. For excitation levels larger than the residual tunnel disturbances, this initial amplitude was constant and equal to the disturbance velocity of the sound wave. The naturally-existing waves showed growth rates smaller than theory predicted. This leads to the conclusion that natural waves are not initially two-dimensional.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA046057
Entities
People
- Paul J. Shapiro
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology